UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________________
FORM 10-K
_________________________
(Mark One)
☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 001-12561
_________________________________
BELDEN INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_________________________________
| Delaware | 36-3601505 | ||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||
1 North Brentwood Boulevard
15th Floor
St. Louis, Missouri 63105
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)
(314) 854-8000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share | BDC | The New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o.
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ.
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 þ No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every interactive data file required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☑ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements
of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant
to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☑.
At July 2, 2023, the aggregate market value of Common Stock of Belden Inc. held by non-affiliates was $3,093,598,658 based on the closing price ($95.65) of such stock on such date.
As of February 7, 2024, there were 41,085,542 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The registrant intends to file a definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Proxy Statement”). Portions of such proxy statement are incorporated by reference into Part III.
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Part I
Item 1. Business
General
Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is a leading global supplier of network infrastructure and digitization solutions that makes the digital journey simpler, smarter and secure. We’re moving beyond connectivity, from what we make to what we make possible through a performance-driven portfolio, forward-thinking expertise and purpose-built solutions. With a legacy of quality and reliability spanning 120-plus years, we have a strong foundation to continue building the future. Our business is organized around two global businesses, Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions, both of which benefit from favorable secular trends which we expect to drive future growth. Each business represents a reportable segment. Financial information about our segments appears in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We sell our products to distributors, end-users, installers, and directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Belden Inc. is a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1988, but the Company’s roots date back to its founding by Joseph Belden in 1902.
As used herein, unless an operating segment is identified or the context otherwise requires, “Belden,” the “Company”, and “we” refer to Belden Inc. and its subsidiaries as a whole.
Strategy and Business Model
Our purpose is to build the foundation for a digital world. Within Enterprise Solutions, our Smart Buildings products offer in-building wired and wireless infrastructures, fiber technology innovation, and design collaboration and customization to connect people with facilities through innovative solutions for enhanced human engagement, productivity, and security. Also within Enterprise Solutions, our Broadband Solutions products offer a broad portfolio of end-to-end solutions, industry-leading innovation and technology, and worldwide technical service and support to enable a connected, digital world through broadband and wireless innovation. Within Industrial Automation Solutions, we are uniquely positioned to support digital transformation by providing end-to-end digitization infrastructure focused on robust network infrastructure, secure remote access, accelerated convergence of information technology systems with operational technology (IT/OT), and edge and data analytics. Our customers are building the future, and we build the network that makes it possible.
Segments
We operate our business under two segments – Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions. A synopsis of the segments is included below:
Enterprise Solutions
The Enterprise Solutions (Enterprise) segment is a leading provider in network infrastructure and broadband solutions, as well as cabling and connectivity solutions for commercial audio/video and security applications. Our priority vertical markets for our Smart Buildings Solutions include data centers, government, healthcare, and hospitality. We also serve customers in markets such as commercial real estate, education, financial, stadiums and venues, and military installations. Our Broadband Solutions primarily serve broadband and wireless service providers. Enterprise product lines include copper cable and connectivity solutions, fiber cable and connectivity solutions, interconnect panels, racks and enclosures, and secure, high performance signal extension and matrix switching systems.
Enterprise provides true end-to-end fiber and copper network systems, which are used in applications such as local area networks, data centers, access control, 5G, Fiber to the Home and building automation. Our high-performance solutions support all networking protocols up to and including 100G+ Ethernet technologies. Enterprise’s innovative products can deliver data in addition to power over Ethernet, which meets the higher performance requirements driven by the increasing number of connections in smart buildings. Enterprise products also include intelligent power, cooling, and airflow management for mission-critical data center operations. The Enterprise product portfolio is designed to support Internet Protocol convergence, the increased use of wireless communications, and cloud-based data centers by our customers.
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Industrial Automation Solutions
The Industrial Automation Solutions segment at Belden provides network infrastructure and digitization solutions to enable our customers to make informed decisions. We accelerate digital transformation by providing reliable and secure networks designed for the digitization and automation of industries and infrastructure. Our products and solutions encompass the four aspects of data handling including acquisition, transmission, orchestration and management. Our primary markets include discrete automation, process automation, energy, and mass transit. Industrial Automation products are sold directly to industrial equipment OEMs and through a network of industrial distributors, value-added resellers and system integrators for broader reach.
We help customers increase uptime and ensure network data availability, integrity and confidentiality. We understand the operational, quality, safety and innovation demands of our customers and empower them to succeed by making the most of real-time operational technology data. Our industrial automation capabilities span networking, connectivity, and network security to design industrial networks and securely transmit data. Our global team of engineers and consultants at our Customer Innovation Centers work directly with customers to understand operational issues, anticipate what successful outcomes require and solve unique networking needs. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our segments.
Acquisitions
A key part of our business strategy includes acquiring companies to support our growth and enhance our product portfolio. Our acquisition strategy is based on targeting leading companies that offer innovative products that complement our existing solutions and strong brands. We utilize a disciplined approach to acquisitions based on product and market opportunities. When we identify acquisition candidates, we conduct rigorous financial and cultural analyses to make certain that they meet both our strategic plan targets and our goal for return on invested capital.
We have completed a number of acquisitions in recent years as part of this strategy. Most recently, in August 2023, we acquired CloudRail GmbH (CloudRail), which specializes in sensor to cloud data solutions allowing end users to quickly connect sensors on their machinery to cloud providers to drive business insights and improve outcomes. In April 2023, we acquired Berthold Sichert GmbH (Sichert), which designs and manufactures a portfolio of polycarbonate street cabinets utilized in outside plant passive optical networks (“PON”) and 5G networks. In April 2022, we acquired Communication Associates, Inc. (CAI), a leading designer and manufacturer of various plug-in radio frequency filters used in outside plant hybrid fiber-coax nodes. In March 2022, we acquired NetModule AG (NetModule), a leading provider of reliable, fast, and secure wireless network infrastructures, with advanced capabilities in 5G and WiFi6 technologies used in a variety of mission critical industries, but most notably, the mass transit and intelligent traffic systems within the transportation vertical. In January 2022, we acquired macmon secure GmbH (Macmon), a leading provider of products and services that secure network infrastructures in a variety of mission critical industries. In January 2021, we acquired OTN Systems N.V. (OTN Systems), a leading provider of automation networking infrastructure solutions. The results of Sichert and CAI have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements as of the acquisition date and are reported within the Enterprise Solutions segment. The results of CloudRail, NetModule, Macmon and OTN Systems have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from their respective acquisition dates and are reported within the Industrial Automation Solutions segment. For more information regarding our most recent transactions, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Customers
We sell to distributors, OEMs, installers, and end-users. For the year ended December 31, 2023, sales to our largest distributor represented approximately 15% of our consolidated revenues. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues in 2023.
We have supply agreements with distributors and OEM customers. In general, our customers are not contractually obligated to buy our products exclusively, in minimum amounts, or for a significant period of time. We believe that our relationships with our customers and distributors are good and that they are loyal to Belden products as a result of our reputation, the breadth of our product portfolio, the quality and performance characteristics of our products, and our customer service and technical support, among other reasons.
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International Operations
In addition to manufacturing facilities in the United States (U.S.), we have manufacturing and other operating facilities in Canada, China, India, Mexico, and Tunisia, as well as various countries in Europe. During 2023, approximately 45% of Belden’s sales were to customers outside the U.S. Our primary channels to international markets include both distributors and direct sales to end users and OEMs. Financial information for Belden by country is shown in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Competition
The markets in which we operate can be generally categorized as highly competitive with many players. In order to maximize our competitive advantages, we manage our product portfolio to capitalize on secular trends and high-growth applications in those markets. Based on available data for our served markets, we estimate that our market share across our segments is significant, ranging from approximately 5% to 15%. A substantial acquisition in one of our served markets would be necessary to meaningfully change our estimated market share percentage.
The principal competitive factor in our markets is the ability to solve customer problems based on product features, quality, availability, price, customer support, and distribution coverage. The relative importance of each of these factors varies depending on the customer. Some products are manufactured to meet published industry specifications and are less differentiated on the basis of product characteristics. We believe that Belden stands out in many of our markets on the basis of our ability to offer complete network solutions that solve customer problems, the breadth of our product portfolio, the quality and performance characteristics of our products, our customer service, and our technical support.
Research and Development
We conduct research and development on an ongoing basis, including new and existing hardware and software product development, testing and analysis, and process and equipment development and testing. See the Consolidated Statements of Operations for amounts incurred for research and development. Many of the markets we serve are characterized by advances in information processing and communications capabilities, including advances driven by the expansion of digital technology, which require increased transmission speeds and greater bandwidth. Our markets are also subject to increasing requirements for mobility, information security, and transmission reliability. We believe that our future success will depend in part upon our ability to enhance existing products and to develop, manufacture and deliver new products that meet or anticipate such changes in our served markets.
In our Industrial Automation Solutions segment, customers are rapidly adopting new technologies that enable digital transformations. This includes deploying Industry 4.0 to increase visibility of their digitized assets and adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase analytics and autonomous decision-making in their systems. Digital transformations require users to refine workflows by collecting data from disparate sources, transmitting it to points of consolidation and decision making, and converting it to standard formats. This overall process can be referred to as "digitization" and a key part of our research and development is focused on supporting these customer journeys with technology that adds value at multiple steps in the digitization process, during data acquisition, data transmission, and data orchestration and management. Our research and development enables customized enhanced solutions to support customers' innovative methods surrounding the collection, analysis, and transmission of data.
There is a growing trend toward adoption of Industrial Ethernet technology, which enhances the ability to connect and integrate devices made by different manufacturers. While the adoption of this technology is at a more advanced stage in certain regions of the world, we believe that the trend will globalize.
Enterprise Solutions R&D efforts are aligned to the secular trends in our markets for increased communication at faster speeds of transmission. This phenomenon is visible across all of our markets. We continue to invest in R&D to support the continuing growth in capacity and bandwidth between the data center and the consumer to enhance their experience in their living, working and recreational interactions.
To support the demand for additional bandwidth and to improve service integrity, broadband service providers will continue to invest in their networks to enhance delivery capabilities to customers for the foreseeable future. The growing bandwidth demand exposes bottlenecks in the network and leads broadband service operators to improve and upgrade residential networks with higher performance connectivity products. Broadband service providers are also investing in the deployment of 5G technology. Our R&D efforts are focused on the development of fiber connectivity and 5G solutions that support the investment plans of the broadband service providers.
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The ability to integrate across the multitude of applications within service providers and on-premise networks requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges posed by heavier and faster transmission of data. Common across the Enterprise Solutions segment, our R&D efforts are focused on ensuring continuously evolving solutions, be it copper and coax cable or fiber optic cable and connectivity as it becomes more pervasive across all networks including wireless. We anticipate the need to develop the ability to customize networks in the various systems in close collaboration with our partners to advise our mutual end customers.
Our research and development has a strong focus on improving the performance of fiber optic technology, making it easier to handle and install, more robust for technicians and end users, leading to networks that can be deployed more quickly, with higher performance and reliability. Even with the explosive growth in fiber, connections to the end devices that consumers utilize to live, work and play, be it wireless access points or the internet of things (IoT) devices, are still going to strongly benefit from the remaining advantages of copper-based connectivity, with a heavy focus on powering the ever-increasing collection of data consuming and generating devices connected to our increasingly digitized world. Building automation and the rapid rise of IoT has catalyzed the need to add more devices on the network. This is turn necessitates the distribution of power across the network. There will be a need for solutions offering power to these distributed devices and the Enterprise Solutions segment continues to innovate in this area in preparation for a world with a need to upgrade legacy systems as we build greenfield installations.
Patents and Trademarks
We have a practice of seeking patents when appropriate on inventions concerning new products, product improvements, and advances in equipment and processes as part of our ongoing research, development, and manufacturing activities. We own many patents and registered trademarks worldwide that are used by our operating segments, with pending applications for numerous others. We consider our patents and trademarks to be valuable assets. Our most prominent trademarks are: Belden®, Alpha Wire™, Hirschmann®, Lumberg Automation™, Mohawk®, OTN Systems™, PPC®, ProSoft Technology®, Thinklogical®, Tofino®, and West Penn Wire™.
Raw Materials
The principal raw material used in many of our cable products is copper. Other materials we purchase in large quantities include fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, aluminum-clad steel and copper-clad steel conductors, aluminum, brass, other metals, optical fiber, printed circuit boards, and electronic components. With respect to all major raw materials used by us, we generally have either alternative sources of supply or access to alternative materials.
Over the past three years, the prices of metals, particularly copper, have been volatile. The chart below illustrates the high and low spot prices per pound of copper over the last three years.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Copper spot prices per pound | |||||||||||||||||
High | $ | 4.27 | $ | 4.93 | $ | 4.78 | |||||||||||
Low | 3.54 | 3.21 | 3.54 | ||||||||||||||
Prices for materials such as PVC and other plastics derived from petrochemical feedstocks have also fluctuated. Since Belden utilizes the first in, first out (FIFO) inventory costing methodology, the impact of copper and other raw material cost changes on our cost of goods sold is delayed by approximately two months based on our rate of inventory turnover.
While we generally are able to adjust our pricing for fluctuations in commodity prices, we can experience short-term favorable or unfavorable variances. When the costs of raw materials increase, we are generally able to recover these costs through higher pricing of our finished products. The majority of our products are sold through distribution, and we manage the pricing of these products through published price lists, which we update from time to time, with new prices typically taking effect a few weeks after they are announced. Some OEM customer contracts have provisions for passing through raw material cost changes, generally with a lag of a few weeks to three months.
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Backlog
Our business is characterized generally by short-term order and shipment schedules. Our backlog consists of product orders for which we have received a customer purchase order or purchase commitment and which have not yet been shipped. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our backlog was $539.6 million and $800.4 million, respectively. Almost all of the backlog at December 31, 2023 is scheduled to ship in 2024.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to numerous federal, state, provincial, local, and foreign laws and regulations relating to the storage, handling, emission, and discharge of materials into the environment, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Clean Water Act; the Clean Air Act; the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and similar laws in the other countries in which we operate. While we believe that our existing environmental control procedures are adequate, we will continue to evaluate and update our procedures as needed to address new or changing aspects of environmental matters.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at Belden
At Belden, we have built a company and culture that is unique in our industry. Through our people and our strong commitment to our values, we continually strive to serve the needs of our customers and improve the communities where we live and work. We have a responsibility to make a positive, meaningful impact on the world around us, which is why our commitment to ESG is so important. We are committed to leaving the world better than we found it. We are dedicated to continuously improving our global impact through visible and measurable progress.
Our ESG strategy is overseen by our Board of Directors through the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Under the leadership of our Senior Vice President-Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, our ESG Steering Committee is responsible for implementation of our strategy and comprises cross-functional members of the organization. This Committee meets quarterly to discuss strategy and progress towards our goals. Additionally, the committee reports to our Board on a quarterly basis and regularly brings forth ESG matters to be discussed at the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) level, with our CEO overseeing the incorporation of our strategy and goals throughout our business.
Since 2022, Belden became signatories of the United Nations and Caring for Climate Pledge and also recommitted to the UN Global Compact (UNGC). The UNGC is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, comprised of over 20,000 companies across 160 countries. The UNGC embraces principles on human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption, all of which we hope to support and advance to create a better tomorrow. Belden also joined the Responsible Business Alliance in the pursuit of creating an ethical and sustainable supply chain with other industry partners by advancing the environmentally responsible procurement of materials and a workforce free of forced labor and ethical injustices.
Our ESG goals span each pillar of our framework with a target completion date of 2025 are as follows:
Environmental
•Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 total combined emissions by 25% (FY19 baseline) for all global locations greater than 15,000 square feet.
•Increase the use of electricity generated from site specific renewable sources from 2019 levels at our manufacturing and distribution locations.
•Increase total global electricity use efficiency from 2019 levels at manufacturing and distribution locations.
•Achieve at least 90% of waste diverted from landfill for manufacturing and distribution locations.
•Increase the use of renewable or recyclable materials in packaging by 20% (FY21 baseline).
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Social
•As a first step towards our vision of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, we will deliver unconscious bias training to 100% of the Belden team worldwide.
•Global team members will be encouraged to participate in an average of 16 hours per year of community related activities.
•60% of global team members will participate in company wellness programs.
•75% of Belden’s top leadership positions will be filled with talent that has been developed from within our company.
•Over 200 professionals will have graduated from our Early Career Leadership Program and our Intern Program.
•>85% of team members will agree that they have the opportunity for development and growth at Belden.
•Assess the responsible sourcing risks in Belden’s supply chain, conduct audits of most at-risk tier 1 direct suppliers, and engage 100% of conflict minerals suppliers.
Governance
•Achieve understanding of the Code of Conduct (CoC) from 100% of global non-production team members.
•Be recognized as one of the most ethical global companies.
As we progress towards our goals highlighted above, we build on existing initiatives and explore new technologies to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste sent to landfill, and water consumption. Energy conservation and solar generation projects have been identified and are being implemented. Thus far, we have seen a decrease in Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions by 9.5% and a decrease in Scope 1 and 2 GHG intensity by 25.0%. Our onsite green energy initiative has allowed us to reduce the consumption of energy from the local GHG emission-producing grid, and instead utilize green energy solar panels at our manufacturing facilities in China and India and soon in Germany and Hungary as well. At Belden, we are also increasing our use of reusable materials to include a focus on expanding the use of biodegradable materials by launching a global reusable cardboard packaging program to reduce plastic use from drop cable. This improvement will directly eliminate the use of 21 tons of plastic waste per year per 500 foot cables.
For more information on our approach to ESG, visit https://www.belden.com/resources/sustainability.
Human Capital Resources
Our employees’ well-being is directly associated with our success. We prioritize fostering an equitable and supportive culture that incorporates diversity and inclusion across our entire value chain. Priority areas for our Human Capital Management strategy are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Employee Growth and Development, and Employee Well-Being and Engagement.
As of December 31, 2023, our global team members totaled approximately 8,000 employees of which 25% are in the United States, 4% in Canada, 11% in China, 3% in India, 23% in Mexico, and 33% in the EMEA region. Of our workforce, 39% identify as women and they represent 23% of the senior management and 40% of our Board of Directors. Individuals of ethnically diverse backgrounds make up 25% of our U.S. workforce and 30% of our Board of Directors.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
At Belden, we are dedicated to creating a culture of equity, inclusivity and diversity for the people that we employ. Under the guidance of our Vice President of DEI and the Global DEI Council, they support our workplace culture and diversity initiatives across the company. These efforts include providing education in 12 languages to employees, such as unconscious biases training for all employees and inclusive leadership training for all people leaders. Our Human Resources, Talent Acquisition teams, and Business Units also hold meetings throughout the year to ensure alignment with our DEI strategy to practice and uphold our commitment to diversity throughout the Company. We are also a proud signatory of the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge.
Employee Growth and Development
We believe in the potential of our employees and the importance of providing career development opportunities within our Company for those who wish to learn and grow with us. We continue to live our value of “We Invest in Talent” with 85% of our top 156 positions being filled with people that have been promoted from within. Moreover, our Early Career Leadership Program (ECLP) gives us the ability to recruit and retain high caliber candidates at an early stage with 13 graduates in 2023. We also extend offers to high performing interns from our internship program to participate in our ECLP.
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Employee Well-Being & Engagement
To ensure we are working towards the betterment of our employees’ well-being, we conduct a bi-annual employee engagement survey, for which we saw an 80% participation rate in 2023 with an overall sustainable engagement score of 86%. Voluntary turnover of management and professional staff remained low at 5% while the overall company Lost Time Incident Rate (LTIR) and Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) were 0.43 and 0.53, respectively.
The Be Well program that formally launched in the United States now encompasses our entire operational footprint to support our workforce’s physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being with almost 65% of our workforce participating. Once again, we are recognized as a Great Place to Work® in various global locations, including Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates United Kingdom, and the United States – a testament of Belden’s commitment to our employees.
Available Information
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports, proxy statements, and other information contain additional information about us. These electronic SEC filings are available on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.
Belden maintains an Internet web site at www.belden.com where our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and all amendments to those reports and statements are available without charge, as soon as reasonably practicable following the time they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. We will provide upon written request and without charge a printed copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. To obtain such a copy, please write to the Corporate Secretary, Belden Inc., 1 North Brentwood Boulevard, 15th Floor, St. Louis, MO 63105.
Information about our Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the persons who were Belden executive officers as of February 13, 2024. All executive officers are elected to terms that expire at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
| Name | Age | Position | ||||||||||||
| Ashish Chand | 49 | President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||
| Brian Anderson | 49 | Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | ||||||||||||
| Brian Lieser | 58 | Executive Vice President, Industrial Automation Solutions | ||||||||||||
| Jeremy Parks | 48 | Senior Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||
| Leah Tate | 47 | Senior Vice President, Human Resources | ||||||||||||
| Jay Wirts | 53 | Executive Vice President, Enterprise Solutions | ||||||||||||
| Doug Zink | 48 | Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer | ||||||||||||
Ashish Chand was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer on February 22, 2023. Dr. Chand joined Belden in 2002, and most recently served as the Company's Executive Vice President of Industrial Automation Solutions since July 2019, and Managing Director of Belden Asia Pacific from August 2017. Over the course of his tenure with Belden, he has held roles across several functions, including sales and marketing and operations in both Asia and North America. Dr. Chand has played a pivotal role in developing and executing Belden's long-term growth agenda, solutions and product strategy, and go-to-market efforts. He made key contributions towards establishing and growing Belden throughout the Asia Pacific region, including setting up manufacturing in China and India. Dr. Chand holds a BA in Economics from Loyola College, Chennai, India, an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur, India, and a Doctorate of Business Administration from the City University of Hong Kong.
Brian Anderson has been Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since April 2015. Prior to that, he served as Corporate Attorney for the Company from May 2008 through March 2015. Prior to joining Belden, Mr. Anderson was in private practice at the law firm Lewis Rice in St. Louis. Mr. Anderson has a B.S.B. degree in Accounting and an M.B.A. from Eastern Illinois University and holds a J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law.
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Brian Lieser was appointed Executive Vice President, Industrial Automation Solutions on February 22, 2023. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Global Products of Industrial Automation Solutions where he was responsible for product strategy, roadmap, and development as well as domestic and international growth, particularly within Asia and Europe. Mr. Lieser joined the Company in 2009 and has assumed positions of increasing responsibility primarily within the Industrial Automation Solutions segment. Previously, Mr. Lieser held positions at Rockwell Automation, Rosemount, and MTS Systems. Mr. Lieser holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas.
Jeremy Parks was appointed Senior Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer in February 2021. Prior to re-joining Belden in 2021, Mr. Parks worked as the Chief Financial Officer of International Wire Corp. From 2008 through August of 2020, Mr. Parks worked for the Company in various financial roles, most recently as Vice President of Finance of the Company’s Industrial Solutions segment. Mr. Parks has a B.A. and M.A. in economics from State University of New York – Buffalo, and an M.B.A from Xavier University.
Leah Tate was appointed Senior Vice President, Human Resources in March 2022. Prior to that, she served as the Vice President, Human Resources for the Company’s Industrial Automation platform as well as in other roles in the human resources organization. Prior to joining Belden, Ms. Tate held human resource roles in the Pulte Group and Ingersoll Rand. Ms. Tate holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Purdue University.
Jay Wirts was appointed Executive Vice President, Enterprise Solutions in June 2023. Prior to that, he served as President, Smart Buildings and has served in other leadership roles since joining Belden in 2018. Prior to Belden, Mr. Wirts served in various roles in Emerson and Vertiv following more than six years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He has a bachelor’s degree in History from Colgate University and an MBA from Northwestern University.
Doug Zink has been Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since September 2013. Prior to that, he has served as the Company’s Vice President, Internal Audit; Corporate Controller; and Director of Financial Reporting, after joining Belden in May 2007. Prior to joining the Company, he was a Financial Reporting Manager at TLC Vision Corporation, an eye care service company, from 2004 to 2007, and has five years of experience in public accounting with KPMG LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Accounting from Texas Christian University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
We make forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in other materials we file with the SEC or otherwise release to the public, and on our website. In addition, our senior management might make forward-looking statements orally to investors, analysts, the media, and others. Statements concerning our future operations, prospects, strategies, financial condition, future economic performance (including growth and earnings) and demand for our products and services, and other statements of our plans, beliefs, or expectations, including the statements contained in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. In some cases these statements are identifiable through the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “guide,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements we make are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various assumptions, risks, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, those set forth in the following section and in the other documents that we file with the SEC.
