Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its 20202022 annual meeting of stockholders (the "2020"2022 Annual Meeting") are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent stated herein. Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") within 120 days of the registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2021.

In this filing we make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and future events or performance. Such statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” “continue,” "outlook," “predict,” “project,” “change,” “result,” “future,” “will,” “could,” “can,” “may,” “likely,” “potentially,” or similar expressions. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements and the underlying assumptions are reasonable, we cannot assure you that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Some of those factors (in addition to others described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)) include:

These factors in addition to others described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those described under Item 1A-Risk Factors, and in our subsequent filings with the SEC, should not be construed as a comprehensive listing of factors that could cause results to vary from our forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.otherwise, except as may be required by law. If one or more forward-looking statements are updated, no inference should be drawn that additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

The Company attracts and retains customers by designing, manufacturing and selling high quality products that perform well, are easy to use and cost-effective for customers. The Company manufactures and warehouses its products in geographic proximity to its markets to providehelp ensure availability and facilitate rapid delivery of products to customers, and prompt responsewhich enables us to promptly respond to customer requests for specially designed products and services. The Company maintains levels of inventory intended to operate with minimum backlog and fill most customer orders within a few days. High levels of manufacturing automation and flexibility allow the Company to maintain its high quality standards while continuing to provide prompt delivery.delivery to meet our customers' needs.

The Company intends to continue efforts to increase market share in both the wood construction and concrete construction product groups by:

Products and Services

Historically, the Company’s product lines historically have encompassed connectors, anchors, fasteners, lateral resistive systems, and truss plates, as well as repair and strengthening product lines for the marine, industrial and transportation markets. See “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Note 18 — Segment Information” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information regarding revenues by product category.

Many of the Company’s products are approved by building code evaluation agencies. To achieve these approvals, the Company conducts extensive product testing, which is witnessed and certified by independent testing laboratories. TheThese tests also provide the basis of load ratings for the Company’s structural products. This test and load information is used by architects, engineers, contractors, building officials, and homeowners in selecting our products and comparing them to those of competitors, and is useful across all applications of the Company’s products, ranging from the deck constructed by a homeowner to a multi-story structure designed by an architect or engineer.

construction and DIY projects. The Company’s wood construction products contribute to structural integrity and resistance to seismic, wind and gravitygravitational forces. As described below, the Company’s wood construction products include:

Distribution Channels and Markets

The Company seeks to expand its product and distribution coverage through several channels:

The Company seeks to expand existing and identify new distributions channels in the markets we serve, and expand into new markets. Presently, we primarily serve three markets, which are also our operating segments, consisting of the North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific segments. The North America segment includes operations primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Europe segment includes operations primarily in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Norway. The Asia/Pacific segment includes operations primarily in Australia, New Zealand, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. These segments are similar in several ways, including similarities in the products manufactured and distributed, the types of materials used, the production processes, the distribution channels and the product applications.

New Products

TheIn order to innovate, advance and diversify our product offerings, the Company commits substantial resources to new product development. The majority of SST’s products have been developed through its internal research and development program. The Company believes it is the only U.S. manufacturer with the capability to internally test multi-story wall systems, thus enabling full scale testing rather than analysis alone to prove system performance. The Company’s engineering, sales, product management, and marketing teams work together with architects, engineers, building inspectors, code officials, builders and customers in the new product development process.

The Company’s product research and development is based largely on products or solutions that are identified within the Company, feedback or requests from customers for new or specialty products and in connection with the Company’s strategic initiatives to expand into new markets and/or develop new product lines. The Company’s strategy is to develop new products on a proprietary basis, to seek patents when appropriate and to rely on trade secret protection for others.others or depending on availability and circumstances, the Company will acquire products or solutions meeting our strategic initiatives.

Since at least 2006, the Company has developed 15 to 25 new products each year. In 2020,2021, through our research and development efforts, the Company expanded its product offerings by adding:

TheBy executing on its research and development strategy, the Company intends to continue to expand its product offering.offerings.

The Company provides expertise and resources to offer software solutions and services to builders and lumber building material dealers, and supports efforts to further develop integrated software component solutions for the building industry. The Company also has ongoing development of truss software for the design, modeling and truss plate selection for its integrated component manufacturing customers.

