Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Introduction
A. Background
Gates Industrial Corporation plc (the “Company”) is a public limited company that was registered in England and Wales on September 25, 2017.
In these condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes, all references to “Gates,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer, unless the context requires otherwise, to Gates Industrial Corporation plc and its consolidated subsidiaries.
B. Accounting periods
The Company prepares its annual consolidated financial statements for the period ending on the Saturday nearest December 31. Accordingly, the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity are presented, where relevant, for the 91-day period from July 2, 2023 to September 30, 2023, with comparative information for the 91-day period from July 3, 2022 to October 1, 2022 and for the 273-day period from January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023, with comparative information for the 273-day period from January 2, 2022 to October 1, 2022.
C. Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and are presented in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. The condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2023 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP requires us to make assumptions and estimates concerning the future that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Estimates and assumptions are particularly important in accounting for items such as revenue, rebates, impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, inventory valuation, financial instruments, expected credit losses, product warranties, income taxes and post-retirement benefits. Estimates and assumptions used are based on factors such as historical experience, observance of trends in the industries in which we operate and information available from our customers and other outside sources.
These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared on substantially the same basis as Gates’ audited annual consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2022. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 has been derived from those audited financial statements.
During 2021, the Company implemented a program with an unrelated third party under which we may periodically sell trade accounts receivable from one of our aftermarket customers with whom we have extended payment terms as part of a commercial agreement. The purpose of using this program is to offset the working capital impact resulting from this terms extension. All eligible accounts receivable from this customer are covered by the program, and any factoring is solely at our option. Following the factoring of a qualifying receivable, because we maintain no continuing involvement in the underlying receivable, and collectability risk is fully transferred to the unrelated third party, we account for these transactions as a sale of a financial asset and derecognize the asset. Cash received under the program is classified as operating cash inflows in the consolidated statement of cash flows. As of September 30, 2023, the collection of $85.9 million of our trade accounts receivable had been accelerated under this program, compared to the accelerated collection of $108.2 million as of December 31, 2022. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we incurred costs in respect of this program of $2.1 million and $5.1 million, respectively, which are recorded under other (income) expense. During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2022, we incurred costs in respect of this program of $1.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited annual consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2022 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The accounting policies used in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied in the prior year.
2. Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
None.
3. Segment information
A. Background
The segment information provided in these condensed consolidated financial statements reflects the information that is used by the chief operating decision maker for the purposes of making decisions about allocating resources and in assessing the performance of each segment. The chief executive officer (“CEO”) of Gates serves as the chief operating decision maker. These decisions are based on net sales and Adjusted EBITDA (defined below).
B. Operating segments and segment assets
Gates manufactures a wide range of power transmission and fluid power products and components for a large variety of industrial and automotive applications, both in the aftermarket and first-fit channels, throughout the world.
Our reportable segments are identified on the basis of our primary product lines, as this is the basis on which information is provided to the CEO for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing the performance of Gates’ businesses. Our operating and reporting segments are therefore Power Transmission and Fluid Power.
Segment asset information is not provided to the chief operating decision maker and therefore segment asset information has not been presented. Due to the nature of Gates’ operations, cash generation and profitability are viewed as the key measures rather than an asset-based measure.
C. Segment net sales and disaggregated net sales
Sales between reporting segments and the impact of such sales on Adjusted EBITDA for each segment are not included in internal reports presented to the CEO and have therefore not been included below. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
Power Transmission | $ | 536.4 | | | $ | 522.5 | | | $ | 1,658.4 | | | $ | 1,621.1 | | | |
Fluid Power | 336.5 | | | 338.2 | | | 1,048.5 | | | 1,039.8 | | | |
Continuing operations | $ | 872.9 | | | $ | 860.7 | | | $ | 2,706.9 | | | $ | 2,660.9 | | | |
Our commercial function is organized by region and therefore, in addition to reviewing net sales by our reporting segments, the CEO also reviews net sales information disaggregated by region, including between emerging and developed markets.
The following table summarizes our net sales by key geographic region of origin: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Three months ended |
| | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
(dollars in millions) | | | | | Power Transmission | | Fluid Power | | Power Transmission | | Fluid Power | | | | |
U.S. | | | | | $ | 150.3 | | | $ | 179.3 | | | $ | 150.2 | | | $ | 189.6 | | | | | |
North America, excluding U.S. | | | | | 60.7 | | | 55.3 | | | 52.6 | | | 52.9 | | | | | |
United Kingdom (“U.K.”) | | | | | 10.0 | | | 14.8 | | | 11.4 | | | 15.7 | | | | | |
EMEA(1), excluding U.K. | | | | | 145.4 | | | 50.9 | | | 132.8 | | | 40.9 | | | | | |
East Asia and India | | | | | 69.8 | | | 19.4 | | | 70.6 | | | 17.2 | | | | | |
Greater China | | | | | 72.0 | | | 5.8 | | | 81.4 | | | 8.7 | | | | | |
South America | | | | | 28.2 | | | 11.0 | | | 23.5 | | | 13.2 | | | | | |
Net sales | | | | | $ | 536.4 | | | $ | 336.5 | | | $ | 522.5 | | | $ | 338.2 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended |
| September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
(dollars in millions) | Power Transmission | | Fluid Power | | Power Transmission | | Fluid Power | | | | |
U.S. | $ | 450.7 | | | $ | 552.2 | | | $ | 476.0 | | | $ | 553.3 | | | | | |
North America, excluding U.S. | 172.0 | | | 163.0 | | | 153.8 | | 157.8 | | | | |
U.K. | 34.3 | | | 54.9 | | | 34.1 | | 50.0 | | | | |
EMEA(1), excluding U.K. | 481.5 | | | 158.9 | | | 444.4 | | 150.2 | | | | |
East Asia and India | 214.5 | | | 59.4 | | | 218.9 | | 57.2 | | | | |
Greater China | 222.4 | | | 27.6 | | | 226.2 | | 33.2 | | | | |
South America | 83.0 | | | 32.5 | | | 67.7 | | 38.1 | | | | |
Net sales | $ | 1,658.4 | | | $ | 1,048.5 | | | $ | 1,621.1 | | | $ | 1,039.8 | | | | | |
(1) Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”).
The following table summarizes our net sales into emerging and developed markets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
Developed | $ | 570.0 | | | $ | 555.9 | | | $ | 1,784.1 | | | $ | 1,716.1 | | | |
Emerging | 302.9 | | 304.8 | | | 922.8 | | | 944.8 | | | |
Net sales | $ | 872.9 | | | $ | 860.7 | | | $ | 2,706.9 | | | $ | 2,660.9 | | | |
D. Measure of segment profit or loss
The CEO uses Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below, to measure the profitability of each segment. Adjusted EBITDA is, therefore, the measure of segment profit or loss presented in Gates’ segment disclosures.
“EBITDA” represents net income for the period before net interest and other expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA before certain items that are considered to hinder comparison of the performance of our businesses on a period-over-period basis or with other businesses. During the periods presented, the items excluded from EBITDA in computing Adjusted EBITDA primarily included:
• non-cash charges in relation to share-based compensation;
• transaction-related expenses incurred in relation to major corporate transactions, including the acquisition of businesses and related integration activities, and equity and debt transactions;
• asset impairments;
• restructuring expenses, including severance-related expenses;
• credit loss related to a customer bankruptcy;
• cybersecurity incident expenses; and
• inventory adjustments related to certain inventories accounted for on a Last-in First-out (“LIFO”) basis.