We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Following is a discussion of some of the more significant risks that could materially impact our business. There may be additional risks that impact our business that we currently do not recognize as, or that are not currently, material to our business.
Business and Operational Risks
A challenging global economic environment or a downturn in the markets we serve could adversely affect our operating results and stock price in a material manner.
A challenging global economic environment could cause substantial reductions in our revenue and results of operations as a result of weaker demand by the end users of our products and price erosion. Price erosion may occur through competitors becoming more aggressive in pricing practices. A challenging global economy could also make it difficult for our customers, our vendors, and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. Our customers could also face issues gaining timely access to sufficient credit, which could have an adverse effect on our results if such events cause reductions in revenues, delays in collection, or write-offs of receivables. Further, the demand for many of our products is economically sensitive and will vary with general economic activity, trends in nonresidential construction, investment in manufacturing facilities and automation, demand for information technology equipment, and other economic factors.
Global economic uncertainty could result in a significant decline in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, which could result in a significant adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations; could make it difficult for our customers and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities; and could cause our customers to slow or reduce spending on our products and services. Economic uncertainty could also arise from fiscal policy changes in the countries in which we operate.
Changes in foreign currency rates and commodity prices can impact the buying power of our customers. For example, a strengthened U.S. dollar can result in relative price increases for our products for customers outside of the U.S., which can have a negative impact on our revenues and results of operations. Furthermore, customers’ ability to invest in capital expenditures, such as our products, can depend upon proceeds from commodities, such as oil and gas markets. A decline in energy prices, therefore, can have a negative impact on our revenues and results of operations.
Our results of operations are subject to foreign and domestic political, social, economic, and other uncertainties and are affected by changes in currency exchange rates.
In addition to manufacturing and other operating facilities in the U.S., we have manufacturing and other operating facilities in Canada, China, India, Mexico, Tunisia and several European countries. We rely on suppliers in many countries, including China. Our foreign operations are subject to economic, social, and political risks inherent in maintaining operations abroad such as economic and political destabilization, land use risks, international conflicts, pandemics and other health-related crises, restrictive actions by foreign governments, and adverse foreign tax laws. In addition to economic and political risk, a risk associated with our European manufacturing operations is the higher relative expense and length of time required to adjust manufacturing employment capacity. We also face political risks in the U.S., including tax or regulatory risks or potential adverse impacts from legislative impasses over, or significant legislative, regulatory or executive changes in fiscal or monetary policy and other foreign and domestic government policies, including, but not limited to, trade policies and import/export policies.
Approximately 45% of our sales are outside the U.S. Other than the U.S. dollar, the principal currencies to which we are exposed through our manufacturing operations, sales, and related cash holdings are the euro, the Canadian dollar, the Hong Kong dollar, the Chinese yuan, the Mexican peso, the Australian dollar, the British pound and Indian rupee. Generally, we have revenues and costs in the same currency, thereby reducing our overall currency risk, although any realignment of our manufacturing capacity among our global facilities could alter this balance. When the U.S. dollar strengthens against other currencies, the results of our non-U.S. operations are translated at a lower exchange rate and thus into lower reported revenues and earnings.
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The global markets in which we operate are highly competitive.
We face competition from other manufacturers for each of our global business platforms and in each of our geographic regions. These companies compete on technical features, quality, availability, price, customer support, and distribution coverage. Some multinational competitors have greater engineering, financial, manufacturing, and marketing resources than we have. Actions that may be taken by competitors, including pricing, business alliances, new product introductions, intellectual property advantages, market penetration, and other actions, could have a negative effect on our revenues and profitability. Moreover, some competitors that are highly leveraged both financially and operationally could become more aggressive in their pricing of products.
Our future success depends in part on our ability to develop and introduce new products and respond to changes in customer preferences.
Our markets are characterized by the introduction of products with increasing technological capabilities. Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and offer products that appeal to the changing needs and preferences of our customers in the various markets we serve. Developing new products and adapting existing products to meet evolving customer expectations requires high levels of innovation, and the development process may be lengthy and costly. If we are not able to timely anticipate, identify, develop and market products that respond to rapidly changing customer preferences, demand for our products could decline.
The relative costs and merits of our solutions could change in the future as various competing technologies address the market opportunities. We believe that our future success will depend in part upon our ability to enhance existing products and to develop and manufacture new products that meet or anticipate technological changes, which will require continued investment in engineering, research and development, capital equipment, marketing, customer service, and technical support. We have long been successful in introducing successive generations of more capable products, but if we were to fail to keep pace with technology or with the products of competitors, we might lose market share and harm our reputation and position as a technology leader in our markets. See the discussion above in Part I, Item 1, under Research and Development.
We may be unable to achieve our goals related to revenue growth.
In order to meet the goals in our strategic plan, we must execute our commercial strategy and grow our business, both organically and through acquisitions. We may be unable to achieve our goals due to a failure to identify growth opportunities, such as trends and technological changes in our end markets. The enterprise and industrial end markets we serve may not experience the growth we expect. Further, those markets may be unable to sustain growth on a long-term basis, particularly in emerging markets. If we are unable to achieve our goals related to revenue growth, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
Our revenue for any particular period can be difficult to forecast.
Our revenue for any particular period can be difficult to forecast, especially in light of the challenging and inconsistent global macroeconomic environment and related market uncertainty. Our revenue may grow at a slower rate than in past periods or even decline on a year-over-year basis. Changes in market growth rates can have a significant effect on our operating results.
The timing of orders for customer projects can also have a significant effect on our operating results in the period in which the products are shipped and recognized as revenue. The timing of such projects is difficult to predict, and the timing of revenue recognition from such projects may affect period to period changes in revenue. As a result, our operating results could vary materially from quarter to quarter based on the receipt of such orders and their ultimate recognition as revenue. Similarly, we are often informed by our customers well in advance that such customer intends to place an order related to a specific project in a given quarter. Such a customer’s timeline for execution of the project, and the resulting purchase order, may be unexpectedly delayed to a future quarter, or cancelled. The frequency and length of such delays can be difficult to predict. As a result, it is difficult to precisely forecast revenue and operating results for future quarters.
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In addition, our revenue can be difficult to forecast due to unexpected changes in the level of our products held as inventory by our channel partners and customers. Our channel partners and customers purchase and hold our products in their inventory in order to meet the service and on-time delivery requirements of their customers. As our channel partners and customers change the level of Belden products owned and held in their inventory, our revenue is impacted. As we are dependent upon our channel partners and customers to provide us with information regarding the amount of our products that they own and hold in their inventory, unexpected changes can occur and impact our revenue forecast.
We may be unable to implement our strategic plan successfully.
Our strategic plan was developed based upon market and technology trends that we believe present revenue growth opportunities that will lead to increased shareholder value. In order to capture that revenue growth, we will increasingly focus on offering solutions, although selling products will remain a core focus of the business. To achieve these goals, we have identified a series of strategic priorities to drive growth and improve efficiency, addressing our commercial, innovation, and operational processes. We have a disciplined process for deploying this strategic plan through our associates. There is a risk that we may not be successful in developing or executing these measures to achieve the expected results for a variety of reasons, including market developments, economic conditions, shortcomings in establishing appropriate action plans, or challenges with executing multiple initiatives simultaneously. For example, our commercial initiatives may not succeed or we may lose market share due to challenges in choosing the right products to market or the right customers for these products, integrating products of acquired companies into our sales and marketing strategy, or strategically bidding against OEM partners. We may fail to identify growth opportunities. We may not be able to acquire businesses that fit our strategic plan on acceptable business terms, and we may not achieve our other strategic priorities.
Supply chain issues, including scarcity of raw materials or other components necessary to produce the products we manufacture, could increase costs or cause a delay in our ability to fulfill orders, and could adversely affect our future results of operations and our overall financial performance.
The Company relies on an extended supply chain and the availability of certain raw materials, including but not limited to copper, to produce a significant amount of our products. A reduction or interruption in supply, an inability to procure quality raw materials in a cost effective manner and constrain volatile materials costs, a failure to monitor contract compliance to ensure and sustain sourcing savings, a failure to procure adequate inventory or raw materials from our suppliers, or regulatory changes may lead to delays in manufacturing and increases in costs.
Many components, including those that are available from multiple sources, are at times subject to industry-wide shortages that could materially adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and operating results. While the Company has entered into agreements for the supply of many components, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to extend or renew these agreements on similar terms, or at all. Component suppliers may suffer from poor financial conditions, which can lead to business failure for the supplier or consolidation within a particular industry, further limiting the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient quantities of components on commercially reasonable terms. Health crises, such as a pandemic, could lead to quarantines or labor shortages, thus impacting the output of key suppliers. If the Company’s supply of components for a new or existing product were delayed or constrained, or if an outsourcing partner delayed shipments of completed products to the Company, the Company’s financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. The Company’s business and financial performance could also be materially adversely affected depending on the time required to obtain sufficient quantities from the original source, or to identify and obtain sufficient quantities from an alternative source. Similarly, if the Company’s customers experience production challenges due to the inability to obtain certain components, this may negatively impact the customers’ ordering patterns from the Company.
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The presence of substitute products in the marketplace may reduce demand for our products and negatively impact our business.
Fiber optic and wireless systems are increasingly substitutable for copper-based cable systems. Customers may shift demand to systems with greater capabilities than copper-based cable systems, leading to a reduction in demand for copper-based cable. We may not be able to offset the effects of a reduction in demand for our copper-based cable systems. Similarly, in our non-cable businesses, customers could rapidly shift the methods by which they capture and transmit signals in ways that could lead to decreased demand for our current or future products. These factors, either together or in isolation, may negatively impact revenue and profitability.
Cyber security incidents have and could in the future interfere with our business and operations.
Computer hacking, malware, phishing, and spamming attacks against online networking platforms have become more prevalent. Though it is difficult to determine what, if any, harm may directly result from any specific attack or interruption, such events could also be expensive to remedy, harm our reputation or brands, and/or lead users to lose trust and confidence in our business. We, and others on our behalf, also have possession of “personally identifiable information” (“PII”) with respect to employees, vendors, customers, and others. While we have implemented safeguards to protect the privacy of this information, it is possible that hackers or others might obtain this information in the future, as occurred in 2020. Based on this occurrence or any future occurrence, in addition to having to take potentially costly remedial action, we may also be subject to fines, penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
Furthermore, we rely on our information systems and those of third parties that maintain proprietary company information about our products and intellectual property, as well as for processing customer orders, manufacturing and shipping products, billing our customers, tracking inventory, supporting accounting functions and financial statement preparation, paying our employees, and otherwise running our business. In addition, we may need to enhance our information systems to provide additional capabilities and functionality. The implementation of new information systems and enhancements is frequently disruptive to the underlying business of an enterprise. Any disruptions affecting our ability to accurately report our financial performance on a timely basis could adversely affect our business in a number of respects.
We may experience significant variability in our quarterly and annual effective tax rate which would affect our reported net income.
We have a complex tax profile due to the global nature of our operations, which encompass multiple taxing jurisdictions. Variability in the mix and profitability of domestic and international activities, identification and resolution of various tax uncertainties, changes in tax laws and rates, and the extent to which we are able to realize net operating loss and other carryforwards included in deferred tax assets and avoid potential adverse outcomes included in deferred tax liabilities, among other matters, may significantly affect our effective income tax rate in the future.
Our effective income tax rate is the result of the income tax rates in the various countries in which we do business. Our mix of income and losses in these jurisdictions affects our effective tax rate. For example, relatively more income in higher tax rate jurisdictions would increase our effective tax rate and thus lower our net income. Similarly, if we generate losses in tax jurisdictions for which no benefits are available our effective income tax rate will increase. Our effective income tax rate may also be impacted by the recognition of discrete income tax items, such as required adjustments to our liabilities for uncertain tax positions or our deferred tax asset valuation allowance. A significant increase in our effective income tax rate could have a material adverse impact on our earnings.
The increased prevalence of cloud computing and other disruptive business models may negatively impact certain aspects of our business.
The nature in which many of our products are purchased or used is evolving with the increasing prevalence of cloud computing and other methods of off-premises computing and data storage. This may negatively impact one or more of our businesses in a number of ways, including:
•Consolidation of procurement power leading to the commoditization of IT products;
•Reduction in the demand for infrastructure products previously used to support on-site data centers;
•Lowering barriers to entry for certain markets, leading to new market entrants and enhanced competition; and
•Preferences for software as a service billing and pricing models may reduce demand for non-cloud “packaged” software.
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We may have difficulty integrating the operations of acquired businesses, which could negatively affect our results of operations, profitability, and achievement of our strategic plan.
As part of our strategic plan initiatives, we periodically execute acquisitions and divestitures. The extent to which appropriate acquisitions are made will affect our overall growth, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows. Our ability to acquire businesses successfully will decline if we are unable to identify appropriate acquisition targets, competition among potential buyers increases, the cost of acquiring suitable businesses becomes too expensive, or we lack sufficient sources of capital. As a result, we may be unable to make acquisitions or be forced to pay more or agree to less advantageous acquisition terms for companies we would like to acquire.
We may also have difficulty integrating acquired businesses or future acquisitions may be unable to meet our performance expectations. Some of the integration challenges we might face include differences in corporate culture and management styles, additional or conflicting governmental regulations, compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, financial reporting that is not in compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, disparate company policies and practices, customer relationship issues, and retention of key personnel. Furthermore, we may be unable to integrate operations successfully or cost-effectively, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations or our profitability.
If we are unable to retain key employees, our business operations could be adversely affected.
The loss of key employees could have an adverse effect on us. We may not be able to find qualified replacements for these individuals and the integration of potential replacements may be disruptive to our business. More broadly, a key determinant of our success is our ability to attract, develop, and retain talented associates. While this is one of our strategic priorities, we may not be able to succeed in this regard.
Our revenue and profits would likely decline, at least temporarily, if we were to lose a key distributor.
We rely on several key distributors in marketing our products. Distributors purchase the products of our competitors along with our products. Our largest distributor, WESCO, accounted for approximately 15% of our revenue in 2023 and our top seven distributors, including WESCO, accounted for a total of 31% of our revenue in 2023. If we were to lose one of these key distributors, our revenue and profits would likely decline, at least temporarily. Changes in the inventory levels of our products owned and held by our distributors can result in significant variability in our revenues. Further, certain distributors are allowed to return certain inventory in exchange for an order of equal or greater value. We have recorded reserves for the estimated impact of these inventory policies.
Consolidation of our distributors could adversely impact our revenues and earnings. It could also result in consolidation of distributor inventory, which would temporarily depress our revenues. We have also experienced financial failure of distributors from time to time, resulting in our inability to collect accounts receivable in full. A global economic downturn could cause financial difficulties (including bankruptcy) for our distributors and other customers, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Actions of activists could cause us to incur substantial costs, divert management’s attention and resources, and have an adverse effect on our business.
From time to time, we may be subject to proposals by activists urging us to take certain actions. If activist activities ensue, our business could be adversely affected because responding and reacting to actions by activists can be costly and time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of management and our employees. For example, we may be required to retain the services of various professionals to advise us on activist matters, including legal, financial and communications advisors, the costs of which may negatively impact our future financial results. In addition, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction, strategy or leadership created as a consequence of activist initiatives may result in the loss of potential business opportunities, harm our ability to attract new investors, customers, employees, and joint venture partners, and cause our stock price to experience periods of volatility.
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Perceived failure of our signal transmission solutions to provide expected results may result in negative publicity and harm our business and operating results.
Our customers use our signal transmission solutions in a wide variety of IT systems and application environments in order to help reduce security vulnerabilities and demonstrate compliance. Despite our efforts to make clear in our marketing materials and customer agreements the capabilities and limitations of these products, some customers may incorrectly view the deployment of such products in their IT infrastructure as a guarantee that there will be no security incident or policy non-compliance event. As a result, the occurrence of a high profile security incident, or a failure by one of our customers to pass a regulatory compliance IT audit, could result in public and customer perception that our solutions are not effective and harm our business and operating results, even if the occurrence is unrelated to the use of such products or if the failure is the result of actions or inactions on the part of the customer.
General Industry and Economic Risks
Future epidemics, pandemics or other major disasters could impact our future results of operations and overall financial performance.
In the past, our operations and the operations of our suppliers, channel partners and customers have been disrupted to varying degrees by a pandemic. The duration and extent of the impact from any future epidemic, pandemic or major disaster depends on future developments that cannot be accurately predicted at this time, such as the extent and effectiveness of containment actions, treatments and vaccinations, the effects of measures enacted by policy makers and central banks around the globe, and the impact of these and other factors on our employees, customers, channel partners and suppliers. If we are not able to respond to and manage the impact of such events effectively, our business may be affected.
Inflation and changes in the price and availability of raw materials may lead to higher input and labor costs in a way that could be detrimental to our profitability.
As a result of increased inflation, costs of raw materials and labor may increase in a way that we are unable to offset in a timely manner through higher prices for finished goods.
Copper is a significant component of the cost of most of our cable products. Historically, the prices of metals, particularly copper, have been volatile. Prices of other materials we use, such as PVC and other plastics derived from petrochemical feedstocks, have also been volatile. Generally, we have recovered much of the higher cost of raw materials through higher pricing of our finished products. The majority of our products are sold through distribution, and we manage the pricing of these products through published price lists which we update from time to time, with new prices typically taking effect a few weeks after they are announced. Some OEM contracts have provisions for passing through raw material cost changes, generally with a lag of a few weeks to three months. Especially during periods of inflation, if we are unable to raise prices timely and sufficiently to recover our material costs or increases in the cost of internal or external labor, our earnings and margins could decline. If we raise our prices but competitors raise their prices less, we may lose sales, and our earnings could decline. If the price of copper were to decline, we may be compelled to reduce prices to remain competitive, which could have a negative effect on revenues. While we generally believe the supply of raw materials (copper, plastics, and other materials) is adequate, we have experienced instances of limited supply of certain raw materials, resulting in extended lead times and higher prices. If a supply interruption or shortage of materials were to occur (including due to labor or political disputes), this could have a negative effect on revenues and earnings.
Similarly, if we raise employee wages in a manner sufficient to offset inflation, it may erode our profitability. Conversely, if we fail to raise employee wages in a manner sufficient to offset inflation, associates could leave the Company resulting in capacity constraints which could have a negative effect on revenues and earnings.
Volatility of credit markets and rising interest rates could adversely affect our business.
Uncertainty in U.S. and global financial and equity markets could make it more expensive for us to conduct our operations and more difficult for our customers to buy our products. Additionally, market volatility or uncertainty may cause us to be unable to pursue or complete acquisitions. Our ability to implement our business strategy and grow our business, particularly through acquisitions, may depend on our ability to raise capital by selling equity or debt securities or obtaining additional debt financing. Market conditions including changes in interest rates may prevent us from obtaining financing when we need it or on terms acceptable to us.
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We may be unable to achieve our strategic priorities in emerging markets.
Emerging markets are a significant focus of our strategic plan. The developing nature of these markets presents a number of risks. We may be unable to attract, develop, and retain appropriate talent to manage our businesses in emerging markets. Deterioration of social, political, labor, or economic conditions in a specific country or region may adversely affect our operations or financial results. Emerging markets may not meet our growth expectations, and we may be unable to maintain such growth or to balance such growth with financial goals and compliance requirements. Among the risks in emerging market countries are bureaucratic intrusions and delays, contract compliance failures, engrained business partners that do not comply with local or U.S. law, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, fluctuating currencies and interest rates, limitations on the amount and nature of investments, restrictions on permissible forms and structures of investment, unreliable legal and financial infrastructure, regime disruption and political unrest, uncontrolled inflation and commodity prices, fierce local competition by companies with better political connections, and corruption. In addition, the costs of compliance with local laws and regulations in emerging markets may negatively impact our competitive position as compared to locally owned manufacturers.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
Changes in tax laws may adversely affect our financial position.
We are a U.S.-based multinational company subject to tax in multiple U.S. and foreign tax jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our global provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets or liabilities and in evaluating our tax positions on a worldwide basis. While we believe our tax positions are consistent with the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business, it is possible that these positions may be contested or overturned by jurisdictional tax authorities, which may have a significant impact on our global provision for income taxes.
Tax laws are dynamic and subject to change as new laws are passed and new interpretations of the law are issued or applied. Governmental tax authorities are increasingly scrutinizing the tax positions of companies. The U.S. federal and state governments, countries in the European Union, as well as a number of other countries and organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), are actively implementing changes to existing tax laws, including a global minimum tax. Numerous countries have agreed to a statement in support of the OECD model rules that propose a global minimum tax rate of 15% and European Union member states have agreed to implement the global minimum tax. Various countries have enacted or are expected to enact legislation to be effective as early as 2024, with widespread implementation of a global minimum tax expected by 2025. As the legislation becomes effective in countries in which we do business, our taxes could increase and negatively impact our provision for income taxes. We will continue to monitor pending legislation and implementation by individual countries and are in the process of evaluating the potential impact on our business in future periods.
Changes in global tariffs and trade agreements may have a negative impact on global economic conditions, markets and our business.
Like most multinational companies, we have supply chains and sales channels that extend beyond national borders. Purchasing and production decisions in some cases are largely influenced by the trade agreements and the tax and tariff structures in place. Disruption in those structures can create significant market uncertainty. While the impact of Brexit and the U.S. and Chinese tariff actions have not been material to us, unanticipated complications in the free movement of goods in Europe, an escalation of tariff activity anywhere in the world or changes to existing free trade agreements could materially impact our financial results. In addition to the potential direct impacts of free trade restrictions, longer term macroeconomic consequences could result, including slower growth, inflation, higher interest rates and unfavorable impacts to currency exchange rates. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to laws and regulations worldwide, changes to which could increase our costs and individually or in the aggregate adversely affect our business.
We are subject to laws and regulations affecting our global operations in a number of areas. These U.S. and foreign laws and regulations affect our activities including, but not limited to, in areas of labor, advertising, real estate, billing, e-commerce, promotions, quality of services, property ownership and infringement, tax, import and export requirements, anti-corruption, foreign exchange controls and cash repatriation restrictions, machine learning and artificial intelligence, data privacy requirements, anti-competition, environmental, health and safety.
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Compliance with these laws, regulations and similar requirements may be onerous and expensive, and they may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, further increasing the cost of compliance and doing business. Any such costs, which may rise in the future as a result of changes in these laws and regulations or in their interpretation, could individually or in the aggregate make our products and services less attractive to our customers, delay the introduction of new products in one or more regions, or cause us to change or limit our business practices. We have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, but there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, or agents will not violate such laws and regulations or our policies and procedures.
Specifically with respect to data privacy, new and evolving data protection regulations have been adopted or are being considered or refined for most of the developed world. many of these data privacy regulations contain operational requirements for companies that receive or process personal data of residents of their respective jurisdictions and include significant penalties for non-compliance. In addition, some countries are considering or have passed legislation implementing data protection requirements or requiring local storage and processing of data or similar requirements that could increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services.
Increasing expectations with respect to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters by our various stakeholders and ESG regulation could adversely affect our business and operating results.
As a response to growing customer, investor, employee, governmental, and other stakeholder interest in our ESG practices, we have increased reporting of our ESG programs and performance and have established and announced our aspirational goals or targets, including those regarding greenhouse gas emissions and diversity, equity and inclusion. Our ability to achieve such goals and aspirations is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which rely on the collective efforts of others or may be outside of our control. Such risks include, among others, the availability and adoption of new or additional technologies that reduce carbon or eliminate energy sources on a commercially reasonable basis, competing and evolving economic, policy and regulatory factors, the availability of qualified candidates in our labor markets and our ability to recruit and retain diverse talent, and customer engagement in our goals. There may be times where actual outcomes vary from those aimed for or expected and sometimes challenges may delay or block progress. As a result, we cannot offer assurances that the results reflected or implied by any such statements will be realized or achieved. Moreover, standards and expectations for ESG matters continue to evolve and may be subject to varying interpretations, which may result in significant revisions to our goals or progress. A failure or perceived failure to meet our aspirational goals or targets within the timelines we announce, or at all, or a failure or perceived failure to meet evolving stakeholders expectations and standards, could damage our reputation, adversely affect employee retention or engagement or support from our various stakeholders and could subject us to government enforcement actions or penalties and private litigation. Such outcomes could negatively impact the Company’s business, capital expenditures, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position.
We might have difficulty protecting our intellectual property from use by competitors, or competitors might accuse us of violating their intellectual property rights.
