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(Exact
name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
iDelaware
i36-3352497
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
i1400 Toastmaster Drive,
iElgin,
iIllinois
i60120
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
i(847)
i741-3300
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
iCommon
stock,
par value $0.01 per share
iMIDD
iNASDAQ Global Select Market
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. iYesý No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes
¨iNoý
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. iYesý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). iYesý No
¨
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 definition of “accelerated filer,""large accelerated filer,""smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
iLarge
accelerated filer
☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
i☐
Emerging growth company
i☐
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. o
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. iý
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. o
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).o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes i☐ No ý
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant as of July 2, 2022 was approximately $i6,751,760,667.
The
number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s class of common stock, as of February 27, 2023, was i53,609,743 shares.
Part III of Form 10-K incorporates by reference the
Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.
The Middleby Corporation, a Delaware corporation
(“Middleby” or the “company”), through its operating subsidiary Middleby Marshall Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Middleby Marshall”) and its subsidiaries, is a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and service of a broad line of (i) foodservice equipment used in all types of commercial restaurants and institutional kitchens, (ii) food preparation, cooking, baking, chilling and packaging equipment for food processing operations, and (iii) premium kitchen equipment including ranges, ovens, refrigerators, ventilation, dishwashers and outdoor cooking equipment primarily used in the residential market.
Founded in 1888 as a manufacturer of baking ovens, Middleby Marshall Oven Company was acquired in 1983 by TMC Industries Ltd., a publicly traded company that changed its name
in 1985 to The Middleby Corporation. The company has established itself as a leading provider of (i) commercial restaurant equipment, (ii) food processing equipment and (iii) residential kitchen equipment as a result of its acquisition of industry leading brands and through the introduction of innovative products within each of these segments.
The company's annual reports on Form 10-K, including this Form 10-K, as well as the company's quarterly reports on Form
10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports are available, free of charge, on the
company's website, www.middleby.com. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Business Segments and Products
The company conducts its business through three principal business segments: the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, the Food Processing Equipment Group and the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group. See Note 10 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for further information on the company's business segments.
Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group
The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group has a broad portfolio of foodservice equipment, which enable it to serve virtually any cooking, warming, holding, refrigeration, freezing and beverage application within a commercial kitchen or foodservice operation. This equipment is used across all types of foodservice operations, including quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants, ghost kitchens, convenience stores, supermarkets, retail outlets, hotels and other institutions.
The products offered by this group include conveyor ovens, combi-ovens, convection ovens, baking ovens, proofing ovens, deck ovens, speed cooking ovens, hydrovection ovens, ranges,
fryers, rethermalizers, steam cooking equipment, food warming equipment, catering equipment, heated cabinets, charbroilers, ventless cooking systems, kitchen ventilation, induction cooking equipment, countertop cooking equipment, toasters, griddles, charcoal grills, professional mixers, stainless steel fabrication, custom millwork, professional refrigerators, blast chillers, coldrooms, ice machines, freezers, soft serve ice cream equipment, coffee and beverage dispensing equipment, home and professional craft brewing equipment, fry dispensers, bottle filling and canning equipment, and IoT solutions.
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Food Processing Equipment Group
The
Food Processing Equipment Group offers a broad portfolio of processing solutions for customers producing protein products, such as bacon, salami, hot dogs, dinner sausages, poultry and lunchmeats and bakery products, such as muffins, cookies, crackers, pies, bread and buns. Through its broad line of products, the company is able to deliver a wide array of food preparation, thermal processing, slicing/packaging, facility automation and equipment sanitation solutions to service a variety of food processing requirements demanded by its customers. The company can offer highly integrated full processing line solutions that provide a food processing operation a uniquely integrated solution providing for the highest level of food quality, product consistency, and reduced operating costs resulting from increased
product yields, increased capacity, greater throughput and reduced labor costs through automation.
This food processing equipment is marketed under a portfolio of twenty-six brands, including Alkar, Armor Inox, Auto-Bake, Baker Thermal Solutions, Burford, Colussi Ermes, Cozzini, CV-Tek, Danfotech, Drake, Escher, Glimek, Hinds-Bock, Key-Log, Maurer-Atmos, MP Equipment, Pacproinc, Proxaut, RapidPak, Scanico, Spooner Vicars, Stewart Systems, Sveba Dahlen, Thurne, Ve.Ma.C., and Visionpak.
The products offered by this group include a wide array of cooking and baking solutions, including batch ovens, baking ovens, proofing ovens, conveyor belt ovens, continuous processing ovens, frying systems and automated thermal processing systems. The company also provides
a comprehensive portfolio of complementary food preparation equipment such as tumblers, massagers, grinders, slicers, reduction and emulsion systems, mixers, blenders, formers, battering equipment, breading equipment, seeding equipment, water cutting systems, food presses, food suspension equipment, filling and depositing solutions and forming equipment, as well as a variety of automated loading and unloading systems, automated washing systems, auto-guided vehicles, food safety, food handling, freezing, defrosting and packaging equipment. This portfolio of equipment can be integrated to provide customers a highly efficient and customized solution.
Residential Kitchen Equipment Group
The Residential Kitchen Equipment Group manufactures, sells and distributes kitchen equipment for the residential market. Principal product lines
of this group are ranges, cookers, stoves, cooktops, microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, undercounter refrigeration, wine cellars, ice machines, beer dispensers, ventilation equipment, mixers, rotisseries and outdoor cooking equipment. These products are sold and marketed under a portfolio of twenty-three brands, including AGA, AGA Cookshop, Brava, Char-Griller, EVO, Kamado Joe, La Cornue, Leisure Sinks, Lynx, Marvel, Masterbuilt, Mercury, Novy, Rangemaster, Rayburn, Redfyre, Sedona, Ss Brewtech, Stanley, TurboChef, U-Line, Varimixer and Viking.
Acquisition Strategy
The company has pursued a strategy to acquire and assemble a leading portfolio of brands and technologies for each of its three business segments. Over the past
two years, the company has completed seventeen acquisitions to add to its portfolio of brands and technologies of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group and the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group. These acquisitions have added fourteen brands to the Middleby portfolio and positioned the company as a leading provider of equipment in each respective industry. Significant acquisitions included Novy and Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt, acquired for a purchase price of $i250.9
million and $i403.6 million, net of cash acquired, respectively. All other acquisitions were acquired for an aggregate purchase price totaling $598.4 million, net of cash acquired.
Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group
•September 2021: The company completed its acquisition of all of the capital
stock of Imperial Commercial Cooking Equipment ("Imperial"), a manufacturer of ranges, fryers, ovens, countertop equipment, and other specialty cooking products for the commercial kitchen, located in Corona, California.
•November 2021: The company completed its acquisition of all of the assets of Gate CFV Solutions, Inc. and Newton CFV, LLC ("Newton CFV"), a business that manufactures and sells valves for beverage dispensing and other applications utilizing patented CFV technology that provides constant pressure, flow and ratio control, located in Sebastian, Florida.
•April 2022: The company completed its acquisition of all of the assets of Kloppenberg
LLC ("Kloppenberg"), a manufacturer of ice bins, dispensers, carts, and ice transportation systems, located in Englewood, Colorado.
•June 2022: The company completed its acquisition of all of the capital stock of Icetro Co., Ltd. ("Icetro"), a manufacturer of ice, soft serve and slush machines, located in South Korea.
2
•December 2022: The company completed its acquisition of all the capital stock of Marco Beverage Systems ("Marco"),
a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative and energy-efficient beverage dispense solutions, located in Ireland.
Food Processing Equipment Group
•June 2022: The company completed its acquisition of all of the capital stock of Proxaut S.r.l. ("Proxaut"), a leader in auto guided vehicles for the food and industrial processing companies, located in Italy.
•July 2022: The company completed its acquisition of all of the capital stock of CP Packaging, LLC ("CP Packaging"), a leading manufacturer of advanced high-speed vacuum packaging equipment, located in Appleton, Wisconsin.
•July 2022: The company completed its acquisition of all of the capital stock of Colussi Ermes S.r.l. ("Colussi"), a leading manufacturer of automated washing solutions, located in Italy.
•November 2022: The company completed its acquisition of all of the capital stock of Escher Mixers S.r.l ("Escher"), a leading manufacturer of highly engineered spiral and planetary mixers for the industrial baking industry, located in Italy.
Residential Kitchen Equipment Group
•July 2021:
The company completed its acquisition of all of the capital stock of Novy Invest NV ("Novy"), a leader in cooker hoods and hobs, located in Belgium.
•December 2021: The company completed its acquisition of all of the capital stock of A&J Structure Services, LLC ("Char-Griller"), a leader in residential outdoor charcoal and gas cooking products, located in Atlanta, Georgia.
•December 2021: The company completed its acquisition of all of the member interests of Masterbuilt Holdings, LLC
("Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt") and their residential outdoor brands Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt, a leader in outdoor residential cooking equipment, located in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
The Customers and Market
Commercial Foodservice Equipment Industry
The company's end-user customers include: (i) fast food, fast casual and quick-service restaurants, including ghost kitchens, (ii) full-service restaurants, including casual-theme restaurants, (iii) retail outlets, such as convenience stores, supermarkets and department stores and (iv) public and private institutions, such as hotels, resorts, schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, correctional facilities,
stadiums, airports, corporate cafeterias, college and universities, military facilities and government agencies. The company's domestic sales are primarily through independent dealers and distributors and are marketed by the company's sales personnel and network of independent manufacturers' representatives. Many of the dealers in the U.S. belong to buying groups that negotiate sales terms with the company. Certain large multi-national restaurant and hotel chain customers have purchasing organizations that manage product procurement for their systems. Included in these customers are several large multi-national restaurant chains, which account for a meaningful portion of the
company's business, although no single customer accounts for more than 10% of net sales.
Over the past several decades, the commercial foodservice equipment industry has enjoyed steady growth in the United States due to the development of new quick-service and casual-theme restaurant chain concepts, the expansion of foodservice into nontraditional locations such as convenience stores and retail outlets, as well as store equipment modernization driven by efforts to improve efficiencies within foodservice operations. In the international markets, foodservice equipment manufacturers have been experiencing growth due to expanding international economies and increased opportunity for expansion by U.S. chains into developing regions.
3
The
company believes that the worldwide commercial foodservice equipment market has sales in excess of $35.0 billion. The company believes that continuing growth in demand for foodservice equipment will result from the development of new restaurant concepts in the U.S. and the expansion of U.S. and foreign chains into international markets, the replacement and upgrade of existing equipment and new equipment requirements resulting from menu changes, menu diversity and consumer food trends.
The company is developing innovations to solve the challenges within our customers' operations. We believe automated equipment that addresses labor issues will provide our customers a meaningful return on their investment. Innovative equipment solutions, including integrated
IoT platforms and universal controllers, will allow restaurateurs to scale their operations quickly and leverage data to make operational decisions.
Food Processing Equipment Industry
The company's customers include a diversified base of leading food processors. Customers include several large international food processing companies, which account for a significant portion of the revenues of this business segment, although none of which is greater than 10% of net sales. A large portion of the company's revenues have been generated from producers of protein products such as bacon, salami, hot dogs, dinner sausages, poultry, lunchmeats and plant based/alternative
protein and producers of bakery products, such as muffins, cookies, crackers, pies, bread and buns; however, the company believes that it can leverage its expertise and product development capabilities in thermal processing to organically grow into new end markets and offers unique full processing line solutions.
Food processing has quickly become a highly competitive landscape dominated by a few large conglomerates that possess a variety of food brands. The consolidation of food processing plants associated with industry consolidation drives a need for more flexible and efficient equipment that is capable of processing large volumes in quicker cycle times. In recent years, food processors have had to conform to the demands of “big box” retailers and the restaurant industry, including, most importantly, greater
product consistency and exact package weights. Food processors are beginning to realize that their old equipment is no longer capable of efficiently producing adequate uniformity in the large product volumes required, and they are turning to equipment manufacturers that offer better process control for proven product consistency, innovative packaging designs and other solutions. To protect their own brands and reputations, retailers and large restaurant chains are also dictating food safety standards that are often stricter than government regulations.
A number of factors, including raw material prices, cost of ownership of their equipment, labor and health care costs, are driving food processors to focus on ways to improve their generally thin profitability margins. In order to increase the profitability and efficiency in processing plants, food processors pay increasingly more attention to the performance
of their machinery and the flexibility in the functionality of the equipment. Food processors are continuously looking for ways to make their plants safer and reduce labor-intensive activities. Food processors have begun to recognize the value of new technology as an important vehicle to drive productivity and profitability in their plants. Due to customer requirements, food processors are expected to continue to demand new and innovative equipment that addresses food safety, food quality, automation, flexibility and sustainability.
Improving living standards in developing countries is spurring increased worldwide demand for pre-cooked and convenience food products. As industrializing countries create more jobs, consumers in these countries will have the means to buy pre-cooked food products. In industrialized regions, such as Western Europe and the U.S., consumers are demanding more pre-cooked and convenience
food products, such as deli tray variety packs, frozen food products and ready-to-eat varieties of ethnic foods.
The global food processing equipment industry is highly fragmented, large and growing. The company estimates demand for food processing equipment is in excess of $55.0 billion worldwide.
4
Residential Kitchen Equipment Industry
The company’s end-users include customers with high-end residential kitchens as
well as retail dealers of residential cooking equipment. The market potential for such equipment has continued to broaden due to an increase in interest from the consumer to have professionally styled appliances with commercial inspired, higher performing features in their home as well as their outdoor entertaining space. The kitchen, both indoors and out, has been the main area in which consumers have invested the most money over the past several decades to increase the personal satisfaction and the value of their home. Other important factors which affect the market size and growth include the level of new home starts, increase in home renovations and general macro-economic factors. Macro-economic factors such as GDP growth, employment rates, inflation, interest rates and consumer confidence, which impact the overall economy, impact the residential kitchen equipment industry and cause variability in the revenues at this segment. The residential kitchen appliance industry
is estimated to be in excess of $260.0 billion worldwide.
Backlog
Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group
The backlog of orders for the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group was $754.8 million at December 31, 2022, most all of which is expected to be filled during 2023. The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group's backlog was $881.9 million at January 1, 2022. The acquired Kloppenberg, Icetro and Marco businesses accounted for $8.8 million of the backlog. The backlog is not necessarily indicative of the level of business expected for the year and the growth in backlog represents impacts from COVID-19 pandemic related market conditions and supply chain challenges.
Food
Processing Equipment Group
The backlog of orders for the Food Processing Equipment Group was $313.2 million at December 31, 2022, which is expected to be filled by the end of fiscal 2024. The Food Processing Equipment Group's backlog was $187.5 million at January 1, 2022. The acquired Proxaut, CP Packaging, Colussi, and Escher businesses accounted for $42.2 million of the backlog.
Residential Kitchen Equipment Group
The backlog of orders for the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group was $175.0 million at December 31, 2022, all of which is expected to be filled during 2023. The Residential Kitchen Equipment Group's
backlog was $443.4 million at January 1, 2022.
Marketing and Distribution
Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group
Middleby's products and services are marketed in the U.S. and in over 100 countries through a combination of the company's sales and marketing personnel, together with an extensive network of independent dealers, distributors, consultants, sales representatives and agents.
In the United States, the company distributes its products to independent end-users primarily through
a network of non-exclusive dealers nationwide, who are supported by manufacturers' marketing representatives. Sales are made direct to certain large restaurant chains that have established their own procurement and distribution organization for their franchise system. The company's relationships with major restaurant chains are primarily handled through an integrated effort of top-level executive and sales management at the corporate and business division levels to best serve each customer's needs. International sales are primarily made through a network of company owned and local independent distributors and dealers.
Food Processing Equipment Group
The company maintains
a direct sales force to market the brands and maintain direct relationships with each of its customers. In North America, the company employs regional sales managers, each with responsibility for a group of customers and a particular region. This sales force is complimented with involvement of executive management to maintain relationships with customer executives and facilitate coordination amongst the brands for the key global accounts. Internationally, the company maintains sales and distribution offices along with global sales managers supported by a network of independent sales representatives.
5
The
company’s sale process is highly consultative due to the highly technical nature of the equipment, especially in the case of the full processing line solutions. During a typical sales process, salespeople make several visits to the customer’s facility to conceptually discuss the production requirements, footprint and configuration of the proposed equipment. The company employs a technically proficient sales force, many of whom have previous technical experience with the company as well as education backgrounds in food science. The sales strategy of the company is fostered with Protein and Bakery Innovation Centers in Chicago, Dallas and India, which are available for development with technical performance and product
testing for customers.
Residential Kitchen Equipment Group
The company’s products are marketed through a network of distributors, dealers, designers, select online retailers and home builders to the residential customers. The company markets and sells its products to these channels through a company-employed sales force. The company’s products are distributed through a combination of an independent network of distributors and its wholly owned distribution operations. The company's wholly owned distribution operations include two
primary customer support centers and regional logistic warehouse operations, which stock products and service parts for the respective region. To supplement the sales and distribution network, the company has invested in Middleby branded residential showrooms in Chicago, New York City, Orange County, California and Dallas.
Marketing support is provided to and coordinated with its network of dealers, designers, and home builders' sales partners to allow for coordinated efforts to market jointly to the end-user customers. The company in certain cases offers incentive based financial programs to invest in local marketing activities with these sales partners.
Services
and Product Warranty
The company is an industry leader in equipment installation programs and after-sales support and service. The company provides a warranty on its products typically for a one-year period and in certain instances greater periods. The emphasis on global service increases the likelihood of repeat business and enhances Middleby's image as a partner and provider of quality products and services.
Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group
The company's domestic service network consists of over
100 authorized service parts distributors and 3,000 independent certified technicians who have been formally trained and certified by the company through its factory training school and on-site installation training programs. Technicians work through service parts distributors, which are required to provide around-the-clock service. The company provides real-time technical support to the technicians in the field through factory-based technical service engineers. The company maintains sufficient service parts inventory to ensure short lead times for service calls.
Food Processing Equipment Group
The
company maintains a technical service group of employees that oversees and performs installation and startup of equipment and completes warranty and repair work. This technical service group provides services for customers both domestically and internationally. Service technicians are trained regularly on new equipment to ensure the customer receives a high level of customer service. From time to time the company utilizes trained third-party technicians supervised by company employees to supplement company employees on large projects.
Residential Kitchen Equipment Group
The company maintains a network of independent authorized service agents throughout
North America. Authorized service agents are supported and trained by regional factory-support centers of the company. Trained technical support personnel are available to support independent service agents with technical information and assist in repair issues. The factory-support centers also dispatch service technicians to the customer and provide follow-up and monitoring to ensure field issues are resolved. The company's independent service agents maintain a stock of factory-supplied parts to allow for a high first-call completion rate for service and warranty repairs. The company maintains a substantial amount of service parts at each of its manufacturing operations and distribution operations to provide for quick
ship of parts to service agents and end-user customers when necessary.
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Internationally, the company has a network of company owned and independent distributors that provide sales and technical service support in their respective markets. These distributors are required to have a team of factory-trained service technicians and maintain a required stock of service parts to support the equipment in the market. The factory supports the international distributors with technical trainers which travel to the various markets to provide on-hands training and monitoring of the distributor service operations.
Competition
The
commercial foodservice, food processing and residential kitchen equipment industries are highly competitive and fragmented. Within a given product line the company may compete with a variety of companies, including companies that manufacture a broad line of products and those that specialize in a particular product category. Competition is based upon many factors, including brand recognition, product features, reliability, quality, price, delivery lead times, serviceability and after-sale service. The company believes that its ability to compete depends on strong brand equity, exceptional product performance, short lead-times and timely delivery, competitive pricing and superior customer service support. In the international markets, the
company competes with U.S. manufacturers and numerous global and local competitors.
The company believes that it is one of the largest multiple-line manufacturers of commercial kitchen, food processing and residential kitchen equipment in the U.S. and worldwide although some of its competitors are units of operations that are larger than the company and possess greater financial and personnel resources. Among the company's major competitors to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group are the Ali Group S.r.l.; Duke Manufacturing; AB Electrolux; Haier Group; Hoshizaki America, Inc.; Hobart Corporation and Vulcan-Hart, subsidiaries
of Illinois Tool Works Inc.; Marmon Foodservice Technologies, a Berkshire Hathaway Company; Midea Group; Panasonic Corporation; Rational AG; SMEG S.p.A.; and Welbilt, Inc. Major competitors to the Food Processing Equipment Group include AMF Bakery Systems, The GEA Group, JBT Technologies, Marel, and Provisur. The residential kitchen appliance sector is highly competitive and includes a number of large global competitors including, AB Electrolux, GE Appliances, LG Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Samsung Group, Weber Inc., and Whirlpool Corporation. However, within the premium segment of this kitchen equipment market, there are fewer full line competitors and the company’s competition includes Bertazzoni; Bosch, Gaggenau, and Thermador, subsidiaries of Bosch Siemens; Dacor, subsidiary of Samsung
Electronics America; Haier Group; Midea Group; Miele; SMEG S.p.A.; and Sub-Zero and Wolf, subsidiaries of Sub-Zero Group, Inc.
Manufacturing and Quality Control
The company’s manufacturing operations provide for an expertise in the design and production of specific products for each of the three business segments. The company has from time to time either consolidated manufacturing facilities producing similar product or transferred production of certain products to another existing operation with a higher level of expertise or efficiency.
The
Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group manufactures its products in twenty-three domestic and twenty international production facilities. The Food Processing Equipment Group manufactures its products in twelve domestic and nine international production facilities. The Residential Kitchen Equipment Group manufactures its products in six domestic and five international production facilities. See Item 2. Properties for a list of the principal domestic and international manufacturing facilities by segment.
Metal fabrication, finishing, sub-assembly and assembly operations are typically conducted at each manufacturing facility. Equipment installed at individual manufacturing facilities includes numerically controlled turret presses and machine centers, shears, press brakes, welding equipment, polishing equipment, CAD/CAM systems and product testing and quality assurance measurement devices. The
company's CAD/CAM systems enable virtual electronic prototypes to be created, reviewed and refined before the first physical prototype is built.
Detailed manufacturing drawings are quickly and accurately derived from the model and passed electronically to manufacturing for programming and optimal parts nesting on various numerically controlled punching cells. The company believes that this integrated product development and manufacturing process is critical to assuring product performance, customer service and competitive pricing.
The company has established comprehensive programs to ensure the quality of products, to analyze potential product failures and to
certify vendors for continuous improvement. Products manufactured by the company are tested prior to shipment to ensure compliance with company standards.
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Sources of Supply
The company purchases its raw materials and component parts from a number of suppliers. The majority of the company’s material purchases are standard commodity-type materials, such as stainless steel,
electrical components and hardware. These materials and parts generally are available in adequate quantities from numerous suppliers. Some component parts are obtained from sole sources of supply. In such instances, management believes it can substitute other suppliers as required. The majority of fabrication is done internally through the use of automated equipment. Certain equipment and accessories are manufactured by other suppliers for sale by the company. The company believes it enjoys good relationships with its suppliers. The present sources of supply have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic market conditions, however, are adequate for the company's present and anticipated future requirements.
Research
and Development
The company believes its future success will depend in part on its ability to develop new products and to improve existing products. Much of the company's research and development efforts at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, the Food Processing Equipment Group and the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group are directed to the development and improvement of products designed to reduce cooking and processing time, increase capacity or throughput, reduce energy consumption, minimize labor costs, improve product yield and improve customer, employee and environmental safety, while maintaining consistency and quality of cooking production and food preparation. The
company's efforts have also been focused on IoT solutions which allow customers to connect, analyze and control equipment, while delivering operational efficiencies. The company has identified these issues as key concerns for most of its customers. The company often identifies product improvement opportunities by working closely with customers on specific applications. Most research and development activities are performed by the company's technical service and engineering staff located at each manufacturing location. On occasion, the company will contract
outside engineering firms to assist with the development of certain technical concepts and applications. See Note 3(n) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the company's research and development activities.