Adjusted EBITDA by segment was as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
Power Transmission | $ | 116.5 | | | $ | 101.9 | | | $ | 343.2 | | | $ | 302.1 | | | |
Fluid Power | 72.9 | | | 75.8 | | | 218.0 | | | 212.5 | | | |
Continuing operations | $ | 189.4 | | | $ | 177.7 | | | $ | 561.2 | | | $ | 514.6 | | | |
Reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
Net income from continuing operations | $ | 85.6 | | | $ | 56.0 | | | $ | 187.8 | | | $ | 152.7 | | | |
Income tax expense | 1.0 | | | 11.4 | | | 25.9 | | | 21.5 | | | |
Income from continuing operations before taxes | 86.6 | | | 67.4 | | | 213.7 | | | 174.2 | | | |
Interest expense | 39.5 | | | 33.3 | | | 124.8 | | | 98.9 | | | |
Other (income) expense | (0.2) | | | 3.1 | | | 3.8 | | | 11.8 | | | |
Operating income from continuing operations | 125.9 | | | 103.8 | | | 342.3 | | | 284.9 | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 54.0 | | | 53.2 | | | 162.5 | | | 164.1 | | | |
Transaction-related expenses (1) | 1.3 | | | 0.7 | | | 2.1 | | | 2.0 | | | |
Asset impairments | 0.1 | | | 0.5 | | | 0.1 | | | 1.1 | | | |
Restructuring expenses | 2.6 | | | 4.7 | | | 10.3 | | | 8.4 | | | |
Share-based compensation expense | 3.3 | | | 7.2 | | | 19.6 | | | 34.8 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Inventory impairments and adjustments (2) (included in cost of sales) | 2.2 | | | 7.5 | | | 6.3 | | | 18.7 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Severance expenses (included in cost of sales) | (0.1) | | | — | | | 0.4 | | | — | | | |
Severance expenses (included in SG&A) | — | | | — | | | 0.9 | | | 0.4 | | | |
Credit loss related to customer bankruptcy (included in SG&A) (3) | — | | | — | | | 11.4 | | | — | | | |
Cybersecurity incident expenses (4) | — | | | — | | | 5.1 | | | — | | | |
Other items not directly related to current operations | 0.1 | | | 0.1 | | | 0.2 | | | 0.2 | | | |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 189.4 | | | $ | 177.7 | | | $ | 561.2 | | | $ | 514.6 | | | |
(1) Transaction-related expenses relate primarily to advisory fees and other costs recognized in respect of major corporate transactions, including the acquisition of businesses, and equity and debt transactions.
(2) Inventory impairments and adjustments include the reversal of the adjustment to remeasure certain inventories on a LIFO basis. The recent inflationary environment has caused LIFO values to drop below First-in, First-out (“FIFO”) values because LIFO measurement results in the more recent inflated costs being matched against current sales while historical, lower costs are retained in inventories.
(3) On January 31, 2023, one of our customers filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In connection with the bankruptcy proceedings, we evaluated our potential risk and exposure relating to our outstanding pre-petition accounts receivable balance from the customer and recorded a $11.4 million pre-tax charge during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to reflect our estimated recovery. We continue to monitor the circumstances surrounding the bankruptcy in determining whether adjustments to this recovery estimate are necessary.
(4) On February 11, 2023, Gates determined that it was the target of a malware attack. Cybersecurity incident expenses include legal, consulting, and other costs incurred as a direct result of this incident, some of which may be partially offset by insurance recoveries.
4. Restructuring and other strategic initiatives
Gates continues to undertake various restructuring and other strategic initiatives to drive increased productivity in all aspects of our operations. These actions include efforts to consolidate our manufacturing and distribution footprint, scale operations to current demand levels, streamline our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) back-office functions and relocate certain operations to lower cost locations.
Overall costs associated with our restructuring and other strategic initiatives have been recognized in the condensed consolidated statements as set forth below. Expenses incurred in relation to certain of these actions qualify as restructuring expenses under U.S. GAAP. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
Restructuring expenses: | | | | | | | | | |
—Severance expenses | $ | — | | | $ | 2.6 | | | $ | 4.4 | | | $ | 4.9 | | | |
—Non-severance labor and benefit expenses | 0.3 | | | 0.3 | | | 1.1 | | | 0.5 | | | |
—Consulting expenses | 0.8 | | | 0.7 | | | 1.7 | | | 1.1 | | | |
—Other net restructuring expenses | 1.5 | | | 1.1 | | | 3.1 | | | 1.9 | | | |
| 2.6 | | | 4.7 | | | 10.3 | | | 8.4 | | | |
Restructuring expenses in asset impairments: | | | | | | | | | |
—Impairment of fixed and other assets | 0.1 | | | 0.5 | | | 0.1 | | | 1.1 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Restructuring expenses in cost of sales: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
—Impairment of inventory | 0.1 | | | — | | | 0.1 | | | 0.3 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total restructuring expenses | $ | 2.8 | | | $ | 5.2 | | | $ | 10.5 | | | $ | 9.8 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Expenses related to other strategic initiatives: | | | | | | | | | |
—Severance expenses included in cost of sales | (0.1) | | | — | | | 0.4 | | | — | | | |
—Severance expenses included in SG&A | — | | | — | | | 0.9 | | | 0.4 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses related to other strategic initiatives | $ | (0.1) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1.3 | | | $ | 0.4 | | | |
Restructuring and other strategic initiatives during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 related primarily to severance and other non-labor costs related to relocating certain production activities in China, Mexico and Europe. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we also incurred additional non-severance labor and benefit costs of $0.3 million related to relocation and integration of certain support functions into our regional shared service center in Europe. Other restructuring costs incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2023 related to legal and consulting expenses, as well as costs associated with prior period facility closures or relocations in several countries.
Restructuring and other strategic initiatives during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2022 related primarily to our ongoing European reorganization, including $2.2 million of labor and severance costs related to relocating certain production activities within Europe during the three months ended October 1, 2022, in addition to severance costs of $2.3 million during the nine months ended October 1, 2022 related to relocation and integration of certain support functions into our regional shared service center. We also incurred $1.4 million and $2.7 million of costs, respectively, during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2022 in relation to the suspension of our operations in Russia, which included severance costs of $0.7 million, an impairment of inventories of $0.3 million (recognized in cost of sales), and an impairment of fixed and other assets of $1.1 million (recognized in asset impairments) for the nine months ended October 1, 2022 . Other restructuring costs incurred during the period related to non-severance and other labor and benefit costs, prior period facility closures or relocations in several countries.
Restructuring activities
As indicated above, restructuring expenses, as defined under U.S. GAAP, form a subset of our total expenses related to restructuring and other strategic initiatives. These expenses include the impairment of inventory, which is recognized in cost of sales. Analyzed by segment, our restructuring expenses were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
Power Transmission | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | 2.1 | | | $ | 7.2 | | | $ | 5.5 | | | |
Fluid Power | 1.3 | | | 3.1 | | | 3.3 | | | 4.3 | | | |
Continuing operations | $ | 2.8 | | | $ | 5.2 | | | $ | 10.5 | | | $ | 9.8 | | | |
The following summarizes the reserve for restructuring expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, respectively: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
Balance as of the beginning of the period | $ | 7.5 | | | $ | 6.5 | | | |
Utilized during the period | (11.1) | | | (8.0) | | | |
Charge for the period | 10.5 | | | 8.5 | | | |
Released during the period | (0.2) | | | (0.1) | | | |
Foreign currency translation | (0.1) | | | (0.9) | | | |
Balance as of the end of the period | $ | 6.6 | | | $ | 6.0 | | | |
Restructuring reserves, which are expected to be utilized during 2023 and 2024, are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet within the accrued expenses and other current liabilities line.
5. Income taxes
We compute the year-to-date income tax provision by applying our estimated annual effective tax rate to our year-to-date pre-tax income and adjust for discrete tax items in the period in which they occur.
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we had income tax expense of $1.0 million on pre-tax income of $86.6 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 1.2%, compared to an income tax expense of $11.4 million on pre-tax income of $67.4 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 16.9% for the three months ended October 1, 2022.