Disagreements about patents and other intellectual property rights occur in the markets we serve. Third parties have asserted and may in the future assert claims of infringement of intellectual property rights against us or against our customers or channel partners for which we may be liable. Furthermore, a successful claimant could secure a judgment that requires us to pay substantial damages or prevents us from distributing certain products or performing certain services. We may encounter difficulty enforcing our own intellectual property rights against third parties, which could result in price erosion or loss of market share.
Our use of open source software could negatively impact our ability to sell our products and may subject us to unanticipated obligations.
The products, services, or technologies we acquire, license, provide, or develop may incorporate or use open source software. We monitor and restrict our use of open source software in an effort to avoid unintended consequences, such as reciprocal license grants, patent retaliation clauses, and the requirement to license our products at no cost. Nevertheless, we may be subject to unanticipated obligations regarding our products which incorporate or use open source software.
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If our goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired, we would be required to recognize charges that would reduce our income.
Under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., goodwill and certain other intangible assets are not amortized but must be reviewed for possible impairment annually or more often in certain circumstances if events indicate that the asset values may not be recoverable. Asset impairment charges would reduce our income without any change to our underlying cash flows.
Some of our employees are members of collective bargaining groups, and we might be subject to labor actions that would interrupt our business.
Some of our employees, primarily outside the U.S., are members of collective bargaining groups. We believe that our relations with employees are generally good. However, if there were a dispute with one of these bargaining groups, the affected operations could be interrupted, resulting in lost revenues, lost profit contribution, and customer dissatisfaction.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
Cybersecurity risk oversight and management is a top priority for the Company and the Board of Directors. The Company offers a broad portfolio of industrial cybersecurity solutions to its customers, and an understanding of cybersecurity risks is critical to both the Company internally and to our customers and business partners. The Company identifies, assesses, and manages cybersecurity risk as part of both the enterprise cybersecurity program and the enterprise risk management program. The Company’s expertise, dedicated resources and proven technology in cybersecurity management are evident in the Company’s enterprise cybersecurity program. The Company’s Cybersecurity Committee (described below) is a subcommittee of and reports to the Audit Committee, which oversees the enterprise risk management program.
The Company has adopted processes and procedures for incident detection, containment and response, which are provided through a variety of resources, including:
•24/7 Security Operations Center,
•advanced endpoint detection/response,
•user behavior analytics,
•vulnerability identification/patching,
•email threat prevention,
•data loss prevention,
•privileged access management, and
•ongoing/annual phishing training / testing.
To ensure the Company is addressing constant changes in the threat landscape, management and the Board of Directors continue to advance their cybersecurity knowledge and stay current with evolving information, regulations and industry practices through our memberships and affiliations with industry leading companies such as Crowdstrike, IBM, and Palo Alto Networks, as well as national organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and others. In addition, to supplement our efforts, expert consultants and third-party vendors are engaged from time to time to assess enterprise security posture, identify operational technology vulnerabilities, and assess software product security. In addition to these assessments, the Company engages third-party vendors to perform enterprise-wide attack and penetration tests. Findings from these activities are reported to senior management and the Belden Board of Directors.
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The Company recognizes the importance of identifying and managing material cybersecurity risks associated with our use of third-party service providers. To address these third-party risks, the Company has developed a program to assess both new and existing vendors and suppliers that are expected to have access to or otherwise influence Belden’s internal network or internal data. Components of this program include customed vendor security assessments, security architecture review, and third-party rating services. We perform cybersecurity due diligence through this program as appropriate in connection with the on-boarding of a third-party relationship and conduct periodic reviews based on the inherent risk profile of the particular provider.
Impact of Cybersecurity Risks on Strategy and Results
Risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have not materially affected, and the Company believes that they are not reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. The Company experienced a cybersecurity breach in 2020. The Company determined the impact of this incident was not material, but enhanced its cybersecurity controls and processes in response to the incident. The Company has taken reasonable measures to protect against future compromise, and believes these measures will protect against material adverse impact, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.
Cybersecurity Governance
In 2018, in recognition of the unique nature of cybersecurity threats and the desire to apply focused oversight of cybersecurity risk, the Company’s Board of Directors formed a Cybersecurity Subcommittee (the “Subcommittee”) providing oversight of the Company’s cybersecurity posture and reporting to the Board’s Audit Committee. The Subcommittee consists of three independent directors with experience and/or expertise in cybersecurity management and oversight. The Subcommittee meets regularly on at least a quarterly basis. The Subcommittee has full access to management and consultants engaged by management and receives regular reporting directly from the Company’s chief information officer, head of cybersecurity, internal audit and the legal function, as well as third-party assessments of the Company’s cybersecurity processes. In addition, the full Board of Directors receives a report on cybersecurity annually, or as necessary.
The Company’s cybersecurity program is managed by a dedicated vice president of cybersecurity, who reports directly to Belden’s chief information officer and whose team is responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and processes. The chief information officer reports directly to the Company’s chief financial officer and has access to other members of senior management, including Belden’s chief executive officer, as appropriate. Belden’s vice president of cybersecurity has over 30 years of IT experience, including twelve years of cybersecurity experience. Belden’s chief information officer has over 35 years of IT experience, a BS in Computer Science and an MBA.
The Company’s policies and procedures described above are designed to ensure that the Company’s vice president of cybersecurity and chief information officer and other necessary members of any cybersecurity response team are appropriately informed of any cybersecurity matters and the status of our ongoing processes. The Company’s vice president of cybersecurity and chief information officer jointly provide periodic reports to the Subcommittee, the Company’s CEO and CFO, and other members of management. These reports include updates on the Company’s cybersecurity risks and threats, the status of projects to strengthen its information security systems, assessments of the information security program, and the emerging threat landscape. The Company’s program is regularly evaluated internally and externally and updates are presented to senior management and the Subcommittee. The Company also actively engages with key vendors, industry participants, and knowledge leaders as part of the Company’s continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of its information security policies and procedures.
19
Item 2. Properties
Belden owns and leases manufacturing, warehousing, sales, and administrative space in locations around the world. We also have a corporate office that we lease in St. Louis, Missouri. The leases are of varying terms, expiring from 2024 through 2039. The table below summarizes the geographic locations of our manufacturing and other operating facilities utilized by our segments as of December 31, 2023.
| Enterprise Solutions | Industrial Solutions | Both Segments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Belgium | — | 1 | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Canada | — | 1 | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| China | 1 | — | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Czech Republic | — | 1 | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Denmark | 2 | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Germany | 1 | 1 | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Hungary | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| India | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Italy | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mexico | — | — | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Netherlands | — | — | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Poland | 1 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tunisia | 1 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| United Kingdom | 1 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| United States | 5 | 2 | 2 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 12 | 6 | 9 | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||
In addition to the manufacturing and other operating facilities summarized above, our business operations also utilize approximately 8 warehouses worldwide. As of December 31, 2023, we owned or leased a total of approximately 6 million square feet of facility space worldwide. We believe that our production facilities are suitable for their present and intended purposes and adequate for our current level of operations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are a party to various legal proceedings and administrative actions that are incidental to our operations. In our opinion, the proceedings and actions in which we are involved should not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating results, or cash flows. However, since the trends and outcome of this litigation are inherently uncertain, we cannot give absolute assurance regarding the future resolution of such litigation, or that such litigation may not become material in the future.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
20
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BDC.” As of February 7, 2024, there were 203 record holders of common stock of Belden Inc.
In 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, which allows us to purchase up to $300.0 million of our common stock through open market repurchases, negotiated transactions, or other means, in accordance with applicable security laws and other regulations. In April 2023, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $300.0 million under the share repurchase program. This program is funded with cash on hand and cash flows from operating activities. The program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended at any time at the discretion of the Company. From inception of our program, we have repurchased 6.7 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $427.1 million and an average price per share of $63.67. During 2023, we repurchased 2.3 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $192.1 million at an average price per share of $85.27. As of December 31, 2023, we had $172.9 million of authorizations remaining under the program. Set forth below is information regarding our stock repurchases for the three months ended December 31, 2023 (in thousands, except per share amounts).
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of shares Repurchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at October 1, 2023 | $ | 215,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 2, 2023 through November 5, 2023 | — | $ | — | — | 215,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 6, 2023 through December 3, 2023 | — | — | — | 215,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 4, 2023 through December 31, 2023 | 576 | 73.17 | 576 | 172,865 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 576 | $ | 73.17 | 576 | $ | 172,865 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on Belden’s common stock over the five-year period ended December 31, 2023, with the cumulative total return during such period of the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index and the Standard and Poor’s 1500 Industrials Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2018, in Belden’s common stock and in each of the foregoing indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends. The stock performance shown on the graph below represents historical stock performance and is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
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(1)The chart above and the accompanying data are “furnished,” not “filed,” with the SEC.
Total Return To Shareholders (Includes reinvestment of dividends)
| ANNUAL RETURN PERCENTAGE Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company Name / Index | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Belden Inc. | 32.1 | % | (23.4) | % | 57.5 | % | 9.7 | % | 7.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S&P 500 Index | 31.5 | % | 18.4 | % | 28.7 | % | (18.1) | % | 26.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S&P 1500 Industrials Index | 29.8 | % | 11.7 | % | 22.2 | % | (6.4) | % | 20.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| INDEXED RETURNS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company Name / Index | Base Period 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Belden Inc. | $ | 100.00 | $ | 132.14 | $ | 101.22 | $ | 159.39 | $ | 174.92 | $ | 188.38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S&P 500 Index | 100.00 | 131.49 | 155.68 | 200.37 | 164.08 | 207.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S&P 1500 Industrials Index | 100.00 | 129.80 | 144.98 | 177.13 | 165.75 | 199.52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not applicable.
22
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Belden is a leading global supplier of network infrastructure and digitization solutions that makes the digital journey simpler, smarter and secure. We’re moving beyond connectivity, from what we make to what we make possible through a performance-driven portfolio, forward-thinking expertise and purpose-built solutions. We are aligned with attractive secular growth markets, positioned to provide comprehensive solutions that drive customer outcomes, focused on new product innovation and technology leadership, and committed to sustainable ESG practices.
Our current business goals are to:
•Drive organic revenue growth in excess of GDP;
•Deliver incremental Adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 30%;
•Generate free cash flows of approximately $1 billion cumulatively from 2022 through 2025;
•Execute a disciplined capital allocation strategy while maintaining net leverage of approximately 1.5x; and
•Drive Adjusted EPS to at least $8.00 by 2025.
Significant Trends and Events in 2023
The following trends and events during 2023 had varying effects on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Foreign currency
Our exposure to currency rate fluctuations primarily relates to exchange rate movements between the U.S. dollar and the euro, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Chinese yuan, Mexican peso, Australian dollar, British pound, Indian rupee, and Swiss franc. Generally, as the U.S. dollar strengthens against these foreign currencies, our revenues and earnings are negatively impacted as our foreign denominated revenues and earnings are translated into U.S. dollars at a lower rate. Conversely, as the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies, our revenues and earnings are positively impacted. Because all of our senior subordinated notes are denominated in euros, interest expense on the notes is affected by exchange rate movements between the U.S. dollar and the euro.
In addition to the translation impact described above, currency rate fluctuations have an economic impact on our financial results. As the U.S. dollar strengthens or weakens against foreign currencies, it results in a relative price increase or decrease for certain of our products that are priced in U.S. dollars in a foreign location.
Commodity Prices
Our operating results can be affected by changes in prices of commodities, primarily copper and compounds, which are components in some of the products we sell. Generally, as the costs of inventory purchases increase due to higher commodity prices, we raise selling prices to customers to cover the increase in costs, resulting in higher sales revenue but a lower gross profit percentage. Conversely, a decrease in commodity prices would result in lower sales revenue but a higher gross profit percentage. Selling prices of our products are affected by many factors, including end market demand, capacity utilization, overall economic conditions, and commodity prices. Importantly, however, there is no exact measure of the effect of changing commodity prices, as there are thousands of transactions in any given quarter, each of which has various factors involved in the individual pricing decisions. Therefore, all references to the effect of copper prices or other commodity prices are estimates.
Channel Inventory
Our operating results also can be affected by the levels of Belden products purchased and held as inventory by our channel partners and customers. Our channel partners and customers purchase and hold our products in their inventory in order to meet the service and on-time delivery requirements of their customers. Generally, as our channel partners and customers change the level of Belden products owned and held in their inventory, it impacts our revenues. Comparisons of our results between periods can be impacted by changes in the levels of channel inventory. We are dependent upon our channel partners to provide us with information regarding the amount of our products that they own and hold in their inventory. As such, all references to the effect of channel inventory changes are estimates.
23
Market Growth and Market Share
The markets in which we operate can generally be characterized as highly competitive and highly fragmented, with many players. Based on available data for our served markets, we estimate that our market share across our segments is significant, ranging from approximately 5% – 15%. A substantial acquisition in one of our served markets would be necessary to meaningfully change our estimated market share percentage. We monitor available data regarding market growth, including independent market research reports, publicly available indices, and the financial results of our direct and indirect peer companies, in order to estimate the extent to which our served markets grew or contracted during a particular period. We generally expect that our unit sales volume will increase or decrease consistently with the market growth rate. Our strategic goal is to transition to a solutions provider and target faster growing geographies, applications, and trends within our end markets, in order to achieve growth that is higher than the general market growth rate. To the extent that we exceed the market growth rates, we consider it to be the result of capturing market share.
Inflation
During periods of inflation, if we are unable to raise prices timely and sufficiently to recover our material costs, our earnings could decline. Furthermore, inflation may impact labor, energy, and other costs. We monitor inflation pressures and proactively implement selling price increases and cost control measures as appropriate.
Share Repurchase Program
During 2023, we repurchased 2.3 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $192.1 million at an average price per share of $85.27. See Note 22.
Sichert Acquisition
During 2023, we acquired Sichert with cash on hand for $97.5 million, net of cash acquired. Sichert, based in Berlin Germany, designs and manufactures a portfolio of polycarbonate street cabinets utilized in outside plant passive optical networks (“PON”) and 5G networks. Sichert is reported within the Enterprise Solutions segment. See Note 4.
CloudRail Acquisition
During 2023, we acquired CloudRail with cash on hand for $9.2 million, net of cash acquired. CloudRail, based in Mannheim, Germany, specializes in sensor to cloud data solutions allowing end users to quickly connect sensors on their machinery to cloud providers to drive business insights and improve outcomes. CloudRail is reported within the Industrial Automation Solutions segment. See Note 4.
Gain on Sale of Assets
During 2023, we sold our property in Ontario, Canada as part of a sale and leaseback transaction for $13.8 million and recognized a $12.1 million pre-tax gain on sale. This gain on sale was excluded from Segment EBITDA. See Note 11.
Sale and Deconsolidation of Hite
During 2023, we sold our 51% ownership interest in Shanghai Hi-Tech Control System Co, Ltd to (Hite) for $0.9 million and recognized a $0.4 million pretax gain on sale. The sale also includes $0.6 million of potential earnout payments. The joint venture developed and provided certain Industrial Automation Solutions products and integrated solutions to customers in China. As Belden was the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, due to both our ownership percentage and control over the activities of the joint venture, we consolidated the joint venture in our financial statements and presented the results of the joint venture attributable to Hite’s ownership as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Statements of Operations up to the disposal date when we sold and deconsolidated the entity. See Note 2.
24
Results of Operations
Consolidated Income from Continuing Operations before Taxes
Years Ended December 31, | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 2,512,084 | $ | 2,606,485 | $ | 2,301,260 | (3.6) | % | 13.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 954,966 | 916,289 | 771,843 | 4.2 | % | 18.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 492,702 | 448,636 | 378,027 | 9.8 | % | 18.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 116,427 | 104,350 | 90,227 | 11.6 | % | 15.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 40,375 | 37,860 | 30,630 | 6.6 | % | 23.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | — | 9,283 | n/a | (100.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | 12,056 | 37,891 | — | (68.2) | % | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 317,518 | 363,334 | 263,676 | (12.6) | % | 37.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 33,625 | 43,554 | 62,693 | (22.8) | % | (30.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating pension benefit | 1,863 | 4,005 | 4,476 | 53.5 | % | (10.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of note receivable | — | — | 27,036 | n/a | (100.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt extinguishment | — | 6,392 | 5,715 | 100.0 | % | 11.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before taxes | 285,756 | 317,393 | 226,780 | (10.0) | % | 40.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 Compared to 2022
Revenues decreased $94.4 million from 2022 to 2023 due to the following factors:
•Lower sales volume resulted in a $108.4 million decrease in revenues.
•Copper prices had a $19.9 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
•Divestitures had a $1.4 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
•Currency translation had a $0.4 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
•Acquisitions contributed $35.7 million in revenues.
Gross profit increased $38.7 million from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to favorable product mix and pricing. Gross profit margins were robust, expanding 280 basis points from 35.2% to 38.0%.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $44.1 million from 2022 to 2023. Strategic investments to enhance our solution selling capabilities, acquisitions, and severance actions contributed to the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses; partially offset by a decrease in incentive compensation.
Research and development expenses increased $12.1 million from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to increased investments in R&D projects as we continue our commitment to growth initiatives.
Amortization of intangibles increased $2.5 million from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to acquisitions.
Gain on sale of assets decreased $25.8 million from 2022 to 2023. During 2022 and 2023, we sold certain real estate in the United States and Canada and recognized a $37.9 million and $12.1 million pre-tax gain on sale, respectively. See Note 11.
Operating income decreased $45.8 million from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to the increase in expenses and decrease in the gain on sale of assets discussed above.
Net interest expense decreased $9.9 million from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to the retirement of the 2026 Notes during 2022 and an increase in interest income.
25
Loss on debt extinguishment decreased $6.4 million from 2022 to 2023 due to the debt refinancing that took place during 2022. The loss on debt extinguishment in 2022 represents the premium paid to the bond holders to retire the 2026 Notes and for the unamortized debt issuance costs on the 2026 Notes that we were required to write-off. See Note 16.
Income from continuing operations before taxes decreased $31.6 million from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to the decrease in operating income discussed above.
2022 Compared to 2021
Revenues increased $305.2 million from 2021 to 2022 due to the following factors:
•Higher sales volume and favorable pricing from industrial automation, smart buildings, and broadband products resulted in a $365.0 million increase in revenues.
•Acquisitions, net of disposals contributed $19.3 million in revenues.
•Currency translation had a $65.3 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
•Copper prices had a $13.8 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
Gross profit increased $144.4 million from 2021 to 2022 due to the increases in revenues discussed above. Accordingly, gross profit margins expanded nearly 200 basis points year over year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $70.6 million from 2021 to 2022. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to strategic investments to enhance our solution selling capabilities, expenses from our acquired businesses and costs associated with lease guarantees as discussed in Note 12.
Research and development expenses increased $14.1 million from 2021 to 2022 primarily due to increased investments as we further strengthen our product offering and continue our commitment to growth initiatives.
Amortization of intangibles increased $7.2 million from 2021 to 2022 primarily due to acquisitions.
Asset impairments decreased $9.3 million from 2021 to 2022 as a result of the following impairment charges during 2021: $3.6 million to write down certain held and used long-lived assets in our Industrial Automation Solutions segment to fair value, $3.4 million for our former oil and gas business in Brazil sold during 2021, and a $2.3 million charge to write down certain real estate in Germany to its fair value and sold as part of a sale and leaseback transaction during 2021. See Notes 5, 11 and 12.
Gain on sale of assets increased $37.9 million from 2021 to 2022. During 2022, we sold certain real estate in the United States and recognized a $37.9 million pre-tax gain on sale. See Note 11.
Operating income increased $99.7 million from 2021 to 2022 primarily as a result of the increase in gross profit, the gain on sale of assets in 2022, and lack of asset impairment charges as compared to 2021, partially offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses; research and development expenses; and amortization of intangibles expense discussed above.
Net interest expense decreased $19.1 million from 2021 to 2022 primarily due to the repurchase of senior subordinated notes previously due 2026 and currency translation.
Gain on sale of note receivable decreased $27.0 million from 2021 to 2022 as a result of the sale of the Seller’s Note in 2021 related to the 2020 divestiture of Grass Valley. See Note 5.
Loss on debt extinguishment increased $0.7 million from 2021 to 2022. The loss on debt extinguishment in 2022 represents the premium paid to the bond holders to retire the 2026 Notes and for the unamortized debt issuance costs on the 2026 Notes that we were required to write-off. The loss on debt extinguishment in 2021 represents the premium paid to the bond holders to retire the 2025 Notes and for the unamortized debt issuance costs on the 2025 Notes that we were required to write-off.
Income from continuing operations before taxes increased $90.6 million from 2021 to 2022 primarily due to the increase in operating income discussed above.
26
Income Taxes
| Years Ended December 31, | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before taxes | $ | 285,756 | $ | 317,393 | $ | 226,780 | (10.0) | % | 40.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (43,200) | (49,645) | (27,939) | (13.0) | % | 77.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 15.1 | % | 15.6 | % | 12.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023
We recognized income tax expense of $43.2 million in 2023, representing an effective tax rate of 15.1%. The effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the effect of our foreign operations, including statutory tax rates differences and foreign tax credits. See Note 18.
2022
We recognized income tax expense of $49.6 million in 2022, representing an effective tax rate of 15.6%. The effective tax rate was primarily impacted by foreign tax rate differences, domestic permanent differences, and tax credits primarily associated with our foreign income inclusions.
2021
We recognized income tax expense of $27.9 million in 2021, representing an effective tax rate of 12.3%. The effective tax rate was primarily impacted by a change in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance due to the release of a valuation allowance against the foreign tax credits in the U.S. and a pension deferred tax asset in a foreign jurisdiction.
Our income tax expense and effective tax rate in future periods may be impacted by many factors, including our geographic mix of income and changes in tax laws.
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
| GAAP and Adjusted Revenues | $ | 2,512,084 | $ | 2,606,485 | $ | 2,301,260 | |||||||||||
| GAAP income from continuing operations | $ | 242,556 | $ | 267,748 | $ | 198,841 | |||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 51,379 | 46,669 | 43,073 | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 43,200 | 49,645 | 27,939 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 40,375 | 37,860 | 30,630 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 33,625 | 43,554 | 62,693 | ||||||||||||||
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (1) | 25,152 | 16,685 | 23,867 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of software development intangible assets | 7,692 | 3,875 | 1,579 | ||||||||||||||
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures (2) | 6,177 | 7,833 | (5,035) | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt extinguishment | — | 6,392 | 5,715 | ||||||||||||||
| Non-operating pension settlement loss | — | 1,189 | — | ||||||||||||||
Asset impairments(3) | — | — | 9,283 | ||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of assets(4) | (12,056) | (37,891) | — | ||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of note receivable(5) | — | — | (27,036) | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 438,100 | $ | 443,559 | $ | 371,549 | |||||||||||
| GAAP income from continuing operations margin | 9.7 | % | 10.3 | % | 8.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 17.4 | % | 17.0 | % | 16.1 | % | |||||||||||
27
(1)Includes costs from programs described in Note 15, Restructuring Activities as well as other immaterial programs.
(2)In 2023, we incurred $4.1 million for lease guarantees associated with the Grass Valley disposal (see Note 12), $1.5 million related to fair value adjustments of acquired inventory and other assets, and $0.6 million of net losses associated with the sales of businesses. In 2022, we incurred $10.1 million for lease guarantees associated with the Grass Valley disposal, $2.2 million related to fair value adjustments of acquired inventory and other assets, and gains of $4.5 million on collections from previously written off receivables associated with the sale of Grass Valley. In 2021, we collected $2.2 million of receivables associated with the sale of Grass Valley and acquisition of SPC that were previously written off, reduced the Opterna earn-out liability by $5.8 million, recognized cost of sales of $2.3 million related to adjustments of acquired inventory to fair value, and recognized a $0.6 million loss on the sale of tangible assets.
(3)In 2021, we recognized a $3.6 million impairment on assets held and used and a $5.7 million impairment on assets held for sale. See Note 11, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for details.
(4)In 2023, we sold certain real estate in Canada for $13.8 million, net of transaction costs and recognized a $12.1 million pre-tax gain on sale. In 2022, we sold certain real estate in the United States for $42.2 million, net of transaction costs and recognized a $37.9 million pre-tax gain on sale. See Note 11, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for details.