Seasonality
The company’s revenues at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group historically have been slightly stronger in the second and third quarters due to increased purchases from customers involved with the catering business and institutional customers, particularly schools, during the summer months. Revenues at the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group are historically stronger in the second and third quarters,
due to increased purchases of outdoor cooking equipment and greater new home construction and remodels during the summer months, and the fourth quarter, due to increased holiday purchases in the European markets. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, typical patterns of seasonality as previously mentioned were disrupted.
Trademarks, Patents and Licenses
The company has developed, acquired and assembled a leading portfolio of trademarks and trade names. The company believes that these trademarks and trade names help the company compete in the marketplace due to their recognition with customers,
restaurant operators, distribution partners, sales and service agents, and foodservice consultants that specify foodservice equipment.
The company's leading portfolio of trade names of its Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group include Anets, APW Wyott, Bakers Pride, Beech, BKI, Blodgett, Blodgett Combi, Bloomfield, Britannia, Carter-Hoffmann, Celfrost, Concordia, CookTek, Crown, CTX, Desmon, Deutsche Beverage, Doyon, Eswood, EVO, Firex, Follett, Frifri, Globe, Goldstein, Holman, Houno, Hydra Rinse, Icetro, IMC, Imperial, Induc, Inline Filling Systems, Jade, JoeTap, Josper, Kloppenberg, L2F, Lang, Lincat, Marco, MagiKitch’n, Market Forge, Marsal, Meheen, Middleby Marshall, MPC, Newton CFV, Nieco, Nu-Vu, Perfect Fry, Pitco, Powerhouse Dynamics, QualServ, RAM, Southbend, Ss Brewtech, Star, Starline, Sveba Dahlen, Synesso,
Tank, Taylor, Thor, Toastmaster, TurboChef, U-Line, Ultrafryer, Varimixer, Wells, Wild Goose Filling and Wunder-Bar.
The company’s leading portfolio of trade names of its Food Processing Equipment Group include Alkar, Armor Inox, Auto-Bake, Baker Thermal Solutions, Burford, Colussi Ermes, Cozzini, CV-Tek, Danfotech, Drake, Escher, Glimek, Hinds-Bock, Key-Log, Maurer-Atmos, MP Equipment, Pacproinc, Proxaut, RapidPak, Scanico, Spooner Vicars, Stewart Systems, Sveba Dahlen, Thurne, Ve.Ma.C., and Visionpak.
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The
company’s leading portfolio of trade names of its Residential Kitchen Equipment Group include AGA, AGA Cookshop, Brava, Char-Griller, EVO, Kamado Joe, La Cornue, Leisure Sinks, Lynx, Marvel, Masterbuilt, Mercury, Novy, Rangemaster, Rayburn, Redfyre, Sedona, Ss Brewtech, Stanley, TurboChef, U-Line, Varimixer and Viking.
The company holds a broad portfolio of patents and licenses covering technology and applications related to various products, equipment and systems. Management believes the expiration of any one of these patents would not have a material adverse effect on the overall operations or profitability of the company.
Human Capital
As
of December 31, 2022, 11,268 persons were employed by the company and its subsidiaries among the various groups as described below. 6,272 employees are located in the United States and the remaining employees are located outside of the United States. Unionized employees accounted for approximately 5% of the company’s workforce as of December 31, 2022. Management believes that the relationships between employees and management are good.
The company believes its success
is a direct result of the people employed around the world. The company strives to create a culture that encourages and celebrates collaboration, creativity and confidence while maintaining an environment based on ethical values. The goal is to create a workplace that enables employees to develop their individual paths toward their career goals and encourages a long-term working relationship with the company.
Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group
As of December 31, 2022, 6,556 persons were employed within the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group. Of this amount, 2,700 were management,
administrative, sales, engineering and supervisory personnel; 3,411 were hourly production non-union workers; and 445 were hourly production union members. Included in these totals were 2,718 individuals employed outside of the United States, of which 1,374 were management, sales, administrative and engineering personnel, 1,199 were hourly production non-union workers and 145 were hourly production union workers, who participate in an employee cooperative. At its Windsor, California facility, the company has a union contract with the Sheet Metal Workers International Association that expires on December 31, 2023. At its Elgin, Illinois facility, the company has
a union contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters that expires on July 31, 2025. At its Easton, Pennsylvania facility, the company has a union contract with the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union that expires on May 4, 2023. The company also has a union workforce at its manufacturing facility in the Philippines, under a contract that
expires on June 30, 2026. Management believes that the relationships between employees, unions and management are good.
Food Processing Equipment Group
As of December 31, 2022, 2,068 persons were employed within the Food Processing Equipment Group. Of this amount, 1,080 were management, administrative, sales, engineering and supervisory personnel; 844 were hourly production non-union workers; and 144 were hourly production union members. Included in these totals were 1,070 individuals employed outside of the United States, of which 617 were management, sales, administrative and engineering personnel and 453 were hourly production non-union workers. At its Lodi, Wisconsin facility, the
company has a contract with the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers that expires on December 31, 2024.At its Algona, Iowa facility, the company has a union contract with the United Food and Commercial Workers that expires on December 31, 2026. Management believes that the relationships between employees, unions and management are good.
Residential Kitchen Equipment Group
As
of December 31, 2022, 2,581 persons were employed within the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group. Of this amount, 1,158 were management, administrative, sales, engineering and supervisory personnel and 1,423 were hourly production workers. Included in these totals were 1,208 individuals employed outside of the United States, of which 567 were management, sales, administrative and engineering personnel and 641 were hourly non-union production workers. Management believes that the relationships between employees and management are good.
Corporate
As of December 31, 2022, 63 persons were employed at the corporate office.
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Employee
Advancement
The company believes offering opportunities for career development within the company is integral to building and retaining an outstanding workforce. The company is dedicated to the professional development of all employees. Through a commitment to a diverse and engaging culture, the company is able to build a platform that promotes equal opportunities for advancement for everyone.
Employee Safety
The
company is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy workplace by operating in accordance with established health and safety protocols. The company encourages a culture of safety due to the fact it reduces the risk of injury to employees, decreases expenses, and increases production. Each of our manufacturing locations maintains active safety committees that frequently review and assess the safety condition of their local work environment. The company invests in safety training, shares best practices, and reviews claim activity to continually review our progress in minimizing employee injury incidents in the workplace.
Diversity
Fostering a culture that supports diversity
among employees as well as professional growth and advancement is an integral part of the company’s identity. The company has a commitment to build its workforce from diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents among race, religion, language, nationality, disability, age and gender. Through our diverse workforce, the company is well-positioned to attract the best talent, which allows better alignment with customers and creative and efficient development of new products for the marketplace. As a global corporation, the company embraces and celebrates differences among our employees and endeavors to cultivate an environment where diversity
and inclusion are core values of the organization.
A Focus on Ethics
The company is dedicated to promoting integrity, honesty, and professionalism in all of the business activities within the company. The company strongly believes that business success is a direct correlation of its reputation for fairness and integrity. Accordingly, it is essential that the company’s board members and employees practice the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in any interactions with stakeholders including customers,
creditors, stockholders, suppliers and other employees.
Cybersecurity Governance
The company dedicates significant resources in an effort to secure its confidential information as well as the data and any personal information the company receives and stores about its customers and employees. The company has systems in place designed to securely receive and store that information and to detect, contain, and respond to data security incidents.
The company has a robust information security
training and compliance program for all new and existing employees. Training is provided at least annually, with a formal communication cadence of additional components of training being provided throughout the year. The company has not experienced a material cybersecurity or information security breach in the last three years.
Oversight responsibility for information security matters is shared by the Board (primarily through the Audit Committee) and senior management. The Audit Committee oversees the company’s cybersecurity and information security program and receives periodic updates (more frequently than annually) from senior management on cybersecurity and information security matters. The
company maintains a program, overseen by the company’s Chief Financial Officer, that is designed to protect and preserve the confidentiality, integrity and continued availability of all information owned by or in the care of the company. The company has implemented a cyber incident response plan that provides controls and procedures for timely and accurate reporting of any material cybersecurity incident.
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Item
1A. Risk Factors
The company’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition are subject to various risks including, but not limited to, those set forth below. Any of these risks, as well as risks not currently known to the company or that are currently deemed to be immaterial, may adversely affect the company’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. These risk factors should be carefully considered together with the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks and uncertainties described under the heading Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements.
Economic Risks
Current and future economic conditions could adversely affect the company’s business and financial performance.
The company’s operating results are impacted by the health of the North American, European, Asian and Latin American economies. The company’s business and financial performance, including collection of its accounts receivable, may be adversely affected by current and future economic conditions that may cause a decline in business and consumer spending,
a reduction in the availability of credit and decreased growth of its existing customers, resulting in customers electing to delay the replacement of aging equipment. Higher energy costs, rising interest rates, weakness in the residential construction, housing and home improvement markets, financial market volatility, inflation, recession, global hostilities and acts of terrorism may also adversely affect the company’s business and financial performance. Additionally, the company may experience difficulties in scaling its operations due to economic pressures in the U.S. and international markets.
The company is subject to currency fluctuations and other risks from its operations
outside the United States.
The company has manufacturing and distribution operations located in Asia, Europe and Latin America. The company’s operations are subject to the impact of economic downturns, political instability and foreign trade restrictions, which may adversely affect the company’s business, financial condition and operating results. The company anticipates that international sales will continue to account for a significant portion of consolidated net sales in the foreseeable future. Some sales and operating costs of the
company’s foreign operations are realized in local currencies, and an increase in the relative value of the U.S. dollar against such currencies would lead to a reduction in consolidated sales and earnings. Additionally, foreign currency exposures are not fully hedged, and there can be no assurance that the company’s future results of operations will not be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. Furthermore, currency fluctuations may affect the prices paid to the company’s suppliers for materials the company uses in production. As a result, operating margins may also be negatively impacted by worldwide currency fluctuations that result in higher costs for certain cross-border transactions.
Business
and Operational Risks
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted, and likely will continue to, adversely impact and pose risks to the company, the nature and extent of which are highly uncertain and unpredictable.
The company is monitoring the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and taking steps to mitigate the risks posed by its spread, including working with its customers, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders. The pandemic has adversely affected, the company's financial results, condition and outlook. Certain elements of the
company's business (including its supply chain, distribution systems, production levels and research and development activities) and operations have been negatively impacted due to significant portions of the company's workforce being unable to work effectively due to quarantines, government orders and guidance, facility closures, illness, travel restrictions, implementation of precautionary measures and other restrictions. The company also has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, volatility in demand given disruptions in global health, economic and market conditions, consumer behavior and global restaurant operations. If the pandemic continues and conditions worsen, the company expects to experience
additional adverse impacts on operational and commercial activities, costs, customer orders and purchases and collections of accounts receivable, which may be material, and the extent of these exposures remains uncertain even if conditions begin to improve. The pandemic has also increased the risk related to the company's ability to ensure business continuity during a potential disruption, including increased cybersecurity attacks related to the work-from-home environment. Furthermore, the pandemic has impacted and may further impact the broader economies of affected countries, including adversely impacting economic growth, the proper functioning of financial and capital markets, foreign currency exchange rates, inflation and interest rates, all of which could continue to negatively impact the company.
Due to the global breadth of the pandemic's spread and the range of governmental and community reactions, there is uncertainty around the pandemic's ultimate impact and the timing of recovery. The lingering effects of the pandemic could lead to an extended disruption of economic activity and the impact on the company's consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be material. In addition, the continuation or a resurgence of the pandemic could exacerbate the other risk factors.
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The company’s level of indebtedness could
adversely affect its business, results of operations and growth strategy.
The company now has and may continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. At December 31, 2022, the company had $2.7 billion of borrowings and $1.9 million in letters of credit outstanding. In August 2020, the company issued $747.5 million aggregate principal amount of 1.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Convertible Notes"), which bear interest semi-annually in arrears and mature on September 1, 2025, unless they are redeemed, repurchased or
converted prior to such date in accordance with their terms. Upon conversion, the company can elect to pay or deliver, cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, in respect of the remainder, if any, of the company's conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes being converted. Under certain circumstances, the holders of the Convertible Notes may require the company to repay all or a portion of the principal and interest outstanding under the Convertible Notes in cash prior to the maturity date, which could have an adverse effect on the company's financial
results.
To the extent the company requires additional capital resources, there can be no assurance that such funds will be available on favorable terms, or at all. The unavailability of funds could have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial condition, results of operations and ability to expand the company’s operations.
The company’s level of indebtedness could have adverse consequences to its business and operations, including the following:
•the
company may be unable to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
•a significant portion of the company’s cash flow from operations must be dedicated to debt service, which reduces the amount of cash the company has available for other purposes;
•the company may be more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in the company’s business or general economic and industry conditions and have limited flexibility
in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and/or industry;
•the company may be disadvantaged compared to its competitors that are less leveraged and thereby have greater financial flexibility; and
•the company may be restricted in its ability to make strategic acquisitions and to pursue new business opportunities.
The company’s current credit agreement limits its ability to conduct business, which could negatively affect the
company’s ability to finance future capital needs and engage in other business activities.
The covenants in the company’s existing credit agreement contain a number of significant limitations on its ability to, among other things:
These restrictive covenants, among others, could negatively affect the company’s ability to finance its future capital needs, engage in other business activities or withstand a future downturn in the company’s business or the economy.
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Under
the company’s current credit agreement, the company is required to maintain certain specified financial ratios and meet financial tests, including certain ratios of secured leverage and interest coverage. The company’s ability to comply with these requirements may be affected by matters beyond its control, and, as a result, there can be no assurance that the company will be able to meet these ratios and tests. A breach of any of these covenants would prevent the company from being able to draw under the
company's revolver and would result in a default under the company’s current credit agreement. In the event of a default under the company’s current credit agreement, the lenders could terminate their commitments and declare all amounts borrowed, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable. Borrowings under other debt instruments that contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions may also be accelerated and become due and payable at such time. The company may be unable to pay these debts in these circumstances.
The conditional conversion feature of the Convertible Notes, if triggered, may adversely affect
the company's financial condition and operating results.
In the event the conditional conversion feature of the Convertible Notes is triggered, holders of the Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert their Convertible Notes at any time during specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their Convertible Notes, unless the company elects to satisfy the conversion obligation by delivering solely shares of its common stock (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), the company would be required to settle any converted principal through the payment of cash, which could adversely
affect the company's liquidity. To the extent the company satisfies the conversion obligation by delivering shares of common stock, the company would be required to deliver a significant number of shares, which would cause dilution to its existing stockholders. In addition, even if holders do not elect to convert their Convertible Notes in such circumstances, the company could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of the Convertible Notes as a current rather than long-term liability, which would result in a material reduction in net working capital.
The
capped call transactions expose the company to counterparty risk and may affect the value of the company's common stock.
In connection with the Convertible Notes, the company has entered into and may in the future enter into, capped call transactions with certain financial institutions, referred to as the capped call counterparties. The capped call transactions are expected generally to reduce or offset the potential dilution upon conversion of the Convertible Notes and/or offset any cash payments the company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Convertible
Notes, as the case may be, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap. From time to time, the capped call counterparties or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to the company's common stock and/or purchasing or selling the company's common stock in secondary market transactions prior to the maturity of the Convertible Notes. Any such activity could cause a decrease in the market price of the company's common stock.
In addition, the capped call counterparties are financial institutions, and the
company is subject to the risk that one or more of the capped call counterparties may default or otherwise fail to perform, or may exercise certain rights to terminate, their obligations under the capped call transactions. The company's exposure to the credit risk of the capped call counterparties is not secured by any collateral. If a capped call counterparty becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, the company will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to the exposure at the time under such transaction. The company's exposure will depend on many factors but, generally, the exposure will increase if the market price or the volatility of the
company's common stock increases. In addition, upon a default or other failure to perform, or a termination of obligations, by a capped call counterparty, the company may suffer more dilution than currently anticipated with respect to the company's common stock. The company can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of the capped call counterparties.
Fluctuations in interest rates could adversely affect the company's results of operations and financial position.
The
company's profitability has been and may continue to be adversely affected during any periods of unexpected or rapid increases in interest rates. The company maintains a revolving credit facility, which, at December 31, 2022, bore interest at 1.625% above LIBOR per annum. A significant increase in any of the forgoing rates would significantly increase the company's cost of borrowings, reduce the availability and increase the cost of obtaining new debt and refinancing existing indebtedness and/or negatively impact the market price of the company's common stock. For additional detail related to this risk, see Part II, Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure
About Market Risk."
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The company has a significant amount of goodwill and indefinite life intangibles could suffer losses due to asset impairment charges.
The company’s balance sheet includes a significant amount of goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets, which represent approximately 35% and 20%, respectively, of its total assets as of December 31, 2022. The
excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed in conjunction with acquisitions is recorded as goodwill. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, the company’s long-lived assets (including goodwill and other intangibles) are reviewed for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, the company considers changes in economic conditions and makes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors. Various uncertainties, including continued adverse
conditions in the capital markets or changes in general economic conditions, could impact the future operating performance at one or more of the company’s businesses, which could significantly affect the company’s valuations and could result in additional future impairments. Also, estimates of future cash flows are judgments based on the company’s experience and knowledge of operations. These estimates could be significantly impacted by many factors, including changes in global and local business and economic conditions, operating costs, inflation, competition, and consumer and demographic trends. If the company’s estimates or the underlying
assumptions change in the future, the company may be required to record impairment charges that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s reported net earnings.
The company's defined benefit pension plans are subject to financial market risks that could adversely affect the company's results of operations and cash flows.
The performance of the financial markets and interest rates impact our defined benefit pension plan expenses and funding obligations. Significant changes in market
interest rates, decreases in fair value of plan assets, investment losses on plan assets, relevant legislative and regulatory changes relating to defined benefit plan funding and changes in interest rates may increase the company's funding obligations and adversely impact its results of operations and cash flows. In addition, upward pressure on the cost of providing healthcare coverage to current employees and retirees may increase the company's future funding obligations and adversely affect its results of operations and cash flows.
The company faces intense competition in the commercial foodservice, food processing, and residential kitchen equipment industries
and failure to successfully compete could impact the company’s results of operations and cash flows.
The company operates in highly competitive industries. In each of the company’s three business segments, competition is based on a variety of factors including product features and design, brand recognition, reliability, durability, technology, energy efficiency, breadth of product offerings, price, customer relationships, delivery lead-times, serviceability and after-sale service. The company has numerous competitors in each business segment. Many of the
company’s competitors are substantially larger and enjoy substantially greater financial, marketing, technological and personnel resources. These factors may enable them to develop similar or superior products, to provide lower cost products and to carry out their business strategies more quickly and efficiently than the company can. In addition, some competitors focus on particular product lines or geographic regions or emphasize their local manufacturing presence or local market knowledge. Some competitors have different pricing structures and may be able to deliver their products at lower prices. Although the company believes that the performance and price characteristics of its products will provide competitive solutions for its customers’ needs, there can be no assurance that the
company’s customers will continue to choose the company’s products over products offered by its competitors.
Further, the markets for the company’s products are characterized by changing technology and evolving industry standards. The company’s ability to compete successfully will depend, in large part, on its ability to enhance and improve its existing products, to continue to bring innovative products to market in a timely fashion, to adapt the company’s products to the needs and standards of its current and potential customers and to continue to improve
operating efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, competitors may develop technologies or products that render the company’s products obsolete or less marketable. If the company is unable to successfully compete in this highly competitive environment, the company’s business, financial condition and operating results will be materially harmed.
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The
company is subject to risks associated with developing products and technologies, which could delay product introductions and result in significant expenditures.
The product, program and service needs of the company’s customers change and evolve regularly, and the company invests substantial amounts in research and development efforts to pursue advancements in a wide range of technologies, products and services. Also, the company continually seeks to refine and improve upon the performance, utility and physical attributes of its existing products and to develop new products. As a result, the
company’s business is subject to risks associated with new product and technological development, including unanticipated technical or other problems, meeting development, production, certification and regulatory approval schedules, execution of internal and external performance plans, availability of supplier- and internally-produced parts and materials, performance of suppliers and subcontractors, hiring and training of qualified personnel, achieving cost and production efficiencies, identification of emerging technological trends in the company’s target end-markets, validation of innovative technologies, the level of customer interest in new technologies and products, and customer acceptance of the company’s products and products that incorporate technologies that the
company develops. These factors involve significant risks and uncertainties. Also, any development efforts divert resources from other potential investments in the company’s businesses, and these efforts may not lead to the development of new technologies or products on a timely basis or meet the needs of the company’s customers as fully as competitive offerings. In addition, the markets for the company’s products or products that incorporate the company’s technologies may not develop or grow as the company anticipates. The
company or its suppliers and subcontractors may encounter difficulties in developing and producing these new products and services, and may not realize the degree or timing of benefits initially anticipated. Due to the design complexity of the company's products, the company may in the future experience delays in completing the development and introduction of new products. Any delays could result in increased development costs or deflect resources from other projects. The occurrence of any of these risks could cause a substantial change in the design, delay in the development, or abandonment of new technologies and products. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the company will develop new technologies superior
to the company’s current technologies or successfully bring new products to market.
Additionally, there can be no assurance that new technologies or products, if developed, will meet the company’s current price or performance objectives, be developed on a timely basis, or prove to be as effective as products based on other technologies. The inability to successfully complete the development of a product, or a determination by the company, for financial, technical or other reasons, not to complete development of a product, particularly in instances in which the
company has made significant expenditures, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial condition and operating results.
The company depends on key customers for a material portion of its revenues. As a result, changes in the purchasing patterns or loss of one or more key customers could adversely impact the company’s operating results.
Many of the company’s key customers are large restaurant chains and major food processing companies. The demand for the
company’s equipment can vary from period to period depending on the company’s customers’ internal growth plans, construction, seasonality and other factors. In addition, an adverse change to the financial condition of key customers could cause such key customers to open fewer facilities and defer purchases of new equipment for existing operations or otherwise change the purchasing patterns of such key customers. Any of these conditions or the loss of key customers could have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Price increases in some materials and disruptions in supply could affect the company’s
profitability.
The company uses large amounts of stainless steel, aluminized steel and other commodities in the manufacture of its products. A significant increase in the price of steel or any other commodity, due to tariffs or otherwise, would adversely affect the company’s operating results. In addition, we have experienced disruptions to parts of our supply chain as a result of COVID-19. Unanticipated delays in delivery of raw materials and component inventories by suppliers—including delays due to capacity constraints, labor disputes, impaired financial condition of suppliers, natural disasters, extreme weather patterns and climate change, pandemics or other events outside our control— may increase the
company's production costs, cause delays in the shipment of products or impair the ability of the company to satisfy customer demand. An interruption in or the cessation of an important supply by any third party and the company’s inability to make alternative arrangements in a timely manner, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition and operating results.
15
The
company faces risks related to health epidemics and other widespread outbreaks of contagious disease, which could significantly disrupt its operations and impact its operating results.
The spread of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases, or other adverse public health developments, has had a material and adverse effect on our business operations. These effects have included and could continue to include disruptions or restrictions on our ability to travel, as well as temporary closures of our facilities or the facilities of our suppliers or customers. Any disruption of our suppliers' or customers' businesses would likely impact our sales and operating results.