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the effective tax rate was driven primarily by discrete tax benefits of $11.0 million, of which $12.9 million related to unrecognized tax benefits due to audit closures offset by $1.9 million of other discrete expenses. For the three months ended October 1, 2022, the effective tax rate was driven primarily by a discrete tax benefit of $3.5 million related to the partial release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets for U.S. foreign tax credits, partially offset by $2.6 million of other discrete expenses.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had an income tax expense of $25.9 million on pre-tax income of $213.7 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 12.1%, compared to an income tax expense of $21.5 million on pre-tax income of $174.2 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 12.3% for the nine months ended October 1, 2022.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the effective tax rate was driven primarily by discrete benefits of $12.9 million related to unrecognized tax benefits due to audit closures. For the nine months ended October 1, 2022, the effective tax rate was driven primarily by discrete benefits of $15.2 million related to the partial release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets for U.S. foreign tax credits.
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences arising from differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities under U.S. GAAP and their respective tax bases, and for net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, weighing all positive and negative evidence, and are required to establish or maintain a valuation allowance for these assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
As of each reporting date, we consider new evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact our view with regard to the future realization of deferred tax assets. We will maintain our positions with regard to future realization of deferred tax assets, including those with respect to which we continue maintaining valuation allowances, until there is sufficient new evidence to support a change in expectations. Such a change in expectations could arise due to many factors, including those impacting our forecasts of future earnings, as well as changes in the international tax laws under which we operate and tax planning. It is not reasonably possible to forecast any such changes at the present time, but it is possible that, should they arise, our view of their effect on the future realization of deferred tax assets may impact materially our financial statements.
After weighing all of the evidence, giving more weight to the evidence that was objectively verifiable, we determined during the three months ended September 30, 2023, that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets in the U.S. totaling $2.4 million are realizable, none of which was discrete. As a result of changes in estimates of future taxable profits against which the foreign tax credits can be utilized, our judgment changed regarding valuation allowances on these deferred tax assets.
6. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share represents net income attributable to shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share considers the dilutive effect of potential shares, unless the inclusion of the potential shares would have an anti-dilutive effect. The treasury stock method is used to determine the potential dilutive shares resulting from assumed exercises of equity-related instruments.
The computation of earnings per share is presented below: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions, except share numbers and per share amounts) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 |
Net income attributable to shareholders | $ | 78.7 | | | $ | 51.9 | | | $ | 170.0 | | | $ | 135.9 | |
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | 263,984,434 | | | 282,332,159 | | | 274,460,054 | | | 284,586,267 | |
Dilutive effect of share-based awards | 3,850,577 | | | 2,842,185 | | | 4,028,006 | | | 3,773,418 | |
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 267,835,011 | | | 285,174,344 | | | 278,488,060 | | | 288,359,685 | |
| | | | | | | |
Number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation | 3,934,925 | | | 6,571,553 | | | 5,065,975 | | | 6,878,458 | |
| | | | | | | |
Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.30 | | | $ | 0.18 | | | $ | 0.62 | | | $ | 0.48 | |
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.29 | | | $ | 0.18 | | | $ | 0.61 | | | $ | 0.47 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
7. Inventories | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | As of September 30, 2023 | | As of December 31, 2022 |
Raw materials and supplies | $ | 181.8 | | | $ | 195.9 | |
Work in progress | 43.5 | | | 42.3 | |
Finished goods | 420.8 | | | 418.0 | |
Total inventories | $ | 646.1 | | | $ | 656.2 | |
8. Goodwill | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | Power Transmission | | Fluid Power | | Total |
Cost and carrying amount | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | $ | 1,315.2 | | | $ | 665.9 | | | $ | 1,981.1 | |
| | | | | |
Foreign currency translation | (16.5) | | | 19.7 | | | 3.2 | |
As of September 30, 2023 | $ | 1,298.7 | | | $ | 685.6 | | | $ | 1,984.3 | |
9. Intangible assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of September 30, 2023 | | As of December 31, 2022 |
(dollars in millions) | Cost | | Accumulated amortization and impairment | | Net | | Cost | | Accumulated amortization and impairment | | Net |
Finite-lived: | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Customer relationships | $ | 1,966.2 | | | $ | (1,077.1) | | | $ | 889.1 | | | $ | 1,973.7 | | | $ | (993.2) | | | $ | 980.5 | |
—Technology | 90.4 | | | (90.1) | | | 0.3 | | | 90.4 | | | (89.6) | | | 0.8 | |
—Capitalized software | 113.1 | | | (72.3) | | | 40.8 | | | 105.4 | | | (65.7) | | | 39.7 | |
| 2,169.7 | | | (1,239.5) | | | 930.2 | | | 2,169.5 | | | (1,148.5) | | | 1,021.0 | |
Indefinite-lived: | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Brands and trade names | 513.4 | | | (44.0) | | | 469.4 | | | 513.4 | | | (44.0) | | | 469.4 | |
Total intangible assets | $ | 2,683.1 | | | $ | (1,283.5) | | | $ | 1,399.6 | | | $ | 2,682.9 | | | $ | (1,192.5) | | | $ | 1,490.4 | |
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the amortization expense recognized in respect of intangible assets was $32.1 million, compared to $31.6 million for the three months ended October 1, 2022. In addition, movements in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a decrease in the net carrying value of total intangible assets of $10.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a decrease of $25.6 million for the three months ended October 1, 2022.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the amortization expense recognized in respect of intangible assets was $96.4 million, compared to $96.9 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2022. In addition, movements in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a decrease in the net carrying value of total intangible assets of $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a decrease of $60.4 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2022.
10. Derivative financial instruments
We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations. From time to time, we use derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency swaps, forward foreign currency contracts, interest rate caps (options) and interest rate swaps, to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. We do not hold or issue derivatives for speculative purposes and monitor closely the credit quality of the institutions with which we transact.
We recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. We designate certain of our currency swaps as net investment hedges and designate our interest rate caps and interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. The gain or loss on the designated derivative instrument is recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into net income in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.
Derivative instruments that have not been designated in an effective hedging relationship are considered economic hedges, and their change in fair value is recognized in net income in each period.
The period end fair values of derivative financial instruments were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of September 30, 2023 | | As of December 31, 2022 |
(dollars in millions) | Prepaid expenses and other assets | | Other non- current assets | | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | | Other non- current liabilities | | Net | | Prepaid expenses and other assets | | Other non- current assets | | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | | Other non- current liabilities | | Net |
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Currency swaps | $ | 8.6 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (42.7) | | | $ | (34.1) | | | $ | 9.3 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (45.2) | | | $ | (35.9) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Interest rate swaps | 39.5 | | | 21.2 | | | (9.9) | | | (9.0) | | | 41.8 | | | 33.3 | | | 32.7 | | | (10.7) | | | (22.1) | | | 33.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Currency forward contracts | 2.0 | | | — | | | (0.8) | | | — | | | 1.2 | | | 2.2 | | | — | | | (1.4) | | | — | | | 0.8 | |
| $ | 50.1 | | | $ | 21.2 | | | $ | (10.7) | | | $ | (51.7) | | | $ | 8.9 | | | $ | 44.8 | | | $ | 32.7 | | | $ | (12.1) | | | $ | (67.3) | | | $ | (1.9) | |
A. Instruments designated as net investment hedges
We hold cross currency swaps that have been designated as net investment hedges of certain of our European operations. Concurrent with the refinancing transactions described in Note 12, we executed additional cross currency swaps that have been designated as net investment hedges of certain of our European operations, with the notional principal amount of €501.6 million and contract term from November 16, 2022 to November 16, 2027. During March 2022, we extended our cross currency swaps existing at that time, which originally matured in March 2022, to now mature on March 31, 2027. In May 2023, we amended our existing cross currency swaps to transition from a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to a floating rate based on a term secured overnight financing rate (“Term SOFR”). As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the aggregated notional principal amount of the cross currency swaps was €756.1 million.