(5)In 2021, we sold the seller's note associated with the Grass Valley disposal to a third party for $62.0 million and recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of $27.0 million. See Note 5, Disposals.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, we provide non-GAAP operating results adjusted for certain items, including: asset impairments; accelerated depreciation expense due to plant consolidation activities; fair value adjustments and transaction costs related to acquisitions; severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs; gains (losses) recognized on the disposal of businesses and tangible assets; amortization of intangible assets; gains (losses) on debt extinguishment; certain revenues and gains (losses) from patent settlements; discontinued operations; and other costs. We adjust for the items listed above in all periods presented, unless the impact is clearly immaterial to our financial statements. When we calculate the tax effect of the adjustments, we include all current and deferred income tax expense commensurate with the adjusted measure of pre-tax profitability.
We utilize the adjusted results to review our ongoing operations without the effect of these adjustments and for comparison to budgeted operating results. We believe the adjusted results are useful to investors because they help them compare our results to previous periods and provide important insights into underlying trends in the business and how management oversees our business operations on a day-to-day basis. As an example, we adjust for acquisition-related expenses, such as amortization of intangibles and impacts of fair value adjustments because they generally are not related to the acquired businesses' core business performance. As an additional example, we exclude the costs of restructuring programs, which can occur from time to time for our current businesses and/or recently acquired businesses. We exclude the costs in calculating adjusted results to allow us and investors to evaluate the performance of the business based upon its expected ongoing operating structure. We believe the adjusted measures, accompanied by the disclosure of the costs of these programs, provides valuable insight. Adjusted results should be considered only in conjunction with results reported according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
| Year Ended December 31, | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP and Adjusted Revenues | $ | 2,512,084 | $ | 2,606,485 | $ | 2,301,260 | (3.6) | % | 13.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 438,100 | 443,559 | 371,549 | (1.2) | % | 19.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| as a percent of adjusted revenues | 17.4 | % | 17.0 | % | 16.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 Compared to 2022
Revenues decreased $94.4 million from 2022 to 2023 due to the following factors:
•Lower sales volume resulted in a $108.4 million decrease in revenues.
•Copper prices had a $19.9 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
•Divestitures had a $1.4 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
•Currency translation had a $0.4 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
•Acquisitions contributed $35.7 million in revenues.
Adjusted EBITDA decreased $5.5 million in 2023 from 2022 primarily due to the decrease in revenues discussed above, partially offset by favorable mix. Adjusted EBITDA margins expanded to 17.4% from 17.0% in the year ago period.
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2022 Compared to 2021
Revenues increased $305.2 million from 2021 to 2022 due to the following factors:
•Higher sales volume and favorable pricing from industrial automation, smart buildings, and broadband products resulted in a $365.0 million increase in revenues.
•Acquisitions, net of disposals contributed $19.3 million in revenues.
•Currency translation had a $65.3 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
•Copper prices had a $13.8 million unfavorable impact on revenues.
Adjusted EBITDA increased $72.0 million in 2022 from 2021 primarily due to the leverage on higher sales volume, as discussed above. Accordingly, adjusted EBITDA margins expanded to 17.0% from 16.1% in the year ago period.
Segment Results of Operations
For additional information regarding our segment measures, see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Enterprise Solutions
| Years Ended December 31, | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Revenues | $ | 1,122,831 | $ | 1,198,478 | $ | 1,074,426 | (6.3) | % | 11.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Segment EBITDA | 149,107 | 161,517 | 144,509 | (7.7) | % | 11.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| as a percent of segment revenues | 13.3 | % | 13.5 | % | 13.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 Compared to 2022
Enterprise revenues decreased $75.6 million in 2023 as compared to 2022. Decreases in volume, lower copper prices, and unfavorable currency translation contributed $92.5 million, $10.2 million, and $4.6 million, respectively, to the decrease in revenues, partially offset by revenues of $31.7 million from acquisitions.
Enterprise EBITDA decreased $12.4 million in 2023 as compared to 2022 primarily due to the decreases in revenues discussed above.
2022 Compared to 2021
Enterprise revenues increased $124.1 million in 2022 as compared to 2021. The increase in revenues was primarily due to increases in volume and favorable pricing of $135.0 million and acquisitions of $5.4 million, partially offset by unfavorable currency translation and lower copper pass-through pricing of $13.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
Enterprise EBITDA increased $17.0 million in 2022 as compared to 2021 primarily due to the increase in revenues discussed above. Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA margins expanded to 13.5% from 13.4% in the year ago period.
Industrial Automation Solutions
| Years Ended December 31, | Percentage Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Revenues | $ | 1,389,253 | $ | 1,408,007 | $ | 1,226,834 | (1.3) | % | 14.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Segment EBITDA | 287,328 | 277,079 | 222,684 | 3.7 | % | 24.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| as a percent of segment revenues | 20.7 | % | 19.7 | % | 18.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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2023 Compared to 2022
Industrial Automation revenues decreased $18.8 million in 2023 as compared to 2022 primarily due to decreases in volume and lower copper prices of $15.9 million and $9.7 million, respectively, partially offset by favorable currency translation and acquisitions, net of disposals of $4.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
Industrial Automation EBITDA increased $10.2 million in 2023 as compared to 2022 primarily as a result of favorable mix and manufacturing productivity. Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA margins expanded to 20.7% from 19.7% in the year ago period.
2022 Compared to 2021
Industrial Automation revenues increased $181.2 million in 2022 as compared to 2021 primarily due to increases in volume and favorable pricing of $230.1 million and acquisitions, net of disposals of $13.9 million, partially offset by unfavorable currency translation and lower copper pass-through pricing of $52.0 million and $10.8 million, respectively.
Industrial Automation EBITDA increased $54.4 million in 2022 as compared to 2021 primarily as a result of the increase in revenues discussed above. Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA margins expanded to 19.7% from 18.2% in the year ago period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Significant factors affecting our cash liquidity include (1) cash provided by operating activities, (2) disposals of businesses and tangible assets, (3) cash used for acquisitions, restructuring actions, capital expenditures, share repurchases, dividends, and senior subordinated note repurchases, and (4) our available credit facilities and other borrowing arrangements. We expect our operating activities to generate cash in 2024 and believe our sources of liquidity are sufficient to fund current working capital requirements, capital expenditures, contributions to our retirement plans, share repurchases, senior subordinated note repurchases, quarterly dividend payments, and our short-term operating strategies. However, we may require external financing were we to complete a significant acquisition. Our ability to continue to fund our future needs from business operations could be affected by many factors, including, but not limited to: economic conditions worldwide, customer demand, competitive market forces, customer acceptance of our product offerings, and commodities pricing.
The following table is derived from our Consolidated Cash Flow Statements and includes the results and cash flow activity of discontinued operations up to the February 22, 2022 disposal date:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for): | |||||||||||
| Operating activities | $ | 319,638 | $ | 281,296 | |||||||
| Investing activities | (200,358) | 168,411 | |||||||||
| Financing activities | (211,932) | (393,214) | |||||||||
| Effects of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 2,020 | (12,574) | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (90,632) | 43,919 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | 687,676 | 643,757 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | $ | 597,044 | $ | 687,676 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $319.6 million for 2023 compared to $281.3 million for 2022. The increase is primarily due to a $35.4 million improvement in operating assets and liabilities as we successfully managed working capital to mitigate the impact of lower revenues in 2023.
Net cash from investing activities was a use of cash of $200.4 million for 2023 compared to a source of cash of $168.4 million for 2022. Investing activities for 2023 included $116.7 million for capital expenditures and $106.7 million primarily for the acquisitions of Sichert and Cloudrail, partially offset by $13.7 million for asset sales and $9.3 million received from the disposals of businesses. Investing activities for 2022 included proceeds of $334.6 million and $43.5 million from the sale of the Tripwire disposal group and tangible property, respectively, partially offset by $105.1 million for capital expenditures and $104.6 million primarily for the acquisitions of Macmon, NetModule and CAI.
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Net cash flows used for financing activities totaled $211.9 million for 2023 compared to $393.2 million for 2022. Financing activities for 2023 included payments under our share repurchase program of $192.1 million, payments related to share based compensation activities of $17.4 million, cash dividend payments of $8.5 million, financing lease payments of $0.4 million, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $6.5 million. Financing activities for 2022 included repayments of debt obligations of $230.6 million, payments under our share repurchase program of $150.0 million, cash dividend payments of $8.9 million, net payments related to share based compensation activities of $7.2 million, financing lease payments of $0.2 million, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $3.7 million.
Our cash and cash equivalents balance was $597.0 million as of December 31, 2023. Of this amount, $303.2 million was held outside of the U.S. in our foreign operations. Substantially all of the foreign cash and cash equivalents are readily convertible into U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies. Our strategic plan does not require the repatriation of foreign cash in order to fund our operations in the U.S., and it is our current intention to permanently reinvest the foreign cash and cash equivalents outside of the U.S. If we were to repatriate the foreign cash to the U.S., we may be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes in accordance with applicable U.S. tax rules and regulations as a result of the repatriation. See Note 18, Income Taxes in the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements.
Our outstanding debt obligations as of December 31, 2023 consisted of $1.2 billion of senior subordinated notes. As of December 31, 2023, we had no borrowings outstanding on the Revolver, and our available borrowing capacity was $289.1 million. Additional discussion regarding our various borrowing arrangements is included in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
At December 31, 2023, the following contractual obligations and commercial commitments were outstanding:
a.Principal payments on long-term debt totaled $1.2 billion, none of which is due in 2024 (see Note 16). Depending on the conditions in the credit markets, we may refinance this debt, or we may use cash from operations, including temporarily accessing our Revolving Credit Agreement, to repay this debt.
b.Interest payments on long-term debt of $216.0 million, of which $44.2 million is due in 2024.
c.Operating lease obligations of $91.5 million, of which $18.0 million is due in 2024 (see Note 12).
d.Pension and other postemployment obligations of $106.6 million, of which $12.3 million is due in 2024 (see Note 19).
e.Obligations to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding of $43.7 million. All of these obligations are due in 2024.
f.Standby financial letters of credit, bank guarantees, and surety bonds totaled $19.9 million, of which $13.5 million will expire or mature in 2024. These commitments are generally issued to secure obligations we have for a variety of commercial reasons such as workers compensation self-insurance programs in several states and the importation and exportation of product. We expect to replace most of these when they expire or mature.
g.Obligations for uncertain tax positions of $7.1 million, none of which is due in 2024 (see Note 18).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows that are or would be considered material to investors.
Current-Year Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Discussion regarding our adoption of accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP). In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates, and judgments on historical experience, current trends, and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, we review the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates, and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.
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Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 of our Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require our most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue consistent with the principles as outlined in the following five step model: (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. See Note 3.
At the time of sale, we establish an estimated reserve for trade, promotion, and other special price reductions such as contract pricing, discounts to meet competitor pricing, and on-time payment discounts. We also reserve for, among other things, correction of billing errors, incorrect shipments, and settlement of customer disputes. Customers are allowed to return inventory if and when certain conditions regarding the functionality of the inventory and our approval of the return are met. Certain distribution customers are allowed to return inventory at original cost, in an amount not to exceed three percent of the prior year’s purchases, in exchange for an order of equal or greater value. Until we can process these reductions, corrections, and returns (together, the Changes) through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding Changes and recognize them by reducing revenues. We determine our estimate based on our historical Changes as a percentage of revenues and the average time period between the original sale and the issuance of the Changes. We adjust other current assets and cost of sales for the estimated level of returns.
We base these estimates on historical and anticipated sales demand, trends in product pricing, and historical and anticipated Changes patterns. We make revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions and product transitions might require us to take actions to further reduce prices and increase customer return authorizations. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to measure the Changes. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. A 10% change in our sales reserve for such Changes as of December 31, 2023 would have affected net income by approximately $2.5 million in 2023.
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets resulting from tax credit carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards, and deductible temporary differences between taxable income on our income tax returns and income before taxes under GAAP. Deferred tax assets generally represent future tax benefits to be received when these carryforwards can be applied against future taxable income or when expenses previously reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements become deductible for income tax purposes. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is required when some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. We are required to estimate taxable income in future years or develop tax strategies that would enable tax asset realization in each taxing jurisdiction and use judgment to determine whether to record a deferred tax asset valuation allowance for part or all of a deferred tax asset.
We consider the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets associated with net operating losses. We consider the reversals of existing taxable temporary differences as well as projections of future taxable income. We consider the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences to the extent they were of the same character as the temporary differences giving rise to the deferred tax assets. We also consider whether the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences will occur in the same period and jurisdiction as the temporary differences giving rise to the deferred tax assets. The assumptions utilized to estimate our future taxable income are consistent with those assumptions utilized for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, as well as with our budgeting and strategic planning processes.
Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions when we believe that the full amount of the associated tax benefit may not be realized. In the future, if we prevail in matters for which accruals have been established previously or pay amounts in excess of reserves, there could be a material effect on our income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
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In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09) enhancing the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 addresses investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 are applied on a prospective basis, though retrospective application is permitted. We did not early adopt this pronouncement and are in the process of evaluating its impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
See Note 18, Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding income taxes.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
We test our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or when indicators of impairment exist. We base our estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are not predictable with precision and therefore are inherently uncertain. Actual future results could differ from these estimates.
We test goodwill annually for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment, or a business unit one level below an operating segment if discrete financial information for that business is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. However, components within an operating segment are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. We determined that each of our reportable segments (Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions) represents an operating segment. Within those operating segments, we have identified reporting units based on whether there is discrete financial information prepared that is regularly reviewed by segment management. As a result of this evaluation, we have identified three reporting units within Enterprise Solutions and three reporting units within Industrial Automation Solutions for purposes of goodwill impairment testing.
The accounting guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows for the performance of an optional qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such an evaluation is made based on the weight of all available evidence and the significance of all identified events and circumstances that may influence the fair value of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is required for the reporting unit, as described in the paragraph below. In 2023, we performed a qualitative assessment over three of our reporting units.
When we evaluate goodwill for impairment using a quantitative assessment, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. We determine the fair value using an income approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows using growth rates and discount rates that are consistent with current market conditions in our industry. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets including goodwill exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we record an impairment charge based on that difference. In addition to the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units under a market approach. The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through analysis of financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business.
For our annual impairment test in 2023, we performed a quantitative assessment over three of our reporting units. The excess of the fair value over the carrying value under the income approach ranged from 30% to 106%. The assumptions used to estimate fair values were based on the past performance of the reporting unit as well as the projections incorporated in our strategic plan. Significant assumptions included sales growth, profitability, and related cash flows, along with cash flows associated with taxes and capital spending. The discount rate used to estimate fair value was risk adjusted in consideration of the economic conditions in effect at the time of the impairment test. We also considered assumptions that market participants may use. In our quantitative assessment, the discount rate ranged from 11.9% to 13.8%, the 2024 to 2033 compounded annual revenue growth rate ranged from 4.2% to 6.3%, and the revenue growth rate beyond 2033 ranged from 2.0% to 3.0%. By their nature, these assumptions involve risks and uncertainties. There is inherent risk associated with using an income approach to estimate fair values. If actual results are significantly different from our estimates or assumptions, we may have to recognize impairment charges that could be material.
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We also test our indefinite-lived intangible asset, a trademark, for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter. The accounting guidance allows for the performance of an optional qualitative assessment, similar to that described above for goodwill, but we did not perform a qualitative assessment as part of our indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing for 2023. Rather, we performed a quantitative assessment for our indefinite-lived trademark in 2023. Under the quantitative assessment, we determined the fair value of the trademark using a relief from royalty methodology and compared the fair value to the carrying value. We determined that our trademark was not impaired during 2023. Significant assumptions to determine fair value included sales growth, a royalty rate, and a discount rate.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, health care cost trend rates, mortality tables, and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. The salary growth assumptions reflect our long-term actual experience and future or near-term outlook. Long-term return on plan assets is determined based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Our health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Our key assumptions are described in further detail in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, amortized over the estimated future working life of the plan participants.
As a sensitivity measure, the effect of a 50 basis point decline in the assumed discount rate would have resulted in a decrease in the 2023 net periodic benefit cost of approximately $0.1 million and an increase in the projected benefit obligations of approximately $19.8 million as of December 31, 2023. A 50 basis point decline in the expected return on plan assets would have resulted in an increase in the 2023 net periodic benefit cost of approximately $1.5 million.
Conversely, the effect of a 50 basis point increase in the assumed discount rate would have resulted in a decrease in the 2023 net periodic benefit cost of less than $0.1 million and a decrease in the projected benefit obligation of approximately $18.3 million as of December 31, 2023. A 50 basis point increase in the expected return on plan assets would have resulted in a decrease in the 2023 net periodic benefit cost of approximately $1.5 million.
Acquisition Accounting
We allocate the consideration of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the consideration over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded to goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage third party valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of inventories, tangible long-lived assets, and intangible assets other than goodwill. The carrying values of acquired receivables and accounts payable have historically approximated their fair values as of the acquisition date. As necessary, we may engage third party specialists to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities. We adjust the preliminary acquisition accounting, as necessary, typically up to one year after the acquisition closing date as we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed.
Our acquisition accounting methodology contains uncertainties because it requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities. Management estimates the fair value of assets and liabilities based upon quoted market prices, the carrying value of the acquired assets and widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows and market multiple analyses. Unanticipated events or circumstances may occur which could affect the accuracy of our fair value estimates, including assumptions regarding industry economic factors and business strategies.
If actual results are materially different than the assumptions we used to determine fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired through a business combination, it is possible that adjustments to the carrying values of such assets and liabilities will have an impact on our net earnings. See Note 4.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risks relating to our operations result primarily from currency exchange rates, certain commodity prices, interest rates, and credit extended to customers. Each of these risks is discussed below.
Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency risks that arise from normal business operations. These risks include the translation of local currency balances of foreign subsidiaries and transactions denominated in currencies other than a location’s functional currency.
Our investments in certain foreign subsidiaries are recorded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. As these foreign currency denominated investments are translated at the end of each period during consolidation using period-end exchange rates, fluctuations of exchange rates between the foreign currency and the U.S. dollar increase or decrease the value of those investments. These fluctuations and the results of operations for foreign subsidiaries, where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates during the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated using period end exchange rates. The assets and liabilities-related translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We generally view our investments in international subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar as long-term. As a result, we do not generally use derivatives to manage these net investments. However, we designated euro debt issued by Belden Inc., a USD functional currency entity, as a net investment hedge of certain international subsidiaries. See Note 17 for further discussion.
Transactions denominated in currencies other than a location’s functional currency may produce receivables or payables that are fixed in terms of the amount of foreign currency that will be received or paid. A change in exchange rates between the functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated increases or decreases the expected amount of functional currency cash flows upon settlement of the transaction. That increase or decrease in expected functional currency cash flows is a foreign exchange transaction gain or loss that is included in our operating income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2023 and 2022, we recorded approximately $1.8 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of net foreign currency transaction losses.
Generally, the currency in which we sell our products is the same as the currency in which we incur the costs to manufacture our products, resulting in a natural hedge. Our currency exchange rate management strategy primarily involves the use of natural techniques, where possible, such as the offsetting or netting of like-currency cash flows. However, we re-evaluate our strategy as the foreign currency environment changes, and it is possible that we could utilize derivative financial instruments to manage this risk in the future. We did not have any foreign currency derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Our exposure to currency rate fluctuations primarily relates to exchange rate movements between the U.S. dollar and the euro, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Chinese yuan, Mexican peso, Australian dollar, British pound, Indian rupee, and Swiss franc.
Commodity Price Risk
Certain raw materials used by us are subject to price volatility caused by supply conditions, political and economic variables, and other unpredictable factors. The primary purpose of our commodity price management activities is to manage the volatility associated with purchases of commodities in the normal course of business. We do not speculate on commodity prices.
We are exposed to price risk related to our purchase of copper used in our products, although we are generally able to raise selling prices to customers to cover the increase in copper costs. Our copper price management strategy involves the use of natural techniques, where possible, such as purchasing copper for future delivery at fixed prices. We do not generally use commodity price derivatives and did not have any outstanding at December 31, 2023 or 2022. The following table presents unconditional commodity purchase obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The unconditional purchase obligations are expected to settle during 2024.
| Purchase Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||
| (In thousands, except average price) | |||||||||||
| Unconditional copper purchase obligations: | |||||||||||
| Commitment volume in pounds | 2,697 | ||||||||||
| Weighted average price per pound | $ | 3.89 | |||||||||
| Commitment amounts | $ | 10,500 | $ | 10,376 | |||||||
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We are also exposed to price risk related to our purchase of selected commodities derived from petrochemical feedstocks used in our products. We generally purchase these commodities based upon market prices established with the vendors as part of the purchase process. Pricing of these commodities is volatile as they tend to fluctuate with the price of oil. Historically, we have not used commodity financial instruments to hedge prices for commodities derived from petrochemical feedstocks.
Interest Rate Risk
We have occasionally managed our debt portfolio by using interest rate derivative instruments, such as swap agreements, to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates. We were not a party to any interest rate derivative instruments as of or for the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022. The following table provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The following table presents principal amounts by expected maturity date and fair value as of December 31, 2023.
| Principal Amount by Expected Maturity | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | Thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except interest rates) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| €450.0 million fixed-rate senior subordinated notes due 2027 | $ | — | $ | 497,025 | $ | 497,025 | $ | 477,765 | |||||||||||||||
| Average interest rate | 3.375 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| €350.0 million fixed-rate senior subordinated notes due 2028 | $ | — | $ | 386,575 | $ | 386,575 | $ | 372,079 | |||||||||||||||
| Average interest rate | 3.875 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| €300.0 million fixed-rate senior subordinated notes due 2031 | $ | — | $ | 331,350 | $ | 331,350 | $ | 292,002 | |||||||||||||||
| Average interest rate | 3.375 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,214,950 | $ | 1,141,846 | |||||||||||||||||||
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to these financial instruments. We place cash and cash equivalents with various high-quality financial institutions throughout the world, and exposure is limited at any one financial institution. Although we do not obtain collateral or other security to support these financial instruments, we evaluate the credit standing of the counterparty financial institutions. As of December 31, 2023, we had $61.9 million in accounts receivable outstanding from our largest customer. This represented approximately 15% of our total accounts receivable outstanding at December 31, 2023. Outstanding receivables are generally paid within thirty to sixty days of invoice receipt.
36
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Belden Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Belden Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 13, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
37
| Revenue recognition - estimating variable consideration | ||||||||
| Description of the Matter | As described in Notes 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company enters into sales contracts that provide certain customers with special price reductions and product return rights, resulting in variable consideration. At the time of sale, the Company establishes a reserve for the estimate of adjustments to variable consideration and recognizes the reserve by reducing revenues. Estimates are based on a percentage of revenues and the average time period between the original sale and the issuance of the adjustments. As of December 31, 2023, the Company recorded a reserve for estimated price adjustments of $26.0 million, which was recognized as a reduction of revenues and accounts receivable, and a reserve of $15.6 million for estimated returns, which was recognized as a reduction of revenues and included in accrued liabilities. | |||||||
Auditing the Company's measurement of variable consideration for estimated pricing adjustments and returns involved especially challenging judgment because the estimates involved subjective management assumptions, including estimated adjustments as a percentage of revenues and the estimated period of time between the original sale and the issuance of the adjustment. The estimates developed by the Company are also dependent on historical experience, anticipated sales demand, and trends in product pricing. | ||||||||
| How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit | We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company's processes to calculate the variable consideration, including the process to determine and evaluate the underlying assumptions about estimates of variable consideration related to expected pricing adjustments and returns. We performed audit procedures related to the Company’s estimates of variable consideration including, among others, evaluating the significant assumptions and the accuracy and completeness of the underlying data used in the Company's calculation. This included testing the Company's estimate of adjustments as a percentage of revenues and the average time period between the original sale and the issuance of the adjustment. In addition, we inspected the results of the Company's retrospective review of adjustments reserved compared to actual adjustments issued, evaluated the estimates made based on historical experience and performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate the changes in variable consideration that would result from changes in the Company's significant assumptions. | |||||||
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1993.