Competition

The principal raw material used by the Company is steel, including stainless steel. The Company also uses materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, mortars, grouts, epoxies and acrylics in the manufacture of its chemical anchoring and reinforcing products. The Company purchases raw materials from a variety of commercial sources. The Company’s practice is to seek cost savings and enhanced quality by developing business relationships with and purchasing from a limited number of suppliers.

The steel industry is highly cyclical and prices for the Company’s raw materials are influenced by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. The steel market continues to be dynamic, with a high degree of uncertainty about future pricing trends. Given current conditions, including significant import tariffs and duties, and unsettled international trade disputes, the Company currently expects that the high degree of uncertainty regarding steel prices will continue. Numerous factors may cause steel prices to increaseremain high in the future. In addition to increases in steel prices, steel mills may add surcharges for zinc, energy and freight in response to increases in their costs. See “Item 1A — Risk Factors” and “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The Company historically has not attempted to hedge against changes in prices of steel or other raw materials. However, the Company may purchase and carry more steel or other raw materials in inventory to meet projected sales demand in a tight raw materials market.

The Company’s sales are seasonal and cyclical, with operating results varying from quarter to quarter. With some exceptions, our sales and income have historically been lower in the first and fourth quarters than in the second and third quarters of a fiscal year, as the Company's customers tend to purchase construction materials in the late spring and summer months for the construction season. Weather conditions, such as extended cold or wet weather, which affect and sometimes delay installation of some of our products, could negatively affect our results of operations. Operating results vary from quarter to quarter and with economic cycles. The Company’s sales are also dependent, to a large degree, on the North American residential home construction industry. See “Item 1A — Risk Factors” and “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The Company took immediate action at the onset of this crisis to enact rigorous safety protocols in all of our facilities by improving sanitation measures, implementing mandatory social distancing, temperature screening, use of facing coverings, reducing on-site staff through staggered shifts and schedules, remote working where possible, and restricting visitor access to our locations. These actions, in addition to generally being deemed an essential business, have enabled us to continue operating our business with minimal disruptions during the pandemic. We continue to monitor the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and remain committed to the health, safety and well-being of our employees.

The SEC maintains an Internet site that also contains these reports at www.sec.gov.

COVID-19 was identified in late 2019 and spread globally. Efforts to risks associated with a pandemic, or outbreakcombat the virus have complicated by viral variants and access to, and acceptance and effectiveness of, contagious diseases in the human population, including the COVID‑19 pandemic.vaccines globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in governments around the world implementing increasingly stringent measures to help control the spread of the virus, including quarantines, “shelter in place” and “stay at home” orders, travel restrictions, business curtailments, school closures, and other measures. Notwithstanding our level of continued operations, the COVID-19 pandemic, or similar public health concerns in the future, may have negative impacts on our operations, supply chain, transportation networks and customers, which may compress our margins, including as a result of preventative and precautionary measures that we, other businesses and governments are taking. The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely affectingcaused a global recession the economies and financial marketssustainability of many countries and could resultthe economic recovery observed in an economic downturn. Any resulting economic downturn2021 remains unclear. Economic uncertainties could adversely affect our business, financial condition, demand for our products, services, and contribute to volatile supply and demand conditions affecting prices and volumes in the markets for our products, services and raw materials.

In addition, the ability of our employees and our suppliers' and customers' employees to work may be significantly impacted by individuals contracting or being exposed to COVID-19 or a variant of the virus, or as a result of the control measures noted above, which may significantly hamper our production throughout the supply chain and constrict distribution channels. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact our business depends on future developments, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable, including new information concerning the severityduration of the outbreakpandemic variants of the virus, and the effectiveness of actions globallytaken to contain or

Government regulations pertaining to health and safety and environmental concerns continue to emerge, domestically as well as internationally, including regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These regulations include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and other worker safety regulations for the protection of employees, as well as regulations for the protection of consumers. It is necessary for us to comply with current requirements (including requirements that do not become effective until a future date), and even more stringent requirements could be imposed on our products or processes. Compliance with these regulations may require us to alter our manufacturing processes and our sourcing. For example, at our manufacturing locations we use enhanced cleaning processes, established health screening procedures, modified work stations and material flows with established social distancing practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as local and state health departments. Such actions could increase our capital expenditures and other similar expenses and adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations, and our inability to effectively and timely meetcomply with such regulations could adversely impact our competitive position.