In addition, as of January 1, 2022, we had designated €147.0 million of our Euro-denominated debt as a net investment hedge of certain of our European operations. We subsequently reduced the designated amount to €25.0 million during the second quarter of 2022. On November 16, 2022, we extinguished our Euro-denominated term loan and replaced with new Dollar-denominated term loans, and as a result, the net investment hedging designated on our Euro-denominated debt no longer exists.
The fair value gains before tax recognized in OCI in relation to the instruments designated as net investment hedging instruments were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 |
Net fair value gains recognized in OCI in relation to: | | | | | | | |
—Euro-denominated debt | $ | — | | | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 12.2 | |
—Designated cross currency swaps | 23.9 | | | 15.3 | | | 1.8 | | | 36.8 | |
Total net fair value gains | $ | 23.9 | | | $ | 16.8 | | | $ | 1.8 | | | $ | 49.0 | |
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, a net gain of $2.5 million and $8.0 million, respectively, was recognized in interest expense in relation to our cross currency swaps that have been designated as net investment hedges, compared to a net gain of $1.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2022.
B. Instruments designated as cash flow hedges
We use interest rate swaps and interest rate caps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. These instruments are all designated as cash flow hedges. As of both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we held pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $1,255.0 million. Interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $870.0 million run from June 30, 2020 through June 30, 2025, while interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $385.0 million have the contract term from November 16, 2022 to November 16, 2027.
In May 2023, we amended our then-existing interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $870.0 million to transition from a LIBOR-based floating rate to a Term SOFR-based floating rate.
Our interest rate caps involve the receipt of variable rate payments from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for a premium, covering the period from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2023. During August 2022, we early terminated our interest rate caps. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding interest rate caps.
The movements before tax recognized in OCI in relation to our cash flow hedges were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 |
Movement recognized in OCI in relation to: | | | | | | | |
—Fair value gain on cash flow hedges | $ | 11.4 | | | $ | 26.9 | | | $ | 25.0 | | | $ | 62.5 | |
—Amortization to net income of prior period fair value losses | — | | | 4.5 | | | 8.9 | | | 13.4 | |
—Deferred OCI reclassified to net income | (8.9) | | | (1.5) | | | (24.0) | | | 0.6 | |
Total movement | $ | 2.5 | | | $ | 29.9 | | | $ | 9.9 | | | $ | 76.5 | |
C. Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
We do not designate our currency forward contracts, which are used primarily in respect of operational currency exposures related to payables, receivables and material procurement, or the currency swap contracts that are used to manage the currency profile of Gates’ cash as hedging instruments for the purposes of hedge accounting.
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding currency swaps.
As of September 30, 2023, the notional amount of outstanding currency forward contracts that are used to manage operational foreign exchange exposures was $186.2 million, compared to $150.5 million as of December 31, 2022.
The fair value (losses) gains recognized in net income in relation to derivative instruments that have not been designated as hedging instruments were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 |
Fair value (losses) gains recognized in relation to: | | | | | | | |
—Currency forward contracts recognized in SG&A | $ | (0.8) | | | $ | 1.8 | | | $ | 3.3 | | | $ | 6.8 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total | $ | (0.8) | | | $ | 1.8 | | | $ | 3.3 | | | $ | 6.8 | |
11. Fair value measurement
A. Fair value hierarchy
We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes the following hierarchy for the inputs that are used in fair value measurement:
•“Level 1” inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
•“Level 2” inputs are those other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and
•“Level 3” inputs are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value are categorized in one of the three levels on the basis of the lowest-level input that is significant to its valuation.
B. Financial instruments not held at fair value
Certain financial assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value; however, items such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, drawings under revolving credit facilities and bank overdrafts generally attract interest at floating rates and accordingly their carrying amounts are considered to approximate fair value. Due to their short maturities, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable are also considered to approximate their fair values.
The carrying amount and fair value of our debt are set out below: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of September 30, 2023 | | As of December 31, 2022 |
(dollars in millions) | Carrying amount | | Fair value | | Carrying amount | | Fair value |
Current | $ | 27.7 | | | $ | 27.7 | | | $ | 36.6 | | | $ | 36.2 | |
Non-current | 2,417.7 | | | 2,430.4 | | | 2,426.4 | | | 2,408.4 | |
| $ | 2,445.4 | | | $ | 2,458.1 | | | $ | 2,463.0 | | | $ | 2,444.6 | |
Debt is comprised principally of borrowings under the secured credit facilities and the unsecured senior notes. Loans under the secured credit facilities pay interest at floating rates, subject to a Term SOFR (as defined in the credit agreement) floor of 0.50% on the New Dollar Term Loans, and an Adjusted Term SOFR (defined in the credit agreement as Term SOFR with a credit spread adjustment of 0.10%) floor of 0.75% on the Existing Dollar Term Loans, each as further described in Note 12. The fair values of the term loans are derived from a market price, discounted for illiquidity. The unsecured senior notes have fixed interest rates, are traded by “Qualified Institutional Buyers” and certain other eligible investors, and their fair value is derived from their quoted market price.
C. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following table categorizes the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) | | Significant observable inputs (Level 2) | | Total |
As of September 30, 2023 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Derivative assets | $ | — | | | $ | 71.3 | | | $ | 71.3 | |
Derivative liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | (62.4) | | | $ | (62.4) | |
| | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Derivative assets | $ | — | | | $ | 77.5 | | | $ | 77.5 | |
Derivative liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | (79.4) | | | $ | (79.4) | |
Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 represent foreign currency exchange forward and swap contracts, and interest rate derivative contracts.
We value our foreign currency exchange derivatives using models consistent with those used by a market participant that maximize the use of market observable inputs including forward prices for currencies.
We value our interest rate derivative contracts using a widely accepted discounted cash flow valuation methodology that reflects the contractual terms of each derivative, including the period to maturity. The methodology derives the fair values of the derivatives using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future cash payments and the discounted expected receipts. The inputs used in the calculation are based on observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, implied volatilities and credit spreads.
We incorporate credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy
During the periods presented, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2, and Gates had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs.
D. Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
Gates has non-recurring fair value measurements related to certain assets, including goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, an impairment of fixed and other assets of $0.1 million was recognized. During the three and nine months ended October 1, 2022, an impairment of fixed and other assets of $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, was recognized related to the suspension of our operations in Russia.
12. Debt | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | As of September 30, 2023 | | As of December 31, 2022 |
Secured debt: | | | |
—Dollar Term Loans | $ | 1,908.8 | | | $ | 1,923.4 | |
| | | |
| | | |
Unsecured debt: | | | |
—6.25% Dollar Senior Notes due 2026 | 568.0 | | | 568.0 | |
| | | |
Total principal of debt | 2,476.8 | | | 2,491.4 | |
Deferred issuance costs | (39.6) | | | (45.5) | |
Accrued interest | 8.2 | | | 17.1 | |
Total carrying value of debt | 2,445.4 | | | 2,463.0 | |
Debt, current portion | 27.7 | | | 36.6 | |
Debt, less current portion | $ | 2,417.7 | | | $ | 2,426.4 | |
Gates’ secured debt is jointly and severally, irrevocably and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries and is secured by liens on substantially all of their assets.
Gates is subject to covenants, representations and warranties under certain of its debt facilities. During the periods covered by these condensed consolidated financial statements, we were in compliance with the applicable financial covenants. Also under the agreements governing our debt facilities, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring certain additional indebtedness, making certain investments and paying certain dividends is dependent, in part, on our ability to satisfy tests based on measures determined under those agreements.
Debt issuances and redemptions
During May 2023, we drew $100.0 million under our asset-backed revolving credit facility to partially fund the purchase of shares under our share repurchase program, as discussed further in Note 15 below. The balance on the asset-backed revolving credit facility was fully paid off during the three months ended September 30, 2023.