St. Louis, Missouri
February13, 2024
38
Belden Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands, except par value) | |||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 597,044 | $ | 687,676 | |||||||
| Receivables, net | 413,806 | 440,102 | |||||||||
| Inventories, net | 366,987 | 341,563 | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 79,142 | 66,866 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 1,456,979 | 1,536,207 | |||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation | 451,069 | 381,864 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 89,686 | 73,376 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 907,331 | 862,253 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization | 269,144 | 246,830 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 15,739 | 14,642 | |||||||||
| Other long-lived assets | 50,243 | 46,503 | |||||||||
| $ | 3,240,191 | $ | 3,161,675 | ||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 343,215 | $ | 350,058 | |||||||
| Accrued liabilities | 290,289 | 289,861 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 633,504 | 639,919 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 1,204,211 | 1,161,176 | |||||||||
| Postretirement benefits | 74,573 | 67,828 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 49,472 | 58,582 | |||||||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | 74,941 | 59,250 | |||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 37,188 | 30,970 | |||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share— 200,000 shares authorized; 50,335 shares issued; 41,127 and 42,833 shares outstanding at 2023 and 2022, respectively | 503 | 503 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 818,663 | 825,669 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 985,807 | 751,522 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (41,279) | (5,871) | |||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost— 9,208 and 7,502 shares at 2023 and 2022, respectively | (597,437) | (428,812) | |||||||||
| Total Belden stockholders’ equity | 1,166,257 | 1,143,011 | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest | 45 | 939 | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 1,166,302 | 1,143,950 | |||||||||
| $ | 3,240,191 | $ | 3,161,675 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
39
Belden Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 2,512,084 | $ | 2,606,485 | $ | 2,301,260 | |||||||||||
| Cost of sales | (1,557,118) | (1,690,196) | (1,529,417) | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 954,966 | 916,289 | 771,843 | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | (492,702) | (448,636) | (378,027) | ||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | (116,427) | (104,350) | (90,227) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | (40,375) | (37,860) | (30,630) | ||||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | — | (9,283) | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | 12,056 | 37,891 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 317,518 | 363,334 | 263,676 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (33,625) | (43,554) | (62,693) | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt extinguishment | — | (6,392) | (5,715) | ||||||||||||||
| Non-operating pension benefit | 1,863 | 4,005 | 4,476 | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of note receivable | — | — | 27,036 | ||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before taxes | 285,756 | 317,393 | 226,780 | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (43,200) | (49,645) | (27,939) | ||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | 242,556 | 267,748 | 198,841 | ||||||||||||||
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | — | (3,685) | (136,384) | ||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) from disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax | — | (9,241) | 1,860 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | 242,556 | 254,822 | 64,317 | ||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (203) | 159 | 392 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders | $ | 242,759 | $ | 254,663 | $ | 63,925 | |||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 42,237 | 43,845 | 44,802 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 42,859 | 44,537 | 45,361 | ||||||||||||||
| Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: | |||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | 5.75 | $ | 6.10 | $ | 4.43 | |||||||||||
| Discontinued operations | — | (0.08) | (3.04) | ||||||||||||||
| Disposal of discontinued operations | — | (0.21) | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 5.75 | $ | 5.81 | $ | 1.43 | |||||||||||
| Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden common stockholders: | |||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | 5.66 | $ | 6.01 | $ | 4.37 | |||||||||||
| Discontinued operations | — | (0.08) | (3.04) | ||||||||||||||
| Disposal of discontinued operations | — | (0.21) | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 5.66 | $ | 5.72 | $ | 1.41 | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
40
Belden Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 242,556 | $ | 254,822 | $ | 64,317 | |||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation, net of tax | (24,566) | 39,509 | 88,290 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to pension and postretirement liability, net of tax | (10,838) | 25,171 | 31,572 | ||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (35,404) | 64,680 | 119,862 | ||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | 207,152 | 319,502 | 184,179 | ||||||||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (199) | 144 | (1,031) | ||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Belden | $ | 207,351 | $ | 319,358 | $ | 185,210 | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
41
Belden Inc.
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 242,556 | $ | 254,822 | $ | 64,317 | |||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 99,446 | 88,738 | 87,988 | ||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 21,024 | 23,676 | 24,871 | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt extinguishment | — | 6,392 | 5,715 | ||||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | — | 140,461 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | (12,957) | (627) | 3,575 | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | (12,056) | (37,891) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of exchange rate changes, acquired businesses, and disposals: | |||||||||||||||||
| Receivables | 24,527 | (33,605) | (119,012) | ||||||||||||||
| Inventories | (15,331) | 5,558 | (92,984) | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | (8,175) | (20,595) | 135,666 | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities | (16,292) | (5,416) | 61,241 | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes | (3,668) | 2,335 | (6,448) | ||||||||||||||
| Other assets | (9,314) | 2,881 | (12,693) | ||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | 9,878 | (4,972) | (20,642) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 319,638 | 281,296 | 272,055 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (116,731) | (105,094) | (90,982) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash used for acquisitions and investments, net of cash acquired | (106,712) | (104,603) | (73,340) | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase of intangible assets | — | — | (3,650) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from disposal of businesses, net of cash sold | 9,300 | 334,574 | 45,735 | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets | 13,785 | 43,534 | 30,234 | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities | (200,358) | 168,411 | (92,003) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Payments under share repurchase program | (192,135) | (150,000) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Withholding tax payments for share-based payment awards | (17,444) | (7,186) | (5,570) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | (8,498) | (8,949) | (9,056) | ||||||||||||||
| Payments under financing lease obligations | (423) | (157) | (3,151) | ||||||||||||||
| Payments under borrowing arrangements | — | (230,639) | (360,304) | ||||||||||||||
| Debt issuance costs paid | — | — | (8,173) | ||||||||||||||
| Payments to noncontrolling interest holders | — | — | (2,682) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 6,568 | 3,717 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Borrowings under credit arrangements | — | — | 356,010 | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used for financing activities | (211,932) | (393,214) | (32,926) | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 2,020 | (12,574) | (5,363) | ||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (90,632) | 43,919 | 141,763 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | 687,676 | 643,757 | 501,994 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | $ | 597,044 | $ | 687,676 | $ | 643,757 | |||||||||||
The Consolidated Cash Flow Statement includes the results of discontinued operations up to the disposal date, February 22, 2022 for Tripwire. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
42
Belden Inc.
Consolidated Stockholders’ Equity Statements
| Belden Inc. Stockholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Earnings | Treasury Stock | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Non-controlling Interest | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | 50,335 | $ | 503 | $ | 823,605 | $ | 450,876 | (5,692) | $ | (332,552) | $ | (191,851) | $ | 6,470 | $ | 757,051 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 63,925 | — | — | — | 392 | 64,317 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | 121,285 | (1,423) | 119,862 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of noncontrolling interests | — | — | 2,391 | — | — | — | — | (4,644) | (2,253) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement Savings Plan stock contributions | — | — | (652) | — | 134 | 7,540 | — | — | 6,888 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures | — | — | (1,615) | — | 20 | 1,128 | — | — | (487) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures | — | — | (14,973) | — | 178 | 9,890 | — | — | (5,083) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | 24,871 | — | — | — | — | — | 24,871 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends ($0.20 per share) | — | — | — | (9,084) | — | — | — | — | (9,084) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | 50,335 | $ | 503 | $ | 833,627 | $ | 505,717 | (5,360) | $ | (313,994) | $ | (70,566) | $ | 795 | $ | 956,082 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 254,663 | — | — | — | 159 | 254,822 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | 64,695 | (15) | 64,680 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issuance | — | — | (2,775) | — | 82 | 6,492 | — | — | 3,717 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement Savings Plan stock contributions | — | — | (1,551) | — | 116 | 8,568 | — | — | 7,017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures | — | — | (4,875) | — | 40 | 3,269 | — | — | (1,606) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures | — | — | (22,433) | — | 208 | 16,853 | — | — | (5,580) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchase program | — | — | — | — | (2,588) | (150,000) | — | — | (150,000) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | 23,676 | — | — | — | — | — | 23,676 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends ($0.20 per share) | — | — | — | (8,858) | — | — | — | — | (8,858) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | 50,335 | $ | 503 | $ | 825,669 | $ | 751,522 | (7,502) | $ | (428,812) | $ | (5,871) | $ | 939 | $ | 1,143,950 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | 242,759 | — | — | — | (203) | 242,556 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | (35,408) | 4 | (35,404) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale and deconsolidation of Hite JV | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (695) | (695) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issuance | — | — | 28 | — | 116 | 6,540 | — | — | 6,568 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retirement Savings Plan stock contributions | — | — | 2,347 | — | 94 | 5,451 | — | — | 7,798 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding forfeitures | — | — | (7,928) | — | 82 | 3,043 | — | — | (4,885) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of restricted stock units into common stock, net of tax withholding forfeitures | — | — | (22,477) | — | 255 | 9,919 | — | — | (12,558) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchase, net of excise tax | — | — | — | — | (2,253) | (193,578) | — | — | (193,578) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | — | — | 21,024 | — | — | — | — | — | 21,024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends ($0.20 per share) | — | — | — | (8,474) | — | — | — | — | (8,474) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | 50,335 | $ | 503 | $ | 818,663 | $ | 985,807 | (9,208) | $ | (597,437) | $ | (41,279) | $ | 45 | $ | 1,166,302 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
43
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1: Basis of Presentation
Business Description
Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is a leading global supplier of network infrastructure and digitization solutions built around two global businesses – Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions. We deliver the infrastructure that makes the digital journey simpler, smarter, and secure. We’re moving beyond connectivity, from what we make to what we make possible through a performance-driven portfolio, forward-thinking expertise and purpose-built solutions.
Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include Belden Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions in consolidation.
Foreign Currency
For international operations with functional currencies other than the United States (U.S.) dollar, we translate assets and liabilities at current exchange rates; we translate income and expenses using average exchange rates. We report the resulting translation adjustments, as well as gains and losses from certain affiliate transactions, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity. We include exchange gains and losses on transactions in operating income.
We determine the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries based upon the currency of the primary economic environment in which each subsidiary operates. Typically, that is determined by the currency in which the subsidiary primarily generates and expends cash. We have concluded that the local currency is the functional currency for all of our material subsidiaries.
Reporting Periods
Our fiscal year and fiscal fourth quarter both end on December 31. Our fiscal first quarter ends on the Sunday falling closest to 91 days after December 31. Our fiscal second and third quarters each have 91 days.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and operating results and the disclosure of contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates with respect to the collectability and valuation of receivables, the valuation of inventory, the realization of deferred tax assets, the valuation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, the valuation of contingent liabilities, the calculation of share-based compensation, the calculation of pension and other postretirement benefits expense, and the valuation of acquired businesses.
Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Fair Value Measurement
Accounting guidance for fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based upon whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources or reflect our own assumptions of market participant valuation. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows:
•Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
•Level 2 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or financial instruments for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and
•Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
44
During 2023, 2022, and 2021 we utilized Level 1 inputs to determine the fair value of cash equivalents and Level 2 and Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations (see Note 4) and for impairment testing (see Note 13). We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during 2023.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We classify cash on hand and deposits in banks, including commercial paper, money market accounts, and other investments with an original maturity of three months or less, that we hold from time to time, as cash and cash equivalents. We periodically have cash equivalents consisting of short-term money market funds and other investments. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not have any such cash equivalents on hand. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve our capital for the purpose of funding operations. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes.
Accounts Receivable and Revenue Reserves
We classify amounts owed to us and due within twelve months, arising from the sale of goods or services and from other business activities, as current receivables. We classify receivables due after twelve months as other long-lived assets.
At the time of sale, we establish an estimated reserve for trade, promotion, and other special price reductions such as contract pricing, discounts to meet competitor pricing, and on-time payment discounts. We also adjust receivable balances for, among other things, correction of billing errors, incorrect shipments, and settlement of customer disputes. Customers are allowed to return inventory if and when certain conditions regarding the physical state of the inventory and our approval of the return are met. Certain distribution customers are allowed to return inventory at original cost, in an amount not to exceed three percent of the prior year’s purchases, in exchange for an order of equal or greater value. Until we can process these reductions, corrections, and returns (together, the Changes) through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding Changes and recognize them by reducing revenues. We base these estimates on historical and anticipated sales demand, trends in product pricing, and historical and anticipated Changes patterns. We make revisions to these estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions might require us to take actions to further reduce prices and increase customer return authorizations. Unprocessed Changes recognized against our gross accounts receivable, such as price reductions, at December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $26.0 million and $24.3 million, respectively. Unprocessed Changes recognized as accrued liabilities, such as product returns, at December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $15.6 million and $11.7 million, respectively.
We are exposed to credit losses primarily through sales of products and services. Our expected loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of customers' trade accounts receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected is based on aging of the accounts receivable balances and the financial condition of customers. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for customers that have a higher probability of default. Our monitoring activities include timely account reconciliation, dispute resolution, payment confirmation, consideration of customers' financial condition and macroeconomic conditions. Balances are written off when determined to be uncollectible. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $23.1 million and $8.0 million, respectively. We also recognized bad debt expense, net of recoveries, in selling, general and administrative expenses of $15.6 million, $6.5 million, and $0.4 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Inventories and Related Reserves
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine the cost of all raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories by the first in, first out method. Cost components of inventories include direct labor, applicable production overhead, and amounts paid to suppliers of materials and products as well as freight costs and, when applicable, duty costs to import the materials and products.
We evaluate the realizability of our inventory on a product-by-product basis in light of historical and anticipated sales demand, technological changes, product life cycle, component cost trends, product pricing, and inventory condition. In circumstances where inventory levels are in excess of anticipated market demand, where inventory is deemed technologically obsolete or not saleable due to condition, or where inventory cost exceeds net realizable value, we record a charge to cost of sales and reduce the inventory to its net realizable value. The allowances for excess and obsolete inventories at December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $67.9 million and $45.9 million, respectively.
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Property, Plant and Equipment
We record property, plant and equipment at cost. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets ranging from 10 to 40 years for buildings, 5 to 12 years for machinery and equipment, and 5 to 10 years for computer equipment and software. Construction in process reflects amounts incurred for property, plant and equipment not yet placed into service. We charge maintenance and repairs—both planned major activities and less-costly, ongoing activities—to expense as incurred. We capitalize interest costs associated with the construction of capital assets and amortize the costs over the assets’ useful lives. Depreciation expense is included in costs of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the specific categorization and use of the underlying assets being depreciated.
We review property, plant and equipment to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We base our evaluation on the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flow analysis. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset.
For purposes of impairment testing of long-lived assets, we have identified asset groups at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Generally, our asset groups are based on an individual plant or operating facility level. In some circumstances, however, a combination of plants or operating facilities may be considered the asset group due to interdependence of operational activities and cash flows.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets consist of (a) definite-lived assets subject to amortization such as developed technology, customer relationships, in-service research and development, certain trademarks, backlog, and capitalized software intangible assets, and (b) indefinite-lived assets not subject to amortization such as goodwill and certain trademarks. We record amortization of the definite-lived intangible assets over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which generally range from one year or less for backlog to more than 20 years for certain of our customer relationships. We determine the amortization method for our definite-lived intangible assets based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. In the event we cannot reliably determine that pattern, we utilize a straight-line amortization method.
We test our goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment on an annual basis as of our fiscal November month-end or when indicators of impairment exist. We base our estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are not predictable with precision and therefore are inherently uncertain. Actual future results could differ from these estimates.
The accounting guidance related to goodwill impairment testing allows for the performance of an optional qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such an evaluation is made based on the weight of all available evidence and the significance of all identified events and circumstances that may influence the fair value of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is required for the reporting unit, as described in the paragraph below. In 2023, we performed a qualitative assessment over three of our reporting units.
For our annual impairment test in 2023, we performed a quantitative assessment for three of our reporting units. Under a quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment, we determine the fair value using the income approach (using Level 3 inputs). Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets including goodwill assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s net assets including goodwill exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we record an impairment charge based on that difference. In addition to the income approach, we calculate the fair value of our reporting units under a market approach. The market approach measures the fair value of a reporting unit through analysis of financial multiples of comparable businesses. Consideration is given to the financial conditions and operating performance of the reporting unit being valued relative to those publicly-traded companies operating in the same or similar lines of business. Based on our annual goodwill impairment test, the excess fair value over the carrying value for the reporting units tested under the quantitative income approach ranged from 30% to 106%. Using both an income approach and market approach, we determined that there was no impairment during 2023. During 2022 and 2021, we did not recognize any goodwill impairment from continuing operations other than a $1.7 million impairment in 2021 in connection with the sale of an oil and gas business in Brazil. See Notes 5 for further discussion.
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We also evaluate indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying values of those assets may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. We did not recognize impairment charges for our indefinite lived intangible assets from continuing operations in 2023, 2022, or 2021. See Note 13 for further discussion.
We review intangible assets subject to amortization whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We test intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment and estimate their fair values using the same assumptions and techniques we employ on property, plant and equipment. We did not recognize any impairment charges for amortizable intangible assets from continuing operations in 2023, 2022, or 2021 other than a $1.0 million in 2021 in connection with the sale of an oil and gas business in Brazil. See Note 5. Discontinued operations included an impairment charge in 2021 of $131.2 million related to the Tripwire divestiture. See Note 5.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Our pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, health care cost trend rates, mortality tables, and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. The salary growth assumptions reflect our long-term actual experience and future or near-term outlook. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Our health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, are amortized over the estimated future working life of the plan participants.
Accrued Sales Rebates
We grant incentive rebates to participating customers as part of our sales programs. The rebates are determined based on certain targeted sales volumes. Rebates are paid quarterly or annually in either cash or receivables credits. Until we can process these rebates through individual customer records, we estimate the amount of outstanding rebates and recognize them as accrued liabilities and reductions in our gross revenues. We base our estimates on both historical and anticipated sales demand and rebate program participation. We charge revisions to these estimates back to accrued liabilities and revenues in the period in which the facts that give rise to each revision become known. Future market conditions and product transitions might require us to take actions to increase sales rebates offered, possibly resulting in an incremental increase in accrued liabilities and an incremental reduction in revenues at the time the rebate is offered. Accrued sales rebates at December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $49.3 million and $55.6 million, respectively.
Contingent Liabilities
We have established liabilities for environmental and legal contingencies that are probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable, the amounts of which are currently not material. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. We review the valuation of these liabilities on a quarterly basis, and we adjust the balances to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing and emerging issues.
We accrue environmental remediation costs based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures developed in consultation with our environmental consultants and legal counsel, the amounts of which are not currently material. We expense environmental compliance costs, which include maintenance and operating costs with respect to ongoing monitoring programs, as incurred. We evaluate the range of potential costs to remediate environmental sites. The ultimate cost of site clean-up is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of our involvement in certain sites, uncertainties regarding the extent of the required clean-up, the availability of alternative clean-up methods, variations in the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, the possibility of insurance recoveries with respect to certain sites, and other factors.
We are, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to our business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of our products, allegations of patent or trademark infringement, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment matters and commercial disputes. Assessments regarding the ultimate cost of lawsuits require judgments concerning matters such as the anticipated outcome of negotiations, the number and cost of pending and future claims, and the impact of evidentiary requirements. Based on facts currently available, we believe the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
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Acquisition Accounting
We allocate the consideration of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the consideration over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded to goodwill. We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage third party valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of inventories, tangible long-lived assets, and intangible assets other than goodwill. The carrying values of acquired receivables and accounts payable have historically approximated their fair values as of the acquisition date. As necessary, we may engage third party specialists to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities, such as postretirement benefit liabilities. We adjust the preliminary acquisition accounting, as necessary, typically up to one year after the acquisition closing date as we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue consistent with the principles as outlined in the following five step model: (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. See Note 3.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes our total cost of inventory sold during the period, including material, labor, production overhead costs, variable manufacturing costs, and fixed manufacturing costs. Production overhead costs include operating supplies, applicable utility expenses, maintenance costs, and scrap. Variable manufacturing costs include inbound, interplant, and outbound freight, inventory shrinkage, and charges for excess and obsolete inventory. Fixed manufacturing costs include the costs associated with our purchasing, receiving, inspection, warehousing, distribution centers, production and inventory control, and manufacturing management. Cost of sales also includes the costs to provide maintenance and support and other professional services.
Shipping and Handling Costs
We recognize fees earned on the shipment of product to customers as revenues and recognize costs incurred on the shipment of product to customers as a cost of sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses not directly related to the production of inventory. They include all expenses related to selling and marketing our products, as well as the salary and benefit costs of associates performing the selling and marketing functions. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include salary and benefit costs, purchased services, and other costs related to our executive and administrative functions.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $18.8 million, $13.7 million, and $10.3 million for 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
We compensate certain employees and non-employee directors with various forms of share-based payment awards and recognize compensation costs for these awards based on their fair values. We estimate the fair values of certain awards, primarily stock appreciation rights (SARs), on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula, which incorporates certain assumptions regarding the expected term of an award and expected stock price volatility. We develop the expected term assumption based on the vesting period and contractual term of an award, our historical exercise and cancellation experience, our stock price history, plan provisions that require exercise or cancellation of awards after employees terminate, and the extent to which currently available information indicates that the future is reasonably expected to differ from past experience. We develop the expected volatility assumption based on historical price data for our common stock. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with service vesting conditions and performance vesting conditions based on the grant date stock price. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the assistance of a third party valuation firm.
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After calculating the aggregate fair value of an award, we use an estimated forfeiture rate to discount the amount of share-based compensation cost expected to be recognized in our operating results over the service period of the award. We develop the forfeiture assumption based on our historical pre-vesting cancellation experience.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided based on earnings reported for financial statement purposes. The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable to taxing authorities due to the temporary or permanent timing differences with respect to the recognition of revenues, expenses, and tax attributes for income tax purposes compared to financial statement purposes. Income taxes are provided as if operations in all countries, including the U.S., were stand-alone businesses filing separate tax returns.
Deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets generally represent future tax benefits to be received when these carryforwards can be applied against future taxable income or when expenses previously reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements become deductible for income tax purposes. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is required when some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. At December 31, 2023, the valuation allowance of $109.7 million was primarily related to net operating losses and capital losses that we do not currently expect to realize.
Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish accruals for uncertain tax positions when we believe that the full amount of the associated tax benefit may not be realized. To the extent we were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or would be required to pay amounts in excess of reserves, there could be a material effect on our income tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09) enhancing the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 addresses investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 are applied on a prospective basis, though retrospective application is permitted. We did not early adopt this pronouncement and are in the process of evaluating its impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Recently Adopted Securities and Exchange Commission Rules
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 imposed a 1% excise tax on the repurchase of more than $1 million of stock by publicly traded US corporations. The excise tax equals 1% of the fair market value of the stock repurchased during the tax year, reduced by the fair market value of stock issued during the tax year, including stock issued to employees of the corporation. The excise tax applies to repurchases of stock made after December 31, 2022. The amount of excise tax accrued during the year ended December 31, 2023 was immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.
Current-Year Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
None of the accounting pronouncements that became effective during 2023 had a material impact to our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment Reporting, to require public companies disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. The guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements, unless it is impracticable. The new standard will be effective for us beginning with our 2024 Form 10-K and first quarter 2025 Form 10-Q, respectively. We expect the amended guidance to have a minimal impact on our disclosures.
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Note 3: Revenues
Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in our revenues. We do not evaluate a contract for a significant financing component when the time between cash collection and performance is less than one year.
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by major product category (in thousands).
| Broadband Solutions | Industrial Automation | Smart Buildings | Total Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | $ | 555,030 | $ | — | $ | 567,801 | $ | 1,122,831 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | — | 1,389,253 | — | 1,389,253 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 555,030 | $ | 1,389,253 | $ | 567,801 | $ | 2,512,084 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | $ | 571,426 | $ | — | $ | 627,052 | $ | 1,198,478 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | — | 1,408,007 | — | 1,408,007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 571,426 | $ | 1,408,007 | $ | 627,052 | $ | 2,606,485 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | $ | 488,453 | $ | — | $ | 585,973 | $ | 1,074,426 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | — | 1,226,834 | — | 1,226,834 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 488,453 | $ | 1,226,834 | $ | 585,973 | $ | 2,301,260 | ||||||||||||||||||
The following tables present our revenues disaggregated by geography, based on the location of the customer purchasing the product (in thousands).
| Americas | EMEA | APAC | Total Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | $ | 824,991 | $ | 180,880 | $ | 116,960 | $ | 1,122,831 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | 787,739 | 385,454 | 216,060 | 1,389,253 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,612,730 | $ | 566,334 | $ | 333,020 | $ | 2,512,084 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | $ | 915,491 | $ | 149,327 | $ | 133,660 | $ | 1,198,478 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | 816,508 | 372,473 | 219,026 | 1,408,007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,731,999 | $ | 521,800 | $ | 352,686 | $ | 2,606,485 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | $ | 785,253 | $ | 150,790 | $ | 138,383 | $ | 1,074,426 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | 703,790 | 323,915 | 199,129 | 1,226,834 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,489,043 | $ | 474,705 | $ | 337,512 | $ | 2,301,260 | ||||||||||||||||||
We generate revenues primarily by selling products that support communication, infrastructure, and delivery solutions that make the digital journey simpler, smarter, and secure. We also generate revenues from providing support and professional services. We sell our products to distributors, end-users, installers, and directly to original equipment manufacturers. At times, we enter into arrangements that involve the delivery of multiple performance obligations. For these arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price and recognized when or as each performance obligation is satisfied. Generally, we determine standalone selling price using the prices charged to customers on a standalone basis. Typically, payments are due after control transfers.