A significant portion of our total product sales is dependent on housing starts. Accordingly, our business, financial condition and results of operations dependsdepend significantly on the stability of the housing and residential construction and home improvement markets, which are affected by conditions and other factors that are beyond our control. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:to:

These factors could adversely affect demand for our products and services, and our costs of doing business, and our business, financial condition and results of operations.operations may be harmed. Further, many of our customers in the construction industry are small and medium-sized businesses that are more likely to be adversely affected by economic downturns than larger, more established businesses. Uncertainty about current global economic conditions may cause these consumers to postpone or refrain from spending or may cause them to switch to lower-cost alternative products, which could reduce demand for our products and materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our largest customers accounted for a significant portion of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Any redur4ction2019. A reduction in, or terminationelimination of, our sales to any of these customers would at least temporarily, and possibly on a longer term

In addition, our distributor customers and builders have increasingly consolidated over time, which has increased the material adverse effect risk of losing any one of them and may increase their bargaining power in negotiations with us. These trends could negatively affect our sales and profitability.

Our continued growth depends upon our ability to develop additional products, services and technologies that meet our customers’ expectations of our brand and quality and that allow us to expand our product and service offerings and enter into new markets. Expansion into new markets and the development of new products and services may involve considerable costs and may not generate sufficient revenue to be profitable or cover the costs of development. We might not be able to penetrate these product markets and any market penetration that occurs might not be timely or profitable. We may be unable to recoup part or all of the investments we make in attempting to develop new products and technologies and penetrate new markets. Any of these events could reduce our profitability.

The demand for our products and services is heavily correlated to both seasonal changes, with operating results varying from quarter to quarter, and unpredictable weather patterns. Our sales and income have historically been lower in the first and fourth quarters than in the second and third quarters, as customers tend to purchase construction materials in the late spring and summer months for the construction season. In addition, weather conditions, such as unseasonably warm, cold or wet weather, which affect, and sometimes delay or accelerate installation of some of our products, may significantly affect our results of operations. Sales that we anticipate in one quarter may occur in another quarter, affecting both quarters’ results and potentially our stock price.

In addition, we typically ship orders as we receive them and maintain inventory levels to allow us to operate with minimum backlog. The efficiency of our inventory system, and our ability to avoid backlogs and potential loss of customers, is closely tied to our ability to accurately predict seasonal and quarterly variances. Further, our planned expenditures are also based primarily on sales forecasts. When sales do not meet our expectations, our operating results will be reduced for the relevant quarters, as we will have already incurred expenses based on those expectations. This could result in a material decline in our stock price.

Weather conditions and the level of severe storms can have a significant impact on the markets for residential construction and home improvement. As a result, climate change that results in altered weather conditions or storm activity could have a significant impact on our business by:

Generally, any weather conditions that slow or limit residential or construction activity can adversely impact demand for our products and services.

Lower demand for our products or services as a result of this scenario could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, severely low temperatures may lead to significant and immediate spikes in costs of natural gas, electricity and other commodities that could negatively affect our results of operation.

Many of our products are integral to the structural soundness or safety of the structures in which they are used and we have on occasion found flaws and deficiencies in the design, manufacturing, assembling, labeling, product formulations, chemical mixes or testing of our products. We also have on occasion found flaws and deficiencies in raw materials and finished goods produced by others and used with or incorporated into our products. Some flaws and deficiencies have not been apparent until after the products were installed or used by customers.

As a result of the nature of many of our products and their use in construction projects, claims (including product warranty claims and claims resulting from a natural disaster) may be made against us with regard to damage or destruction of structures incorporating our products whether or not our products failed. Any such claims, if asserted, could require us to expend material time and efforts defending the claim and may materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. Costs associated with resolving such claims (such as repair or replacement of the affected parts) could be material and may exceed any amounts reserved in our consolidated financial statements.