The company may be the subject of product liability claims or product recalls,
and it may be unable to obtain or maintain insurance adequate to cover potential liabilities.
Product liability is a significant commercial risk to the company. The company’s business exposes it to potential liability risks that arise from the manufacturing, marketing and selling of the company’s products. In addition to direct expenditures for damages, settlement and defense costs, there is a possibility of adverse publicity as a result of product liability claims. Plaintiffs in some jurisdictions have received substantial damage awards against companies based upon claims for injuries allegedly caused by the use of their products. In addition,
it may be necessary for the company to recall products that do not meet approved specifications, which could result in adverse publicity as well as costs connected to the recall and loss of revenue.
The company cannot be certain that a product liability claim or series of claims brought against it would not have an adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition or results of operations. If any claim is brought against the company, regardless of the success or failure of the claim, there can be no assurance that the
company will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance in the future on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities or the cost of a recall. The company currently maintains insurance programs consisting of self-insurance up to certain limits and excess insurance coverage for claims over established limits. There can be no assurance that the company's insurance programs will provide adequate protection against actual losses. In addition, the company is subject to the risk that one or more of its insurers may become insolvent or become unable to pay claims that may be made in the future.
An increase in warranty
expenses could adversely affect the company’s financial performance.
The company offers purchasers of its products warranties covering workmanship and materials typically for one year and, in certain circumstances, for periods of up to ten years, during which periods the company or an authorized service representative will make repairs and replace parts that have become defective in the course of normal use. The company estimates and records its future warranty costs based upon past experience. These warranty expenses may increase in the future and may exceed
the company’s warranty reserves, which, in turn, could adversely affect the company’s financial performance.
The company’s financial performance is subject to significant fluctuations.
The company’s financial performance is subject to quarterly and annual fluctuations due to a number of factors, including:
• general economic conditions;
•the
lengthy, unpredictable sales cycle for the commercial foodservice equipment, food processing equipment and residential kitchen equipment groups;
• the gain or loss of significant customers;
• unexpected delays in new product introductions;
•the level of market acceptance of new or enhanced versions of the company’s products;
• unexpected changes in the levels of the company’s operating expenses; and
• competitive
product offerings and pricing actions.
Each of these factors could result in a material and adverse change in the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
company has recently experienced rapid growth in its business. Continued growth could place a strain on the company’s management, operations and financial resources. There also will be additional demands on the company’s sales, marketing and information systems and on the company’s administrative infrastructure as it develops and offers additional products and enters new markets. The company cannot be certain that the company’s operating and financial control systems, administrative infrastructure, outsourced and internal production capacity, facilities
and personnel will be adequate to support the company’s future operations or to effectively adapt to future growth. If the company cannot manage the company’s growth effectively, the company’s business may be harmed.
Strategic and Organizational Risks
The company’s acquisition, investment and alliance strategy involves risks. If the company is
unable to effectively manage these risks, its business will be materially harmed.
To achieve the company’s strategic objectives, the company has pursued and may continue to pursue strategic acquisitions of and investments in other companies, businesses or technologies. Acquisitions and investments entail numerous risks, including, among others:
• difficulties in the assimilation of acquired businesses or technologies and the inability to fully realize some of the expected synergies or otherwise achieve anticipated revenues and profits;
• inability
to operate acquired businesses or utilize acquired technologies profitably;
• the significant amount of management time and attention needed to identify, execute and integrate any acquired businesses;
• potential assumption of unknown material liabilities;
• failure to achieve financial or operating objectives;
• unanticipated costs relating to acquisitions or to the integration of acquired businesses;
• loss of customers, suppliers, or key employees; and
• the
impact on the company's internal controls and compliance with the regulatory requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
The company may not be able to successfully integrate any operations, personnel, services or products that it has acquired or may acquire in the future.
The company may seek to expand or enhance some of its operations by forming joint ventures or alliances with various strategic partners throughout the world. Entering into joint ventures and alliances also entails risks, including difficulties in developing and expanding the businesses of newly formed
joint ventures, exercising influence over the activities of joint ventures in which the company does not have a controlling interest and potential conflicts with the company’s joint venture or alliance partners. The company cannot assure that any joint venture or alliance entered into or that may be entered into in the future will be successful.
An inability to identify or complete future acquisitions could adversely affect future growth.
The company intends to continue its growth strategy of
identifying and acquiring businesses with complementary products and services by pursuing acquisitions that provide opportunities for profitable growth. While the company continues to evaluate potential acquisitions, it may not be able to identify and successfully negotiate suitable acquisitions, obtain financing for future acquisitions on satisfactory terms, obtain regulatory approval for certain acquisitions, or otherwise complete acquisitions in the future. An inability to identify or complete future acquisitions could limit the company’s growth.
17
Expansion
of the company’s international operations involves special challenges that it may not be able to meet. The company’s failure to meet these challenges could adversely affect its business, financial condition and operating results.
The company plans to continue to expand its international operations. The company faces certain risks inherent in doing business in international markets. These risks include:
•extensive regulations and oversight,
tariffs, including with respect to certain products imported from China or exported to China, retaliatory tariffs by China and certain other countries in response to tariffs implemented by the United States, and other trade barriers;
• withdrawal from or renegotiation of international trade agreements and other restrictions on trade between the United States and China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico and other countries;
• effects of the United Kingdom's decision to exit the European Union and related potential disruption to trade;
• uncertain impact on operations, suppliers and customers related to business disruptions and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic;
• reduced
protection for intellectual property rights;
• difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;
• potentially adverse tax consequences;
• limitations on ownership and on repatriation of earnings;
• transportation delays and interruptions;
• political, social, and economic instability and disruptions;
• labor unrests or shortages;
• potential
for nationalization of enterprises; and
• limitations on the company’s ability to enforce legal rights and remedies.
In addition, the company is and will be required to comply with the laws and regulations of foreign governmental and regulatory authorities of each country in which the company conducts business.
There can be no assurance that the company will be able to succeed in marketing
its products and services in international markets. The company may also experience difficulty in managing its international operations because of, among other things, competitive conditions overseas, geopolitical threats or hostilities, management of foreign exchange risk, established domestic markets, and language and cultural differences. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the success of the company’s international operations and, consequently, on the company’s business, financial condition and operating results.
The impact of future transactions on the
company’s common stock is uncertain.
The company periodically reviews potential transactions related to products or product rights and businesses complementary to the company’s business. Such transactions could include mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, alliances or licensing agreements. In the future, the company may choose to enter into such transactions at any time. The impact of transactions on the market price of a company’s stock is often uncertain and may include substantial fluctuations. Consequently, any announcement of any such transaction could have a material adverse effect upon the market price of the
company’s common stock. Moreover, depending upon the nature of any transaction, the company may experience a charge to earnings, which could be material and have an adverse impact upon the market price of the company’s common stock.
18
The company’s business could suffer in the event of a work stoppage by its unionized labor force.
Because
the company has a significant number of workers whose employment is subject to collective bargaining agreements and labor union representation, the company is vulnerable to possible organized work stoppages and similar actions. Unionized employees accounted for approximately 5% of the company’s workforce as of December 31, 2022. The company has union contracts with employees at its facilities in Windsor, California; Algona, Iowa; Elgin, Illinois; Easton, Pennsylvania and Lodi, Wisconsin that extend
through December 2023, December 2026, July 2025, May 2023 and December 2024, respectively. The company also has a union workforce at its manufacturing facility in the Philippines under a contract that extends through June 2026. Approximately 2% of the company's workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements that expire within one year. Any future strikes, employee slowdowns or similar actions by one or more unions, in connection with labor contract negotiations or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s
ability to operate the company’s business.
The company depends significantly on its key personnel.
The company depends significantly on the company’s executive officers and certain other key personnel, who could be difficult to replace. While the company has employment agreements with certain key executives, the company cannot
be certain that it will succeed in retaining key personnel or their services under existing agreements. The incapacity, inability or unwillingness of certain personnel to perform their services may have a material adverse effect on the company. There is intense competition for qualified personnel within the company’s industry, and there can be no assurance that the company will be able to continue to attract, motivate and retain personnel with the skills and experience needed to successfully manage the company's business and operations.
Technology and Cybersecurity Risks
The
company may not be able to adequately protect its intellectual property rights, which may materially harm its business.
The company relies primarily on trade secret, copyright, service mark, trademark and patent law and contractual protections to protect the company’s proprietary technology and other proprietary rights. The company has filed numerous patent applications covering the company’s proprietary technology. Notwithstanding the precautions the company takes to
protect its intellectual property rights, it is possible that third parties may copy or otherwise obtain and use the company’s proprietary technology without authorization or may otherwise infringe on the company’s rights. In some cases, including with respect to a number of the company’s most important products, there may be no effective legal recourse against duplication by competitors as the legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents and other intellectual property protection. This could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents and future patents we may own, or, generally, prevent the marketing of competing products
in violation of our proprietary rights. Further, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. In the future, the company may have to rely on litigation to enforce its intellectual property rights, protect its trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Any such litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs to the company and diversions of the company’s resources, either of which could adversely affect the company’s
business.
Any infringement by the company of a third party's patent rights could result in litigation and adversely affect its ability to provide, or could increase the cost of providing, the company’s products and services.
Patents of third parties may have an important bearing on the company’s ability to offer some of its products and services. The company’s competitors, as well as other companies and individuals, may obtain patents related to the types of products and services
the company offers or plans to offer. There can be no assurance that the company is or will be aware of all patents containing claims that may pose a risk of infringement by its products and services. In addition, some patent applications in the United States are confidential until a patent is issued and, therefore, the company cannot evaluate the extent to which its products and services may be covered or asserted to be covered by claims contained in pending patent applications. In general, if one or more of the company’s products or services were to infringe patents held by others, the
company may be required to stop developing or marketing the products or services, to obtain licenses from the holders of the patents to develop and market the services, or to redesign the products or services in such a way as to avoid infringing on the patent claims. The company cannot assess the extent to which it may be required in the future to obtain licenses with respect to patents held by others, whether such licenses would be available or, if available, whether it would be able to obtain such licenses on commercially reasonable terms. If the company is unable to obtain such licenses, it also may not be able to redesign the company’s products or services to avoid infringement, which could materially adversely
affect the company’s business, financial condition and operating results.
19
The company may be subject to information technology system failures, network disruptions, cybersecurity attacks and breaches in data security, which may materially adversely affect the company’s operations, financial condition and operating results.
The
company depends on information technology as an enabler to improve the effectiveness of its operations and to interface with its customers, as well as to maintain financial accuracy and efficiency. Information technology system failures, including suppliers’ or vendors’ system failures, could disrupt the company’s operations by causing transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, delays or cancellation of customer orders, the loss of customers, impediments to the manufacture or shipment of products, other business disruptions, or the loss of or damage to intellectual property through a security breach.
The company’s information systems, or those of its third-party service providers, could also be penetrated by
outside parties intent on extracting information, corrupting information or disrupting business processes. Such unauthorized access could disrupt the company’s business, increase costs and/or result in the loss of assets. Cybersecurity attacks are becoming more sophisticated and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information, corruption or destruction of data and other manipulation or improper use of systems or networks. These events could negatively impact the company’s customers and/or reputation and lead to financial losses from remediation actions, loss of business, production downtimes,
operational delays or potential liability, penalties, fines or other increases in expense, all of which may have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. In addition, as security threats and cybersecurity and data privacy and protection laws and regulations, including those related to the collection, storage, handling, use, disclosure, transfer, and security of personally identifiable information, continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, we may invest additional resources in the security of our systems. Any such increased level of investment could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Further, as governmental authorities around the world continue to consider legislative and regulatory proposals concerning data protection, we may face substantial penalties if we fail to comply with regulations and laws regarding data protection.
Tax,
Legal and Regulatory Risks
The company may be subject to litigation, tax, and other legal compliance risks.
In addition to product liability claims, the company is subject to a variety of litigation, tax, and other legal compliance risks. These risks include, among other things, possible liability relating to personal injuries, intellectual property rights, contract-related claims, taxes and compliance with U.S. and foreign export laws, competition laws, and laws governing improper business practices. The
company or one of its business units could be charged with wrongdoing as a result of such matters. If convicted or found liable, the company could be subject to significant fines, penalties, repayments or other damages.
The company’s reputation, ability to do business, and results of operations may be impaired by the improper conduct of any of its employees, agents, or business partners.
While the company strives to maintain high standards, the company cannot provide assurance that its internal
controls and compliance systems will always protect the company from acts committed by its employees, agents, or business partners that violate U.S. and/or foreign laws or fail to protect the company’s confidential information, including the laws governing payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, anti-kickback and false claims rules, competition, export and import compliance, money laundering, and data privacy laws, as well as the improper use of proprietary information or social media. Any such violations of law or improper actions could subject the company to civil or criminal investigations in the United States and in other jurisdictions, lead to substantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties,
and related shareholder lawsuits, lead to increased costs of compliance and damage the company’s reputation.
20
The company is subject to potential liability under environmental laws.
The
company’s operations are regulated by a number of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that govern, among other things, the discharge of hazardous materials into the air and water as well as the handling, storage and disposal of these materials. Compliance with these environmental laws and regulations is a significant consideration for the company because it uses hazardous materials in its manufacturing processes. In addition, because the company is a generator of hazardous wastes, even if it fully complies with applicable environmental laws, it may be subject to financial exposure for costs associated with an investigation and remediation of sites at which it has arranged for the disposal of hazardous wastes if these sites become contaminated. In the event of a violation of
environmental laws, the company could be held liable for damages and for the costs of remedial actions. Environmental laws could also become more stringent over time, imposing greater compliance costs and increasing risks and penalties associated with any violation, which could negatively affect the company’s operating results. There can be no assurance that identification of presently unidentified environmental conditions, more vigorous enforcement by regulatory authorities or other unanticipated events will not arise in the future resulting in additional environmental liabilities, compliance costs and penalties that could be material. Environmental laws and regulations are constantly evolving, and it is impossible to accurately predict the effect they may have upon the financial condition, results
of operations, or cash flows of the company.
We are subject to risks associated with possible climate change legislation, regulation and international accords.
Government mandates, standards or regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or projected climate change impacts have resulted in, and are likely to continue resulting in, increased energy, manufacturing, transportation and raw material costs. Governmental requirements directed at regulating greenhouse gas emissions could cause us to incur expenses that we cannot recover or that will require us to increase the price of products we sell, which could impact the demand for those products.
Unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings may adversely affect financial results.
The
company is subject to income taxes in the United States and in various foreign jurisdictions. Domestic and international tax liabilities are based on the income and expenses in various tax jurisdictions. The amount of the company’s income and other tax liability is subject to ongoing audits by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities and by non-U.S. authorities. If these audits result in assessments different from amounts recorded, future financial results may include unfavorable tax adjustments.
The trading price of the company's common stock has been volatile, and investors in the company's common stock may experience substantial losses.
The
trading price of the company's common stock has been volatile and may become volatile again in the future. The trading price of the company's common stock could decline or fluctuate in response to a variety of factors, including:
•the company's failure to meet the performance estimates of securities analysts;
•changes in buy/sell recommendations by securities analysts;
The company's principal executive offices are located in Elgin, Illinois. The company operates forty-one manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and thirty-four manufacturing facilities internationally.
The principal properties of the company used to conduct business operations are listed below:
Location
Principal Function
Square Footage
Owned/ Leased
Lease Expiration
Commercial
Foodservice:
Fort Smith, AR
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
712,600
Leased
Jan-26
Brea, CA
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
86,600
Leased
Sep-26
Corona,
CA
Manufacturing and Offices
86,000
Owned
N/A
Vacaville, CA
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
128,800
Leased
Nov-29
Windsor, CA
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
75,000
Leased
Apr-32
Englewood, CO
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
105,000
Owned
N/A
Louisville, CO
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
37,700
Leased
Jul-28
Venice,
FL
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
23,300
Leased
Jun-24
Elgin, IL
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
191,200
Owned
N/A
Mundelein, IL
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
70,000
Owned
N/A
Rockton, IL
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
339,400
Owned
N/A
South Beloit, IL
Warehousing
171,700
Leased
Mar-24
Menominee,
MI
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
60,000
Owned
N/A
Charlotte, NC
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
44,000
Leased
Feb-24
Fuquay-Varina, NC
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
183,900
Owned
N/A
Bow, NH
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
100,000
Owned
N/A
Pembroke, NH
Warehousing
136,200
Leased
Jul-24
Dayton,
OH
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
37,700
Owned
N/A
Moraine, OH
Warehousing
38,300
Leased
Jun-27
Tualatin, OR
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
29,500
Leased
May-28
Easton, PA
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
246,700
Owned
N/A
Smithville, TN
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
268,000
Owned
N/A
Carrollton,
TX
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
132,400
Leased
Aug-32
Essex Junction, VT*
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
372,500
Owned
N/A
Renton, WA
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
72,400
Leased
Sep-28
New South Wales, Australia
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
204,900
Owned
N/A
Toronto, Canada*
Manufacturing, Warehousing
and Offices
87,700
Owned
N/A
Humen, China
Manufacturing, Warehousing
6,600
Leased
Mar-23
Ningbo, China
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
64,300
Leased
Oct-25
Qingdao
City, China
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
113,500
Leased
Jul-29
Zhuhai City, China
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
104,500
Leased
Dec-22
Brøndby, Denmark
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
50,900
Owned
N/A
Randers, Denmark
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
50,100
Owned
N/A
Viljandi, Estonia
Manufacturing and Offices
47,000
Owned
N/A
Dublin,
Ireland
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
17,100
Leased
Sep-24
Nusco, Italy
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
260,600
Owned
N/A
Sedico, Italy
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
52,500
Leased
Jan-23
Nogales, Mexico
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
129,000
Owned
N/A
Wiślina, Poland
Manufacturing, Warehousing and
Offices
77,500
Owned
N/A
Incheon, South Korea
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
227,400
Owned
N/A
Pineda de Mar, Spain
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
50,100
Owned
N/A
Fristad,
Sweden
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
173,800
Owned
N/A
Laguna, the Philippines
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
115,200
Owned
N/A
Lincoln, the United Kingdom
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
100,000
Owned
N/A
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Location
Principal Function
Square Footage
Owned/ Leased
Lease Expiration
Food
Processing:
Gainesville, GA
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
107,400
Owned
N/A
Algona, IA
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
70,100
Owned
N/A
Elgin,
IL
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
75,000
Owned
N/A
Elk Grove, IL
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
101,500
Leased
Nov-29
Clayton, NC
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
65,000
Leased
Oct-24
Maysville, OK
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
36,700
Owned
N/A
Souderton, PA
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
50,000
Owned
N/A
Plano,
TX
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
339,100
Leased
Apr-25
Waynesboro, VA
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
26,400
Owned
N/A
Bothell, WA
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
23,600
Leased
May-25
Appleton, WI
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
20,000
Owned
N/A
Lodi, WI
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
114,600
Owned
N/A
Aalborg,
Denmark
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
68,300
Leased
Dec-25
Mauron, France
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
107,200
Leased
Jan-23
Reichenau, Germany
Manufacturing,
Warehousing and Offices
57,900
Owned
N/A
Bangalore, India
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
75,000
Leased
Mar-24
Casarsa della Delizia, Italy
Manufacturing, Warehousing
and Offices
109,200
Leased
May-33
Castelnuovo Rangone, Italy
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
26,800
Leased
Aug-24
Piumazzo, Italy
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
32,900
Leased
Mar-30
Vicenza,
Italy
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
53,500
Owned
N/A
Norwich, the United Kingdom
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
30,000
Owned
N/A
Residential
Kitchen:
Chino, CA
Warehousing and Offices
100,000
Leased
Apr-27
Redwood City, CA
Warehousing and Offices
20,600
Leased
Jul-24
Atlanta,
GA
Warehousing and Offices
169,200
Leased
Dec-24
Buford, GA
Warehousing and Offices
178,100
Leased
Jun-23
Columbus, GA
Warehousing
and Offices
148,800
Leased
Jun-23
Greenville, MI
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
225,000
Owned
N/A
Greenwood, MS**
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
740,600
Owned
N/A
Brown
Deer, WI
Manufacturing, Warehousing and Offices
165,700
Leased
Nov-26
Kuurne, Belgium
Manufacturing and Offices
242,300
Owned
N/A
Saint Ouen L'aumone, France
Manufacturing
and Warehousing
30,400
Owned
N/A
Waterford, Ireland
Warehousing and Offices
73,000
Leased
Jul-27
Ketley, the United Kingdom
Manufacturing and Offices
217,300
Owned
N/A
Leamington
Spa, the United Kingdom
Manufacturing and Offices
270,200
Owned
N/A
Leamington Spa, the United Kingdom
Manufacturing and Offices
100,300
Leased
Aug-29
Nottingham, the United
Kingdom
Warehousing and Offices
153,100
Owned
N/A
* Contains two separate manufacturing facilities.
** Contains four separate manufacturing facilities.
At various other locations the company leases small amounts of space for administrative, manufacturing, distribution and sales functions, and in certain instances limited short-term inventory storage. These locations are in Australia, Brazil,
Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dubai, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Spain, the United Kingdom and various locations in the United States.
Management believes that these facilities are adequate for the operation of the company's business as presently conducted.
23
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The
company is routinely involved in litigation incidental to its business, including product liability claims, which are partially covered by insurance or in certain cases by indemnification provisions under purchase agreements for recently acquired companies. Such routine claims are vigorously contested and management does not believe that the outcome of any such pending litigation will have a material effect upon the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the company.
Item 4. Mine Safety Issues
Not applicable.
24
PART
II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Principal Market
The company's Common Stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "MIDD".
The company does not currently pay cash dividends on its common stock. Any future payment of cash dividends on the company’s common stock will be at the discretion of the company’s Board of Directors and will depend upon the
company’s results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. The company’s Board of Directors currently intends to retain any future earnings to support its operations and to finance the growth and development of the company’s business and does not intend to declare or pay cash dividends on its common stock for the foreseeable future. In addition, the company’s revolving credit facility limits its ability to declare or pay dividends on its common stock.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
For
information pertaining to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans and the related weighted
average exercise price, see Part III, Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters.”
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities in connection with Strategic Transactions
On June 29, 2020, in connection with the company’s minority investment in Bluezone Products, Inc. (“Bluezone”), the company issued 46,365 unregistered shares of the
company’s common stock to a certain stockholder of Bluezone (“Bluezone Stockholder”) in exchange for 36,764 shares of series A preferred stock of Bluezone. The shares of company common stock were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"). The company relied on such exemption based in part upon representations made by the Bluezone Stockholder, including its status as an accredited investor, as such term is defined in Rule 501 of the Securities Act.
On December 23, 2020, in connection with the company’s purchase of assets from Appliance Innovation, Inc.
("Appliance"), the company issued 93,392 unregistered shares of the company’s common stock to Appliance. The shares of company common stock were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The company relied on such exemption based in part upon representations made by Appliance, including its status as an accredited investor, as such term is defined in Rule 501 of the Securities Act.
On December 27, 2021, in connection with the company’s purchase
of all of the capital stock of Masterbuilt Holdings, LLC ("Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt"), the company issued 12,921 unregistered shares of the company’s common stock to Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt. The shares of company common stock were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The company relied on such exemption based in part upon representations made by Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt, including its status as an accredited investor, as such term is defined in Rule 501 of the Securities Act.