On November 16, 2022, we issued a new $575.0 million tranche of dollar denominated term loans (the “New Dollar Term Loans”) pursuant to an amendment to the credit agreement governing our term loan facilities, using the proceeds to extinguish the entire outstanding principal balance of €563.8 million under our Euro Term Loan facility (the “Euro Term Loan”) plus €1.0 million accrued interest. The New Dollar Term Loans have substantially similar terms as the Existing Dollar Term Loans (as defined below), bearing interest at the borrower’s option at either Term SOFR, subject to a 0.50% per annum Term SOFR floor, plus 3.50% margin per annum, or at the base rate, subject to a 1.50% per annum floor, plus 2.50% per annum. The New Dollar Term Loans require scheduled quarterly amortization payments of 1% per annum based on the initial aggregate principal amount and mature in November 2029. Issuance discount and costs totaling approximately $23.2 million related to the issuance of the New Dollar Term Loans have been deferred and will be amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the related borrowings using the effective interest method. The repayment of Euro Term Loan resulted in the accelerated recognition of $2.2 million deferred financing costs (recognized in interest expense).
During March 2022, we drew $70.0 million under our asset-backed revolving credit facility to partially fund the purchase of shares under our share repurchase program, as discussed further in Note 15 below. During Fiscal 2022, we paid down the borrowings on the asset-backed revolver and had no remaining balance as of December 31, 2022.
Dollar and Euro Term Loans
Our secured credit facilities consist of two loans (collectively, the “Dollar Term Loans”), one of which was originally drawn on July 3, 2014 and refinanced on February 24, 2021 (the “Existing Dollar Term Loans”), and the New Dollar Term Loans drawn on November 16, 2022 as described above. These term loan facilities bear interest at a floating rate, which for U.S. dollar debt can be either a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus an applicable margin, or at our option, Term SOFR plus an applicable margin. The New Dollar Term Loans mature on November 16, 2029.
The Existing Dollar Term Loans’ interest rate is currently at Adjusted Term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.75%, plus a margin of 2.60%, and as of September 30, 2023, borrowings under this facility bore interest at a rate of 7.92% per annum. On March 1, 2023, Gates amended the Existing Dollar Term Loans’ reference rate from LIBOR to Term SOFR, with a credit spread adjustment of 0.10%. The Existing Dollar Term Loans interest rate is currently re-set on the last business day of each month based on the election of one month interest periods.
The New Dollar Term Loans’ interest rate as of September 30, 2023 was Term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.50%, plus a margin of 3.50%, and as of September 30, 2023, borrowings under this facility bore interest at a rate of 8.82% per annum. The New Dollar Term Loans’ interest rate is currently re-set on the last business day of each month based on the election of one month interest periods. On October 10, 2023, we amended the New Dollar Term Loans’ interest rate to be, at our option, either Term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.50%, plus a margin of 3.00% per annum, or the base rate, subject to a 1.50% per annum floor, plus 2.00% per annum.
Both Dollar Term Loans are subject to quarterly amortization payments of 0.25%, based on the original principal amount less certain repayments with the balance payable on maturity. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we made amortization payments against the Existing Dollar Term Loans and New Dollar Term Loans of $10.3 million and $4.3 million, respectively. During the nine months ended October 1, 2022, we made amortization payments against the Existing Dollar Term Loans and the Euro Term Loan of $10.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively.
Under the terms of the credit agreement, we are obliged to offer annually to the term loan lenders an “excess cash flow” amount as defined under the agreement, based on the preceding year’s final results. Based on our 2022 results, the leverage ratio as defined under the credit agreement was below the threshold above which payments are required, and therefore no excess cash flow payment is required to be made in 2023.
During the periods presented, foreign exchange gains were recognized in respect of the Euro Term Loans as summarized in the table below. As of October 1, 2022 a portion of the facility was designated as a net investment hedge of certain of our Euro investments, a corresponding portion of the foreign exchange gain were recognized in OCI. As of September 30, 2023, the Euro Term Loan, and the net investment hedging designation on the Euro Term Loan, no longer exist. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended | | |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
Gain recognized in statement of operations | $ | — | | | $ | 32.2 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 77.8 | | | |
Gain recognized in OCI | — | | | 1.5 | | | — | | | 12.2 | | | |
Total gain | $ | — | | | $ | 33.7 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 90.0 | | | |
The above net foreign exchange gain recognized in the other (income) expense line of the condensed consolidated statement of operations have been substantially offset by net foreign exchange movements on Euro-denominated intercompany loans as part of our overall hedging strategy.
A wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Gates Global LLC (the term loan borrower and an indirect subsidiary of Gates Industrial Corporation plc) is the principal obligor under the term loans for U.S. federal income tax purposes and makes the payments due on this tranche of debt. As a result, interest received by lenders of this tranche of debt is U.S. source income.
Unsecured Senior Notes
As of September 30, 2023, we had $568.0 million of Dollar Senior Notes outstanding that were issued in November 2019. These notes are scheduled to mature on January 15, 2026 and bear interest at an annual fixed rate of 6.25% with semi-annual interest payments.
On and after January 15, 2022, we may redeem the Dollar Senior Notes, at our option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date: | | | | | |
| Redemption price |
During the year commencing: | |
| |
—2023 | 101.563 | % |
—2024 and thereafter | 100.000 | % |
Upon the occurrence of a change of control or a certain qualifying asset sale, the holders of the notes will have the right to require us to make an offer to repurchase each holder’s notes at a price equal to 101% (in the case of a change of control) or 100% (in the case of an asset sale) of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Revolving credit facility
We have a secured revolving credit facility that provides for multi-currency revolving loans. On November 18, 2021, we amended the credit agreement governing this facility to, among other things, increase the size of the facility from $185.0 million to $250.0 million, extend the maturity date from January 29, 2023 to November 18, 2026 (subject to certain springing maturities related to our Unsecured Senior Notes if more than $500.0 million is outstanding in respect of either such facility 91 days prior to their respective maturities), and increase the letter of credit sub-facility from $20.0 million to $75.0 million.
As of both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no drawings for cash under the revolving credit facility and there were no letters of credit outstanding.
Debt under the revolving credit facility bears interest at a floating rate, which can be either a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus an applicable margin or, at our option, the reference rate, plus an applicable margin. On March 1, 2023, Gates amended the secured revolving credit facility reference rate for borrowing in dollars from LIBOR to Term SOFR.
Asset-backed revolver
We also have a revolving credit facility backed by certain of our assets in North America. On November 18, 2021, we amended the credit agreement governing this facility to, among other things, reduce the maximum facility size from $325.0 million to $250.0 million ($250.0 million as of September 30, 2023, compared to $214.7 million as of December 31, 2022, based on the values of the secured assets on those dates), and extended the maturity date from January 29, 2023 to November 18, 2026 (subject to certain springing maturities related to our Unsecured Senior Notes if more than $500.0 million is outstanding in respect of either such facility 91 days prior to their respective maturities). The facility also allows for a letter of credit sub-facility of $150.0 million within the $250.0 million maximum.
In connection with these amendments, we paid fees of $1.3 million, which have been deferred and will, together with existing deferred issuance costs related to this facility, be amortized to interest expense over the new term of the facility on a straight-line basis.
As of September 30, 2023, there were no drawings for cash under this facility. The letters of credit outstanding under this facility were $31.6 million and $25.8 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Debt under the revolving credit facility bears interest at a floating rate, which can be either a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus an applicable margin or, at our option, the reference rate, plus an applicable margin. On March 1, 2023, Gates amended our revolving credit facility reference rate for borrowing in dollars from LIBOR to Term SOFR.
13. Post-retirement benefits
Gates provides defined benefit pension plans in certain of the countries in which it operates, in particular, in the U.S. and U.K. All of the defined benefit pension plans are closed to new entrants. In addition to the funded defined benefit pension plans, Gates has unfunded defined benefit obligations to certain current and former employees.