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Most of our performance obligations related to the sale of products are satisfied at a point in time when control of the product is transferred to the customer, which generally occurs when the product has been shipped or delivered from our facility to our customers, the customer has legal title to the product, and we have a present right to payment for the product. We also consider any customer acceptance clauses in determining when control has transferred to the customer and typically, these clauses are not substantive.
The amount of consideration we receive and revenue we recognize varies due to rebates, returns, and price adjustments. We estimate the expected rebates, returns, and price adjustments based on an analysis of historical experience, anticipated sales demand, and trends in product pricing. For example, our estimate of price adjustments is based on our historical price adjustments as a percentage of revenues and the average time period between the original sale and the issuance of the price adjustment. We adjust our estimate of revenue for variable consideration at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration we expect to receive changes or when the consideration becomes fixed. We adjust other current assets and cost of sales for the estimated level of returns. Adjustments to revenue for performance obligations satisfied in prior periods was not significant during the year ended December 31, 2023.
The following table presents estimated and accrued variable consideration:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued rebates included in accrued liabilities | $ | 49,255 | $ | 55,559 | ||||||||||
| Accrued returns included in accrued liabilities | 15,570 | 11,700 | ||||||||||||
| Price adjustment recognized against gross accounts receivable | 26,005 | 24,304 | ||||||||||||
Depending on the terms of an arrangement, we may defer the recognition of a portion of the consideration received because we must satisfy a future performance obligation. Consideration allocated to support services under a support and maintenance contract is typically paid in advance and recognized ratably over the term of the service. Consideration allocated to professional services is recognized when or as the services are performed depending on the terms of the arrangement. Our contract terms for support, maintenance, and professional services normally require payment within one year or less of when the services will be provided. As of December 31, 2023, total deferred revenue was $31.1 million, and of this amount, $23.7 million is expected to be recognized within the next twelve months, and the remaining $7.4 million is long-term and will be recognized over a period greater than twelve months. The following table presents deferred revenue activity (in thousands):
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 19,390 | ||||||
| New deferrals | 30,472 | |||||||
| Acquisitions | 6,567 | |||||||
| Revenue recognized | (23,186) | |||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 33,243 | ||||||
| New deferrals | 35,157 | |||||||
| Acquisitions | 104 | |||||||
| Revenue recognized | (37,442) | |||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 31,062 | ||||||
Service-type warranties represent $11.1 million of the deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2023, and of this amount $6.2 million is expected to be recognized in the next twelve months, and the remaining $4.9 million is long-term and will be recognized over a period greater than twelve months. At December 31, 2023, we did not have any material contract assets recorded in the consolidated balance sheets.
We expense sales commissions as incurred when the duration of the related revenue arrangement is one year or less. We capitalize sales commissions when the original duration of the related revenue arrangement is longer than one year, and we amortize it over the related revenue arrangement period. Total capitalized sales commissions were not material for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021. We recognized $24.5 million, $24.1 million, and $20.6 million of sales commissions expense in selling, general, and administrative expenses during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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Note 4: Acquisitions
In August 2023, we acquired CloudRail GmbH (CloudRail) with cash on hand for $9.2 million, net of cash acquired.CloudRail, based in Mannheim, Germany, specializes in sensor to cloud data solutions allowing end users to quickly connect sensors on their machinery to cloud providers to drive business insights and improve outcomes. The results of CloudRail have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from August 31, 2023 and are reported within the Industrial Automation Solutions segment. The CloudRail acquisition was not material to our financial position or results of operations.
In April 2023, we acquired Berthold Sichert GmbH (Sichert) with cash on hand for $97.5 million, net of cash acquired. Sichert, based in Berlin, Germany, designs and manufactures a portfolio of polycarbonate street cabinets utilized in outside plant passive optical networks (“PON”) and 5G networks. The results of Sichert have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements from April 17, 2023 and are reported within the Enterprise Solutions segment. The Sichert acquisition was not material to our results of operations. The following table summarizes the estimated, preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in thousands):
| Receivables | $ | 5,093 | ||||||
| Inventory | 7,590 | |||||||
| Other current assets | 2,733 | |||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 13,135 | |||||||
| Intangible assets | 44,328 | |||||||
| Goodwill | 32,243 | |||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 433 | |||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 131 | |||||||
| Other long-lived assets | 4,559 | |||||||
| Total assets acquired | $ | 110,245 | ||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 1,907 | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | 4,283 | |||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 6,551 | |||||||
| Total liabilities assumed | $ | 12,741 | ||||||
| Net assets | $ | 97,504 | ||||||
The above purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to revision as additional information about the fair value of individual assets and liabilities becomes available. The preliminary measurement of receivables, intangible assets, deferred income taxes, and other assets and liabilities are subject to change. A change in the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired will change the amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill. During 2023, we recorded measurement-period adjustments that increased goodwill by $4.4 million. The impact of these adjustments to the Consolidated Statements of Operations was immaterial.
The preliminary fair value of acquired receivables is $5.1 million, which is equivalent to its gross contractual amount. A single estimate of fair value results from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and relies heavily on estimates and assumptions. The judgments we have used in estimating the preliminary fair values assigned to each class of acquired assets and assumed liabilities could materially affect the results of our operations.
For purposes of the above allocation, we based our preliminary estimate of the fair values for intangible assets on valuation studies performed by a third party valuation firm. We used various valuation methods including discounted cash flows, excess earnings, and relief from royalty to estimate the preliminary fair value of the identifiable intangible assets (Level 3 valuation). Goodwill and other intangible assets reflected above were determined to meet the criteria for recognition apart from tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is primarily attributable to the expansion of broadband product offerings in end-to-end solutions. Our tax basis in the acquired goodwill is zero.
The intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following:
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| Fair Value | Amortization Period | |||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | (In years) | |||||||||||||
| Intangible assets subject to amortization: | ||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | $ | 41,161 | 20.0 | |||||||||||
| Trademarks | 2,184 | 7.0 | ||||||||||||
| Sales backlog | 983 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||
| Total intangible assets subject to amortization | $ | 44,328 | ||||||||||||
| Intangible assets not subject to amortization: | ||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 32,243 | n/a | |||||||||||
| Total intangible assets not subject to amortization | $ | 32,243 | ||||||||||||
| Total intangible assets | $ | 76,571 | ||||||||||||
| Weighted average amortization period | 18.9 | |||||||||||||
The amortizable intangible assets reflected in the table above were determined by us to have finite lives. The useful life for the customer relationship intangible asset was based on our forecasts of estimated sales from recurring customers. The useful life for the trademarks was based on the period of time we expect to continue to go to market using the trademarks.
Note 5: Disposals
Tripwire
On February 22, 2022, we sold Tripwire for gross cash consideration of $350 million. The divestiture of Tripwire represented a strategic shift impacting our operations and financial results. As a result, the Tripwire disposal group, which was included in our Industrial Automation Solutions segment, is reported within discontinued operations. We recognized a loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $9.2 million during 2022. The following table summarizes the operating results of the Tripwire disposal group up to the February 22, 2022 disposal date:
| January 1 - February 22, 2022 | Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 12,067 | $ | 106,840 | |||||||
| Cost of sales | (3,256) | (24,321) | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 8,811 | 82,519 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | (8,185) | (48,308) | |||||||||
| Research and development expenses | (5,528) | (34,433) | |||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | (638) | (7,716) | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | (131,178) | |||||||||
| Loss before taxes | $ | (5,540) | $ | (139,116) | |||||||
From January 1, 2022 to February 22, 2022, the Tripwire disposal group did not have any capital expenditures and recognized share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Tripwire disposal group had capital expenditures of $6.1 million and recognized share-based compensation expense of $2.2 million. The disposal group did not have any significant non-cash charges for investing activities during either time period.
Brazil Oil and Gas Cable Business
During 2021, we sold an oil and gas cable business in Brazil that met all of the criteria to classify the assets and liabilities of this business, formerly part of the Industrial Automation Solutions segment, as held for sale. At such time, the carrying value of the disposal group exceeded the fair value less costs to sell, which we determined based upon the expected sale price, by $3.4 million. Therefore, we recognized an impairment charge of $3.4 million (including a goodwill impairment of $1.7 million and intangible asset impairment of $1.0 million) in 2021. The impairment charge was excluded from Segment EBITDA of our Industrial Automation Solutions segment. We completed the sale of the oil and gas cable business in Brazil during 2021 for $10.9 million, net of cash delivered with the business.
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Grass Valley
During 2020, we sold Grass Valley to Black Dragon Capital. The sale included deferred consideration consisting of a $175.0 million seller’s note, up to $88 million in PIK (payment-in-kind) interest on the seller’s note, and $178.0 million in potential earnout payments. Based upon a third party valuation specialist using certain assumptions in a Monte Carlo analysis, the estimated fair value of the seller’s note was $34.9 million. During 2021, we sold the seller's note to a third party for $62.0 million and recognized a gain on sale of $27.0 million. We accounted for the earnout under a loss recovery approach and did not record an asset as of the disposal date. Any subsequent recognition of an earnout will be based on the gain contingency guidance.
Note 6: Operating Segments and Geographic Information
We are organized around two global businesses: Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions. Each of the global businesses represents a reportable segment. The segments design, manufacture, and market a portfolio of signal transmission solutions for mission critical applications used in a variety of end markets. We sell the products manufactured by our segments through distributors or directly to systems integrators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), end-users, and installers.
The key measures of segment profit or loss reviewed by our chief operating decision maker are Segment Revenues and Segment EBITDA. Segment Revenues represent non-affiliate revenues. Segment EBITDA excludes certain items, including depreciation expense; amortization of intangibles; asset impairment; severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs; adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures; and other costs. We allocate corporate expenses to the segments for purposes of measuring Segment EBITDA. Corporate expenses are allocated on the basis of each segment’s relative EBITDA prior to the allocation.
Our measure of segment assets does not include cash, goodwill, intangible assets, deferred tax assets, or corporate assets. All goodwill is allocated to reporting units of our segments for purposes of impairment testing.
Operating Segment Information
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | |||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenues | $ | 1,122,831 | $ | 1,198,478 | $ | 1,074,426 | |||||||||||
| Segment EBITDA | 149,107 | 161,517 | 144,509 | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 24,943 | 23,387 | 21,627 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 20,085 | 17,595 | 17,595 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of software development intangible assets | — | 54 | 94 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures | 5,359 | 5,589 | (7,052) | ||||||||||||||
| Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs | 11,221 | 9,200 | 13,800 | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of property, plant and equipment | 36,237 | 33,535 | 36,726 | ||||||||||||||
| Segment assets | 637,105 | 593,653 | 563,141 | ||||||||||||||
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| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | |||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenues | $ | 1,389,253 | $ | 1,408,007 | $ | 1,226,834 | |||||||||||
| Segment EBITDA | 287,328 | 277,079 | 222,684 | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 26,436 | 23,282 | 21,446 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 20,290 | 20,265 | 13,035 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of software development intangible assets | 7,692 | 3,821 | 1,485 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures | 818 | 2,244 | 2,017 | ||||||||||||||
| Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs | 13,931 | 7,485 | 10,067 | ||||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | — | 9,283 | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of property, plant and equipment | 64,072 | 58,713 | 41,269 | ||||||||||||||
| Segment assets | 727,477 | 677,235 | 600,380 | ||||||||||||||
| Total Segments | |||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenues | $ | 2,512,084 | $ | 2,606,485 | $ | 2,301,260 | |||||||||||
| Segment EBITDA | 436,435 | 438,596 | 367,193 | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | 51,379 | 46,669 | 43,073 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 40,375 | 37,860 | 30,630 | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of software development intangible assets | 7,692 | 3,875 | 1,579 | ||||||||||||||
| Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures | 6,177 | 7,833 | (5,035) | ||||||||||||||
| Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs | 25,152 | 16,685 | 23,867 | ||||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | — | 9,283 | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of property, plant and equipment | 100,309 | 92,248 | 77,995 | ||||||||||||||
| Segment assets | 1,364,582 | 1,270,888 | 1,163,521 | ||||||||||||||
The following table is a reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ Revenues and EBITDA to consolidated revenues and consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes, respectively.
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Segment Revenues and Consolidated Revenues | $ | 2,512,084 | $ | 2,606,485 | $ | 2,301,260 | |||||||||||
| Total Segment EBITDA | $ | 436,435 | $ | 438,596 | $ | 367,193 | |||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | (51,379) | (46,669) | (43,073) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | (40,375) | (37,860) | (30,630) | ||||||||||||||
| Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs (1) | (25,152) | (16,685) | (23,867) | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of software development intangible assets | (7,692) | (3,875) | (1,579) | ||||||||||||||
| Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures (2) | (6,177) | (7,833) | 5,035 | ||||||||||||||
| Asset impairments (3) | — | — | (9,283) | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets (4) | 12,056 | 37,891 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Eliminations | (198) | (231) | (120) | ||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating income | 317,518 | 363,334 | 263,676 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (33,625) | (43,554) | (62,693) | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on debt extinguishment | — | (6,392) | (5,715) | ||||||||||||||
| Non-operating pension benefit | 1,863 | 4,005 | 4,476 | ||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of note receivable | — | — | 27,036 | ||||||||||||||
| Consolidated income from continuing operations before taxes | $ | 285,756 | $ | 317,393 | $ | 226,780 | |||||||||||
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(1)Includes costs from programs described in Note 15, Restructuring Activities as well as other immaterial programs.
(2)In 2023, we incurred $4.1 million for lease guarantees associated with the Grass Valley disposal (see Note 12), $1.5 million related to fair value adjustments of acquired inventory and other assets, and $0.6 million of net losses associated with the sales of businesses. In 2022, we incurred $10.1 million for lease guarantees associated with the Grass Valley disposal, $2.2 million related to fair value adjustments of acquired inventory and other assets, and gains of $4.5 million on collections from previously written off receivables associated with the sale of Grass Valley. In 2021, we collected $2.2 million of receivables associated with the sale of Grass Valley and acquisition of SPC that were previously written off, reduced the Opterna earn-out liability by $5.8 million, recognized cost of sales of $2.3 million related to adjustments of acquired inventory to fair value, and recognized a $0.6 million loss on the sale of tangible assets.
(3)In 2021, we recognized a $3.6 million and a $5.7 million impairment on assets held for sale. See Note 11, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for details.
(4)During 2023, we sold certain real estate in Canada for $13.8 million, net of transaction costs and recognized a $12.1 million pre-tax gain on sale. During 2022, we sold certain real estate in the United States for $42.2 million, net of transaction costs and recognized a $37.9 million pre-tax gain on sale. See Note 11, Property, Plant, and Equipment, for details.
Below are reconciliations of other segment measures to the consolidated totals.
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total segment assets | $ | 1,364,582 | $ | 1,270,888 | $ | 1,163,521 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 597,044 | 687,676 | 641,563 | ||||||||||||||
Goodwill | 907,331 | 862,253 | 821,448 | ||||||||||||||
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization | 269,144 | 246,830 | 238,155 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 15,739 | 14,642 | 31,736 | ||||||||||||||
Corporate assets | 86,351 | 79,386 | 72,102 | ||||||||||||||
Assets of discontinued operations | — | — | 449,152 | ||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 3,240,191 | $ | 3,161,675 | $ | 3,417,677 | |||||||||||
| Total segment acquisition of property, plant and equipment | $ | 100,309 | $ | 92,248 | $ | 77,995 | |||||||||||
| Corporate acquisition of property, plant and equipment | 16,422 | 12,846 | 6,855 | ||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations acquisition of property, plant and equipment | — | — | 6,132 | ||||||||||||||
| Total acquisition of property, plant and equipment | $ | 116,731 | $ | 105,094 | $ | 90,982 | |||||||||||
Geographic Information
The Company attributes foreign sales based on the location of the customer purchasing the product. The table below summarizes net sales and long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 for the following countries: U.S., Canada, China, and Germany. No other individual foreign country’s net sales or long-lived assets are material to the Company.
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| United States | Canada | China | Germany | All Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 1,383,212 | $ | 169,122 | $ | 104,718 | $ | 134,130 | $ | 720,902 | $ | 2,512,084 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of total revenues | 55 | % | 7 | % | 4 | % | 5 | % | 29 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-lived assets | $ | 230,267 | $ | 13,355 | $ | 45,326 | $ | 67,758 | $ | 144,606 | $ | 501,312 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 1,448,247 | $ | 188,013 | $ | 126,904 | $ | 131,485 | $ | 711,836 | $ | 2,606,485 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of total revenues | 56 | % | 7 | % | 5 | % | 5 | % | 27 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-lived assets | $ | 203,070 | $ | 12,805 | $ | 45,866 | $ | 44,061 | $ | 122,565 | $ | 428,367 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 1,201,540 | $ | 186,834 | $ | 149,036 | $ | 112,710 | $ | 651,140 | $ | 2,301,260 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of total revenues | 52 | % | 8 | % | 7 | % | 5 | % | 28 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-lived assets | $ | 170,420 | $ | 12,578 | $ | 46,776 | $ | 37,208 | $ | 106,140 | $ | 373,122 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Major Customer
Revenues generated in both the Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions segments from our largest customer were approximately $378.1 million (15% of revenues), $387.7 million (15% of revenues), and $374.8 million (16% of revenues) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $61.9 million and $28.8 million in accounts receivable outstanding from this customer, which represented approximately 15% and 7% of our total accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 7: Noncontrolling Interest
During 2023, we sold our 51% ownership interest in Shanghai Hi-Tech Control System Co, Ltd to (Hite) for $0.9 million and recognized a $0.4 million pretax gain on sale. The sale also includes $0.6 million of potential earnout payments. The joint venture developed and provided certain Industrial Automation Solutions products and integrated solutions to customers in China. The joint venture was determined to not have sufficient equity at risk; therefore, it was considered a variable interest entity. As Belden was the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, due to both our ownership percentage and control over the activities of the joint venture, we consolidated the joint venture in our financial statements and presented the results of the joint venture attributable to Hite’s ownership as net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Statements of Operations up to April 28, 2023 when we sold and deconsolidated the entity. The joint venture was not material to our consolidated financial statements as of or for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, or 2021.
A Belden subsidiary includes a noncontrolling interest as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The results attributable to the noncontrolling interest holders are not material to our consolidated financial statements and are presented as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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Note 8: Income Per Share
The following table presents the basis of the income per share computations:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Numerator: | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | $ | 242,556 | $ | 267,748 | $ | 198,841 | |||||||||||
| Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (203) | 159 | 392 | ||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations attributable to Belden common stockholders | 242,759 | 267,589 | 198,449 | ||||||||||||||
| Add: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | — | (3,685) | (136,384) | ||||||||||||||
| Add: Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax | — | (9,241) | 1,860 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Belden common stockholders | $ | 242,759 | $ | 254,663 | $ | 63,925 | |||||||||||
| Denominator: | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding, basic | 42,237 | 43,845 | 44,802 | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents | 622 | 692 | 559 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted | 42,859 | 44,537 | 45,361 | ||||||||||||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding is used to calculate diluted loss per share when the numerator is a loss because using diluted weighted average shares outstanding would be anti-dilutive.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 0.2 million, 0.8 million, and 1.1 million, respectively, because they are anti-dilutive. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, diluted weighted average shares outstanding do not include outstanding equity awards of 0.3 million, 0.2 million, and 0.2 million, respectively, because the related performance conditions have not been satisfied.
For purposes of calculating basic earnings per share, unvested restricted stock units are not included in the calculation of basic weighted average shares outstanding until all necessary conditions have been satisfied and issuance of the shares underlying the restricted stock units is no longer contingent. Necessary conditions are not satisfied until the vesting date, at which time holders of our restricted stock units receive shares of our common stock.
For purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, unvested restricted stock units are included to the extent that they are dilutive. In determining whether unvested restricted stock units are dilutive, each issuance of restricted stock units is considered separately.
Once a restricted stock unit has vested, it is included in the calculation of both basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
Note 9: Credit Losses
We are exposed to credit losses primarily through sales of products and services. Our expected loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of customers' trade accounts receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of accounts receivable that may not be collected is based upon the aging of accounts receivable balances and the financial condition of customers. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for customers that have a higher probability of default. Our monitoring activities include timely account reconciliation, dispute resolution, payment confirmation, consideration of customers' financial condition and macroeconomic conditions. Balances are written off when determined to be uncollectible.
Estimates are used to determine the allowance, which is based upon an assessment of anticipated payments as well as other information that is reasonably available. The following table presents the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands).
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| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 4,864 | ||||||
| Current period provision | 6,615 | |||||||
| Write-offs | (3,648) | |||||||
| Recoveries collected | (121) | |||||||
| Acquisitions | 319 | |||||||
| Currency impact | (75) | |||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 7,954 | ||||||
| Current period provision | 15,745 | |||||||
| Write-offs | (154) | |||||||
| Recoveries collected | (861) | |||||||
| Acquisitions | 422 | |||||||
| Currency impact | 8 | |||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 23,114 | ||||||
Note 10: Inventories
The major classes of inventories were as follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Raw materials | $ | 185,233 | $ | 162,154 | |||||||
| Work-in-process | 41,197 | 35,011 | |||||||||
| Finished goods | 208,425 | 190,311 | |||||||||
| Gross inventories | 434,855 | 387,476 | |||||||||
| Excess and obsolete reserves | (67,868) | (45,913) | |||||||||
| Net inventories | $ | 366,987 | $ | 341,563 | |||||||
Note 11: Property, Plant and Equipment
The carrying values of property, plant and equipment were as follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Land and land improvements | $ | 27,627 | $ | 25,547 | |||||||
| Buildings and leasehold improvements | 108,960 | 102,451 | |||||||||
| Machinery and equipment | 666,527 | 631,680 | |||||||||
| Computer equipment and software | 132,668 | 127,434 | |||||||||
| Construction in process | 157,056 | 106,361 | |||||||||
| Gross property, plant and equipment | 1,092,838 | 993,473 | |||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | (641,769) | (611,609) | |||||||||
| Net property, plant and equipment | $ | 451,069 | $ | 381,864 | |||||||
Depreciation Expense
We recognized depreciation expense in income from continuing operations of $51.4 million, $46.7 million, and $43.9 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Gain on Sale of Assets
During 2022, we sold certain real estate in the United States for $42.2 million, net of transaction costs and recognized a $37.9 million pre-tax gain on sale. This gain on sale was excluded from Segment EBITDA of our Industrial Automation Solutions segment.
59
Sale-Leasebacks
During 2023, we sold certain real estate in Canada as part of a sale and leaseback transaction for CAD$18.6 million (approximately $13.8 million), net of transaction costs and recognized a $12.1 million pre-tax gain on sale. This gain on sale was excluded from Segment EBITDA of our Industrial Automation Solutions segment. The lease is for a term of 10 years and as of December 31, 2023, had a total right-of-use asset balance of $10.1 million.
During 2021, we sold certain real estate in Germany as part of a sale and leaseback transaction for €24.5 million (approximately $27.8 million) and recognized a $0.6 million loss on the sale. The lease is for a term of 10 years and as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, had a total right-of-use asset balance of $20.5 million and $21.7 million, respectively. When the assets met the held for sale criteria during 2021, we performed a recoverability test and determined that the carrying values of the assets were not recoverable and as a result, recognized a $2.3 million impairment charge to write them down to fair value. The impairment charge was excluded from Segment EBITDA of our Industrial Automation Solutions segment.
Asset Impairments
During 2021, we sold an oil and gas business in Brazil and recognized an impairment charge of $3.4 million (includes a goodwill impairment of $1.7 million and intangible asset impairment of $1.0 million). See Note 5.
During 2021, we also performed a recoverability test over certain held and used long-lived assets in our Industrial Automation Solutions segment. We determined that the carrying values of the assets were not recoverable and recognized a $3.6 million impairment charge to write them down to fair value. This impairment charge was excluded from Segment EBITDA of our Industrial Automation Solutions segment.