25
Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced
Plan or Program
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plan or Program (1)
(1) On November 7, 2017, the company's Board of Directors resolved to terminate the company's existing share repurchase program,
effective as of such date, which was originally adopted in 1998, and approved a new stock repurchase program. This program authorizes the company to repurchase in the aggregate up to 2,500,000 shares of its outstanding common stock. In May 2022, the company's Board of Directors approved the company to repurchase an additional 2,500,000 shares of its outstanding common stock under the current program. As of December 31, 2022, the total number of shares authorized for repurchase under the program is 5,000,000. As of December 31, 2022, 2,718,626 shares had been purchased under the stock repurchase program and 2,281,374 shares
remained authorized for repurchase.
In the Consolidated Financial Statements, the company also treats shares withheld for tax purposes on behalf of employees in connection with the vesting of restricted share grants as common stock repurchases because they reduce the number of shares that would have been issued upon vesting. These withheld shares are not considered common stock repurchases under the authorized common stock repurchase plan and accordingly are not included in the common stock repurchase totals in the preceding table.
Item 6. [Reserved]
26
Item
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains "forward-looking statements" subject to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the company's actual results, performance or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The following are some of the important factors that could cause the company's actual results, performance or outcomes to differ materially from those
discussed in the forward-looking statements:
•changing market conditions;
•volatility in earnings resulting from goodwill impairment losses, which may occur irregularly and in varying amounts;
•variability in financing costs;
•quarterly variations in operating results;
•dependence on key customers;
•risks associated with the company's foreign operations, including market acceptance and demand for the
company's products and the company's ability to manage the risk associated with the exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
•the company's ability to protect its trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property;
•the impact of competitive products and pricing;
•the impact of announced management and organizational changes;
•the state of the residential construction, housing and home improvement markets;
•the
state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans and consumer credit;
•intense competition in the company's business segments including the impact of both new and established global competitors;
•unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings;
•cybersecurity attacks and other breaches in security;
•the continued ability to realize profitable growth through the sourcing and completion of strategic acquisitions;
•the
timely development and market acceptance of the company's products; and
•the availability and cost of raw materials.
The company cautions readers to carefully consider the statements set forth in the section entitled "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this filing and discussion of risks included in the company's SEC filings.
27
COVID-19
Update
The global coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic and associated counteracting measures implemented by governments and businesses around the world, as well as subsequent accelerated recovery in global business activity, have increased uncertainty in the global business environment and led to supply chain disruptions and shortages in global markets for commodities, logistics and labor, as well as input cost inflation. More recently, the war in Ukraine has further contributed to some of the disruptive factors. Activity in most of our end markets we serve improved through 2021 and into 2022, although demand in certain businesses, most notably in our residential segment, have faced recent demand headwinds. While facing headwinds, including a highly inflationary environment, we remain committed to executing productivity and profitability initiatives to address margin challenges, combined with diligent
pricing actions where possible. The limited availability of certain product components has resulted in lengthened lead times and higher input costs, including labor, energy, freight, logistics, and in some cases, has impacted our ability to meet customer demand. The company expects input costs to remain elevated for some period of time, which we are working to mitigate. The availability of resources and inflationary costs have resulted in heightened inventory levels, impacts margins and placed constraints on our operating cash flows. Heightened backlog levels have also resulted. Our teams are actively evaluating options for alternative suppliers, dual sourcing and collaborating across the organization, where appropriate, without materially presenting new risks or increasing current risks around quality and reliability. We expect our cash flows to continue to improve as we manage inventory
levels to fulfill the backlog and provide for future demand. Our capital resources have been sufficient to address these challenges and are expected to continue to be.
We remain focused on delivering strong financial results and executing on our long-term strategy and profitability objectives. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, global response measures and corresponding impacts on various markets remain fluid and uncertain and may lead to sudden changes in trajectory and outlook. The company plans to continue to proactively respond to the situation and may take further actions that alter our operations as may be required by governmental authorities, or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees and operations.
Termination
of Welbilt Merger
As previously disclosed, on April 20, 2021, Middleby entered into a Merger Agreement with Welbilt, Inc. Following Welbilt's receipt of an alternative acquisition proposal, on July 13, 2021, Middleby announced that, under the terms of the Merger Agreement, it would not exercise its right to propose any modifications to the terms of the Merger Agreement and would allow the match period to expire. Accordingly, on July 14, 2021, Welbilt delivered to Middleby a written notice terminating the Merger Agreement and, concurrently with Middleby’s receipt of the termination fee of $110.0 million in cash from Welbilt, the Merger Agreement was terminated on July 14, 2021.
The
termination fee received is reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as the "merger termination fee" and $19.7 million of deal costs associated with the transaction are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
NET SALES SUMMARY
(dollars in thousands)
Fiscal
Year Ended(1)
2022
2021
2020
Sales
Percent
Sales
Percent
Sales
Percent
Business
Segments:
Commercial Foodservice
$
2,410,266
59.8
%
$
2,032,761
62.5
%
$
1,510,279
60.1
%
Food
Processing
574,465
14.2
480,746
14.8
437,272
17.4
Residential
Kitchen
1,048,122
26.0
737,285
22.7
565,706
22.5
Total
$
4,032,853
100.0
%
$
3,250,792
100.0
%
$
2,513,257
100.0
%
(1)The
company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31.
28
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain items in the consolidated statements of earnings as a percentage of net sales for the periods presented:
Fiscal
Year Ended(1)
2022
2021
2020
Net sales
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Cost of sales
64.1
63.2
64.9
Gross
profit
35.9
36.8
35.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses
19.8
20.5
21.2
Restructuring
0.2
0.3
0.5
Merger
termination fee
—
(3.4)
—
Gain on sale of plant
—
—
(0.1)
Impairments
—
—
0.6
Income
from operations
15.9
19.4
12.9
Interest expense and deferred financing amortization, net
2.2
1.8
3.1
Net periodic pension benefit (other than service cost & curtailment)
(1.0)
(1.4)
(1.6)
Curtailment
loss
—
—
0.6
Other expense (income), net
0.7
—
0.1
Earnings before income taxes
14.0
19.0
10.7
Provision
for income taxes
3.2
4.0
2.4
Net earnings
10.8
%
15.0
%
8.3
%
(1)The company's
fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31.
NET SALES. Net sales in fiscal 2022 increased by $782.1 million, or 24.1%, to $4,032.9 million as compared to $3,250.8 million in fiscal 2021. Net sales increased by $433.6 million, or 13.3%, from the fiscal 2021 acquisitions of Novy, Imperial, Newton CFV, Char-Griller, Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt and the fiscal 2022 acquisitions of Kloppenberg, Proxaut, Icetro, CP Packaging, Colussi,
Escher, and Marco. Excluding acquisitions, net sales increased $348.5 million, or 10.7%, from the prior year. The impact of foreign exchange rates on foreign sales translated into U.S. Dollars for fiscal 2022 decreased net sales by approximately $85.0 million. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions, sales increased 13.3% for the year, including a net sales increase of 16.4% at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, a net sales increase of 14.3% at the Food Processing Equipment Group and a net sales increase of 4.3% at the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group.
•Net sales of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased by $377.5 million, or 18.6%, to $2,410.3 million in fiscal 2022 as compared to $2,032.8 million in fiscal 2021. Net sales from the acquisitions of Imperial, Newton CFV, Kloppenberg, Icetro, and Marco, which were
acquired on September 24, 2021, November 16, 2021, April 25, 2022, June 30, 2022, and December 20, 2022, respectively, accounted for an increase of $84.6 million during fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased $292.9 million, or 14.4%, as compared to the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions, net sales increased $333.2 million, or 16.4% at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group. Domestically, the company realized a sales increase of $331.2 million, or 23.1%, to $1,766.3 million, as compared to $1,435.1 million in the prior year.
This includes an increase of $70.7 million from recent acquisitions. Excluding acquisitions, the net increase in domestic sales was $260.5 million, or 18.2%. The increase in domestic sales is related to improvements in market conditions, consumer demand, and pricing increases. International sales increased $46.3 million, or 7.7%, to $644.0 million, as compared to $597.7 million in the prior year. This includes the increase of $13.9 million from recent acquisitions and a decrease of $40.3 million related to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates. Excluding acquisitions and foreign exchange, the net sales increase in international sales was $72.7 million, or 12.2%. The increase in international sales is related to improvements in market conditions, primarily in the European and Latin American markets.
•Net sales of the Food Processing Equipment Group increased
by $93.8 million, or 19.5%, to $574.5 million in fiscal 2022, as compared to $480.7 million in fiscal 2021. Net sales from the acquisitions of Proxaut, CP Packaging, Colussi, and Escher, which were acquired on June 29, 2022, July 12, 2022, July 27, 2022, and November 10, 2022, respectively, accounted for an increase of $41.3 million during fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales of the Food processing Equipment Group increased $52.5 million, or 10.9%, as compared to the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions, net sales increased $68.7 million, or 14.3% at the Food Processing Equipment Group. Domestically, the company realized a sales increase
of $63.6 million, or 18.3%, to $410.9 million, as compared to $347.3 million in the prior year. This includes an increase of $11.3 million from recent acquisitions. Excluding acquisitions, the net increase in domestic sales was $52.3 million, or 15.1%. The increase in domestic sales reflects growth primarily driven by protein products. International sales increased $30.2 million, or 22.6%, to $163.6 million, as compared to $133.4 million in the prior year. This includes the increase of $30.0 million from recent acquisitions and a decrease of $16.2 million related to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates. Excluding acquisitions and foreign exchange, the net sales increase in international sales was $16.4 million, or 12.3%. The increase in international sales reflects growth primarily driven by protein products.
•Net sales of the Residential Kitchen Equipment
Group increased by $310.8 million, or 42.2%, to $1,048.1 million in fiscal 2022, as compared to $737.3 million in fiscal 2021. Net sales from the acquisitions of Novy, Char-Griller, and Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt, which were acquired on July 12, 2021, December 27, 2021, and December 27, 2021, respectively, accounted for an increase of $307.7 million during fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales of the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group increased $3.1 million, or 0.4%, as compared to the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions, net sales increased $31.6 million, or 4.3% at the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group. Domestically, the company realized a sales increase of $247.5 million, or
54.5%, to $701.9 million, as compared to $454.4 million in the prior year. This includes an increase of $204.2 million from recent acquisitions. Excluding acquisitions, the net increase in domestic sales was $43.3 million, or 9.5%. The increase in domestic sales reflects the strong demand for our premium appliance brands. International sales increased $63.3 million, or 22.4% to $346.2 million, as compared to $282.9 million in the prior year. This includes an increase of $103.5 million from recent acquisitions and a decrease of $28.5 million related to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates. Excluding acquisitions and foreign exchange, the net sales decrease in international sales was $11.7 million, or 4.1%. The decrease in international sales was primarily driven by challenging market conditions in the European market.
30
GROSS
PROFIT. Gross profit increased by $251.7 million to $1,446.6 million in fiscal 2022 from $1,194.9 million in fiscal 2021, primarily reflecting higher sales volumes related to improvements in market conditions and consumer demand, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates of $33.1 million. The gross profit margin rate decreased to 35.9% in 2022 as compared to 36.8% in 2021. The gross margin rate in fiscal 2022 excluding acquisitions and impact of foreign exchange was 37.5%. Gross profit margins have been negatively impacted by acquisitions, including $17.4 million of acquisition related inventory step-up charges, along with rising costs of many raw materials and inputs, higher labor rates, and logistics costs.
•Gross profit at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased by $161.7 million, or 21.5%,
to $914.6 million in fiscal 2022 as compared to $752.9 million in fiscal 2021. Gross profit from acquisitions increased gross profit by $29.8 million. Excluding acquisitions, gross profit increased by $131.9 million related to higher sales volumes. The impact of foreign exchange rates decreased gross profit by approximately $15.2 million. The gross profit margin rate increased to 37.9% in fiscal 2022 as compared to 37.0% in the prior year. The gross profit margin rate in fiscal 2022 excluding acquisitions and the impact of foreign exchange was 38.0%.
•Gross profit at the Food Processing Equipment Group increased by $33.2 million, or 19.1%, to $207.4 million in fiscal 2022 as compared to $174.2 million in fiscal 2021. Gross profit from acquisitions increased gross profit by $12.2 million. Excluding acquisitions, gross profit increased by $21.0 million related to
higher sales volumes. The impact of foreign exchange rates decreased gross profit by approximately $7.3 million. The gross profit margin rate decreased to 36.1% in fiscal 2022 as compared to 36.2% in the prior year. The gross profit margin rate in fiscal 2022 excluding the impact of foreign exchange was 36.9%.
•Gross profit at the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group increased by $57.2 million, or 21.3%, to $325.8 million in fiscal 2022 as compared to $268.6 million in fiscal 2021. Gross profit from acquisitions increased gross profit by $54.8 million. Excluding acquisitions, gross profit increased by $2.4 million. The impact of foreign exchange rates decreased gross profit by approximately $10.6 million. The gross margin rate decreased to 31.1% in fiscal 2022 as compared to 36.4% in the prior year. Gross profit margins have been negatively impacted by acquisitions,
including $15.1 million of acquisition related inventory step-up charges. The gross profit margin rate in fiscal 2022 excluding acquisitions and the impact of foreign exchange was 36.6%.
SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by $129.2 million to $797.2 million in fiscal 2022 from $668.0 million in 2021. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to 19.8% in fiscal 2022 and 20.5% in fiscal 2021.
Selling, general and administrative expenses reflect increased costs of $88.1 million associated with acquisitions, including $22.7 million of non-cash intangible amortization expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from compensation, selling and commissions expenses, partially
offset by lower professional fees and intangible amortization expense. Foreign exchange rates had a favorable impact of $15.1 million.
RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES. Restructuring expenses increased $2.0 million to $9.7 million from $7.7 million in the prior year period. In fiscal 2022, restructuring expenses related primarily to headcount reductions and facility consolidations within the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group and Residential Kitchen Equipment Group and non-cash restructuring valuation allowances on balances associated with activities in Russia. During fiscal 2021, restructuring charges related primarily to headcount reductions and facility consolidations within the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group.
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS. Income from operations increased $9.6 million to
$639.6 million in fiscal 2022 from $630.0 million in fiscal 2021. Operating income as a percentage of net sales amounted to 15.9% in 2022 as compared to 19.4% in 2021. During fiscal 2021, the company received approximately $67.7 million in a termination fee, net of deal costs and taxes. The increase in operating income resulted from increased sales volumes driven by acquisitions and improved market conditions.
Income from operations in 2022 included $189.3 million of non-cash expenses, including $44.6 million of depreciation expense, $86.3 million of intangible amortization related to acquisitions and $58.4 million of stock based compensation. This compares to $160.8 million of non-cash expenses in the prior year, including $42.7 million of depreciation expense, $75.8 million of intangible amortization
related to acquisitions and $42.3 million of stock based compensation costs.
31
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES. Non-operating expenses increased $64.7 million to $75.2 million of expense in fiscal 2022 from $10.5 million of expense in fiscal 2021. Net interest expense and deferred financing increased $31.8 million to $89.0 million in fiscal 2022 from $57.2 million in fiscal 2021 reflecting the increase in interest rates and borrowing levels under our current credit facility. Net periodic pension benefit (other than service costs and curtailment) decreased $2.4 million to $42.7 million in fiscal 2022 from $45.1 million in fiscal 2021.
Other expense was $28.9 million during fiscal 2022 as compared to other income of $1.6 million during fiscal 2021, consisting mainly of foreign exchange losses and gains.
INCOME TAXES. A tax provision of $127.8 million, at an effective rate of 22.7%, was recorded for fiscal 2022 as compared to $131.0 million at an effective rate of 21.1%, in fiscal 2021. The fiscal 2022 tax provision includes a deferred tax benefit of approximately $13 million associated with legal entity restructuring the company undertook to integrate and simplify the company’s business operations. The fiscal 2022 tax provision also reflects higher non-deductible stock compensation expense, where the prior year included favorable
impacts from tax rate changes, tax refunds and adjustments for the finalization of 2020 tax returns. The effective rates in 2022 and 2021 are higher than the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes and foreign tax rate differentials.
NET SALES. Net sales in fiscal 2021 increased by $737.5 million, or 29.3%, to $3,250.8 million as compared to $2,513.3 million in fiscal 2020. Net sales increased by $124.8 million, or 5.0%, from
the fiscal 2020 acquisitions of Deutsche, Wild Goose, United Foodservice Equipment Zhuhai and the fiscal 2021 acquisitions of Novy, Newton CFV, Imperial, Char-Griller, and Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt. Excluding acquisitions and a disposition, net sales increased $631.8 million, or 25.3%, from the prior year. The impact of foreign exchange rates on foreign sales translated into U.S. Dollars for fiscal 2021 increased net sales by approximately $39.5 million. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and the disposition, sales increased 23.7% for the year, including a net sales increase of 28.2% at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, a net sales increase of 9.1% at the Food Processing Equipment Group and a net sales increase of 23.2% at the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group.
•Net sales of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased
by $522.5 million, or 34.6%, to $2,032.8 million in fiscal 2021 as compared to $1,510.3 million in fiscal 2020. Net sales from the acquisitions of Deutsche, Wild Goose, United Foodservice Equipment Zhuhai, Newton CFV, and Imperial which were acquired on March 2, 2020, December 7, 2020, December 18, 2020, November 16, 2021 and September 24, 2021, respectively, accounted for an increase of $77.4 million during fiscal 2021. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased $445.1 million, or 29.5%, as compared to the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions, net sales increased $426.1 million, or 28.2% at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group.
Domestically, the company realized a sales increase of $367.2 million, or 34.4%, to $1,435.1 million, as compared to $1,067.9 million in the prior year. This includes an increase of $61.3 million from recent acquisitions. Excluding acquisitions, the net increase in domestic sales was $305.9 million, or 28.6%. The increase in domestic sales is related to improvements in market conditions and consumer demand. International sales increased $155.3 million, or 35.1%, to $597.7 million, as compared to $442.4 million in the prior year. This includes the increase of $16.1 million from recent acquisitions and an increase of $19.0 million related to the favorable impact of exchange rates. Excluding acquisitions and foreign exchange, the net sales increase in international sales was $120.2 million, or 27.2%. The increase in international sales is related to improvements in market conditions, primarily
in the European and Asian markets.
•Net sales of the Food Processing Equipment Group increased by $43.4 million, or 9.9%, to $480.7 million in fiscal 2021, as compared to $437.3 million in fiscal 2020. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, net sales increased $39.6 million, or 9.1% at the Food Processing Equipment Group. Domestically, the company realized a sales increase of $36.2 million, or 11.6%, to $347.3 million, as compared to $311.1 million in the prior year. The increase in domestic sales reflects growth driven by both protein and bakery products. International sales increased $7.2 million, or 5.7%, to $133.4 million, as compared to $126.2 million in the prior year. This includes an increase of $3.8 million related to the favorable impact of exchange rates. Excluding
foreign exchange, the net sales increase in international sales was $3.4 million, or 2.7%. The increase in international revenues is primarily driven by protein projects.
•Net sales of the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group increased by $171.6 million, or 30.3%, to $737.3 million in fiscal 2021, as compared to $565.7 million in fiscal 2020. Net sales from the acquisitions of Novy, Char-Griller, and Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt, which were acquired on July 12, 2021, December 27, 2021, and December 27, 2021, respectively, accounted for an increase of $47.4 million during fiscal 2021. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and the disposition, net sales of the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group increased $143.3 million,
or 26.2%, as compared to the prior year. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions, and the disposition, net sales increased $126.6 million, or 23.2% at the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group. Domestically, the company realized a sales increase of $80.5 million, or 21.5%, to $454.4 million, as compared to $373.9 million in the prior year. This includes an increase of $3.5 million from recent acquisitions. Excluding acquisitions, the net increase in domestic sales was $77.0 million, or 20.6%. International sales increased $91.1 million, or 47.5% to $282.9 million, as compared to $191.8 million in the prior year. This includes an increase of $43.9 million from recent acquisitions and an increase of $16.7 million related to the favorable impact of exchange rates. Excluding acquisitions, the disposition, and foreign exchange, the net sales increase in international sales was
$49.6 million, or 28.7%. The increase in domestic and international sales reflects the strong demand for our premium appliance brands and strength in the European market.
33
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased by $312.9 million to $1,194.9 million in fiscal 2021 from $882.0 million in fiscal 2020, primarily reflecting higher sales volumes related to improvements in market conditions and consumer demand and the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates of $14.0 million. The gross profit margin rate increased to 36.8% in 2021 as compared to 35.1% in 2020. The gross margin rate in fiscal 2021 excluding acquisitions and impact of foreign exchange was 37.0%.
•Gross profit at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased by $230.7 million, or 44.2%, to $752.9 million in fiscal 2021 as compared to $522.2 million in fiscal 2020. Gross profit from acquisitions increased gross profit by $27.1 million. Excluding acquisitions, gross profit increased by approximately $203.6 million related to higher sales volumes. The impact of foreign exchange rates increased gross profit by approximately $6.7 million. The gross profit margin rate increased to 37.0% in fiscal 2021 as compared to 34.6% in the prior year. The gross profit margin rate in fiscal 2021 excluding acquisitions and the impact of foreign exchange was 37.1%.
•Gross profit at the Food Processing Equipment Group increased by $17.1 million, or 10.9%, to $174.2 million in fiscal 2021 as compared
to $157.1 million in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign exchange rates increased gross profit by approximately $2.0 million. The gross profit margin rate increased to 36.2% in fiscal 2021 as compared to 35.9% in the prior year. The gross profit margin rate in fiscal 2021 excluding the impact of foreign exchange was 36.1%.
•Gross profit at the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group increased by $64.3 million, or 31.5%, to $268.6 million in fiscal 2021 as compared to $204.3 million in fiscal 2020. Gross profit from acquisitions increased gross profit by $11.0 million. Excluding acquisitions, gross profit increased by approximately $53.3 million related to higher sales volumes. The impact of foreign exchange rates increased gross profit by approximately $5.3 million. The gross margin rate increased to 36.4% in fiscal 2021 as compared to 36.1% in the prior year. The
gross profit margin rate in fiscal 2021 excluding acquisitions and the impact of foreign exchange was 37.5%.
SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Combined selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by $136.1 million to $668.0 million in fiscal 2021 from $531.9 million in 2020. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to 20.5% in fiscal 2021 and 21.2% in fiscal 2020.
Selling, general and administrative expenses reflect increased costs of $33.0 million associated with acquisitions, including $11.8 million of non-cash intangible amortization expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $90.0 million related to compensation costs, professional fees, and commission expense. Increases in professional fees were
driven by the costs associated with our proposed and subsequently terminated acquisition of Welbilt, as well as overall increased deal activity. Foreign exchange rates had a favorable impact of $6.7 million.
RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES. Restructuring expenses decreased $4.7 million to $7.7 million from $12.4 million in the prior year period. In fiscal 2021, restructuring expenses related primarily to headcount reductions and facility consolidations within the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group. During fiscal 2020, restructuring charges related primarily to headcount reductions and cost reduction initiatives related to facility consolidations at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group and Residential Kitchen Equipment Group.
IMPAIRMENTS. In fiscal 2020, the
company recognized impairment of $11.6 million associated with several trade names in conjunction with the diminution of value as we assessed current market conditions and future business plans. See Note 3 (f) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the annual impairment testing. In addition, the company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $2.9 million to reflect the fair market value of assets held for sale for a non-core business within the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group. See Note 13, Restructuring and Acquisition Integration Initiatives, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on restructuring initiatives. In fiscal 2021, there were no impairments recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
34
INCOME
FROM OPERATIONS. Income from operations increased $305.6 million to $630.0 million in fiscal 2021 from $324.4 million in fiscal 2020. Operating income as a percentage of net sales amounted to 19.4% in 2021 as compared to 12.9% in 2020. The increase in operating income resulted from improved market conditions and increased sales volumes. In addition, during fiscal 2021, the company received approximately $67.7 million in a termination fee, net of deal costs and taxes. Operating income in fiscal 2020 included impairment charges related to intangible assets, fixed assets, and assets held for sale.