Gates also provides other post-retirement benefits, principally health and life insurance coverage, on an unfunded basis to certain of its employees in the U.S. and Canada.
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
The components of the net periodic benefit cost (income) for pensions and other post-retirement benefits were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, 2023 | | Three months ended October 1, 2022 |
(dollars in millions) | Pensions | | Other post-retirement benefits | | Total | | Pensions | | Other post-retirement benefits | | Total |
Reported in operating income: | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Employer service cost | $ | 1.0 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1.0 | | | $ | 0.8 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.8 | |
Reported outside of operating income: | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Interest cost | 6.3 | | | 0.4 | | | 6.7 | | | 3.7 | | | 0.3 | | | 4.0 | |
—Expected return on plan assets | (6.5) | | | — | | | (6.5) | | | (5.4) | | | — | | | (5.4) | |
—Net amortization of prior period (gains) losses | — | | | (0.9) | | | (0.9) | | | 0.3 | | | (0.5) | | | (0.2) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Net periodic benefit cost (income) | $ | 0.8 | | | $ | (0.5) | | | $ | 0.3 | | | $ | (0.6) | | | $ | (0.2) | | | $ | (0.8) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Contributions | $ | 1.6 | | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | 2.2 | | | $ | 4.5 | | | $ | 1.6 | | | $ | 6.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended September 30, 2023 | | Nine months ended October 1, 2022 |
(dollars in millions) | Pensions | | Other post-retirement benefits | | Total | | Pensions | | Other post-retirement benefits | | Total |
Reported in operating income: | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Employer service cost | $ | 2.9 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2.9 | | | $ | 2.5 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2.5 | |
Reported outside of operating income: | | | | | | | | | | | |
—Interest cost | 18.8 | | | 1.1 | | | 19.9 | | | 11.5 | | | 0.9 | | | 12.4 | |
—Expected return on plan assets | (19.5) | | | — | | | (19.5) | | | (16.5) | | | — | | | (16.5) | |
—Net amortization of prior period (gains) losses | (0.1) | | | (2.5) | | | (2.6) | | | 0.9 | | | (1.6) | | | (0.7) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Net periodic benefit cost (income) | $ | 2.1 | | | $ | (1.4) | | | $ | 0.7 | | | $ | (1.6) | | | $ | (0.7) | | | $ | (2.3) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Contributions | $ | 5.3 | | | $ | 2.5 | | | $ | 7.8 | | | $ | 6.5 | | | $ | 2.8 | | | $ | 9.3 | |
The components of the above net periodic benefit cost (income) for pensions and other post-retirement benefits that are reported outside of operating income are all included in the other (income) expense line in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
For 2023 as a whole, we expect to contribute approximately $9.2 million to our defined benefit pension plans and approximately $3.2 million to our other post-retirement benefit plans.
14. Share-based compensation
The Company operates a share-based incentive plan over its shares to provide incentives to Gates’ senior executives and other eligible employees. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a charge of $3.3 million and $19.6 million, respectively, compared to $7.2 million and $34.8 million, respectively, in the three and nine months ended October 1, 2022.
Awards issued under the 2014 Omaha Topco Ltd. Stock Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”)
Gates has a number of share-based incentive awards issued under the 2014 Plan, which was assumed by the Company and renamed the Gates Industrial Corporation plc Stock Incentive Plan in connection with our initial public offering in January 2018 (our “IPO”). No new awards have been granted under this plan since 2017. The options granted prior to our IPO were split equally into four tiers, each with specific vesting conditions. Tier I options vest evenly over 5 years from the grant date, subject to the participant continuing to provide service to Gates on the vesting date. Tier II, III and IV options vest on achievement of specified investment returns by certain investment funds affiliated with Blackstone Inc. (“Blackstone” or our “Sponsor”) at the time of a defined liquidity event, which is also subject to the participant’s continued provision of service to Gates on the vesting date. The performance conditions associated with Tiers II, III and IV must have been achieved on or prior to July 3, 2022 in order for vesting to occur. All the options expire ten years after the date of grant.
During March 2022, a liquidity event as defined occurred following the sale by Blackstone of a certain portion of their interest in Gates and the Tier II and IV options vested as the specified investment returns related to these options had been met. In connection with this vesting, a one-time share-based compensation charge of $16.1 million was recognized. On July 3, 2022, the performance period for the Tier III options expired and, as the specified investment returns were not achieved, all Tier III awards expired during Fiscal 2022.
Due to Chinese regulatory restrictions on foreign stock ownership, awards granted under this plan to Chinese employees have been issued as stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). The terms of these SARs are identical to those of the options described above with the exception that no share is issued on exercise; instead, cash equivalent to the increase in the value of the shares from the date of grant to the date of exercise is paid to the employee. These awards are therefore treated as liability awards under Topic 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation” and are revalued to their fair value at each period end. The SARs include option awards with the same vesting terms as the Tier II, III and IV option awards described above, and, due to the vesting event described above, the SAR equivalents of the Tier II and IV awards also vested in March 2022, resulting in a share-based compensation charge of $2.6 million. All Tier III SARs expired on July 3, 2022 as the specific performance hurdle was not achieved.
Changes in the awards granted under this plan are summarized in the tables below.
Awards issued under the Gates Industrial Corporation plc 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”)
In conjunction with the initial public offering in January 2018, Gates adopted the 2018 Plan, which is a market-based long-term incentive program that allows for the issue of a variety of equity-based and cash-based awards, including stock options, SARs and RSUs.
The SARs issued under this plan take the form of options, except that no share is issued on exercise; instead, cash equivalent to the increase in the value of the shares from the date of grant to the date of exercise is paid to the employee. These awards are therefore treated as liability awards under Topic 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation” and are revalued to their fair value at each period end. The SARs and the majority of the share options issued under this plan vest evenly over either three years or four years from the grant date. The remainder of the options, the premium-priced options, vest evenly over a three-year period, starting two years from the grant date. All options vest subject to the participant’s continued employment by Gates on the vesting date and expire ten years after the date of grant.
The RSUs issued under the plan consist of time-vesting RSUs and performance-based RSUs (“PRSUs”). The time-vesting RSUs vest evenly over either one or three years from the date of grant, subject to the participant’s continued provision of service to Gates on the vesting date. The PRSUs issued prior to 2022 provide that 50% of the award will generally vest if Gates achieves a certain level of average annual adjusted return on invested capital as defined in the plan (“Adjusted ROIC”) and the remaining 50% of the PRSUs will generally vest if Gates achieves certain relative total shareholder return (“Relative TSR”) goals, in each case, measured over a three-year performance period and subject to the participant’s continued employment through the end of the performance period. The total number of PRSUs that vest at the end of the performance period will range from 0% to 200% of the target based on actual performance against a pre-established scale. Starting in Fiscal 2022, the terms for PRSUs are identical, except that 75% of the award will generally vest based on the specified Adjusted ROIC achievement and the remaining 25% will generally vest based on Relative TSR goal attainment.
New awards and movements in existing awards granted under this plan are summarized in the tables below.