Note 12: Leases
We have operating and finance leases for properties, including manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and office space; as well as vehicles and certain equipment. We make certain judgments in determining whether a contract contains a lease in accordance with ASU 2016-02. Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than 1 year to 15 years, some of which include options to extend the lease for a period of up to 15 years and some include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. We do not assume renewals in our determination of the lease term unless the renewals are deemed to be reasonably certain as of the commencement date of the lease. Our lease agreements do not contain material residual value guarantees, and our variable lease payments were $3.1 million and $2.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
We have entered into various short-term operating leases with an initial term of twelve months or less. These leases are not recorded on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 or 2022, and the rent expense for short-term leases was not material.
We have certain property and equipment lease contracts that may contain lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to utilize the practical expedient to account for these components together as a single combined lease component.
As the rate implicit in most of our leases is not readily determinable, we use the incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments, which is unique to each leased asset and is based upon the term, commencement date, location, and local currency of the leased asset as well as the credit rating of the legal entity leasing the asset.
The components of lease expense were as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease cost | $ | 22,562 | $ | 21,420 | $ | 18,607 | |||||||||||
| Finance lease cost | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use asset | $ | 780 | $ | 878 | $ | 528 | |||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | 330 | 258 | 14 | ||||||||||||||
| Total finance lease cost | $ | 1,110 | $ | 1,136 | $ | 542 | |||||||||||
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Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 19,080 | $ | 18,338 | $ | 15,737 | |||||||||||
Operating and financing cash flows from finance leases were not material for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands, except lease term and discount rate) | |||||||||||
| Operating leases: | |||||||||||
| Total operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | 89,686 | $ | 73,376 | |||||||
| $ | 18,226 | $ | 16,442 | ||||||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | 74,941 | 59,250 | |||||||||
| Total operating lease liabilities | $ | 93,167 | $ | 75,692 | |||||||
| Finance leases: | |||||||||||
| $ | 6,560 | $ | 6,323 | ||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | (1,347) | (733) | |||||||||
| Other long-lived assets, net | $ | 5,213 | $ | 5,590 | |||||||
| $ | 719 | $ | 391 | ||||||||
| 6,084 | 5,928 | ||||||||||
| Total finance lease liabilities | $ | 6,803 | $ | 6,319 | |||||||
| Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | 6 years | 6 years | |||||||||
| Finance leases | 9 years | 10 years | |||||||||
| Weighted Average Discount Rate | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | 5.0% | 5.2 | % | ||||||||
| Finance leases | 4.3% | 4.2 | % | ||||||||
The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
| 2024 | $ | 18,664 | ||||||
| 2025 | 18,173 | |||||||
| 2026 | 16,527 | |||||||
| 2027 | 9,074 | |||||||
| 2028 | 7,350 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 28,068 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 97,856 | ||||||
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The following table summarizes maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
| 2023 | $ | 15,815 | ||||||
| 2024 | 14,809 | |||||||
| 2025 | 13,472 | |||||||
| 2026 | 11,964 | |||||||
| 2027 | 6,464 | |||||||
| Thereafter | 20,907 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 83,431 | ||||||
In addition, we covenanted the lease payments for certain Grass Valley property leases with expiration dates extending up to 2035. These lease guarantees were retained by Belden and not transferred to the buyer of Grass Valley (see Note 5). As of December 31, 2023, the fixed, remaining base rent payments were $22 million. In 2023 and 2022, we recognized $4.1 million and $10.1 million, respectively, related to the guarantees in selling, general and administrative expenses. These costs were excluded from Segment EBITDA of our Enterprise Solutions segment. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had a liability for expected, future payments of $11.3 million and $9.4 million, respectively. The liability is based on certain assumptions, such as receiving a level of sublease income, that we continually reassess on an ongoing basis. We will update the estimated liability balance for changes in assumptions as needed.
Note 13: Intangible Assets
The carrying values of intangible assets were as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 907,331 | $ | — | $ | 907,331 | $ | 862,253 | $ | — | $ | 862,253 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Definite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed technology | $ | 300,240 | $ | (219,210) | $ | 81,030 | $ | 273,524 | $ | (190,808) | $ | 82,716 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 296,616 | (145,739) | 150,877 | 253,275 | (129,730) | 123,545 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks | 43,862 | (35,089) | 8,773 | 40,951 | (30,077) | 10,874 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Backlog | 14,847 | (13,483) | 1,364 | 13,554 | (11,192) | 2,362 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In-service research and development | 5,000 | (5,000) | — | 5,507 | (5,342) | 165 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-compete agreements | 810 | (710) | 100 | 780 | (612) | 168 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total intangible assets subject to amortization | $ | 661,375 | $ | (419,231) | $ | 242,144 | $ | 587,591 | $ | (367,761) | $ | 219,830 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks | $ | 27,000 | $ | — | $ | 27,000 | $ | 27,000 | $ | — | $ | 27,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total intangible assets not subject to amortization | $ | 27,000 | $ | — | $ | 27,000 | $ | 27,000 | $ | — | $ | 27,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | $ | 688,375 | $ | (419,231) | $ | 269,144 | $ | 614,591 | $ | (367,761) | $ | 246,830 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Segment Allocation of Goodwill and Trademarks
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to reporting units in our reportable segments are as follows:
| Enterprise Solutions | Industrial Automation Solutions | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 473,241 | $ | 348,207 | $ | 821,448 | |||||||||||
| Acquisitions | 6,528 | 44,068 | 50,596 | ||||||||||||||
Translation impact | (1,935) | (7,856) | (9,791) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 477,834 | $ | 384,419 | $ | 862,253 | |||||||||||
| Acquisitions | 32,243 | 5,816 | 38,059 | ||||||||||||||
| Translation impact | 1,447 | 5,572 | 7,019 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 511,524 | $ | 395,807 | $ | 907,331 | |||||||||||
The carrying amount of a certain indefinite-lived trademark in our Enterprise Solutions segment was $27.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Annual Impairment Test
The annual measurement date for our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test is our fiscal November month-end. For our 2023 goodwill impairment test, we performed a quantitative assessment for three of our reporting units and determined the estimated fair values by calculating the present value of estimated future cash flows using Level 3 inputs. We determined that the fair values for the reporting units were in excess of their respective carrying values. We performed a qualitative assessment for the remaining three reporting units, and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit was greater than its respective carrying value. Therefore, we did not record any goodwill impairment in 2023. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment from continuing operations in 2022 or 2021 other than a $1.7 million impairment in 2021 in connection with the sale of an oil and gas business in Brazil. See Note 5.
For our quantitative impairment test in 2023, the excess of the fair value over the carrying value for the reporting units ranged from 30% to 106%. The assumptions used to estimate fair value were based on the past performance of the reporting unit as well as the projections incorporated in our strategic plan. Significant assumptions included sales growth, profitability, and related cash flows, along with cash flows associated with taxes and capital spending. The discount rate used to estimate fair value was risk adjusted in consideration of the economic conditions in effect at the time of the impairment test. We also considered assumptions that market participants may use. In our assessment, the discount rate ranged from 11.9% to 13.8%, the 2024 to 2033 compounded annual revenue growth rate ranged from 4.2% to 6.3%, and the revenue growth rate beyond 2033 ranged from 2.0% to 3.0%. By their nature, these assumptions involve risks and uncertainties. There is inherent risk associated with using an income approach to estimate fair values. If actual results are significantly different from our estimates or assumptions, we may have to recognize impairment charges that could be material.
We tested our indefinite-lived intangible asset, a trademark, for impairment during the fourth quarter using a quantitative assessment. We determined the fair value of the trademark using a relief from royalty methodology and compared the fair value to the carrying value. Significant assumptions to determine fair value included sales growth, royalty rates, and discount rates. We did not recognize any indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges in 2023, 2022, or 2021.
Impairment of Discontinued Operations
Prior to the Tripwire divestiture in 2022, we recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $131.2 million during 2021. See Note 5.
Amortization Expense
We recognized amortization expense in income from continuing operations of $48.1 million, $41.7 million, and $32.2 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. We expect to recognize annual amortization expense of $44.7 million in 2024, $39.5 million in 2025, $27.6 million in 2026, $26.4 million in 2027, and $21.5 million in 2028 related to our intangible assets balance as of December 31, 2023.
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Note 14: Accrued Liabilities
The carrying values of accrued liabilities were as follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Wages, severance and related taxes | $ | 71,880 | $ | 86,536 | |||||||
| Accrued rebates | 49,255 | 55,559 | |||||||||
| Employee benefits | 27,487 | 26,421 | |||||||||
| Deferred revenue | 23,718 | 26,215 | |||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 18,945 | 16,833 | |||||||||
| Accrued interest | 18,774 | 18,154 | |||||||||
| Other (individual items less than 5% of total current liabilities) | 80,230 | 60,143 | |||||||||
| Accrued liabilities | $ | 290,289 | $ | 289,861 | |||||||
Note 15: Restructuring Activities
During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we incurred costs related to the programs described below. We also incurred costs related to other individually insignificant programs.
Productivity Initiative Program
We initiated a productivity program in response to weaker economic conditions experienced in the second half of 2023. The Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions segments incurred $3.6 million and $5.5 million, respectively, of severance and other costs during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Acquisition Integration Program
We are integrating our recent acquisitions with our existing businesses to achieve desired cost savings, primarily by focusing on consolidating existing and acquired facilities as well as other support functions. The Enterprise Solutions segment incurred $6.5 million, $4.8 million, and $9.6 million of restructuring and integration costs during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The Industrial Automation Solutions segment incurred $3.0 million, $3.4 million, and $3.0 million of restructuring and integration costs during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Manufacturing Footprint Program
We consolidated our manufacturing footprint in the Americas region during 2022. The Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions segments incurred $3.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of severance and other costs during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Cost Reduction Program
We executed a cost reduction program to streamline the organizational structure and invest in technology to drive productivity. The Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions segments incurred $2.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively, of severance and other costs during the year ended December 31, 2021.
The following table summarizes the costs of the programs described above by segment, all of which were excluded from Segment EBITDA:
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| Severance | Restructuring and Integration Costs | Total Costs | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | $ | 4,180 | $ | 5,948 | $ | 10,128 | |||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | 4,674 | 3,852 | 8,526 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 8,854 | $ | 9,800 | $ | 18,654 | |||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | $ | 1,070 | $ | 7,060 | $ | 8,130 | |||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | 493 | 7,847 | 8,340 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,563 | $ | 14,907 | $ | 16,470 | |||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise Solutions | $ | 1,121 | $ | 11,062 | $ | 12,183 | |||||||||||
| Industrial Automation Solutions | 2,555 | 3,629 | 6,184 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,676 | $ | 14,691 | $ | 18,367 | |||||||||||
The restructuring and integration costs incurred during 2023, 2022, and 2021 primarily consisted of equipment transfer, costs to consolidate operating and support facilities, retention bonuses, relocation, travel, legal, and other costs. The majority of the restructuring and integration costs related to these actions were paid as incurred or are payable within the next 60 days.
The following table summarizes the costs of the programs described above by financial statement line item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 1,667 | $ | 10,060 | $ | 8,493 | ||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 15,362 | 6,410 | 9,874 | |||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 1,625 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 18,654 | $ | 16,470 | $ | 18,367 | ||||||||||||||
Accrued Severance
There were no significant severance accrual balances as of December 31, 2022. The table below sets forth severance activity included in accrued liabilities that occurred for the Productivity Initiative Program described above (in thousands).
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | — | |||||||||
| New charges | 8,254 | ||||||||||
| Cash payments | (3,151) | ||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | 68 | ||||||||||
| Other adjustments | (161) | ||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 5,010 | |||||||||
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Note 16: Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements
The carrying values of our long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements were as follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Revolving credit agreement due 2026 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
| Senior subordinated notes: | |||||||||||
3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2027 | 497,025 | 480,330 | |||||||||
3.875% Senior subordinated notes due 2028 | 386,575 | 373,590 | |||||||||
3.375% Senior subordinated notes due 2031 | 331,350 | 320,220 | |||||||||
| Total senior subordinated notes | 1,214,950 | 1,174,140 | |||||||||
| Less unamortized debt issuance costs | (10,739) | (12,964) | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | $ | 1,204,211 | $ | 1,161,176 | |||||||
Revolving Credit Agreement due 2026
In 2021, we entered into an amended and restated Revolving Credit Agreement that provides a $300.0 million multi-currency asset-based revolving credit facility (the Revolver). The maturity date of the Revolver is June 2, 2026. The borrowing base under the Revolver includes eligible accounts receivable; inventory; and property, plant and equipment of certain of our subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Interest on outstanding borrowings is variable, based upon SOFR or other similar indices in foreign jurisdictions, plus a spread that ranges from 1.25%-1.75%, depending upon our leverage position. Outstanding borrowings in the U.S. and Canada may also, at our election,
be priced on a base rate plus a spread that ranges from 0.25% — 0.75%, depending on our leverage position. We pay a commitment fee on our available borrowing capacity of 0.25%. In the event we borrow more than 90% of our combined borrowing base or our borrowing base availability is less than $20.0 million, we are subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant. In 2021, we paid approximately $2.3 million of fees when we amended the Revolver, which are being amortized over the remaining term of the Revolver. As of December 31, 2023, we had no borrowings outstanding on the Revolver, and our available borrowing capacity was $289.1 million.
Senior Subordinated Notes
We have outstanding €450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.375% senior subordinated notes due 2027 (the 2027 Notes). The carrying value of the 2027 Notes as of December 31, 2023 is $497.0 million. The 2027 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by our current and future domestic subsidiaries. The 2027 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2031 and 2028 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year.
We have outstanding €350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% senior subordinated notes due 2028 (the 2028 Notes). The carrying value of the 2028 Notes as of December 31, 2023 is $386.6 million. The 2028 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by our current and future domestic subsidiaries. The 2028 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2031 and 2027 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year.
In 2021, we completed an offering for €300.0 million ($356.0 million at issuance) aggregate principal amount of 3.375% senior subordinated notes due 2031 (the 2031 Notes). The carrying value of the 2031 Notes as of December 31, 2023 is $331.4 million. The 2031 Notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by our current and future domestic subsidiaries. The 2031 Notes rank equal in right of payment with our senior subordinated notes due 2028 and 2027 and with any future subordinated debt, and they are subordinated to all of our senior debt and the senior debt of our subsidiary guarantors, including our Revolver. Interest is payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing January 15, 2022. In 2021, we paid approximately $5.9 million of fees associated with the issuance of the 2031 Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the 2031 Notes using the effective interest method. We used the net proceeds from this offering, along with cash on hand, to fund the full redemption of the 2025 Notes.
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We had outstanding €300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior subordinated notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes). In 2021, we repurchased the full €300.0 million 2025 Notes outstanding for cash consideration of €302.2 million ($358.5 million), including a redemption premium, and recognized a $5.7 million loss on debt extinguishment including the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
We had outstanding €200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior subordinated notes due 2026 (the 2026 Notes). In 2022, we repurchased the full €200.0 million 2026 Notes outstanding for cash consideration of €204.1 million ($227.9 million), including a redemption premium, and recognized a $6.4 million loss on debt extinguishment including the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
The fair value of our senior subordinated notes as of December 31, 2023 was approximately $1,141.8 million based on quoted prices of the debt instruments in inactive markets (Level 2 valuation). This amount represents the fair values of our senior subordinated notes with a carrying value of $1,215.0 million as of December 31, 2023.
Redemption Prices
The senior subordinated notes due 2027 and 2028 were redeemable after July 15, 2022 and March 15, 2023, respectively, and the senior subordinated notes due 2031 are redeemable after July 15, 2026 at the following redemption prices as a percentage of the face amount of the notes:
| Senior Subordinated Notes due | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | 2028 | 2031 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year | Percentage | Year | Percentage | Year | Percentage | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 101.688 | % | 2023 | 101.938 | % | 2026 | 101.688 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 101.125 | % | 2024 | 101.292 | % | 2027 | 100.844 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 100.563 | % | 2025 | 100.646 | % | 2028 | 100.422 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 and thereafter | 100.000 | % | 2026 and thereafter | 100.000 | % | 2029 and thereafter | 100.000 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maturities
Maturities on outstanding long-term debt and other borrowings during each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2023 are as follows (in thousands):
| 2024 | $ | — | |||
| 2025 | — | ||||
| 2026 | — | ||||
| 2027 | 497,025 | ||||
| 2028 | 386,575 | ||||
| Thereafter | 331,350 | ||||
| $ | 1,214,950 | ||||
Note 17: Net Investment Hedge
All of our euro denominated notes were issued by Belden Inc., a USD functional currency entity. As of December 31, 2023, €567.8 million of our outstanding foreign denominated debt is designated as a net investment hedge on the foreign currency risk of our net investment in our euro foreign operations. The objective of the hedge is to protect the net investment in the foreign operation against adverse changes in the euro exchange rate. The transaction gain or loss is reported in the translation adjustment section of other comprehensive income. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the transaction gain (loss) associated with the net investment hedge reported in other comprehensive income was $(21.5) million, $41.9 million, and $67.6 million, respectively. During 2022, we de-designated €200.0 million of our outstanding debt that was previously designated as a net investment hedge. After the de-designation, transaction gains or losses associated with this debt are reported in income from continuing operations.
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Note 18: Income Taxes
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before taxes: | |||||||||||||||||
| United States operations | $ | 86,805 | $ | 97,900 | $ | 188,650 | |||||||||||
| Foreign operations | 198,951 | 219,493 | 38,130 | ||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before taxes | $ | 285,756 | $ | 317,393 | $ | 226,780 | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit): | |||||||||||||||||
| Currently payable | |||||||||||||||||
| United States federal | $ | 34,091 | $ | 34,310 | $ | 1,649 | |||||||||||
| United States state and local | 3,900 | 4,801 | 2,453 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | 18,166 | 6,677 | 15,984 | ||||||||||||||
| 56,157 | 45,788 | 20,086 | |||||||||||||||
| Deferred | |||||||||||||||||
| United States federal | (7,497) | (446) | 16,354 | ||||||||||||||
| United States state and local | (623) | (50) | 5,988 | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign | (4,837) | 4,353 | (14,489) | ||||||||||||||
| (12,957) | 3,857 | 7,853 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 43,200 | $ | 49,645 | $ | 27,939 | |||||||||||
In addition to the above income tax expense associated with continuing operations, we also recorded an income tax benefit associated with discontinued operations of $0.0 million, $2.5 million, and $2.7 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| Effective income tax rate reconciliation from continuing operations: | |||||||||||||||||
| United States federal statutory rate | 21.0% | 21.0% | 21.0% | ||||||||||||||
| State and local income taxes | 0.8% | 1.2% | 3.4% | ||||||||||||||
| Impact of change in tax contingencies | 0.3% | 0.1% | (0.7)% | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign income tax rate differences | (10.5)% | (10.9)% | 0.7% | ||||||||||||||
| Impact of change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance | 0.5% | (2.5)% | (19.1)% | ||||||||||||||
| Domestic permanent differences and tax credits | 2.9% | 6.3% | 6.0% | ||||||||||||||
| Impact of share-based compensation | 0.1% | 0.4% | 1.0% | ||||||||||||||
| 15.1% | 15.6% | 12.3% | |||||||||||||||
In 2023, the most significant difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate was the impact of foreign tax rate differences. Foreign tax rate differences resulted in an income tax expense (benefit) of $(30.1) million, $(34.4) million, and $1.5 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
An additional significant difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate was the impact of domestic permanent differences and tax credits. We recognized a total income tax expense from domestic permanent differences and tax credits of $8.4 million in 2023, primarily associated with our foreign income inclusions.
If we were to repatriate foreign cash to the U.S., we may be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes in accordance with applicable U.S. tax rules and regulations as a result of the repatriation. However, it is our intent to permanently reinvest the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations and for continued non-U.S. growth opportunities.
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The components of deferred income taxes were as follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Components of deferred income tax balances: | |||||||||||
| Deferred income tax liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Plant, equipment, and intangibles | $ | (98,112) | $ | (94,189) | |||||||
| Right of use asset | (21,440) | (19,853) | |||||||||
| (119,552) | (114,042) | ||||||||||
| Deferred income tax assets: | |||||||||||
| Postretirement, pensions, and stock compensation | 17,052 | 17,368 | |||||||||
| Reserves and accruals | 41,474 | 25,519 | |||||||||
| Net operating loss, capital loss, and tax credit carryforwards | 114,896 | 149,607 | |||||||||
| Lease liability | 22,073 | 19,938 | |||||||||
| Valuation allowances | (109,676) | (142,330) | |||||||||
| 85,819 | 70,102 | ||||||||||
| Net deferred income tax liability | $ | (33,733) | $ | (43,940) | |||||||
The decreases in valuation allowances and deferred tax assets related to net operating loss, capital loss, and tax credit carryforwards primarily relate to the write-offs of the $35.0 million deferred tax asset and corresponding $35.0 million valuation allowance associated with a capital loss from the divestiture of Tripwire that we will not be able to utilize prior to its expiration.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $93.6 million of gross net operating loss carryforwards, $6.2 million of tax credit carryforwards, and $399.5 million of gross capital loss carryforwards. Unless otherwise utilized, net operating loss carryforwards will expire upon the filing of the tax returns for the following respective years: $8.8 million between 2024 and 2026 and $42.2 million between 2027 and 2042. Net operating loss with an indefinite carryforward period total $42.6 million. Of the $93.6 million in net operating loss carryforwards, we have determined, based on the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, that we will utilize $30.2 million of these net operating loss carryforwards within their respective expiration periods. A valuation allowance has been recorded on the remaining portion of the net operating loss carryforwards.
Unless otherwise utilized, tax credit carryforwards of $6.2 million will expire as follows: $0.6 million between 2024 and 2026 and $3.4 million between 2027 and 2042. Tax credit carryforwards with an indefinite carryforward period total $2.2 million. We have determined, based on the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, that we will utilize $3.9 million of these tax credit carryforwards within their respective expiration periods. A valuation allowance has been recorded on the remaining portion of the tax credit carryforwards.
Unless otherwise utilized, of the $399.5 million in gross capital loss carryforwards, $355.2 million will expire between 2025 and 2027 and the remaining $44.2 million have an indefinite carryforward period. A full valuation allowance has been recorded as we do not expect to be able to utilize the capital losses.
The following tables summarize our net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 by jurisdiction:
| Net Operating Loss Carryforwards | |||||
| (In thousands) | |||||
| United States - Federal and various states | $ | 44,066 | |||
| Germany | 19,418 | ||||
| United Kingdom | 13,641 | ||||
| Other | 8,290 | ||||
| Australia | 8,234 | ||||
| Total | $ | 93,649 | |||
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| Tax Credit Carryforwards | |||||
| (In thousands) | |||||
| United States | $ | 4,705 | |||
| Belgium | 1,509 | ||||
| Total | $ | 6,214 | |||
In 2023, we recognized a net $1.0 million increase to reserves for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 6,180 | $ | 5,821 | |||||||
| Additions for tax positions of prior years | 605 | — | |||||||||
| Additions based on tax positions related to the current year | 358 | 359 | |||||||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | 7,143 | $ | 6,180 | |||||||
The balance of $7.1 million at December 31, 2023 reflects tax positions that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate.
Our practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense and operating expenses, respectively. We have no accrual for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Our federal tax return for the tax years 2015 and later remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Our state and foreign income tax returns for the tax years 2013 and later remain subject to examination by various state and foreign tax authorities.
Note 19: Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans that cover substantially all employees in Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Belgium and certain employees in Germany. Certain defined benefit plans in the United Kingdom are frozen and additional benefits are not being earned by the participants. The U.S. defined benefit pension plan is closed to new entrants. Annual contributions to retirement plans equal or exceed the minimum funding requirements of applicable local regulations. The assets of the funded pension plans we sponsor are maintained in various trusts and are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities.
Benefits provided to employees under defined contribution plans include cash and stock contributions by the Company based on either hours worked by the employee or a percentage of the employee’s compensation. Defined contribution expense for 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $14.0 million, $13.4 million, and $12.2 million, respectively.
We sponsor unfunded postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans for certain employees in Canada and the U.S. The medical benefit portion of the U.S. plan is only for employees who retired prior to 1989 as well as certain other employees who were near retirement and elected to receive certain benefits.