Income from operations in 2021 included $160.8 million of non-cash expenses, including $42.7 million of depreciation expense, $75.8 million of intangible amortization related to acquisitions
and $42.3 million of stock based compensation. This compares to $127.7 million of non-cash expenses in the prior year, including $39.1 million of depreciation expense, $69.0 million of intangible amortization related to acquisitions and $19.6 million of stock based compensation costs.
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES. Non-operating expenses decreased $45.9 million to $10.5 million of expense in fiscal 2021 from $56.4 million of expense in fiscal 2020. Net interest expense and deferred financing decreased $21.5 million to $57.2 million in fiscal 2021 from $78.6 million in fiscal 2020 reflecting a reduction in borrowing levels and lower borrowing costs on our current debt structure. Net periodic pension benefit (other than service costs and curtailment) increased $5.1 million to $45.1 million in fiscal 2021 from $40.0 million in fiscal 2020, related to the decrease in discount
rate used to calculate the interest cost. During fiscal 2020 a curtailment cost of approximately $14.7 million was recognized as a result of closing the AGA Group Pension Scheme to future pension accruals.
INCOME TAXES. A tax provision of $131.0 million, at an effective rate of 21.1%, was recorded for fiscal 2021 as compared to $60.8 million at an effective rate of 22.7%, in fiscal 2020. In comparison to the prior year, the tax provision reflects favorable tax adjustments for deferred tax rate changes, tax refunds and adjustments for the finalization of 2020 tax returns. The effective rates in 2021 and 2020 are higher than the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes and foreign tax rate differentials.
OPERATING ACTIVITIES. Net cash provided by operating activities after changes in assets and liabilities amounted to $332.6 million as compared to $423.4 million in the prior year.
During fiscal 2022, working capital changes meaningfully impacted operating cash flows primarily driven by increased inventory of $196.3
million related to the seasonality of acquired businesses, efforts to mitigate supply chain risks and inflationary impacts.
In connection with the company’s acquisition activities, the company added assets and liabilities from the opening balance sheets of the acquired businesses in its consolidated balance sheets and accordingly these amounts are not reflected in the net changes in working capital.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES. During 2022, net cash used for investing activities amounted to $348.3 million. Cash used to fund acquisitions and investments amounted to $278.8 million. Additionally, $67.3 million was expended, primarily
for upgrades of production equipment and manufacturing facilities.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES. Net cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $7.6 million in 2022. The company’s borrowing activities during 2022 included $314.8 million of net proceeds under its Credit Facility. Additionally, the company repurchased $264.8 million of Middleby common shares during 2022. This was comprised of $15.8 million to repurchase 90,243 shares of Middleby common stock that were surrendered to the company for withholding taxes related to restricted stock vestings and $249.0 million used to repurchase 1,553,961 shares of its common stock under a repurchase
program.
At December 31, 2022, the company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements. The company believes that its current capital resources, including cash and cash equivalents, cash expected to be generated from operations, funds available from its current lenders and access to the credit and capital markets will be sufficient to finance its operations, debt service obligations, capital expenditures, product development and expenditures for the foreseeable future.
Material Cash Requirements
The
company's material cash requirements from contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt obligations, operating lease obligations, tax obligations and contingent purchase price payments to the sellers that were deferred in conjunction with various acquisitions. See Notes 3, 5 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Related Party Transactions
From January 2, 2022, through the date hereof, there were no transactions between the company, its directors and executive officers that are required to be disclosed
pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial
statements requires the company to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, the company evaluates its estimates and judgments based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and any such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when the control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects
the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and represents the unit of account. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The company’s contracts can have multiple performance obligations or just a single performance obligation. For contracts
with multiple performance obligations, the contract’s transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation using the company’s best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract.
Within the Commercial Foodservice Equipment and Residential Foodservice Equipment Groups, the estimated standalone selling price of equipment is based on observable prices. Within the Food Processing Equipment Group, the company estimates the standalone selling price based on expected cost to manufacture the good or complete the service
plus an appropriate profit margin.
Control may pass to the customer over time or at a point in time. In general, the Commercial Foodservice Equipment and Residential Foodservice Equipment Groups recognize revenue at the point in time control transfers to their customers based on contractual shipping terms. Revenue from equipment sold under our long-term contracts within the Food Processing Equipment group is recognized over time as the equipment is manufactured and assembled. Installation services provided in connection with the delivery of the equipment are also generally recognized as those services are rendered. Over time transfer of control is measured using an appropriate input measure (e.g., costs incurred or direct labor hours incurred in relation to total estimate). These measures include forecasts based on
the best information available and therefore reflect the company's judgment to faithfully depict the transfer of the goods.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in, first-out method for the majority of the company’s inventories. The company evaluates the need to record valuation adjustments for inventory on a regular basis. The company’s policy is to evaluate all inventories including raw material, work-in-process, finished goods, and spare parts. Inventory in excess
of estimated usage requirements is written down to its estimated net realizable value. Inherent in the estimates of net realizable value are estimates related to our future manufacturing schedules, customer demand, possible alternative uses, and ultimate realization of potentially excess inventory.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Life Intangibles
The company’s business acquisitions result in the recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets, which are a significant portion of the company’s total assets. Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition costs over the fair value of the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Identifiable intangible
assets are recognized separately from goodwill and include trademarks and trade names, technology, customer relationships and other specifically identifiable assets. Trademarks and trade names are deemed to be indefinite-lived. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are subject to impairment testing.
On an annual basis on the first day of the fourth quarter, or more frequently if triggering events occur, the company performs an impairment assessment for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. The company considers qualitative factors to assess if it is more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets is below the carrying value.
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In
conducting a qualitative assessment, the company analyzes a variety of events or factors that may influence the fair value of the reporting unit including, but not limited to: the results of prior quantitative assessments performed; changes in the carrying amount of the reporting unit; actual and projected revenue and operating margin; relevant market data for both the company and its peer companies; industry outlooks; macroeconomic conditions; liquidity; changes in key personnel; and the company's competitive position. Significant judgment is used to evaluate the totality of these events and factors to make the determination of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-life
intangible is less than its carrying value.
Goodwill Valuations
The reporting units at which we test goodwill for impairment are our operating segments. These consist of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, the Food Processing Equipment Group and the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group. If the fair value is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss, if any, is recorded for the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying value of goodwill.
In performing a quantitative assessment, if required, the company estimates each reporting unit's fair value under an income approach using a discounted cash flow model. The income approach uses each reporting unit's projection of estimated operating results and cash
flows that are discounted using a market participant discount rate based on a weighted-average cost of capital. The financial projections reflect management's best estimate of economic and market conditions over the projected period including forecasted revenue growth, operating margins, tax rate, capital expenditures, depreciation, amortization and changes in working capital requirements. Other assumptions include discount rate and terminal growth rate. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit is compared to their respective carrying values. Additionally, the company validates the estimates of fair value under the income approach by comparing the fair value estimate using a market approach. A market approach estimates fair value by applying cash flow multiples to the reporting unit's operating performance. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly traded companies with
similar operating and investment characteristics of the reporting units. The company considers the implied control premium and conclude whether it is reasonable based on other recent market transactions.
The company performed a qualitative assessment as of October 2, 2022. As a result of the financial performance indicators for the Residential Kitchen reporting unit, the company completed a quantitative analysis. The fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by nearly 20% and no impairment of goodwill was recognized. As a result of the qualitative assessment for the other two reporting units,
the company determined it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units are greater than the carrying amounts.
In estimating the fair value of its reporting units, management relies on a number of factors, including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable transactions and other market data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them in the impairment tests of goodwill. If actual results are not consistent with management's estimate and assumptions, a material impairment could have an adverse effect on the company's financial condition and results of operations.
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Indefinite-Life
Intangible Valuations
In performing a quantitative assessment of indefinite-life intangible assets other than goodwill, primarily trademarks and trade names, we analyze the variety of events or factors that may impact the fair value of the indefinite-life intangible, including, but not limited to: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and other relevant factors. We estimate the fair value of these intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty method which requires assumptions related to projected revenues from our long-range plans; assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trademark; and a discount rate using a market based weighted-average cost of capital. If the estimated fair value of the indefinite-life intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we would recognize an impairment loss.
Based
on the qualitative assessment as of October 2, 2022, the company identified several trademarks and trade names with indicators of potential risk for impairment and performed quantitative assessments. In performing the quantitative analysis on these trademark assets, significant assumptions used in our relief-from-royalty model included revenue growth rates, assumed royalty rates and the discount rate, which are discussed further below.
•Revenue growth rates relate to projected revenues from our long-range plans and vary from brand to brand. Adverse changes in the operating environment or our inability to grow revenues at the forecasted rates may result in a material impairment charge.
•In
determining royalty rates for the valuation of our trademarks, we considered factors that affect the assumed royalty rates that would hypothetically be paid for the use of the trademarks. The most significant factors in determining the assumed royalty rates include the overall role and importance of the trademarks in the particular industry, the profitability of the products utilizing the trademarks, and the position of the trademarked products in the given market segment.
•In developing discount rates for the valuation of our trademarks, we used the market based weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for higher relative level of risks associated with doing business in other countries, as applicable, as well as the higher relative levels of risks associated with intangible assets.
As a result
of the quantitative testing the company determined there were no impairments of trademarks. The gross value of the trademarks tested was approximately $220 million. The fair values of the trademarks exceeded their carrying values by 10% or more. The company believes the assumptions utilized within the quantitative analysis are reasonable and consistent with assumptions that would be used by other marketplace participants.
Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt trademarks
The Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt trademarks are at risk at October 2, 2022. The fair value exceeded their carrying value of approximately $145.0 million by approximately 10%. The
company believes the assumptions utilized within the quantitative analysis are reasonable and consistent with assumptions that would be used by other marketplace participants. Such assumptions are, however, inherently uncertain, and different assumptions could lead to a different assessment for the trademarks that could result in a material impairment that would adversely affect our results of operations.
The fair values of all other trademarks exceeded their carrying values by an amount sufficient to not be deemed "at risk."The company performed a qualitative assessment as of October 2, 2022 for all other trademarks and trade names and determined it is more like than not that the fair value of its other indefinite-life intangible assets are greater than the carrying
amounts.
The company continues to monitor the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent accelerated recovery, along with inflationary impacts from the war in Ukraine to assess the outlook for demand of its products and the impact on its business and financial performance. If actual results are not consistent with management's estimate and assumptions, a material impairment charge of our trademarks and trade names could occur, which could have an adverse effect on the company's financial condition and results of operations.
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Convertible
Debt
The company issued convertible debt with debt and equity components. The company evaluated the different components and features of the hybrid instrument and determined whether certain elements were embedded derivative instruments which require bifurcation. Components of convertible debt instruments that upon conversion may be settled fully in cash or partly in cash based on a net-share settlement basis are accounted for separately as long-term debt and equity when the conversion feature of the convertible bonds constitute an embedded equity instrument. When an equity instrument is identified, proceeds from issuance are allocated between debt and equity by measuring first the liability component and then determining the equity component as a residual
amount. Prior to January 3, 2021, the liability component was measured as the fair value of a similar nonconvertible debt, which results in the recognition of a debt discount. The debt discount amortizes to interest expense, net within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, using the effective interest method based on the expected maturity of the debt. The equity component is reported in additional paid-in capital within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.
The company allocated transaction costs related to the issuance of convertible debt using the same proportions as the proceeds from the convertible debt. Transaction costs attributable to
the liability component are recorded as a direct deduction from the related debt liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to interest expense, net within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings over the term of the convertible debt using the effective interest rate method. Transaction costs attributable to the equity component are netted within additional paid-in capital within the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity.
Effective January 3, 2021, the company early adopted ASU 2020-06 using the modified retrospective approach. The convertible debt is now accounted for as a single liability and therefore the company no longer recognized any amortization of debt
discounts as non-cash interest expense.
For additional information regarding the company's convertible debt, see Note 5, Financing Arrangements, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pension Benefits
The company sponsors pension benefits to certain employees. The accounting for these plans depends on assumptions made by management, which are used by actuaries the company engages to calculate the projected and accumulated obligations and the annual expense recognized for these plans. These assumptions include
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and discount rates.
The amount of unrecognized actuarial gains and losses recognized in the current year’s operations is based on amortizing the unrecognized gains or losses for each plan that exceed the larger of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets, also known as the corridor. The amount of unrecognized gain or loss that exceeds the corridor is amortized over the average future service of the plan participants or the average life expectancy of inactive plan participants for plans where all or almost all of the plan participants are inactive. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our pension obligations and our future expense.
Income
taxes
The company provides deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial and tax bases of assets and liabilities based on currently enacted tax laws. The company’s deferred and other tax balances are based on management’s interpretation of the tax regulations and rulings in numerous taxing jurisdictions. Income tax expense and liabilities recognized by the company also reflect its best estimates and assumptions regarding, among other things, the level of future taxable income, the effect of the company’s
various tax planning strategies and uncertain tax positions. Future tax authority rulings and changes in tax laws, changes in projected levels of taxable income and future tax planning strategies could affect the actual effective tax rate and tax balances recorded by the company. The company follows the provisions under ASC 740-10-25 that provides a recognition threshold and measurement criteria for the financial statement recognition of a tax benefit taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the benefits will be sustained on examination. Tax benefits that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured using a probability weighting of the largest amount of tax benefit that has
greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a particular tax benefit is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances evaluated in light of all available evidence as of the balance sheet date.
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New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 3(r) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the new accounting pronouncements.
Certain
Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results
An investment in shares of the company's common stock involves risks. The company believes the risks and uncertainties described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and in "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" are the material risks it faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the company or that it currently deems immaterial may impair its business operations. If any of the risks identified in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" actually occurs, the company's business, results of operations
and financial condition could be materially adversely affected, and the trading price of the company's common stock could decline.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
The company is exposed to certain market risks that exist as part of its ongoing business operations, including fluctuations
in changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and price volatility for certain commodities. The company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
The company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. The following table summarizes the maturity of the company's debt obligations:
Variable
Rate Debt
2023
$
45,583
2024
43,788
2025
780,826
2026
1,850,752
2027 and thereafter
1,375
$
2,722,324
The
company is exposed to interest rate risk on its floating-rate debt. The company has entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate applicable to certain of its variable-rate debt. The agreements swap one-month LIBOR for fixed rates. In February 2022, the company entered into an additional floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreement that uses a daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") in lieu of LIBOR. The company has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges and all changes in fair value of the swaps are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of these instruments was an asset of $65.0
million. The change in fair value of these swap agreements in the first twelve months of 2022 was a gain of $61.6 million, net of taxes. The potential net loss on fair value for such instruments from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted interest rates would not have a material impact on the company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The company has Convertible Notes that were issued in August 2020, which carry a fixed annual interest rate of 1.00%. As such, the company does not have economic interest rate exposure on the Convertible Notes. The fair value of the Convertible Notes is subject to interest rate risk, market risk and other factors
due to its conversion feature. The fair value of the Convertible Notes is also affected by the price and volatility of the company’s common stock and will generally increase or decrease as the market price of our common stock changes. The interest and market value changes affect the fair value of the Convertible Notes but do not impact the company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations due to the fixed nature of the debt obligation. Additionally, the company carries the Convertible Notes at face value, less any unamortized discount on the balance sheet and presents the fair value for disclosure purposes only.
Foreign Exchange
Derivative Financial Instruments
The company uses derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency forward purchase and sale contracts with terms of less than one year, to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The company’s primary hedging activities are to mitigate its exposure to changes in exchange rates on intercompany and third-party trade receivables and payables. The company does not currently enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. In managing its foreign currency exposures, the
company identifies and aggregates naturally occurring offsetting positions and then hedges residual balance sheet exposures. The potential loss on fair value for such instruments from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign exchange rates would not have a material impact on the company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Derivative financial instruments are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Changes in the market value and the related foreign exchange gains and losses are recorded in the statement of earnings.
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Item
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
All other schedules for which provision is made to applicable regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instruction or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
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REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of The Middleby Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited The Middleby Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, 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, The Middleby Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2022, 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 Kloppenberg, Proxaut, Icetro, CP Packaging, Colussi, Escher and Marco which are included in the 2022 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 6.0% and 0.2% of total and net assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2022 and 1.7% and (0.5)% of net sales and net earnings, 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 Kloppenberg, Proxaut, Icetro, CP Packaging, Colussi, Escher and Marco.
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, 2022 and January 1, 2022, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 8 and our report dated March
1, 2023 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.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of The Middleby Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Middleby Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 8 (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, 2022 and January 1, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, 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, 2022, 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 March 1, 2023 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 Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters 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 separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
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Accounting
for acquisitions
Description of the Matter
As described in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed its acquisition of Novy Invest NV for net consideration of approximately $267 million on July 12, 2021 and its acquisition of Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt for net consideration of approximately $406 million on December 27, 2021. Each transaction was accounted for as a business combination. The Company finalized the fair value allocations for each acquisition in 2022. Auditing the
Company's accounting for its acquisitions of Novy Invest NV and Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt was complex due to the significant estimation uncertainty in determining the fair value of identified intangible assets of approximately $131 million and $187 million, respectively, which principally consisted of trade names. The significant estimation uncertainty was primarily due to the sensitivity of the respective fair values to underlying assumptions about the future performance of each acquired business. The Company used discounted cash flow models to measure the trade names intangible assets. The significant assumptions used to estimate the value of the trade names intangible assets include revenue growth rates, discount rates, and royalty rates. These significant assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.
How
We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company's controls over accounting for the acquisitions of Novy Invest NV and Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt, including controls over the determination of the fair value of the acquired trade names intangible assets, and management's evaluation of the underlying assumptions described above. We also tested management's controls over the completeness and accuracy of the data used in the valuation models.
To test the estimated fair value of the trade names intangible assets, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, evaluating the Company's
selection of the valuation methodologies, evaluating the methods and significant assumptions used by the Company's valuation specialist, and evaluating the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the significant assumptions and estimates. We compared the assumptions related to the revenue growth rate to the past performance of each company, the Company's history related to similar acquisitions, and third-party industry data. We tested the assumptions related to discount rates and royalty rates to the Company’s history related to similar acquisitions and third-party industry data. We involved a valuation specialist to assist with our evaluation of the methodologies used by the
Company and significant assumptions included in the fair value estimates.
Valuation of Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt indefinite-lived intangible assets
Description of the Matter
At December 31, 2022, the carrying value of the Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt indefinite-lived intangible assets was approximately $145 million, which consists of trade names. As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, indefinite-lived intangibles assets are tested for impairment at least annually, in the fiscal fourth quarter, or when impairment indicators are present at the intangible asset level. Auditing
management’s assessment of the estimated fair value of the Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt indefinite-lived intangible assets was complex due to the judgmental nature of the assumptions used in the valuation process. The fair value estimates were sensitive to significant assumptions including future revenues and royalty rates.
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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 indefinite-lived intangible asset fair value assessment process. This included testing controls over management’s review over the projected financial information and significant assumptions used in the valuation models to estimate fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets. To test the estimated fair values of the Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt indefinite-lived intangible assets, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies used in the models and testing the significant assumptions discussed above. This included comparing the significant assumptions used by management to current industry and economic trends, changes to the
Company’s business models and other relevant factors. We assessed the reasonableness of management’s projections used in the fair value calculations and obtained support for initiatives supporting these projections. We also compared previous forecasts to actual results to assess management’s forecasting process. To assess the discount rates, we reviewed the methodology used by the Company and considered each input relative to current economic factors. We performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset that would result from changes in the assumptions. In addition, we tested the mathematical accuracy of the models.
(1)
As of January 3, 2021the company adopted ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of this guidance resulted in a $i79.4 million reduction
to paid-in capital, net of tax of $i25.5 million, and the recognition of $i5.1 million as an adjustment to
the opening balance of retained earnings, net of tax of $i1.6 million.
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The Middleby Corporation (the "company") is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of commercial foodservice, food processing equipment
and residential kitchen equipment. The company manufactures and assembles this equipment at iforty-one U.S. and ithirty-four
international manufacturing facilities. The company operates in ithree business segments: 1) the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, 2) the Food Processing Equipment Group and 3) the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group.
The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group has a broad portfolio of foodservice equipment, which enable it to serve virtually any cooking, warming, refrigeration, freezing and beverage application
within a commercial kitchen or foodservice operation. This equipment is used across all types of foodservice operations, including quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants, convenience stores, retail outlets, hotels and other institutions. The products offered by this group include conveyor ovens, combi-ovens, convection ovens, baking ovens, proofing ovens, deck ovens, speed cooking ovens, hydrovection ovens, ranges, fryers, rethermalizers, steam cooking equipment, food warming equipment, catering equipment, heated cabinets, charbroilers, ventless cooking systems, kitchen ventilation, induction cooking equipment, countertop cooking equipment, toasters, griddles, charcoal grills, professional mixers, stainless steel fabrication, custom millwork, professional refrigerators, blast chillers, coldrooms, ice machines, freezers, soft serve ice cream equipment, coffee and beverage dispensing equipment, home and professional craft brewing equipment, fry dispensers,
bottle filling and canning equipment, and IoT solutions.
The Food Processing Equipment Group offers a broad portfolio of processing solutions for customers producing pre-cooked meat products, such as hot dogs, dinner sausages, poultry and lunchmeats and baked goods such as muffins, cookies and bread. Through its broad line of products, the company is able to deliver a wide array of cooking solutions to service a variety of food processing requirements demanded by its customers. The company can offer highly integrated solutions that provide a food processing operation a uniquely integrated solution providing for the highest level of food quality, product consistency, and reduced operating costs resulting from increased product yields,
increased capacity and greater throughput and reduced labor costs through automation. The products offered by this group include a wide array of cooking and baking solutions, including batch ovens, baking ovens, proofing ovens, conveyor belt ovens, continuous processing ovens, frying systems and automated thermal processing systems. The company also provides a comprehensive portfolio of complementary food preparation equipment such as tumblers, massagers, grinders, slicers, reduction and emulsion systems, mixers, blenders, formers, battering equipment, breading equipment, seeding equipment, water cutting systems, food presses, food suspension equipment, filling and depositing solutions, and forming equipment, as well as a variety of automated loading and unloading systems, automated washing systems, auto-guided vehicles, food safety, food handling, freezing, defrosting and packaging
equipment. This portfolio of equipment can be integrated to provide customers a highly efficient and customized solution.
The Residential Kitchen Equipment Group has a broad portfolio of innovative and professional-style residential kitchen equipment. The products offered by this group include ranges, cookers, stoves, cooktops, microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, undercounter refrigeration, wine cellars, ice machines, beer dispensers, ventilation equipment, mixers, rotisseries and outdoor cooking equipment.
53
(2) iACQUISITIONS
AND PURCHASE ACCOUNTING
The following represents the company's significant acquisitions in 2022 and 2021, the termination of a Merger Agreement, as well as summarized information on various acquisitions that were not individually material.