Summary of movements in options outstanding | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Nine months ended September 30, 2023 | | |
| Plan | Number of options | | Weighted average exercise price $ | | | | |
Outstanding at the beginning of the period: | | | | | | | | |
—Tier I | 2014 Plan | 2,521,173 | | | $ | 6.89 | | | | | |
—Tier II | 2014 Plan | 2,689,551 | | | $ | 6.97 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
—Tier IV | 2014 Plan | 2,692,551 | | | $ | 10.46 | | | | | |
—SARs | Both plans | 683,087 | | | $ | 10.22 | | | | | |
—Share options | 2018 Plan | 2,980,134 | | | $ | 14.86 | | | | | |
—Premium-priced options | 2018 Plan | 835,469 | | | $ | 18.88 | | | | | |
| | 12,401,965 | | | $ | 10.59 | | | | | |
Granted during the period: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
—SARs | 2018 Plan | 38,800 | | | $ | 14.04 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | 38,800 | | | $ | 14.04 | | | | | |
Forfeited during the period: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
—SARs | 2018 Plan | (1,668) | | | $ | 15.76 | | | | | |
—Share options | 2018 Plan | (82,136) | | | $ | 14.84 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (83,804) | | | $ | 14.85 | | | | | |
Expired during the period: | | | | | | | | |
—Tier I | 2014 Plan | (2,000) | | | $ | 6.56 | | | | | |
—Tier II | 2014 Plan | (2,000) | | | $ | 6.56 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
—Tier IV | 2014 Plan | (1,000) | | | $ | 9.84 | | | | | |
—SARs | Both Plans | (2,165) | | | $ | 13.33 | | | | | |
—Share options | 2018 Plan | (188,779) | | | $ | 15.63 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (195,944) | | | $ | 15.39 | | | | | |
Exercised during the period: | | | | | | | | |
—Tier I | 2014 Plan | (660,937) | | | $ | 6.66 | | | | | |
—Tier II | 2014 Plan | (634,901) | | | $ | 6.84 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
—Tier IV | 2014 Plan | (643,244) | | | $ | 10.10 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
—Share options | 2018 Plan | (181,087) | | | $ | 12.56 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (2,120,169) | | | $ | 8.26 | | | | | |
Outstanding at the end of the period: | | | | | | | | |
—Tier I | 2014 Plan | 1,858,236 | | | $ | 6.97 | | | | | |
—Tier II | 2014 Plan | 2,052,650 | | | $ | 7.01 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
—Tier IV | 2014 Plan | 2,048,307 | | | $ | 10.57 | | | | | |
—SARs | Both plans | 718,054 | | | $ | 10.40 | | | | | |
—Share options | 2018 Plan | 2,528,132 | | | $ | 14.97 | | | | | |
—Premium-priced options | 2018 Plan | 835,469 | | | $ | 18.88 | | | | | |
| | 10,040,848 | | | $ | 10.96 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Exercisable at the end of the period | | 9,491,978 | | | $ | 10.61 | | | | | |
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period | | 10,040,081 | | | $ | 10.96 | | | | | |
As of September 30, 2023, the aggregate intrinsic value of options that were exercisable was $22.5 million, and these options had a weighted average remaining contractual term of 3.2 years. As of September 30, 2023, the aggregate intrinsic value of options that were vested or expected to vest was $22.5 million, and these options had a weighted average remaining contractual term of 3.4 years.
As of September 30, 2023, the unrecognized compensation charge relating to the nonvested options was $0.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.6 years.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, cash of $0.8 million and $17.5 million was received in relation to the exercise of vested options, respectively, compared to $1.2 million and $15.1 million during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2022, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, compared to $0.2 million and $0.8 million during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2022, respectively.
Summary of movements in RSUs and PRSUs outstanding | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended September 30, 2023 | | |
| Number of awards | | Weighted average grant date fair value $ | | | | |
Outstanding at the beginning of the period: | | | | | | | |
—RSUs | 3,491,259 | | | $ | 13.72 | | | | | |
—PRSUs | 1,076,560 | | | $ | 16.53 | | | | | |
| 4,567,819 | | | $ | 14.38 | | | | | |
Granted during the period: | | | | | | | |
—RSUs | 1,303,462 | | | $ | 13.86 | | | | | |
—PRSUs | 405,954 | | | $ | 15.88 | | | | | |
| 1,709,416 | | | $ | 14.34 | | | | | |
Forfeited during the period: | | | | | | | |
—RSUs | (366,933) | | | $ | 14.20 | | | | | |
—PRSUs | (421,809) | | | $ | 16.05 | | | | | |
| (788,742) | | | $ | 15.19 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Vested during the period: | | | | | | | |
—RSUs | (1,406,215) | | | $ | 13.54 | | | | | |
—PRSUs | (143,044) | | | 14.56 | | | | | |
| (1,549,259) | | | $ | 13.63 | | | | | |
Outstanding at the end of the period: | | | | | | | |
—RSUs | 3,021,573 | | | $ | 13.81 | | | | | |
—PRSUs | 917,661 | | | $ | 16.77 | | | | | |
| 3,939,234 | | | $ | 14.50 | | | | | |
As of September 30, 2023, the unrecognized compensation charge relating to unvested RSUs and PRSUs was $20.7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years, subject, where relevant, to the achievement of the performance conditions described above. The total fair value of RSUs and PRSUs vested during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $5.8 million and $21.1 million, respectively, compared to $0.1 million and $12.2 million during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2022, respectively.
Valuation of awards granted during the period
The grant date fair value of the SARs are measured using a Black-Scholes valuation model. RSUs are valued at the share price on the date of grant. The Relative TSR component of the PRSUs were valued using Monte Carlo simulations. As Gates only has volatility data for its shares for the period since its initial public offering, this volatility has, where necessary, been weighted with the debt-levered volatility of a peer group of public companies in order to determine the expected volatility over the expected option life. The expected option life represents the period of time for which the options are expected to be outstanding and is based on consideration of the contractual life of the option, option vesting period, and historical exercise patterns. The weighted average fair values and relevant assumptions were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended |
| September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | |
Weighted average grant date fair value: | | | | | |
—SARs | $ | 6.71 | | | $ | 6.94 | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
—RSUs | $ | 13.86 | | | $ | 13.68 | | | |
—PRSUs | $ | 15.88 | | | $ | 17.23 | | | |
| | | | | |
Inputs to the model: | | | | | |
—Expected volatility — SARs | 43.4 | % | | 43.5 | % | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
—Expected volatility — PRSUs | 37.7 | % | | 49.1 | % | | |
| | | | | |
—Expected option life for SARs (years) | 6.0 | | 6.0 | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
—Risk-free interest rate: | | | | | |
SARs | 4.13 | % | | 1.91 | % | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
PRSUs | 4.60 | % | | 1.72 | % | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
15. Equity
Movements in the Company’s number of shares in issue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, respectively, were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended |
(number of shares) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 |
Balance as of the beginning of the period | 282,578,917 | | | 291,282,137 | |
| | | |
Exercise of share options | 2,120,169 | | | 1,845,428 | |
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of withholding taxes | 1,329,609 | | | 779,076 | |
Shares repurchased and cancelled | (21,934,634) | | | (11,465,917) | |
Balance as of the end of the period | 264,094,061 | | | 282,440,724 | |
The Company has one class of authorized and issued shares, with a par value of $0.01, and each share has equal voting rights.
In November 2021, the Company established a repurchase program allowing for up to $200 million in authorized share repurchases. On March 24, 2022, the Company, certain selling shareholders affiliated with Blackstone, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“Citigroup”) entered into an underwriting agreement pursuant to which the selling shareholders agreed to sell to Citigroup 5,000,000 ordinary shares of the Company at a price of $15.14 per ordinary share (the “2022 Offering”). The selling shareholders also granted to Citigroup an option to purchase up to 750,000 additional ordinary shares of the Company; this option was exercised in full on March 25, 2022. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of ordinary shares in the 2022 Offering, which closed on March 30, 2022. In connection with the 2022 Offering, the Company repurchased 8,000,000 ordinary shares through Citigroup from the same selling shareholders at a price of $15.14 per ordinary share for an aggregate consideration of $121.1 million (the “2022 Repurchase”), plus costs directly related to the transaction of $0.8 million. This repurchase was funded by cash on hand and a borrowing of $70.0 million under Gates’ asset-backed revolving credit facility. All shares repurchased pursuant to the 2022 Repurchase have been cancelled and the original share repurchase program expired on December 31, 2022.