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The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets as well as a statement of the funded status and balance sheet reporting for these plans.
| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in benefit obligation: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit obligation, beginning of year | $ | (317,424) | $ | (471,834) | $ | (19,944) | $ | (27,625) | |||||||||||||||
| Service cost | (2,632) | (3,491) | (11) | (24) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | (15,237) | (9,248) | (1,012) | (761) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Participant contributions | (435) | (350) | (3) | (5) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Actuarial gain (loss) | (16,231) | 123,851 | (1,179) | 5,690 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions and divestitures | — | (9,257) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements | 2,987 | 6,567 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | — | (21) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency exchange rate changes | (12,427) | 33,316 | (491) | 1,409 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | 18,640 | 13,022 | 1,329 | 1,393 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit obligation, end of year | $ | (342,759) | $ | (317,424) | $ | (21,311) | $ | (19,944) | |||||||||||||||
| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in plan assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year | $ | 281,332 | $ | 394,026 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Actual return on plan assets | 21,141 | (84,595) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Employer contributions | 8,432 | 12,080 | 1,326 | 1,388 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Plan participant contributions | 435 | 350 | 3 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisitions and divestitures | — | 6,772 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements | (2,987) | (6,567) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency exchange rate changes | 11,665 | (27,712) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Benefits paid | (18,640) | (13,022) | (1,329) | (1,393) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets, end of year | $ | 301,378 | $ | 281,332 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Funded status, end of year | $ | (41,381) | $ | (36,092) | $ | (21,312) | $ | (19,944) | |||||||||||||||
| Amounts recognized in the balance sheets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prepaid benefit cost | $ | 16,358 | $ | 16,251 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Accrued benefit liability, current | (3,051) | (3,106) | (1,427) | (1,353) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued benefit liability, noncurrent | (54,688) | (49,237) | (19,885) | (18,591) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net funded status | $ | (41,381) | $ | (36,092) | $ | (21,312) | $ | (19,944) | |||||||||||||||
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $360.7 million and $305.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were $281.1 million, $278.4 million, and $224.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2023 and $262.7 million, $251.0 million, and $210.4 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022.
The accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for other postretirement benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were $21.3 million and $0.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2023 and were $19.9 million and $0.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the plans.
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| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Components of net periodic benefit cost: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | 2,632 | $ | 3,491 | $ | 3,953 | $ | 11 | $ | 24 | $ | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 15,237 | 9,248 | 7,512 | 1,012 | 761 | 727 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (16,512) | (16,023) | (16,337) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost | 176 | 174 | 110 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement loss (gain) | (101) | 1,189 | (18) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other adjustments | — | — | (191) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss (gain) recognition | (938) | 734 | 3,764 | (737) | (73) | (43) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit cost (income) | $ | 494 | $ | (1,187) | $ | (1,207) | $ | 286 | $ | 712 | $ | 717 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
We recorded settlement losses totaling $1.2 million during 2022. The settlement losses were the result of lump-sum payments to participants that exceeded the sum of the pension plan's respective annual service cost and interest cost amounts.
The following table presents the assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit cost amounts.
| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average assumptions for benefit obligations at year end: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount rate | 4.5 | % | 4.9 | % | 4.7 | % | 5.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Salary increase | 3.2 | % | 3.2 | % | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash balance interest credit rate | 4.4 | % | 4.5 | % | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average assumptions for net periodic cost for the year: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount rate | 4.9 | % | 2.0 | % | 5.2 | % | 2.9 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Salary increase | 3.2 | % | 3.3 | % | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash balance interest credit rate | 4.5 | % | 4.7 | % | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on assets | 5.2 | % | 4.4 | % | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| Assumed health care cost trend rates: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year | N/A | N/A | 5.2 | % | 5.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to | N/A | N/A | 4.6 | % | 5.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at | N/A | N/A | 2028 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
During 2023, there was a ruling in the United Kingdom related to the validity of certain amendments to benefits in contracted-out salary-related defined benefit pension plans. The ruling is subject to an ongoing appeal. The ruling may potentially be applicable to certain defined benefit pension plans we have in the United Kingdom. While we do not believe the impact of this ruling will have a material impact to our projected benefit obligation, we will continue to monitor the appeals process. As of December 31, 2023, no specific adjustments for this matter have been included in estimating our projected benefit obligation and related net periodic benefit costs.
Plan assets are invested using a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equity securities and fixed income securities are used to preserve asset values, diversify risk, and achieve our target investment return benchmark. Investment strategies and asset allocations are based on consideration of the plan liabilities, the plan’s funded status, and our financial condition. Investment performance and asset allocation are measured and monitored on an ongoing basis. Plan assets are managed in a balanced portfolio comprised of two major components: an asset growth portion and an asset protection portion. The expected role of asset growth investments is to maximize the long-term real growth of assets, while the role of asset protection investments is to generate current income, provide for more stable periodic returns, and provide some protection against a permanent loss of capital.
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Absent regulatory or statutory limitations, the target asset allocation for the investment of the assets for our ongoing pension plans is 45-60% in asset protection investments and 40-55% in asset growth investments and for our pension plans where the majority of the participants are in payment or terminated vested status is 80-90% in asset protection investments and 10-20% in asset growth investments. Asset growth investments include a diversified mix of U.S. and international equity, primarily invested through investment funds. Asset protection investments include government securities and investment grade corporate bonds, primarily invested through investment funds and group insurance contracts. We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumptions based on the historical rates of returns for securities and instruments of the type in which our plans invest.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the invested assets and future assets to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. We use historic plan asset returns combined with current market conditions to estimate the rate of return. The expected rate of return on plan assets is a long-term assumption based on an analysis of historical and forward looking returns considering the plan’s actual and target asset mix.
The following table presents the fair values of the pension plan assets by asset category.
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Market Value at December 31, 2023 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Investments Measured at Net Asset Value | Fair Market Value at December 31, 2022 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Investments Measured at Net Asset Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset Category: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities(a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. equities fund | $ | 34,966 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 34,966 | $ | 49,153 | $ | 4,384 | $ | — | $ | 44,769 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-U.S. equities fund | 35,939 | — | — | 35,939 | 51,227 | 5,393 | — | 45,834 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt securities(b) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government bond fund | 77,480 | — | — | 77,480 | 56,318 | — | 2,011 | 54,307 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bond fund | 62,456 | — | — | 62,456 | 67,406 | — | 7,175 | 60,231 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income fund(c) | 22,673 | — | — | 22,673 | 22,680 | — | — | 22,680 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liability driven investment fund(d) | 51,412 | — | — | 51,412 | 14,629 | — | — | 14,629 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other investments(e) | 9,565 | — | — | 9,565 | 10,531 | — | — | 10,531 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and equivalents | 6,887 | 2,662 | — | 4,225 | 9,388 | 3,242 | — | 6,146 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 301,378 | $ | 2,662 | $ | — | $ | 298,716 | $ | 281,332 | $ | 13,019 | $ | 9,186 | $ | 259,127 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)This category includes investments in actively managed and indexed investment funds that invest in a diversified pool of equity securities of companies located in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and other developed countries throughout the world. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund. Equity securities held in separate accounts are valued based on observable quoted prices on active exchanges.
(b)This category includes investments in investment funds that invest in U.S. treasuries; other national, state and local government bonds; and corporate bonds of highly rated companies from diversified industries. The funds are valued using the net asset value method in which an average of the market prices for the underlying investments is used to value the fund.
(c)This category includes guaranteed insurance contracts and annuity policies.
(d)This category includes investments in funds that are designed to provide leveraged exposure to changes in interest rates. The fund purchases shares of funds that invest in government bonds, debt repurchase agreements, total return swaps and interest rate swaps.
(e)This category includes investments in hedge funds that pursue multiple strategies in order to provide diversification and balance risk/return objectives, real estate funds, and private equity funds.
The plans do not invest in individual securities. All investments are through well diversified investment funds. As a result, there are no significant concentrations of risk within the plan assets.
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The following table reflects the benefits as of December 31, 2023 expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans.
| Pension Plans | Other Plans | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | 22,915 | $ | 1,460 | |||||||
| 2025 | 20,919 | 1,466 | |||||||||
| 2026 | 20,542 | 1,464 | |||||||||
| 2027 | 21,908 | 1,467 | |||||||||
| 2028 | 23,476 | 1,483 | |||||||||
| 2029-2033 | 100,988 | 7,392 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 210,748 | $ | 14,732 | |||||||
We anticipate contributing $12.3 million and $1.5 million to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively, during 2024.
The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2023 and the changes in these amounts during the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows.
| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss: | |||||||||||
| Net actuarial loss (gain) | $ | 24,298 | $ | (5,322) | |||||||
| Net prior service cost | 2,148 | — | |||||||||
| $ | 26,446 | $ | (5,322) | ||||||||
| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss: | |||||||||||
| Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year | $ | 11,695 | $ | (7,117) | |||||||
| Amortization of actuarial gain | 938 | 737 | |||||||||
| Actuarial loss | 16,231 | 1,179 | |||||||||
| Asset gain | (4,629) | — | |||||||||
| Settlement loss recognized | 101 | — | |||||||||
| Currency impact | (38) | (121) | |||||||||
| Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year | $ | 24,298 | $ | (5,322) | |||||||
| Prior service cost, beginning of year | $ | 2,197 | $ | — | |||||||
| Amortization of prior service cost | (176) | — | |||||||||
| Currency impact | 127 | — | |||||||||
| Prior service cost, end of year | $ | 2,148 | $ | — | |||||||
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Note 20: Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows:
| Foreign Currency Translation Component | Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | (41,468) | $ | (29,098) | $ | (70,566) | |||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income attributable to Belden before reclassifications | 42,531 | 23,629 | 66,160 | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | (3,007) | 1,542 | (1,465) | ||||||||||||||
| Net current period other comprehensive income attributable to Belden | 39,524 | 25,171 | 64,695 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | (1,944) | $ | (3,927) | $ | (5,871) | |||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden before reclassifications | (24,431) | (9,696) | (34,127) | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | (139) | (1,142) | (1,281) | ||||||||||||||
| Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to Belden | (24,570) | (10,838) | (35,408) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | (26,514) | $ | (14,765) | $ | (41,279) | |||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023, the tax balances included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the table above are not material.
The following table summarizes the effects of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
| Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (2) | Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| Amortization of pension and other postretirement benefit plan items: | |||||||||||
| Actuarial gains | $ | (1,675) | (1) | ||||||||
| Prior service cost | 176 | (1) | |||||||||
| Total before tax | (1,499) | ||||||||||
| Tax expense | 357 | ||||||||||
| Total net of tax | $ | (1,142) | |||||||||
(1)The amortization of these accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs (see Note 19).
(2)In addition, we reclassified $0.1 million of accumulated foreign currency translation gains associated with the sale of the Hite JV.
Note 21: Share-Based Compensation
Compensation cost included in income from continuing operations, primarily selling, general and administrative expense, and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements is included below:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total share-based compensation cost | $ | 21,024 | $ | 23,454 | $ | 22,627 | |||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | 5,004 | 5,582 | 5,385 | ||||||||||||||
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We currently have outstanding stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock units with service vesting conditions, restricted stock units with performance vesting conditions, and restricted stock units with market conditions. We grant SARs with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date. Generally, SARs may be converted into shares of our common stock in equal amounts on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date and expire 10 years from the grant date. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting in certain circumstances, including following a change in control of the Company. Restricted stock units with service conditions generally vest 3-5 years from the grant date. Restricted stock units issued based on the attainment of the performance conditions generally vest on the second or third anniversary of their grant date. Restricted stock units issued based on the attainment of market conditions generally vest on the third anniversary of their grant date.
We recognize compensation cost for all awards based on their fair values. The fair values for SARs are estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula which incorporates the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility, and expected term is based on historical exercise patterns of SAR holders. The fair value of restricted stock units with service vesting conditions or performance vesting conditions is the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of certain restricted stock units with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model with the assistance of a third party valuation firm. Compensation costs for awards with service conditions are amortized to expense using the straight-line method. Compensation costs for awards with performance conditions and graded vesting are amortized to expense using the graded attribution method.
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except weighted average fair value and assumptions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average fair value of SARs granted | $ | 39.44 | $ | 21.85 | $ | 18.30 | |||||||||||
| Total intrinsic value of SARs exercised | 12,229 | 4,384 | 1,581 | ||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit from SARs exercised | 660 | 678 | 327 | ||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock units granted | 95.32 | 61.61 | 51.76 | ||||||||||||||
| Total fair value of restricted stock units vested | 19,821 | 16,830 | 12,623 | ||||||||||||||
| Expected volatility | 43.45 | % | 43.00 | % | 45.34 | % | |||||||||||
| Expected term (in years) | 5.7 | 5.6 | 5.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Risk-free rate | 4.26 | % | 1.89 | % | 0.70 | % | |||||||||||
| Dividend yield | 0.23 | % | 0.37 | % | 0.44 | % | |||||||||||
| SARs | Restricted Stock Units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | Number | Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except exercise prices, fair values, and contractual terms) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at January 1, 2023 | 958 | $ | 64.13 | 4.8 | $ | 10,017 | 897 | $ | 54.59 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | 115 | 85.77 | 410 | 95.32 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised or converted | (576) | 67.85 | (398) | 49.77 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited or expired | (84) | 63.97 | (210) | 59.98 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 413 | $ | 64.97 | 6.6 | $ | 6,220 | 699 | $ | 71.95 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable or convertible at December 31, 2023 | 213 | $ | 61.16 | 4.8 | $ | 3,684 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2023, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $31.5 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years. Historically, we have issued treasury shares, if available, to satisfy award conversions and exercises.
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Note 22: Share Repurchases
In 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, which allows us to purchase up to $300.0 million of our common stock through open market repurchases, negotiated transactions, or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. In 2023, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $300.0 million under the share repurchase program. This program is funded with cash on hand and cash flows from operating activities. During 2023, we repurchased 2.3 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $192.1 million at an average price per share of $85.27. During 2022, we repurchased 2.6 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $150.0 million at an average price per share of $57.95. During 2021, we did not repurchase shares of our common stock. From inception of our program, we have repurchased 6.7 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $427.1 million and an average price per share of $63.67. As of December 31, 2023, we had $172.9 million of authorizations remaining under the program. This share repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date.
Note 23: Market Concentrations and Risks
Concentrations of Credit
We sell our products to many customers in several markets across multiple geographic areas. The ten largest customers, of which seven are distributors, constitute in aggregate approximately 44%, 45%, and 44% of revenues in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Unconditional Commodity Purchase Obligations
At December 31, 2023, we were committed to purchase approximately 2.7 million pounds of copper at an aggregate fixed cost of $10.5 million. At December 31, 2023, this fixed cost was $0.1 million greater than the market cost that would be incurred on a spot purchase of the same amount of copper. The aggregate market cost was based on the current market price of copper obtained from the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Labor
Approximately 27% of our labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements at various locations around the world, and we expect to renegotiate these agreements during 2024.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables, and debt instruments. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and trade payables at December 31, 2023 are considered representative of their respective fair values. The fair value of our senior subordinated notes at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $1,141.8 million and $1,046.3 million, respectively, based on quoted prices of the debt instruments in inactive markets (Level 2 valuation). This amount represents the fair values of our senior subordinated notes with a carrying value of $1,215.0 million and $1,174.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 24: Contingent Liabilities
General
Various claims are asserted against us in the ordinary course of business including those pertaining to income tax examinations, product liability, customer, employment, vendor, and patent matters. Based on facts currently available, management believes that the disposition of the claims that are pending or asserted will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, operating results, or cash flow.
Letters of Credit, Guarantees and Bonds
At December 31, 2023, we were party to unused standby letters of credit, surety bonds, and bank guarantees totaling $10.6 million, $4.7 million, and $4.6 million, respectively. These commitments are generally issued to secure obligations we have for a variety of commercial reasons, such as workers compensation self-insurance programs in several states and the importation and exportation of product.
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Note 25: Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income tax refunds received | $ | 6,680 | $ | 16,480 | $ | 6,120 | |||||||||||
| Income taxes paid | (62,367) | (71,255) | (40,139) | ||||||||||||||
| Interest paid | (42,105) | (45,168) | (54,176) | ||||||||||||||
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As permitted, that evaluation excluded the business operations of Sichert and CloudRail which were acquired in 2023. The acquired business operations excluded from our evaluation collectively constituted approximately 4% and 9% of our total assets and net assets as of December 31, 2023, respectively, and 1% and 0% of our revenues and operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively. The operations of the acquired business will be included in our 2024 evaluation. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
•Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
•Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
•Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting can also be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.
Based on that assessment, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Ernst & Young, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, who audited the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements at December 31, 2023 and the year then ended included in this Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting, at December 31, 2023, which is included herein.
Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Belden Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Belden Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 2013 framework (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Belden Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.
As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Sichert and CloudRail, which are included in the 2023 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 4% and 9% of total assets and net assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2023 and 1% and 0% of revenues and operating income, respectively, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Sichert and CloudRail.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated February 13, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 13, 2024
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Item 9B. Other Information
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
The adoption, modification, or termination of contracts for the purchase or sale of our securities by our Section 16 officers and directors for the three months ended December 31, 2023, each of which is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act (“Rule 10b5-1 Plan”), were as follows:
| Name | Title | Action | Date Adopted | Expiration Date | Total Shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brian Lieser (1) | Executive Vice President, Industrial Automation Solutions | Adoption | 11/15/2023 | 2/28/2025 | 2,875 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Brian Lieser, Executive Vice President, Industrial Automation Solutions, entered into a pre-arranged stock trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 on November 15, 2023. Mr. Lieser's plan provides for the vesting of restricted stock units and the associated sale of up to 2,875 shares of Belden common stock. The plan expires on February 28, 2025, or upon the earlier completion of all authorized transactions under the plan.
Other than those disclosed above, none of our directors or officers adopted, modified, or terminated a "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K during the three months ended December 31, 2023.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information regarding directors is incorporated herein by reference to “Item I-Election of Directors,” as described in the Proxy Statement. Information regarding executive officers is set forth in Part I herein under the heading “Executive Officers.” The additional information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to “Corporate Governance” (opening paragraph and table), “Corporate Governance-Audit Committee,” “Ownership Information-Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports,” “Corporate Governance-Corporate Governance Documents” and “Other Matters-Stockholder Proposals for the 2025 Annual Meeting,” as described in the Proxy Statement.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Incorporated herein by reference to “Executive Compensation,” “Corporate Governance-Director Compensation,” “Corporate Governance-Related Party Transactions and Compensation Committee Interlocks” and “Corporate Governance-Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight” as described in the Proxy Statement.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Incorporated herein by reference to “Ownership Information-Equity Compensation Plan Information on December 31, 2023” and “Ownership Information-Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” as described in the Proxy Statement.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Incorporated herein by reference to “Corporate Governance-Related Party Transactions and Compensation Committee Interlocks” and “Corporate Governance” (paragraph following the table) as described in the Proxy Statement.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Incorporated herein by reference to “Public Accounting Firm Information-Fees to Independent Registered Public Accountants for 2023 and 2022” and “Public Accounting Firm Information-Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures” as described in the Proxy Statement.
Our independent registered public accounting firm is Ernst & Young LLP, St. Louis, MO, Auditor Firm ID: 42.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)Documents filed as part of this Report:
1.Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
Consolidated Statements of Operations for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2023
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2023
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2023
Consolidated Stockholders’ Equity Statements for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2023
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2.Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
| Beginning Balance | Charged to Costs and Expenses | Divestitures/ Acquisitions | Charge Offs | Recoveries | Currency Movement | Ending Balance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts Receivable — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | $ | 7,954 | $ | 15,745 | $ | 422 | $ | (154) | $ | (861) | $ | 8 | $ | 23,114 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 4,864 | 6,615 | 319 | (3,648) | (121) | (75) | 7,954 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 5,085 | 597 | (190) | (326) | (227) | (75) | 4,864 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Excess and Obsolete Allowances: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | $ | 45,913 | $ | 28,018 | $ | 3,844 | $ | (8,220) | $ | (1,900) | $ | 213 | $ | 67,868 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 45,663 | 8,349 | 813 | (4,116) | (4,102) | (694) | 45,913 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 32,248 | 10,673 | 3,927 | — | (915) | (270) | 45,663 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Asset — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valuation Allowance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | $ | 142,330 | $ | 2,360 | $ | 389 | $ | (35,085) | $ | (549) | $ | 231 | $ | 109,676 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 66,960 | 12,861 | 73,432 | — | (10,333) | (590) | 142,330 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 82,549 | 865 | 25,664 | (406) | (41,463) | (249) | 66,960 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All other financial statement schedules not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are omitted because they are not applicable.
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3. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference, as indicated. Documents indicated by an asterisk (*) identify each management contract or compensatory plan.
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibit | The filings referenced for incorporation by reference are Company (Belden Inc.) filings unless noted to be those of Belden 1993 Inc. | ||||||||||||
| 3.1 | February 29, 2008 Form 10-K, Exhibit 3.1 | |||||||||||||
| 3.2 | December 6, 2022 Form 8-K, Exhibit 3.1 | |||||||||||||
| 4.1 | July 10, 2017 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.1 | |||||||||||||
| 4.2 | March 16, 2018 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.1 | |||||||||||||
| 4.3 | August 3, 2021 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.1 | |||||||||||||
| 4.4 | August 3, 2020 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.1 | |||||||||||||
| 10.1 | February 15, 2022 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.1 | |||||||||||||
| 10.2* | April 6,2016 Proxy Statement, Appendix II | |||||||||||||
| 10.3* | April 8, 2021 Proxy Statement, Appendix II | |||||||||||||
| 10.4* | February 15, 2022 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.4 | |||||||||||||
| 10.5* | February 15, 2022 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.5 | |||||||||||||
| 10.6* | February 15, 2022 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.6 | |||||||||||||
| 10.7* | August 8, 2022 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10.1 | |||||||||||||
| 10.8* | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 10.9* | December 21, 2004 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1 | |||||||||||||
| 10.10* | February 16, 2021 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.9 | |||||||||||||
| 10.11* | February 16, 2021 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.10 | |||||||||||||
| 10.12* | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 10.13* | July 31, 2020 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.3 | |||||||||||||
| 10.14* | April 8, 2021 Proxy Statement, Appendix III | |||||||||||||
| 10.15* | March 1, 2007 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.39 | |||||||||||||
| 10.16 | June 2, 2021, Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1 | |||||||||||||
| 10.17 | January 5, 2023 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1 | |||||||||||||
| 14.1 | August 25, 2020 Form 8-K, Exhibit 14.1 | |||||||||||||
84
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibit | The filings referenced for incorporation by reference are Company (Belden Inc.) filings unless noted to be those of Belden 1993 Inc. | ||||||||||||
| 21.1 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 23.1 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 24.1 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 31.1 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 31.2 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 32.1 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 32.2 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 97.1 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 101 | The following financial statements from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Cash Flow Statements, (v) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed | |||||||||||||
| 104 | The cover page from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL | |||||||||||||
| * | Management contract or compensatory plan | ||||
Copies of the above Exhibits are available to shareholders at a charge of $0.25 per page, minimum order of $10.00. Direct requests to:
Belden Inc., Attention: Corporate Secretary
1 North Brentwood Boulevard, 15th Floor
St. Louis, Missouri 63105
85
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.
| BELDEN INC. | |||||||||||
| By | /s/ ASHISH CHAND | ||||||||||
| Ashish Chand | |||||||||||
| Date: February 13, 2024 | President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
| /s/ ASHISH CHAND | President and Chief Executive Officer | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Ashish Chand | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ JEREMY PARKS | Senior Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Jeremy Parks | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ DOUGLAS R. ZINK | Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Douglas R. Zink | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ DAVID ALDRICH* | Lead Independent Director and Chairman | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| David Aldrich | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ LANCE C. BALK* | Director | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Lance C. Balk | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ STEVEN W. BERGLUND* | Director | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Steven W. Berglund | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ DIANE D. BRINK* | Director | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Diane D. Brink | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ JUDY L. BROWN* | Director | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Judy L. Brown | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ NANCY CALDERON* | Director | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Nancy Calderon | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ JONATHAN KLEIN* | Director | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Jonathan Klein | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ VIVIE LEE* | Director | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Vivie Lee | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ GREGORY J. MCCRAY* | Director | February 13, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Gregory J. McCray | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ ASHISH CHAND | ||||||||||||||
| *By Ashish Chand, Attorney-in-fact | ||||||||||||||
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