Termination of Welbilt Merger
On April 20, 2021, Middleby entered into a Merger Agreement with Welbilt, Inc. Following Welbilt's receipt of an alternative acquisition proposal, on July 13, 2021, Middleby announced that, under the terms of the Merger Agreement, it would not exercise its right to propose any modifications to the terms of the Merger Agreement and would
allow the match period to expire. Accordingly, on July 14, 2021, Welbilt delivered to Middleby a written notice terminating the Merger Agreement and, concurrently with Middleby’s receipt of the termination fee of $i110.0 million in cash from Welbilt, the Merger Agreement was terminated on July 14, 2021.
The termination fee received is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings
as the "merger termination fee" and $i19.7 million of deal costs associated with the transaction are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings.
Other 2021 Acquisitions
During 2021, the company completed various acquisitions that were not individually material.
iThe final allocation of consideration paid for the other 2021 acquisitions is summarized as follows (in thousands):
Preliminary
Opening Balance Sheet
Measurement Period Adjustments
Adjusted Opening Balance Sheet
Cash
$
i6,414
$
(i45)
$
i6,369
Current
assets
i76,077
i477
i76,554
Property,
plant and equipment
i19,561
(i252)
i19,309
Goodwill
i85,270
i30,968
i116,238
Other
intangibles
i158,725
(i31,566)
i127,159
Other
assets
i2,101
i31
i2,132
Current
liabilities
(i33,910)
i53
(i33,857)
Long-term
deferred tax (liability) asset
(i3,010)
i3,457
i447
Other
non-current liabilities
(i7,092)
(i3,397)
(i10,489)
Consideration
paid at closing
$
i304,136
$
(i274)
$
i303,862
Contingent
consideration
i9,404
(i200)
i9,204
Net
assets acquired and liabilities assumed
$
i313,540
$
(i474)
$
i313,066
The
long-term deferred tax asset amounted to $i0.4 million. The net deferred tax asset is comprised of $i0.6
million of deferred tax asset related to tax loss carryforwards and $i0.2 million of deferred tax liability related to the difference between the book and tax basis on identifiable tangible asset and liability accounts.
The goodwill and $i84.6
million of other intangibles associated with the trade names are subject to the non-amortization provisions of ASC 350. Other intangibles also include $i35.4 million allocated to customer relationships, $i3.4
million allocated to developed technology, and $i3.8 million allocated to backlog, which are being amortized over periods of i7
years, i7 to i10 years, and i3
months, respectively. Goodwill of $i51.2 million and other intangibles of $i66.6
million are allocated to the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. Goodwill of $i65.0 million and other intangibles of $i60.6
million are allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. Of these assets, goodwill of $i114.2 million and intangibles of $i126.0
million are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
54
One purchase agreement includes earnout provisions providing for contingent payments due to the sellers to the extent certain financial targets are exceeded and upon the achievement of product rollout targets. One earnout is payable upon the achievement of product rollout targets. The second earnout is payable during 2026 if the company exceeds certain earnings targets. The contractual obligation associated with the contingent earnout provisions recognized on the acquisition date amounts to $i9.2 million.
Novy
Invest NV
On July 12, 2021, the company completed its acquisition of all of the capital stock of Novy Invest NV ("Novy"), a leading manufacturer of premium residential ventilation hoods and cook tops located in Belgium, for a purchase price of approximately $i250.9 million, net of cash acquired. The final allocation of consideration paid for
the Novy acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):
i
Preliminary Opening Balance Sheet
Measurement Period Adjustments
Adjusted
Opening Balance Sheet
Cash
$
i16,152
$
i—
$
i16,152
Current
assets
i23,762
i234
i23,996
Property,
plant and equipment
i17,058
i4,383
i21,441
Goodwill
i142,741
(i6,938)
i135,803
Other
intangibles
i126,557
i4,149
i130,706
Other
assets
i26
i173
i199
Current
liabilities
(i23,440)
i182
(i23,258)
Long-term
deferred tax liability
(i33,918)
(i2,072)
(i35,990)
Other
non-current liabilities
(i1,930)
(i111)
(i2,041)
Net
assets acquired and liabilities assumed
$
i267,008
$
i—
$
i267,008
/
The
long-term deferred tax liability amounted to $i36.0 million. The deferred tax liability is comprised of $i32.7
million related to the difference between the book and tax basis of identifiable intangible assets and $i3.3 million related to the difference between the book and tax basis on identifiable tangible asset and liability accounts.
The goodwill and $i106.6
million of other intangibles associated with the trade names are subject to the non-amortization provisions of ASC 350. Other intangibles also include $i24.1 million allocated to customer relationships, which is being amortized over a period of i10
years. Goodwill of $i135.8 million and other intangibles of $i130.7
million from this acquisition are allocated to the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. Goodwill and other intangibles are not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
55
Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt
On December 27, 2021, the company completed its acquisition of Masterbuilt Holdings, LLC, including its residential outdoor brands ("Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt"), a leader in outdoor residential cooking located in the Atlanta, Georgia area, for a purchase price of approximately
$i403.6 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price was comprised of $i403.6 million in cash and i12,921
shares of Middleby common stock valued at $i2.5 million. During the third quarter of 2022, the company finalized the purchase price adjustment provided for by the purchase agreement, resulting in a payment to sellers of $i2.8
million.
The final allocation of consideration paid for the Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt acquisition is summarized as follows (in thousands):
i
Preliminary
Opening Balance Sheet
Measurement Period Adjustments
Adjusted Opening Balance Sheet
Cash
$
i5,381
$
(i70)
$
i5,311
Current
assets
i137,826
(i5,623)
i132,203
Property,
plant and equipment
i7,773
(i1,678)
i6,095
Goodwill
i110,052
i44,490
i154,542
Other
intangibles
i215,577
(i28,677)
i186,900
Other
assets
i2,143
(i1,174)
i969
Current
liabilities
(i54,865)
(i8,111)
(i62,976)
Long-term
deferred tax liability
(i15,907)
i2,718
(i13,189)
Other
non-current liabilities
(i1,914)
i946
(i968)
Net
assets acquired and liabilities assumed
$
i406,066
$
i2,821
$
i408,887
/
The
long-term deferred tax liability amounted to $i13.2 million. The net deferred tax liability is comprised of $i2.3
million of deferred tax asset related to tax loss carryforwards, $i4.6 million of deferred tax asset related to the difference between the book and tax basis of identifiable intangible assets, and $i20.1
million of deferred tax liability related to the difference between the book and tax basis on identifiable tangible asset and liability accounts.
The goodwill and $i145.4 million of other intangibles associated with the trade names are subject to the non-amortization provisions of ASC 350. Other intangibles also include $i31.4
million allocated to customer relationships, $i3.0 million allocated to developed technology, and $i7.1
million allocated to backlog, which are being amortized over periods of i10 to i12 years, i11
years, and i3 to i6 months, respectively. Goodwill of $i154.5
million and other intangibles of $i186.9 million of the company are allocated to the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. Of these assets, goodwill of $i54.5
million and intangibles of $i186.9 million are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
56
Other 2022 Acquisitions
As of December 31,
2022, the company completed various acquisitions that were not individually material. iThe following estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on the information that was available as of the acquisition dates for the other 2022 acquisitions and are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Preliminary
Opening Balance Sheet
Preliminary Measurement Period Adjustments
Adjusted Opening Balance Sheet
Cash
$
i25,860
$
i144
$
i26,004
Current
assets
i115,264
(i2,403)
i112,861
Property,
plant and equipment
i44,598
i642
i45,240
Goodwill
i139,633
i4,994
i144,627
Other
intangibles
i93,147
i2,112
i95,259
Long-term
deferred tax asset
i426
i104
i530
Other
assets
i1,420
i3,034
i4,454
Current
portion of long-term debt
(i22,841)
i2,154
(i20,687)
Current
liabilities
(i57,158)
(i241)
(i57,399)
Long
term debt
(i5,646)
(i2,320)
(i7,966)
Long-term
deferred tax liability
(i23,137)
i637
(i22,500)
Other
non-current liabilities
(i19,061)
(i6,157)
(i25,218)
Consideration
paid at closing
$
i292,505
$
i2,700
$
i295,205
Contingent
consideration
i19,105
i3,394
i22,499
Net
assets acquired and liabilities assumed
$
i311,610
$
i6,094
$
i317,704
The
long-term deferred tax liability amounted to $i22.5 million. The deferred tax liability is comprised of $i19.5
million related to the difference between the book and tax basis of identifiable intangible assets and $i3.0 million related to the difference between the book and tax basis on identifiable tangible asset and liability accounts.
The goodwill and $i42.9
million of other intangibles associated with the trade names are subject to the non-amortization provisions of ASC 350. Other intangibles also include $i38.2 million allocated to customer relationships, $i6.2
million allocated to developed technology, and $i8.0 million allocated to backlog, which are being amortized over periods of i7
years, i5 to i10 years, and i3
to i6 months, respectively. Goodwill of $i112.3 million and other intangibles of $i59.1
million are allocated to the Food Processing Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. Goodwill of $i30.0 million and other intangibles of $i35.4
million are allocated to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. Goodwill of $i2.3 million and other intangibles of $i0.8
million are allocated to the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group for segment reporting purposes. Of these assets, goodwill of $i20.8 million and intangibles of $i11.7
million are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
Four purchase agreements include earnout provisions providing for a contingent payment due to the sellers for the achievement of certain targets. Three earnouts are payable to the extent certain EBITDA targets are met with measurement dates ending between 2022 and 2025. One earnout is payable yearly through 2026 based on product sales. The contractual obligation associated with the contingent earnout provisions recognized on the acquisition date amount to $i22.5
million.
The company believes that information gathered to date provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, but the company is waiting for additional information necessary to finalize those fair values for all acquisitions completed during 2022. Certain intangible assets are preliminarily valued using historical information from the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, Food Processing Equipment Group and Residential Kitchen Equipment Group and qualitative assessments of the individual businesses at acquisition date. Specifically, the company estimated the fair values of the intangible assets based on the percentage
of purchase price assigned to similar intangible assets in previous acquisitions. Thus, the provisional measurements of fair values set forth above are subject to change. The company expects to complete the purchase price allocation as soon as practicable but no later than one year from the acquisition date.
57
Pro Forma Financial Information
In accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations, the following unaudited pro forma results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31,
2022 and January 1, 2022, assumes the 2021 and 2022 acquisitions described above were completed on January 3, 2021 (first day of fiscal year 2021). iThe following pro forma results include adjustments to reflect amortization of intangibles associated with the acquisitions and the effects of adjustments made to the carrying value of certain assets (in thousands, except per share data):
The
historical consolidated financial information of the company and the acquisitions have been adjusted in the pro forma information to give effect to pro forma events that are (1) directly attributable to the transactions, (2) factually supportable and (3) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. Pro forma data may not be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had these acquisitions occurred at the beginning of the periods presented, nor is it intended to be a projection of future results. Additionally, the pro forma financial information does not reflect the costs which the company has incurred or may incur to integrate the acquired businesses.
(3) iSUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a)iBasis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated
in consolidation. The company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as related disclosures. Significant items that are subject to such estimates and judgments include allowances for doubtful accounts, reserves for excess and obsolete inventories, long-lived and intangible assets, warranty reserves, insurance reserves, income tax reserves and post-retirement obligations. On an ongoing basis, the company evaluates its estimates and assumptions
based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with current year presentation, including non-cash unrealized foreign exchange on non-functional currency third party debt, previously reported in changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions to other non-cash items as an adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
(b)iCash
and Cash Equivalents
The company considers all short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The company’s policy is to invest its excess cash in interest-bearing deposits with major banks that are subject to minimal credit and market risk.
58
(c)iAccounts
Receivable
Accounts receivable, as shown in the consolidated balance sheets, are net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $i20.3 million and $i18.8
million at December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2022, all accounts receivable are expected to be collected within one year.
(d) iInventories
Inventories are composed of material, labor and overhead and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Costs for inventory have been determined
using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. The company estimates reserves for inventory obsolescence and shrinkage based on its judgment of future realization. iInventories at December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 are as follows (in thousands):
2022
2021
Raw
materials and parts
$
i595,325
$
i421,361
Work
in process
i86,083
i65,581
Finished
goods
i396,321
i350,476
$
i1,077,729
$
i837,418
(e)Property,
Plant and Equipment
i
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost as follows (in thousands):
2022
2021
Land
$
i65,794
$
i54,477
Building
and improvements
i306,004
i270,812
Furniture
and fixtures
i59,438
i56,706
Machinery
and equipment
i311,864
i265,188
i743,100
i647,183
Less
accumulated depreciation
(i299,572)
(i266,203)
$
i443,528
$
i380,980
/
i
Property,
plant and equipment are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives based on management's estimates of the period over which the assets will be utilized to benefit the operations of the company. The useful lives are estimated based on historical experience with similar assets, taking into account anticipated technological or other changes. The company periodically reviews these lives relative to physical factors, economic factors and industry trends. If there are changes in the planned use of property and equipment or if technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation and amortization expense in future periods.
i
Following
is a summary of the estimated useful lives:
Description
Life
Building and improvements
i20
to i40 years
Furniture and fixtures
i3 to i7
years
Machinery and equipment
i3 to i10 years
//
Depreciation
expense amounted to $i44.2 million, $i42.7 million
and $i39.1 million in fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Expenditures which significantly extend useful lives are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Asset impairments are recorded whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recorded value of an asset is greater than the sum of its expected future undiscounted cash flows. Asset impairments are recorded at the amount by which
the recorded value of an asset exceeds its fair value.
59
(f)iGoodwill and Other Intangibles
The company’s business acquisitions
result in the recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets, which are a significant portion of the company’s total assets. Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition costs over the fair value of the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets are recognized separately from goodwill and include trademarks and trade names, technology, customer relationships and other specifically identifiable assets. Trademarks and trade names are deemed to be indefinite-lived. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are subject to impairment testing.
The company performs the annual impairment assessment for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible
assets as of first day of the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level. The company initially performs a qualitative analysis to determine if it is more likely than not that the goodwill balance or indefinite-life intangible asset is impaired. In conducting a qualitative assessment, the company analyzes a variety of events or factors that may influence the fair value of the reporting unit or indefinite-life intangible, including, but not limited to: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, share price and other relevant factors.
If an indicator of impairment
is determined from the qualitative analysis, then the company will perform a quantitative analysis. The fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the resulting difference will be a charge to impairment of goodwill in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period in which the determination is made. Fair value is determined using a combination of present value techniques and market prices of comparable businesses.
The company performed a qualitative assessment as of October 2, 2022 over all three reporting units. As a result of the financial performance for the Residential Kitchen reporting
unit, the company completed a quantitative analysis. The fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying unit by approximately 20% and no impairment of goodwill was recognized. Based on the qualitative assessment for all other reporting units it was determined there was no impairment of goodwill. The company has not recognized any goodwill impairments and therefore there are ino
accumulated impairment losses.
i
Goodwill is allocated to the business segments as follows (in thousands):
The
company completed its annual impairment assessment for indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 2, 2022. We identified indicators of impairment with certain tradenames within the Commercial Foodservice and Residential Kitchen reporting units based on the qualitative assessment. The primary indicator of impairment was lower than expected revenue performance in the current year, forecasted revenues for future periods and market conditions. Based on the results of the quantitative assessments, the company determined there was no impairment of any of the indefinite-lived intangible assets.
The Kamado Joe and Masterbuilt trademarks were at risk at October 2, 2022. The
company believes the assumptions utilized within the quantitative analysis are reasonable and consistent with assumptions that would be used by other marketplace participants.
The fair values of all other trademarks exceeded their carrying values by an amount sufficient to not be deemed "at risk."The company performed a qualitative assessment as of October 2, 2022 for all other trademarks and trade names and determined it is more like than not that the fair value of its other indefinite-life intangible assets are greater than the carrying amounts.
The company elected to perform a qualitative assessment on the other indefinite-life intangible assets
noting no events that indicated that the fair value was less than the carrying value that would require a quantitative impairment assessment.
The estimates of future cash flows used in determining the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets involve significant management judgment and are based upon assumptions about expected future operating performance, economic conditions, market conditions and cost of capital. Inherent in estimating the future cash flows are uncertainties beyond our control, such as changes in capital markets. The company continues to monitor the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent accelerated recovery, along with inflationary impacts from the war in Ukraine to assess the outlook for demand of its products and the impact on its business and financial performance. The
actual cash flows could differ materially from management's estimates due to changes in business conditions, operating performance and economic conditions.
Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and tested for impairment in accordance with the methodology discussed above under "Property, Plant and Equipment."
The aggregate intangible amortization expense was $i86.3 million, $i75.8
million and $i69.0 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. iThe estimated
future amortization expense of intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
Accrued
product liability and workers compensation
i11,326
i10,952
Other
accrued expenses
i91,769
i73,033
$
i671,327
$
i582,855
/
(h)iLitigation
Matters
From time to time, the company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims related to products, suppliers, employees, customers and competitors. The company maintains insurance to partially cover product liability, workers compensation, property and casualty, and general liability matters. The company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after assessment of each matter and the related insurance coverage. The required accrual may change
in the future due to new developments or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters. The company does not believe that any such matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the company.
62
(i)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
i
The
following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as reported in the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
2022
2021
Unrecognized pension benefit costs, net of tax of $(i1,995)
and $(i39,470)
$
(i121,701)
$
(i249,696)
Unrealized
loss on interest rate swap, net of tax of $i16,836 and $(i4,501)
i48,574
(i13,064)
Unrealized
gain on certain investments, net of tax of $i— and $i433
i—
i1,330
Currency
translation adjustments
(i205,345)
(i97,654)
$
(i278,472)
$
(i359,084)
Changes
in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1) were as follows (in thousands):
(1) As
of December 31, 2022 pension and unrealized gain/(loss) interest rate swap amounts are net of tax of $(i2.0) million, and $i16.8
million, respectively. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the adjustments to pension benefit costs unrealized gain/(loss) interest rate swap and gain/(loss) on certain investments were net of tax of $i37.5 million, $i21.3
million and $(i0.4) million, respectively.
63
(j) iFair
ValueMeasures
ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into the following levels:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, which are observable either directly or indirectly
Level
3 – Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions
i
The company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value are categorized using the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 are as follows (in thousands):
The
contingent consideration, as of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, relates to the earnout provisions recorded in conjunction with various purchase agreements.
The earnout provisions associated with these acquisitions are based upon performance measurements related to sales and earnings, as defined in the respective purchase agreements. On a quarterly basis, the company assesses the projected results for each of the acquisitions in comparison to the earnout targets and adjusts the liability accordingly. Discount rates for valuing contingent consideration are determined based on the company rates and specific acquisition risk considerations.
Changes in fair value associated with the earnout provisions are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
i
The following table represents changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities for the fiscal years 2022 and 2021:
The income statements of the company’s foreign operations are translated at the monthly average rates. Assets and liabilities of the company’s foreign operations are translated at exchange rates at the balance sheet date. These translation adjustments are not included in determining net income for the period but are disclosed and accumulated in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Exchange gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are included in determining net income for the period in which they occur. These transactions amounted to a loss of $i28.1
million, gain of $i0.3 million and a loss of $i2.9 million in 2022,
2021 and 2020, respectively, and are included in other expense on the statements of earnings.
(l)iShipping and Handling Costs
Fees billed to the customer for shipping and handling are classified as a component of net revenues. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of products sold.
(m)iWarranty
Costs
In the normal course of business, the company issues product warranties for specific product lines and provides for the estimated future warranty cost in the period in which the sale is recorded. The estimate of warranty cost is based on contract terms and historical warranty loss experience that is periodically adjusted for recent actual experience. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information, claims costs may differ from amounts provided. Adjustments to initial obligations for warranties are made as changes in the obligations become reasonably estimable.
i
A
rollforward of the warranty reserve for the fiscal years 2022 and 2021 are as follows (in thousands):
2022
2021
Beginning balance
$
i80,215
$
i69,667
Warranty
reserve related to acquisitions
i3,607
i5,046
Warranty
expense
i70,774
i68,199
Warranty
claims paid
(i72,500)
(i62,697)
Ending
balance
$
i82,096
$
i80,215
/
(n)iResearch
and Development Costs
Research and development costs, included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of earnings, are charged to expense when incurred. These costs were $i48.9 million, $i41.8
million and $i35.3 million in fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(o)iNon-Cash
Share-Based Compensation
The company's 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2021 Plan"), allows for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance stock, phantom units and other equity-based awards. The company estimates the fair value of restricted stock grants, restricted stock units and performance stock units at the time of grant and recognizes compensation costs over the vesting period of the grants. The expense, net of forfeitures, is recognized using the straight-line method. Non-cash share-based compensation expense is only recognized for those grants expected to vest. See Note 6, "Common and Preferred Stock," for further information on the
company's share-based incentive plans.
65
(p)iEarnings Per Share
“Basic earnings per share” is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares actually outstanding, and “diluted earnings per share”
is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and other dilutive securities.
The company’s potentially dilutive securities consist of shares issuable on vesting of restricted stock grants computed using the treasury method and amounted to i852,000, i1,449,000
and i43,000 for fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The company's potentially dilutive securities consist of shares issuable on vesting of restricted stock grants computed using the treasury method and amounted to approximately i73,000
and i56,000 for fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively. During fiscal 2022 and 2021, the average market price of the company's common stock exceeded the exercise price of the Convertible Notes (as defined below) resulting in approximately i779,000
and i1,393,000 diluted common stock equivalents to be included in the diluted net earnings per share, respectively. There have been no material conversions to date. See Note 5, Financing Arrangements, in these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the Convertible Notes. There were no anti-dilutive equity awards excluded from common stock equivalents for 2022, 2021 or 2020.
(q)Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest was $i77.2 million, $i50.6 million and $i65.6
million in fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash payments totaling $i114.0 million, $i125.8 million, and $i41.2
million were made for income taxes during fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(r)iNew Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements - Recently Adopted
On May 3, 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation—Stock
Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Issuer’s Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options. This new standard provides clarification and reduces diversity in an issuer’s accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options (such as warrants) that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2022 and it did not
have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.
Accounting Pronouncements - To be adopted
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832), Disclosures by Business Entities About Government Assistance, which requires entities to provide disclosures on material government assistance transactions for annual reporting periods. The disclosures include information around the nature of the assistance, the related accounting policies used to account for government assistance, the effect of government assistance on the entity’s financial statements, and any significant terms and conditions of the agreements, including commitments and contingencies. The new standard is effective for the company on January
2, 2022 and only impacts annual financial statement footnote disclosures. The company is currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The amendments in this update eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The amendments also require disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard should be applied prospectively, and it allows for a modified retrospective transition method resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of adoption. The company is currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.
66
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging—Portfolio Layer Method. The new standard expands and clarifies the use of the portfolio layer method for fair value hedges
of interest rate risk. The new standard allows non-prepayable financial assets to also be included in a closed portfolio hedged using the portfolio layer method. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The new guidance on hedging multiple layers in a closed portfolio should be applied prospectively and the guidance on the accounting for fair value basis adjustments should be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The company is currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.
(4)
iREVENUE RECOGNITION
i
Revenue is recognized when the control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration
that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and represents the unit of account. A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The company’s contracts can have multiple performance obligations or just a single performance obligation.
For contracts
with multiple performance obligations, the contracts transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation using the company’s best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. As the company’s standard payment terms are less than one year, the company does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component. The
company treats shipping and handling activities performed after the customer obtains control of the good as a contract fulfillment activity. Sales, use and value added taxes assessed by governmental authorities are excluded from the measurement of the transaction price within the company’s contracts with its customers. The company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been less than one year. These costs are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses.
Within the Commercial Foodservice
Equipment and Residential Foodservice Equipment Groups, the estimated standalone selling price of equipment is based on observable prices. Within the Food Processing Equipment Group, the company estimates the standalone selling price based on expected cost to manufacture the good or complete the service plus an appropriate profit margin.