On April 28, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors approved another share repurchase program for up to $250 million in authorized share repurchases. On May 17, 2023, the Company, certain selling shareholders affiliated with Blackstone, and the representatives of the several underwriters entered into an underwriting agreement pursuant to which the selling shareholders agreed to sell to the underwriters 22,500,000 ordinary shares of the Company at a price of $11.3975 per ordinary share (the “May 2023 Offering”). The selling shareholders also granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 3,375,000 additional ordinary shares of the Company; this option was exercised in full on May 18, 2023. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of ordinary shares in the May 2023 Offering, which closed on May 23, 2023. In connection with the May 2023 Offering, the Company repurchased 21,934,634 ordinary shares through Citigroup from the same selling shareholders at a price of $11.3975 per ordinary share for an aggregate consideration of approximately $250.0 million (the “2023 Repurchase”), plus costs paid directly related to the transaction of $1.7 million. This repurchase was funded by cash on hand and a borrowing of $100.0 million under Gates’ asset-backed revolving credit facility. All shares repurchased pursuant to the 2023 Repurchase have been cancelled. Following the May 2023 Offering and the 2023 Repurchase, shareholders affiliated with Blackstone no longer beneficially own a majority of our outstanding ordinary shares and therefore we are no longer considered a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards.
On August 8, 2023, the Company, certain selling shareholders affiliated with Blackstone, and the representatives of the several underwriters entered into another underwriting agreement pursuant to which the selling shareholders agreed to sell to the underwriters 15,000,000 ordinary shares of the Company at a price of $11.57 per ordinary share (the “August 2023 Offering”), with an option to purchase up to 2,250,000 additional ordinary shares of the Company; this option was exercised in full on August 9, 2023. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of ordinary shares in the August 2023 Offering, which closed on August 14, 2023.
16. Analysis of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component, net of tax, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | | | Post- retirement benefits | | Cumulative translation adjustment | | Cash flow hedges | | Accumulated OCI attributable to shareholders | | Non-controlling interests | | Accumulated OCI |
As of December 31, 2022 | | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | (950.0) | | | $ | 31.6 | | | $ | (917.8) | | | $ | (64.6) | | | $ | (982.4) | |
Foreign currency translation | | | (1.3) | | | 27.2 | | | — | | | 25.9 | | | (29.4) | | | (3.5) | |
Cash flow hedges movements | | | — | | | — | | | 7.4 | | | 7.4 | | | — | | | 7.4 | |
Post-retirement benefit movements | | | (1.9) | | | — | | | — | | | (1.9) | | | — | | | (1.9) | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income | | | (3.2) | | | 27.2 | | | 7.4 | | | 31.4 | | | (29.4) | | | 2.0 | |
As of September 30, 2023 | | | $ | (2.6) | | | $ | (922.8) | | | $ | 39.0 | | | $ | (886.4) | | | $ | (94.0) | | | $ | (980.4) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | | | Post- retirement benefits | | Cumulative translation adjustment | | Cash flow hedges | | Accumulated OCI attributable to shareholders | | Non-controlling interests | | Accumulated OCI |
As of January 1, 2022 | | | $ | 36.6 | | | $ | (836.7) | | | $ | (25.1) | | | $ | (825.2) | | | $ | (23.4) | | | $ | (848.6) | |
Foreign currency translation | | | (1.8) | | | (227.7) | | | — | | | (229.5) | | | (62.1) | | | (291.6) | |
Cash flow hedges movements | | | — | | | — | | | 57.4 | | | 57.4 | | | — | | | 57.4 | |
Post-retirement benefit movements | | | (0.5) | | | — | | | — | | | (0.5) | | | — | | | (0.5) | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income | | | (2.3) | | | (227.7) | | | 57.4 | | | (172.6) | | | (62.1) | | | (234.7) | |
As of October 1, 2022 | | | $ | 34.3 | | | $ | (1,064.4) | | | $ | 32.3 | | | $ | (997.8) | | | $ | (85.5) | | | $ | (1,083.3) | |
17. Related party transactions
A. Entities affiliated with Blackstone
In connection with the initial public offering of Gates, we entered into a Support and Services Agreement with Blackstone Management Partners L.L.C. (“BMP”) under which the Company and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries reimburse BMP for customary support services provided by Blackstone’s portfolio operations group to the Company at BMP’s direction. BMP will invoice the Company for such services based on the time spent by the relevant personnel providing such services during the applicable period and Blackstone’s allocated costs of such personnel. During the periods presented, no amounts were paid or were outstanding under this agreement. This agreement terminates on the date our Sponsor beneficially owns less than 5% of our ordinary shares and such shares have a fair market value of less than $25.0 million, or such earlier date as may be chosen by Blackstone.
As described in Note 15, in March 2022, the Company repurchased 8,000,000 ordinary shares through Citigroup from certain shareholders affiliated with Blackstone for an aggregate consideration of $121.1 million, plus costs directly related to the transaction of $0.8 million. Additionally, in May 2023, the Company repurchased 21,934,634 ordinary shares through Citigroup from certain shareholders affiliated with Blackstone for an aggregate consideration of approximately $250.0 million, plus costs paid directly related to the transaction of $1.7 million.
B. Equity method investees
Sales to and purchases from equity method investees were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 |
Sales | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Purchases | $ | (4.5) | | | $ | (3.7) | | | $ | (13.7) | | | $ | (11.9) | |
Amounts outstanding in respect of these transactions were payables of $0.4 million as of September 30, 2023, compared to $2.4 million as of December 31, 2022. No dividends were received from our equity method investees during the periods presented.
C. Non-Gates entities controlled by non-controlling shareholders
Sales to and purchases from non-Gates entities controlled by non-controlling shareholders were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended | | Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 | | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 |
Sales | $ | 9.7 | | | $ | 13.5 | | | $ | 34.8 | | | $ | 45.8 | |
Purchases | $ | (3.4) | | | $ | (4.1) | | | $ | (11.8) | | | $ | (14.0) | |
Amounts outstanding in respect of these transactions were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | As of September 30, 2023 | | As of December 31, 2022 |
Receivables | $ | 4.1 | | | $ | 4.7 | |
Payables | $ | (2.6) | | | $ | (3.2) | |
18. Commitments and contingencies
A. Performance bonds, letters of credit and bank guarantees
As of September 30, 2023, letters of credit totaling $31.6 million were outstanding against the asset-backed revolving facility, compared to $25.8 million as of December 31, 2022. Gates had additional outstanding performance bonds, letters of credit and bank guarantees amounting to $8.3 million as of September 30, 2023, compared to $8.7 million as of December 31, 2022.
B. Contingencies
Gates is, from time to time, party to general legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of business. Gates is also, from time to time, party to legal proceedings and claims in respect of environmental obligations, product liability, intellectual property, commercial and contractual disputes, employment matters and other matters which arise in the ordinary course of business and against which management believes Gates has meritorious defenses available. When appropriate, management consults with legal counsel and other appropriate experts to assess claims. If, in management’s opinion, we have incurred a probable loss as set forth by U.S. GAAP, an estimate is made of the loss and the appropriate accrual is reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Currently, there are no material amounts accrued.
While it is not possible to quantify the financial impact or predict the outcome of all pending claims and litigation, management does not anticipate that the outcome of any current proceedings or known claims, either individually or in aggregate, will materially affect Gates’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
C. Warranties
The following summarizes the movements in the warranty liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, respectively: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended |
(dollars in millions) | September 30, 2023 | | October 1, 2022 |
Balance as of the beginning of the period | $ | 17.6 | | | $ | 18.7 | |
Charge for the period | 3.7 | | | 8.1 | |
Payments made | (5.7) | | | (7.5) | |
| | | |
Released during the period | (0.1) | | | (0.1) | |
Foreign currency translation | (0.4) | | | (0.9) | |
Balance as of the end of the period | $ | 15.1 | | | $ | 18.3 | |