Control may pass to the customer over time or at a point in time. In general, the Commercial Foodservice Equipment and Residential Foodservice Equipment Groups recognize revenue at the point in time control transfers to their customers based on contractual shipping terms. Revenue from equipment sold under our long-term contracts within the Food Processing Equipment group is recognized over time as
the equipment is manufactured and assembled. Installation services provided in connection with the delivery of the equipment are also generally recognized as those services are rendered. Over time transfer of control is measured using an appropriate input measure (e.g., costs incurred or direct labor hours incurred in relation to total estimate). These measures include forecasts based on the best information available and therefore reflect the company's judgment to faithfully depict the transfer of the goods.
Accounting for long-term contracts within the Food Processing Equipment
group involves the use of various techniques to estimate total contract revenue and costs. For the company’s long-term contracts, estimated profit for the equipment performance obligations is recognized as the equipment is manufactured and assembled. Profit on the equipment performance obligations is estimated as the difference between the total estimated revenue and expected costs to complete a contract. Contract cost estimates are based on labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost
and availability of materials and labor, and the performance of subcontractors. The company does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less.
Contracts within the Commercial Foodservice and Residential Foodservice Equipment groups may contain variable consideration in the form of volume rebate programs. The company’s estimate of variable consideration is based on its experience with similarly situated customers using the portfolio approach.
67
Disaggregation
of Revenue
We disaggregate our net sales by reportable operating segment and geographical location as we believe it best depicts how the nature, timing and uncertainty of our net sales and cash flows are affected by economic factors. In general, the Commercial Foodservice Equipment and Residential Foodservice Equipment Groups recognize revenue at the point in time control transfers to their customers based on contractual shipping terms. Revenue from equipment sold under our long-term contracts within the Food Processing Equipment group is recognized over time as the equipment is manufactured and assembled. iThe
following table summarizes our net sales by reportable operating segment and geographical location (in thousands):
Contract assets primarily relate to the company's right to consideration for work completed but not billed at the reporting date and are recorded in prepaid expenses and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Contract assets are transferred to receivables when the right to consideration becomes unconditional.
Contract liabilities relate to advance consideration received from customers for which revenue has not been recognized. Current contract
liabilities are recorded in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Non-current contract liabilities are recorded in other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Contract liabilities are reduced when the associated revenue from the contract is recognized.
i
The
following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):
During
the twelve months period ended December 31, 2022, the company reclassified $i16.1 million to accounts receivable which was included in the contract asset balance at the beginning of the period. During the twelve months period ended December 31, 2022,
the company recognized revenue of $i123.3 million which was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period. Additions to contract liabilities representing amounts billed to clients in excess of revenue recognized to date were $i174.4
million during the twelve months period ended December 31, 2022. In addition, contract liabilities increased due to acquisitions during fiscal 2022. Substantially all of the company's outstanding performance obligations will be satisfied within 12 to 36 months. There were inocontract
asset impairments during twelve months period ended December 31, 2022.
(5) FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
i
2022
2021
(in
thousands)
Senior secured revolving credit line
$
i251,805
$
i683,175
Term
loan facility
i975,785
i993,340
Delayed
draw term loan facility
i750,000
i—
Convertible
senior notes
i737,918
i734,417
Foreign
loans
i5,917
i2,224
Other
debt arrangement
i899
i1,138
Total
debt
i2,722,324
i2,414,294
Less:
Current maturities of long-term debt
i45,583
i27,293
Long-term
debt
$
i2,676,741
$
i2,387,001
/
Credit
Facility
On October 21, 2021, the company entered into an amended and restated five-year, $i4.5 billion multi-currency senior secured credit agreement (the "Credit Facility") that amends and restates the company's pre-existing $i3.1
billion credit facility which had an original maturity of January 31, 2025. The Credit Facility consists of (i) a $i1 billion term loan facility, (ii) a $i750 million
delayed draw term loan facility, and (iii) a $i2.75 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility, with the potential under certain circumstances, to increase the amount of the credit facility by the greater of $i625
million and i100% of consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended period of consecutive fiscal quarters (plus additional amounts, subject to compliance with a senior secured net leverage ratio), either by increasing the revolving commitment or by adding one or more revolver or term loan tranches. The Credit Facility matures on October 21, 2026, with the potential to extend the maturity date in one-year increments with the consent of the extending lenders. The term facility will amortize in equal quarterly installments
due on the last day of each fiscal quarter, commencing with the first full fiscal quarter after October 21, 2021, in an aggregate amount equal to i2.50% of the original aggregate principal amount of the term loan facility, with the balance, plus any accrued interest, due and payable on October 21, 2026. The delayed draw term loan facility is available for borrowing within one year and will amortize in quarterly installments due on the last day of each fiscal quarter, commencing with the first full fiscal
quarter after each delayed draw term loan borrowing in an amount equal to i0.625% of the original aggregate principal amount of such borrowing, with the balance, plus any accrued interest, due and payable on October 21, 2026. Fees associated with the amendment of the term loan facilities are recorded as a direct deduction from the related debt liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized to interest expense over the term of the Credit Facility.
On
August 11, 2022, the company borrowed $i750 million against the delayed draw term facility as provided under the Credit Agreement. The funds were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under the revolver. The delayed draw term loan amortizes in quarterly installments due on the last day of each fiscal quarter, commencing on December 31, 2022, in an amount equal to i0.625%
of the principal drawn, with the balance, plus any accrued interest payable by October 21, 2026.
As of December 31, 2022, the company had $i2.0 billion of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility, including $i1.0
billion outstanding under the term loan ($i976 million, net of unamortized issuance fees) and $i750 million outstanding under the delayed draw term loan. The
company also had $i1.9 million in outstanding letters of credit as of December 31, 2022, which reduces the borrowing availability under the Credit Facility. Remaining borrowing capacity under this facility was $i2.5
billion at December 31, 2022.
69
At December 31, 2022, borrowings under the Credit Facility accrued interest at a rate of i1.625% above LIBOR per annum
or i0.625% above the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds rate plus i0.50% and
one month LIBOR plus i1.00%. The interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Facility may be adjusted quarterly based on the company’s Funded Debt less Unrestricted Cash to Pro Forma EBITDA (the “Leverage Ratio”) on a rolling four-quarter basis. Additionally, a commitment fee based upon the Leverage Ratio is charged on the unused portion of the commitments under the Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility will accrue interest at a minimum of i1.625%
above LIBOR and the variable unused commitment fee will be at a minimum of i0.25%. The average interest rate per annum, inclusive of hedging instruments, on the debt under the Credit Facility was equal to i4.27%
at the end of the period and the variable commitment fee was equal to i0.25% per annum as of December 31, 2022.
The term loan and delayed draw term loan facilities had an average interest rate per annum, inclusive of hedging instruments, of i4.36%
as of December 31, 2022.
In addition, the company has international credit facilities to fund working capital needs outside the United States. At December 31, 2022, these foreign credit facilities amounted to $i5.9 million in U.S. Dollars with a weighted average per annum interest rate of approximately i1.13%.
The
company’s debt is reflected on the balance sheet at cost. The fair values of the Credit Facility, term debt and foreign and other debt is based on the amount of future cash flows associated with each instrument discounted using the company's incremental borrowing rate. The company believes its interest rate margins on its existing debt are consistent with current market conditions and therefore the carrying value of debt reflects the fair value. The interest rate margin is based on the company's Leverage Ratio. iThe
carrying value and estimated aggregate fair value, a level 2 measurement, based primarily on market prices, of debt excluding the Convertible Notes is as follows (in thousands):
Dec 31, 2022
Jan 1, 2022
Carrying
Value
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Total debt excluding convertible senior notes
$
i1,984,406
$
i1,989,871
$
i1,679,877
$
i1,686,537
The
company uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to hedge variable interest rate risk associated with the Credit Facility. At December 31, 2022, the company had outstanding floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps totaling $i233.0 million notional amount carrying an average interest rate of i2.13%
maturing in less than 12 months and $i850.0 million notional amount carrying an average interest rate of i1.73% that mature in more than 12 months but less than 62 months.
The
terms of the Credit Facility, as amended, limit the ability of the company and its subsidiaries to, with certain exceptions: incur indebtedness; grant liens; engage in certain mergers, consolidations, acquisitions and dispositions; make restricted payments; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and requires, among other things, the company to satisfy certain financial covenants: (i) a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of i3.00
to i1.00, (ii) a maximum Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of Funded Debt less Unrestricted Cash to Pro Forma EBITDA (each as defined in the Credit Facility) of i3.75
to i1.00, which may be adjusted to i4.25 to i1.00
for a four consecutive fiscal quarter period in connection with certain qualified acquisitions, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of Middleby Marshall, the company and the company's domestic subsidiaries and is unconditionally guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, the company and certain of the company's direct and indirect material foreign and domestic subsidiaries.
The Credit Facility contains certain customary events of default, including, but not limited to, the failure to make required payments; bankruptcy and other insolvency events; the failure to perform certain covenants; the material breach of a representation or warranty; non-payment of certain other indebtedness; the entry of undischarged judgments against the company or any subsidiary for the payment of material uninsured amounts; the invalidity of the company guarantee or any subsidiary guaranty; and a change of control of the company. At December 31, 2022, the company was in compliance
with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements.
70
Convertible Notes
i
The following table summarizes the outstanding principal amount and carrying value of the Convertible Notes:
Dec 31,
2022
Jan 1, 2022
(in thousands)
Principal amounts:
Principal
$
i747,499
$
i747,500
Unamortized
issuance costs
(i9,581)
(i13,083)
Net
carrying amount
$
i737,918
$
i734,417
/
i
The following table summarizes total interest expense recognized related to the Convertible Notes:
Twelve
Months Ended
Dec 31, 2022
Jan 1, 2022
Jan 2, 2021
Contractual interest expense
$
i7,475
$
i7,454
$
i2,720
Interest
cost related to amortization of debt issuance costs
i3,587
i3,484
i7,971
Total
interest expense
$
i11,062
$
i10,938
$
i10,691
/
On
August 21, 2020, the company issued $i747.5 million aggregate principal amount of i1.00%
Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 in a private offering pursuant to an indenture, dated August 21, 2020 (the "Indenture"), between the company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes were approximately $i729.9
million after deducting the initial purchasers' discounts and the offering expenses payable by the company. In connection with the pricing of the Convertible Notes, the company entered into privately negotiated Capped Call Transactions (the "2020 Capped Call Transactions") and the company used the net proceeds of the offering of the Convertible Notes to pay the aggregate amount of $i104.7
million for them.
The estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes was $i844.5 million as of December 31, 2022 and was determined through consideration of quoted market prices. The fair value is classified as Level 2, as defined in Note 3 (j), Fair Value Measurements, in these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The
if-converted value of the Convertible Notes exceeded their respective principal value by $i30.7 million as of December 31, 2022.
The Convertible Notes are general unsecured obligations of the company. The Convertible Notes rank senior in right of payment to any of the
company’s future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes; rank equal in right of payment to the company’s existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated; are effectively subordinated in right of payment to any of the company’s secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities of the company’s subsidiaries.
The
company initially separated the Convertible Notes into liability and equity components. The equity component of the Convertible Notes of approximately $i105.0 million was included in the additional paid-in capital and the resulting debt discount was being amortized to interest expense at an effective interest rate of i1.5%.
In fiscal 2021, upon adoption of ASU 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging- Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity, the equity component was essentially reversed, increasing the liability and no longer requiring the company to recognize non-cash interest expense associated with the amortization of the debt discount.
71
The
Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture and bear interest semi-annually in arrears at a rate of i1.00% per annum on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The Convertible Notes are convertible based upon an initial conversion rate of i7.7746
shares of the company's common stock per $i1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $i128.62
per share of the company's common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon occurrence of certain specified events in accordance with the Indenture but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest. Additionally, in the event of a Fundamental Change (as defined in the Indenture), holders of the Convertible Notes may require the company to repurchase all or a portion of their Convertible Notes at a price equal to i100.0%
of the principal amount of Convertible Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date. Upon conversion, the company will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at the company's election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of the company's conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being converted. At December 31, 2022, none of these conditions existed.
The Convertible Notes will mature
on September 1, 2025 unless they are redeemed, repurchased or converted prior to such date in accordance with their terms. Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding June 1, 2025, the notes will be convertible at the option of the holders only under the following circumstances: (1) during any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ending on January 2, 2021 (and only during such fiscal quarter), if the last reported sale price of the company's common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to i130.0%
of the conversion price for the Convertible Notes on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $i1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes for each trading day of that ten consecutive trading day period was less than i98.0%
of the product of the last reported sale price of the company's common stock and the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes on each such trading day; (3) if the company calls such Convertible Notes for redemption; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after June 1, 2025, the notes will be convertible at the option of the holders at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Holders of the Convertible Notes who convert in connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change or during a Redemption Period (each as defined in the Indenture) will be, under certain circumstances,
entitled to an increase in the conversion rate.
The company may settle the conversions of the Convertible Notes in cash, shares of the company's common stock or any combination thereof at its election. The number of shares of the company's common stock issuable at the conversion price of $i128.62
per share is expected to be i5.8 million shares. However, the Capped Call Transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution of the company's common stock upon any conversion of Convertible Notes and/or offset the cash payments the company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Notes. Under the 2020 Capped Call Transactions, the number of shares of common stock
issuable at the conversion price of $i207.93 is expected to be i3.6 million shares. Under the 2021 Capped Call Transactions,
the number of shares of common stock issuable at the conversion prices of $i216.50 and $i225.00 is expected to be i3.5
million shares and i3.3 million shares, respectively. Under the 2022 Capped Call Transactions, the number of shares of common stock issuable at the conversion price of $i229.00
is expected to be i3.3 million shares. During the twelve months period ended December 31, 2022, one Convertible Note has been converted to date.
The company may redeem all or any portion of the Convertible Notes, at its option, on or after September 5, 2023 and prior to the 41st scheduled trading
day immediately preceding the maturity date, at a redemption price equal to i100.0% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if the last reported sales price of the company's common stock has been at least i130.0%
of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the company provides written notice of redemption.
The Indenture includes customary terms and covenants, including certain events of default after which the Convertible Notes may become due and payable immediately.
72
Capped
Call Transactions
In connection with the pricing of the Convertible Notes, the company entered into privately negotiated Capped Call Transactions (the "2020 Capped Call Transactions") and the company used the net proceeds of the offering of the Convertible Notes to pay the aggregate amount of $i104.7 million for them. The
company entered into two tranches of privately negotiated Capped Call Transactions in December 2021 (the "2021 Capped Call Transactions") in the aggregate amount of $i54.6 million. On March 15, 2022, the company entered into an additional tranche of privately negotiated Capped Call Transactions (the "2022 Capped Call Transactions") in the amount of $i9.7
million.
The 2020, 2021, and 2022 Capped Call Transactions (collectively, the "Capped Call Transactions") are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution and/or offset the cash payments the company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the market price per share of the company's common stock is greater than the strike price of the Capped Call Transactions (which initially corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Convertible Notes and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the Capped Call Transactions), with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap based on the cap price of the Capped Call Transactions. The 2020 Capped
Call Transactions have an initial cap price of $i207.93 per share of the company's common stock. The 2021 Capped Call Transactions have initial cap prices of $i216.50
and $i225.00 per share of the company's common stock. The 2022 Capped Call Transactions have an initial cap price of $i229.00
per share of the company's common stock. The Capped Call Transactions cover, initially, the number of shares of the company's common stock underlying the Convertible Notes, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the Convertible Notes.
The Capped Call Transactions are separate transactions entered into by the company with the capped call counterparties and are not part of the terms of the Convertible Notes and will not affect any holder's right under the Convertible Notes. Holders of the Convertible Notes will not have any rights with respect to the Capped Call Transactions. The Capped Call Transactions
do not meet the criteria for separate accounting as a derivative as they are indexed to the company's stock. The premiums paid of the Capped Call Transactions have been included as a net reduction to additional paid-in capital with stockholders' equity.
The aggregate amount of debt payable during each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands):
In November 2017, the company's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the company to repurchase in the aggregate up to i2,500,000
shares of its outstanding common stock. In May 2022, the company's Board of Directors approved the company to repurchase an additional i2,500,000 shares of its outstanding common stock under the current program. During 2021, the company repurchased
i141,500 shares of its common stock under the program for $i26.6 million, including applicable commissions, which represented an
average price of $i188.17. During 2022, the company repurchased i1,553,961
shares of its common stock under the program for $i249.0 million, including applicable commissions, which represented an average price of $i160.27.
As of December 31, 2022, i2,718,626 shares had been purchased under the 2017 stock repurchase program and i2,281,374
remain authorized for repurchase.
The company also treats shares withheld for tax purposes on behalf of employees in connection with the vesting of restricted share grants as common stock repurchases because they reduce the number of shares that would have been issued upon vesting. During 2021, the company repurchased i15,480 shares
of its common stock that were surrendered to the company for withholding taxes related to restricted stock vestings for $i2.7 million. During 2022, the company repurchased i90,243
shares of its common stock that were surrendered to the company for withholding taxes related to restricted stock vestings for $i15.8 million.
(c) Share-Based Awards
The company maintains an incentive plan under which the
company's Board of Directors grants share-based awards to key employees. On May 10, 2021, the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2021 Plan") was approved, which included a maximum amount of i1,350,000 shares allowed to be awarded plus the shares remaining for future grants under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan") as of the approval date and any shares outstanding that are
subsequently forfeited or expired. Thus, no further shares are available to grant under the 2011 Plan and the maximum amount of shares available for future grants under the 2021 Plan as of December 31, 2022 is i1,367,271.
Non-cash share-based compensation of $i58.4
million, $i42.3 million and $i19.6 million was recognized for fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, associated with restricted share grants and restricted stock units. The
company recorded a related tax benefit of $i1.3 million, $i0.4
million and less than $i2.7 million in fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Restricted share grants:
The company has issued restricted share grant awards, which are generally time and performance based and were not subject to market conditions.
The fair value of restricted share grants represents the closing share price of the company's stock as of the date of the grant and is recognized over the vesting period of the awards. The weighted average grant date fair value was $i188.31, $i181.31
and $i57.74 per share for restricted share grants in fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020 respectively, which represents the closing share price of the company’s stock as of the date of grant. The approximate fair value of restricted shares vested were $i29.1
million, $i7.3 million, $i44.8
million for fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
74
i
A summary of the company’s nonvested restricted share grant activity
and their corresponding fair value on the date of grant for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:
As
of December 31, 2022, there was $i0.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted share grant compensation arrangements, if all performance conditions are fully achieved. The remaining weighted average life is i0.5
years.
Restricted stock units:
During 2020, the company began granting restricted stock units, which entitle the holder to shares of common stock subject to time vesting and the achievement of certain market and performance goals. The fair value for time-based units are valued at the closing share price of the company’s stock as of the date of the grant and the fair value for performance units are based upon valuations using the Monte Carlo Methodology. Compensation expense is recognized over the performance measurement period of the units in accordance with ASC 718 Stock Compensation for awards with market
and performance vesting conditions.
Time vesting units vest equally over two or three years and performance units vest based on achievement of certain company performance criteria over the two or three year period, as set forth in the grant agreement ranging from 0 to 200% of the target shares granted. The weighted average grant date fair value was $i150.07,
$i166.41 and $i134.25
per share for restricted stock units in fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The approximate fair value of restricted stock units vested were $i9.1 million for fiscal 2022.
i
A
summary of the company’s nonvested restricted stock unit activity at target shares and their corresponding fair value on the date of grant for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:
As
of December 31, 2022, there was $i70.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock unit compensation arrangements, if all performance conditions are fully achieved. The remaining weighted average life is i1.65
years.
75
(7) iINCOME TAXES
i
Earnings
before taxes is summarized as follows (in thousands):
2022
2021
2020
Domestic
$
i383,813
$
i453,357
$
i178,813
Foreign
i180,602
i166,147
i89,244
Total
$
i564,415
$
i619,504
$
i268,057
/
i
The
provision for income taxes is summarized as follows (in thousands):
2022
2021
2020
Federal
$
i62,416
$
i84,689
$
i36,908
State
and local
i23,892
i24,363
i8,815
Foreign
i41,538
i21,960
i15,040
Total
$
i127,846
$
i131,012
$
i60,763
Current
$
i134,488
$
i124,149
$
i44,342
Deferred
(i6,642)
i6,863
i16,421
Total
$
i127,846
$
i131,012
$
i60,763
/
i
Reconciliation
of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate to the effective rate are as follows:
2022
2021
2020
U.S. federal statutory tax rate
i21.0
%
i21.0
%
i21.0
%
State
taxes, net of federal benefit
i3.3
i3.1
i3.2
Permanent
differences
i0.9
i0.5
(i0.4)
Foreign
income tax rate at rates other than U.S. statutory
i0.2
-2.2
i0.2
i0.5
Deferred
tax changes
i—
(i2.2)
(i0.7)
Change
in valuation allowances
i—
i0.4
(i0.1)
Tax
on unremitted earnings
i0.3
i0.4
i1.2
Federal
Refund
i—
(i0.7)
i—
Internal
restructuring
(i2.3)
i—
i—
Other
(i0.7)
(i1.6)
(i2.0)
Consolidated
effective tax
i22.7
%
i21.1
%
i22.7
%
/
(1) Net
of changes in related tax attributes.
A tax provision of $i127.8 million, at an effective rate of i22.7%,
was recorded for fiscal 2022 as compared to $i131.0 million at an effective rate of i21.1%, in fiscal 2021. The fiscal 2022 tax provision includes a deferred tax benefit
of approximately $13 million associated with legal entity restructuring the company undertook to integrate and simplify the company’s business operations. The fiscal 2022 tax provision also reflects higher non-deductible stock compensation expense, where the prior year included favorable tax adjustments for deferred tax rate changes, tax refunds and adjustments for the finalization of 2020 tax returns. The effective rates in 2022 and 2021 are higher than the federal tax rate of i21.0%
primarily due to state taxes and foreign tax rate differentials.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act ("IRA") was enacted into law. The IRA enacted a 15% corporate minimum tax effective in 2023, a 1% tax on share repurchases after December 31, 2022, and created and extended certain tax-related energy incentives. We currently do not expect the tax-related provisions of the IRA to have a material impact on our financial results.
The
company has recorded tax reserves on undistributed foreign earnings not permanently reinvested of $i10.0 million and $i9.7 million at December 31,
2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively. No further provisions were made for income taxes that may result from future remittances of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are determined to be permanently reinvested, which were $i637.0 million on December 31, 2022. Determination of the total amount of unrecognized deferred
income taxes on undistributed earnings net of foreign subsidiaries is not practicable.
The company has a deferred tax asset on net operating loss carryforwards totaling $i13.0 million as of December 31, 2022. These net operating losses are available to reduce future taxable earnings
of certain domestic and foreign subsidiaries. United States federal loss carryforwards total $i10.3 million of which $i3.8
million will expire through 2036 and $i6.5 million have no expiration date. State loss carryforwards total $i22.6
million and expire through 2038 and international loss carryforwards total $i44.4 million and expire through 2038; however, some have no expiration date. Of these carryforwards, $i29.8
million are subject to full valuation allowance.
77
As of December 31, 2022, the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign taxes was approximately $i33.6 million (of which $i33.6
million would impact the effective tax rate if recognized) plus approximately $i8.0 million of accrued interest and $i6.9
million of penalties. The company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Interest recognized in fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $i0.6 million, $i0.9
million and $i0.8 million, respectively. Penalties recognized in fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $i0.2
million, $(i1.0) million and $(i0.2) million, respectively.
It
is reasonably possible that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits associated with state, federal and foreign tax positions may decrease over the next twelve months due to expiration of a statute or completion of an audit. The company believes that it is reasonably possible that $i3.2 million of its remaining unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized
by the end of 2022 as a result of settlements with taxing authorities or lapses of statutes of limitations.
In the normal course of business, income tax authorities in various income tax jurisdictions both in the United States and internationally conduct routine audits of our income tax returns filed in prior years. These audits are generally designed to determine if individual income tax authorities are in agreement with our interpretations of complex tax regulations regarding the allocation of income to the various income tax jurisdictions. Income tax years are open from 2017 through the current year for the United States federal jurisdiction. Income tax years open for our other major jurisdictions range from 2016 through the current year. Although the company believes its tax returns are correct, the final determination of tax examinations may be
different than what was reported on the tax returns. In the opinion of management, adequate tax provisions have been made for the years subject to examination.
78
(8) iFINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
Derivatives are measured at fair value and recognized as either assets or liabilities. Derivatives that do not qualify as a hedge must be adjusted to fair value in earnings. If a derivative does qualify, changes in the fair value will either be offset against the change in the fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments or recognized in other accumulated comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.
(a)Foreign Exchange
The company periodically enters into derivative instruments, principally forward contracts
to reduce exposures pertaining to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The notional amount of foreign currency contracts outstanding was $i562.5 million and $i350.5
million as of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively. The fair value of these forward contracts was an unrealized loss of $i0.5 million at the end of the year.
(b)Interest Rate
The
company has entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate applicable to certain of its variable-rate debt. The agreements swap one-month LIBOR for fixed rates. In February 2022, the company entered into an additional floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreement that uses a daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") in lieu of LIBOR. The company has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges and all changes in fair value of the swaps are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The fair value of these instruments was an asset of $i65.0
million and a liability of $i18.0 million as of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively. The change in fair value of these swap agreements in 2022 was a gain of $i61.6
million, net of taxes.
i
A summary of the company’s interest rate swaps is as follows (in thousands):
Twelve
Months Ended
Location
Dec 31, 2022
Jan 1, 2022
Fair value
Prepaid expenses
$
i6,805
$
i—
Fair
value
Other assets
$
i58,180
$
i3,645
Fair
value
Accrued expenses
$
i—
$
i1,171
Fair
value
Other non-current liabilities
$
i—
$
i20,464
Amount
of gain/(loss) recognized in other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income
$
i79,472
$
i14,634
Gain/(loss)
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (effective portion)
Interest expense
$
(i3,503)
$
(i18,469)
/
Interest
rate swaps are subject to default risk to the extent the counterparty is unable to satisfy its settlement obligations under the interest rate swap agreements. The company reviews the credit profile of the financial institutions that are counterparties to such swap agreements and assesses their creditworthiness prior to entering into the interest rate swap agreements and throughout the term. The interest rate swap agreements typically contain provisions that allow the counterparty to require early settlement in the event that the company becomes insolvent or is unable to maintain compliance with its covenants under its existing debt agreement.
79
(9) iLEASE
COMMITMENTS
i
Accounting Policy
At the commencement date of a lease, the company recognizes a liability to make lease payments and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term. The lease liability is measured at the present value of lease payments over the lease term, including variable fees that are known or subject to a minimum floor. The lease liability includes
lease component fees, while non-lease component fees are expensed as incurred for all asset classes. The company's lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. When a contract excludes an implicit rate, the company utilizes an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the lease commencement date including lease term and geographic region. The initial valuation of the right-of-use (“ROU”) asset includes the initial measurement of the lease liability, lease payments made in advance of the lease commencement date and initial direct costs incurred by the
company and excludes lease incentives. Operating lease ROU assets are included in other assets and operating lease liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities.
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are classified as short-term leases and are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The lease expense for short-term leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Leases
The company leases warehouse space, office facilities and equipment under operating leases. The company has operating lease costs of $i35.7
million, $i31.5 million and $i30.1 million in fiscal 2022, 2021 and 2020 respectively, including short-term lease expense and variable lease costs, which were immaterial in the year.
The company operates in ithree reportable operating segments defined by management reporting structure and operating activities. The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group manufactures, sells, and distributes foodservice equipment for the restaurant and institutional kitchen industry. The Food Processing Equipment Group manufactures preparation, cooking, packaging food handling and food safety
equipment for the food processing industry. The Residential Kitchen Equipment Group manufactures, sells and distributes kitchen equipment for the residential market.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The chief operating decision maker evaluates individual segment performance based on operating income. Management believes that intersegment sales are made at established arm's length transfer prices.
i
The
following table summarizes the results of operations for the company’s business segments(1) (dollars in thousands):
Commercial Foodservice
Food Processing
Residential
Kitchen
Corporate
and Other(2)
Total
2022
Net sales
$
i2,410,266
$
i574,465
$
i1,048,122
$
i—
$
i4,032,853
Income
(loss) from operations (3)
i549,764
i106,231
i127,948
(i144,339)
i639,604
Depreciation
expense (4)
i24,432
i5,912
i13,596
i679
i44,619
Amortization
expense (5)
i55,506
i13,400
i17,376
i7,159
i93,441
Net
capital expenditures
i28,735
i13,940
i20,604
i4,010
i67,289
Total
assets
i3,789,437
i982,605
i1,972,351
i130,473
i6,874,866
Long-lived
assets (6)
i319,337
i83,490
i151,499
i108,478
i662,804
2021
Net
sales
$
i2,032,761
$
i480,746
$
i737,285
$
i—
$
i3,250,792
Income
(loss) from operations (3,7,8)
i423,121
i94,414
i124,701
(i12,244)
i629,992
Depreciation
expense (4)
i23,814
i5,601
i12,655
i611
i42,681
Amortization
expense (5)
i56,910
i7,247
i11,628
i6,777
i82,562
Net
capital expenditures
i26,507
i9,111
i9,232
i1,701
i46,551
Total
assets
i3,522,630
i637,252
i2,153,758
i69,958
i6,383,598
Long-lived
assets (6)
i292,593
i54,934
i169,028
i41,112
i557,667
2020
Net
sales
$
i1,510,279
$
i437,272
$
i565,706
$
i—
$
i2,513,257
Income
(loss) from operations (3,8)
i239,625
i78,008
i67,046
(i60,248)
i324,431
Depreciation
expense (4)
i21,768
i5,507
i11,691
i120
i39,086
Amortization
expense (5)
i51,985
i7,319
i9,657
i2,485
i71,446
Net
capital expenditures
i25,463
i3,427
i4,801
i1,158
i34,849
Total
assets
i3,249,441
i617,171
i1,221,229
i114,633
i5,202,474
Long-lived
assets (6)
i279,481
i55,069
i192,940
i19,849
i547,339
(1)Non-operating
expenses are not allocated to the reportable segments. Non-operating expenses consist of interest expense and deferred financing amortization, foreign exchange gains and losses and other income and expense items outside of income from operations.
(2)Includes corporate and other general company assets and operations.
(3)Restructuring expenses are included in operating income of the segment to which they pertain. See note 12 for further details.
(4)Includes depreciation on right of use assets.
(5)Includes amortization of deferred financing costs and Convertible Notes issuance costs.
(6)Long-lived assets consist of property, plant
and equipment, long-term deferred tax assets and other assets.
(7)Termination fee from Welbilt merger is included in Corporate and Other.
(8)Gain on sale of plant is included in Commercial Foodservice and Residential Kitchen for 2021 and Gain on sale of plant is included in Commercial Foodservice for 2020.
/
82
Geographic Information
i
Long-lived
assets, not including goodwill and other intangibles (in thousands):
2022
2021
2020
United States and Canada
$
i471,375
$
i379,431
$
i332,854
Asia
i35,965
i17,818
i19,646
Europe
and Middle East
i142,326
i152,384
i188,448
Latin
America
i13,138
i8,034
i6,391
Total
International
i191,429
i178,236
i214,485
$
i662,804
$
i557,667
$
i547,339
/
(11) iEMPLOYEE
RETIREMENT PLANS
(a)Pension Plans
U.S. Plans:
The company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit plan for its union employees at the Elgin, Illinois facility. Benefits are determined based upon retirement age and years of service with the company. This defined benefit plan was frozen on April 30, 2002, and no further benefits accrue to the participants beyond this date. Plan participants will receive or continue to receive payments for benefits earned on or prior to April
30, 2002 upon reaching retirement age.
The company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit plan for its employees at the Smithville, Tennessee facility. Benefits are determined based upon retirement age and years of service with the company. This defined benefit plan was frozen on April 1, 2008, and no further benefits accrue to the participants beyond this date. Plan participants will receive or continue to receive payments for benefits earned on or prior to April 1, 2008 upon reaching retirement age.
The
company also maintains a retirement benefit agreement with its former Chairman ("Chairman Plan"). The retirement benefits are based upon a percentage of the former Chairman’s final base salary.
Non-U.S. Plans:
The company maintains a defined benefit plan for its employees at the Wrexham, the United Kingdom facility. Benefits are determined based upon retirement age and years of service with the company. This defined benefit plan was frozen on April 30, 2010 and no further benefits accrue to the participants beyond this date. Plan participants will receive or continue to receive payments for benefits
earned on or prior to April 30, 2010 upon reaching retirement age.
The company maintains several pension plans related to AGA and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "AGA Group"), the most significant being the Aga Rangemaster Group Pension Scheme in the United Kingdom. Membership in the plan on a defined benefit basis of pension provision was closed to new entrants in 2001. The plan became open to new entrants on a defined contribution basis of pension provision in 2002 but was generally closed to new entrants on this basis during 2014. In December 2020, it was agreed that the Group Pension Scheme will be closed to future pension accruals effective April
5, 2021.
The other, much smaller, defined benefit pension plans operating within the AGA Group cover employees in France and the United Kingdom. All pension plan assets are held in separate trust funds although the net defined benefit pension obligations are included in the company's consolidated balance sheet.
83
i
A
summary of the plans’ net periodic pension cost, benefit obligations, funded status, and net balance sheet position is as follows (dollars in thousands)
Fiscal 2022
Fiscal 2021
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S. Plans
Net Periodic Pension Cost (Benefit):
Service cost
$
i—
$
i—
$
i—
$
i773
Interest
cost
i923
i25,032
i841
i17,340
Expected
return on assets
(i1,073)
(i74,581)
(i1,029)
(i78,956)
Amortization
of net loss
i758
i3,671
i1,118
i12,741
Amortization
of prior service cost
i—
i2,589
i—
i2,879
$
i608
$
(i43,289)
$
i930
$
(i45,223)
Change
in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation – beginning of year
$
i36,423
$
i1,544,147
$
i38,897
$
i1,744,574
Service
cost
i—
i—
i—
i773
Interest
on benefit obligations
i923
i25,032
i841
i17,340
Member
contributions
i—
i—
i—
i81
Actuarial
gain
(i8,060)
(i409,462)
(i1,617)
(i135,475)
Net
benefit payments
(i1,736)
(i59,682)
(i1,698)
(i65,138)
Exchange
effect
i—
(i153,882)
i—
(i18,008)
Benefit
obligation – end of year
$
i27,550
$
i946,153
$
i36,423
$
i1,544,147
Change
in Plan Assets:
Plan assets at fair value – beginning of year
$
i18,289
$
i1,342,601
$
i17,455
$
i1,296,516
Company
contributions
i1,173
i5,442
i1,233
i4,890
Investment
(loss) gain
(i2,728)
(i207,270)
i1,299
i123,708
Member
contributions
i—
i—
i—
i81
Benefit
payments and plan expenses
(i1,736)
(i59,682)
(i1,698)
(i65,138)
Exchange
effect
i—
(i137,334)
i—
(i17,456)
Plan
assets at fair value – end of year
$
i14,998
$
i943,757
$
i18,289
$
i1,342,601
Funded
Status:
Unfunded benefit obligation
$
(i12,552)
$
(i2,396)
$
(i18,134)
$
(i201,546)
Amounts
recognized in balance sheet at year end:
Accrued pension benefits
$
(i12,552)
$
(i2,396)
$
(i18,134)
$
(i201,546)
/
84
Fiscal
2022
Fiscal 2021
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S. Plans
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S. Plans
Pre-tax components in accumulated other comprehensive income at period end:
Net
actuarial loss
$
i2,402
$
i121,292
$
i7,419
$
i281,745
Pre-tax
components recognized in other comprehensive income for the period:
Current year actuarial gain
$
(i4,259)
$
(i148,515)
$
(i1,887)
$
(i181,518)
Actuarial
loss recognized
(i758)
(i4,272)
(i1,118)
(i12,832)
Prior
service cost recognized
i—
(i7,666)
i—
(i3,457)
Total
amount recognized
$
(i5,017)
$
(i160,453)
$
(i3,005)
$
(i197,807)
Accumulated
Benefit Obligation
$
i27,550
$
i946,136
$
i36,423
$
i1,544,117
Salary
growth rate
n/a
i0.8
%
n/a
i0.8
%
Assumed
discount rate
i4.9
%
i4.8
%
i2.6
%
i1.9
%
Expected
return on assets
i6.0
%
i6.2
%
i6.0
%
i6.2
%
The
company has engaged non-affiliated third-party professional investment advisors to assist the company in developing its investment policy and establishing asset allocations. The company's overall investment objective is to provide a return, that along with company contributions, is expected to meet future benefit payments. Investment policy is established in consideration of anticipated future timing of benefit payments under the plans. The anticipated duration of the investment and the potential for investment losses during that period are carefully weighed against the potential for appreciation when making investment decisions. The company routinely monitors the performance of investments made under the plans and
reviews investment policy in consideration of changes made to the plans or expected changes in the timing of future benefit payments.
i
The assets of the plans were invested in the following classes of securities (none of which were securities of the company):
U.S. Plans:
Target
Allocation
Percentage of Plan Assets
2022
2021
Equity
i48
%
i45
%
i53
%
Fixed
income
i40
i40
i36
Money
market
i4
i5
i1
Other
(real estate investment trusts & commodities contracts)
i8
i10
i10
i100
%
i100
%
i100
%
Non-U.S.
Plans:
Target Allocation
Percentage of Plan Assets
2022
2021
Equity
i17
%
i10
%
i11
%
Fixed
income
i38
i55
i56
Alternatives/Other
i32
i19
i15
Real
Estate
i13
i10
i15
Cash
and cash equivalents
i—
i6
i3
i100
%
i100
%
i100
%
/
85
In
accordance with ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, the company has measured its defined benefit pension plans at fair value. In accordance with ASU 2015-04, "Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer's Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets", the company has elected to measure the pension plan assets and obligations as of the calendar month end closest to the fiscal year end. iThe
following tables summarize the basis used to measure the pension plans’ assets at fair value as of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 (in thousands):
U.S. Plans:
Fiscal
2022
Fiscal 2021
Asset Category
Total
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Net Asset Value
Total
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
(a)Represents
collective short term investment fund, composed of high-grade money market instruments with short maturities.
86
Non-U.S. Plans:
Fiscal
2022
Asset Category
Total
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Net Asset Value
Cash
and cash equivalents
$
i52,041
$
i5,372
$
i7,372
$
i—
$
i39,297
Equity
Securities:
UK
i3,677
i68
i—
i—
i3,609
International:
Developed
i70,611
i2,634
i—
i—
i67,977
Emerging
i18,642
i298
i—
i—
i18,344
Unquoted/Private
Equity
i2,083
i—
i—
i—
i2,083
Fixed
Income:
Government/Corporate:
UK
i191,868
i8,933
i—
i—
i182,935
International
i127,485
i—
i—
i—
i127,485
Index
Linked
i199,220
i1,433
i—
i—
i197,787
Other
i1,806
i—
i—
i—
i1,806
Real
Estate:
Direct
i83,280
i—
i83,280
i—
i—
Indirect
i5,073
i58
i—
i—
i5,015
Hedge
Fund Strategy:
Equity Long/Short
i30,266
i—
i—
i—
i30,266
Arbitrage
& Event
i22,398
i—
i—
i—
i22,398
Directional
Trading & Fixed Income
i6,099
i—
i—
i—
i6,099
Cash
& Other
i169,504
i—
i—
i—
i169,504
Direct
Sourcing
i4,014
i—
i—
i—
i4,014
Leveraged
Loans
i8,539
i—
i—
i—
i8,539
Alternative/Other
(i52,849)
i1,583
i—
i—
(i54,432)
Total
$
i943,757
$
i20,379
$
i90,652
$
i—
$
i832,726
87
Fiscal
2021
Asset Category
Total
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Net Asset Value
Cash
and cash equivalents
$
i51,780
$
i6,566
$
i5,092
$
i—
$
i40,122
Equity
Securities:
UK
i6,470
i1,878
i—
i—
i4,592
International:
Developed
i117,751
i3,034
i—
i—
i114,717
Emerging
i31,392
i435
i—
i—
i30,957
Unquoted/Private
Equity
i2,195
i1
i—
i—
i2,194
Fixed
Income:
Government/Corporate:
UK
i259,833
i15,471
i—
i—
i244,362
International
i114,973
i—
i—
i—
i114,973
Index
Linked
i364,666
i2,138
i—
i—
i362,528
Other
i7,811
i—
i—
i—
i7,811
Convertible
Bonds
i185
i—
i—
i—
i185
Real
Estate:
Direct
i183,045
i—
i183,045
i—
i—
Indirect
i8,030
i80
i3,038
i—
i4,912
Hedge
Fund Strategy:
Equity Long/Short
i29,345
i—
i—
i—
i29,345
Arbitrage
& Event
i25,788
i—
i—
i—
i25,788
Directional
Trading & Fixed Income
i3,266
i—
i—
i—
i3,266
Cash
& Other
i196,930
i—
i—
i—
i196,930
Direct
Sourcing
i1,156
i—
i—
i—
i1,156
Leveraged
Loans
i30,224
i—
i—
i—
i30,224
Alternative/Other
(i92,239)
i453
i—
i—
(i92,692)
Total
$
i1,342,601
$
i30,056
$
i191,175
$
i—
$
i1,121,370
The
fair value of the Level 1 assets is based on observable, quoted market prices of the identical underlying security in an active market. The fair value of the Level 2 assets is primarily based on market observable inputs to quoted market prices, benchmark yields and broker/dealer quotes. Level 3 inputs, as applicable, represent unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions developed by management to measure assets at fair value.
The expected return on assets is developed in consideration of the anticipated duration of investment period for assets held by the plan, the allocation of assets in the plan, and the historical returns for plan assets.
88
i
Estimated
future benefit payments under the plans are as follows (dollars in thousands):
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S. Plans
2023
$
i1,814
$
i55,341
2024
i1,822
i55,551
2025
i1,841
i56,522
2026
i1,784
i56,243
2027
through 2032
i11,573
i338,542
/
Expected
contributions to the U.S. Plans and Non-U.S. Plans to be made in 2023 are $i0.3 million and $i5.6
million, respectively.
(b)Defined Contribution Plans
As of December 31, 2022, the company maintained itwo separate defined contribution 401(k) savings plans covering all employees in the United States. These itwo
plans separately cover the union employees at the Elgin, Illinois facility and all other remaining union and non-union employees in the United States. The company also maintained defined contribution plans for its UK based employees.
89
(12) iRESTRUCTURING
AND ACQUISITION INTEGRATION INITIATIVES
Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group:
During the fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, the company undertook cost reduction initiatives related to the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group including headcount reductions and facility consolidations. These actions resulted in expenses of $i2.0 million, $i5.4
million and $i10.1 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021 respectively. These expenses are reflected in restructuring expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The primary realization of cost savings from the restructuring initiatives began in 2020 with expected annual savings of approximately $i20.0
million. At December 31, 2022, the restructuring obligations accrued for these initiatives are immaterial and will be substantially complete by the end of fiscal year 2023.
Residential Kitchen Equipment Group:
During fiscal year 2022, the company initiated cost reduction initiatives related to the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group of $i5.1 million, primarily
related to headcount reductions and facility consolidations. These expenses are reflected in restructuring expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The primary realization of cost savings from the restructuring initiatives began in 2023 with an expected annual savings of approximately $i8.0 million. At December 31, 2022, the restructuring obligations accrued for these initiatives are immaterial and will be substantially complete by the end of fiscal year 2023.
The
restructuring expenses for the other segment of the company were not material during fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020.
In December 2020, the company recorded an impairment of approximately $i2.9 million associated to reflect the fair market value of assets held for sale of a non-core business within
the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group. This charge was reflected in impairments in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
90
THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
i
SCHEDULE
II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
Allowance for doubtful accounts; deducted from accounts receivable on the balance sheets-
2022
$
i18,770
$
i4,311
$
i776
$
(i3,562)
$
i20,295
2021
$
i19,225
$
i809
$
i554
$
(i1,818)
$
i18,770
2020
$
i14,886
$
i6,868
$
i1,239
$
(i3,768)
$
i19,225
(1) Amounts
consist primarily of valuation allowances assumed from acquired companies.
Balance Beginning Of Period
Additions/ (Recoveries) Charged to Expense
Write-Offs During the Period
Balance At End Of Period
Valuation
allowance - Deferred tax assets
2022
$
i10,222
$
i1,377
$
i—
$
i11,599
2021
$
i11,731
$
i1,138
$
(i2,647)
$
i10,222
2020
$
i7,754
$
i3,977
$
i—
$
i11,731
/
91
Item
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the
company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the company's management, including the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2022. Based on the foregoing, the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of this period.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended December 31, 2022, there have been no changes in the
company's internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting.
92
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our 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. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
(i)pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
(ii)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 our management and directors; and
(iii)provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our 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.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive
officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (COSO). Our assessment of the internal control structure excluded Kloppenberg (acquired April 25, 2022), Proxaut (acquired June 29, 2022), Icetro (acquired June 30, 2022), CP Packaging (acquired July 12, 2022), Colussi (acquired July 27, 2022), Escher (acquired November 10, 2022) and Marco (acquired December 20, 2022).
These
acquisitions constitute 0.2% and 6.0% of net and total assets, respectively, 1.7% of net sales and (0.5)% of net income of the consolidated financial statements of the company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022. These acquisitions are included in the consolidated financial statements of the company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022. Under guidelines established by the Securities Exchange Commission, companies are allowed to exclude acquisitions from their assessment of internal control over financial reporting during the first year of an acquisition while integrating the acquired companies.
Based on our evaluation
under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, who audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements of the company included in this report, has issued a report on the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
None.
PART
III
Pursuant to General Instruction G (3), of Form 10-K, the information called for by Part III Item 10 (Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance), Item 11 (Executive Compensation), Item 12 (Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters), Item 13 (Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence) and Item 14 (Principal Accountant Fees and Services), is incorporated herein by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.
94
PART
IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) 1. Financial Statements
The financial statements listed on Page 48 are filed as part of this Form 10-K.
4.1 Certificate of Designations dated October 30, 1987, and specimen stock certificate relating to the company Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference from the company’s Form 10-K, Exhibit (4), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988, filed on March 15, 1989.
101 Financial statements on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed on March 1, 2023, formatted in Inline Extensive Business Reporting Language (XBRL); (i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of earnings, (iii) consolidated statements of cash flows, (iv) notes to the consolidated financial statements.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in iXBRL) and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Designates management contract or compensation plan.
(c)See
the financial statement schedule included under Item 8.
96
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None
97
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, on the 1st day of March 2023.
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 indicated on March 1, 2023.