We enter into many types of contracts with our customers, suppliers and other third parties, including in connection with our expansion into new markets and new product lines. Under some of these contracts, our overall liability may not be limited to a specified maximum amount or we may have significant potential exposure to price or expense increases. If we receive claims under these contracts or experience significant price increases or comparable expense increases, we may incur liabilities significantly in excess of the revenues associated with such contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our planning/design software applications facilitate the creation by customers of complex construction and building designs and is extremely complex. If our software applications contain defects or errors, our engineers prepare, approve or seal drawings that contain defects or we are otherwise involved in any design or construction that contains flaws, regardless of whether we caused such flaws, we may be required to correct deficiencies and may become involved in litigation. Further, if any damage or injury is not covered by our insurance and we are held to be liable, we could be required to correct such damage and to compensate persons who might have suffered injury, and our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Our industry has experienced increased complexity in some home design and builders are more aggressively trying to reduce their costs. One of our responses has been to develop and market sophisticated software and applications to facilitate the specification, selection and use of our product systems. We have continued to commit substantial resources to our software development endeavors in recent years and expect that trend to continue in 2021.continue.

We may not be able to create and further develop commercially successful software and applications. Even if we are able to create and develop initially successful ideas, the technology industry is subject to rapid changes. We may not be able to adapt quickly enough to keep up with changing demands, and our software may become obsolete.

We monitor and protect against activities that might infringe, dilute, or otherwise harm our patents, trademarks and other intellectual property and rely on the patent, trademark and other laws of the U.S. and other countries. However, we may be unable to prevent third parties from using our intellectual property without our authorization. To the extent we cannot protect our intellectual property, unauthorized use and misuse of our intellectual property could harm our competitive position and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the laws of some non-U.S. jurisdictions provide less protection for our proprietary rights than the laws of the U.S. and we therefore may not be able to effectively enforce our intellectual property rights in these jurisdictions. If we are unable to maintain certain exclusive licenses, our brand recognition and sales could be adversely impacted. Current employees, contractors and suppliers have, and former employees, contractors and suppliers may have, access to trade secrets and confidential information regarding our operations which could be disclosed improperly and in breach of contract to our competitors or otherwise used to harm us.

Third parties may also claim that we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights. If we are unable to successfully defend or license such alleged infringing intellectual property or if we are required to substitute similar technology from another source, our operations could be adversely affected. Even if we believe that such intellectual property claims are without merit, defending such claims can be costly, time consuming and require significant resources. Claims of intellectual property infringement also might require us to redesign affected products, pay costly damage awards, or face injunctions prohibiting us from manufacturing, importing, marketing or selling certain of our products. Even if we have agreements to indemnify us, indemnifying parties may be unable or unwilling to do so.

We employ information technology systems and operate websites which allow for the secure storage and transmission of proprietary or confidential information regarding our customers, employees and others. We make significant efforts to secure our computer network to mitigate the risk of possible cyber-attacks, including, but not limited to, data breaches, and are continuously working to upgrade our existing information technology systems to ensure that we are protected, to the greatest extent possible, against cyber risks and security breaches. Despite these efforts security of our computer networks could be

compromised which could impact operations and confidential information could be misappropriated, which could lead to negative publicity, loss of sales and profits or cause us to incur significant costs to reimburse third- parties for damages, which could adversely impact profits.

We are increasingly dependent on technology systems to operate our business, reduce costs, and enhance customer service. These systems include complex software systems and hosted applications that are provided by third parties such as financial management and human capital management platforms from SAP America, Inc. and Workday, Inc. Software systems need to be updated on a regular basis with patches, bug fixes and other modifications. Hosted applications are subject to service availability and reliability of hosting environments. We also migrate from legacy systems to new systems from time to time. Maintaining existing software systems, implementing upgrades and converting to new systems are costly and require a significant allocation of personnel and other resources. The implementation of these systems upgrades and conversions is a complex and time-consuming project involving substantial expenditures for implementation activities, consultants, system hardware and software, often requires transforming our current business and financial processes to conform to new systems, and therefore, may take longer, be more disruptive, and cost more than forecast and may not be successful. If the implementation is delayed or otherwise is not successful, it may hinder our business operations and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. There are many factors that may materially and adversely affect the schedule, cost, and execution of the implementation process, including, without limitation, problems during the design and testing phases of new systems; system delays and malfunctions; the deviation by suppliers and contractors from the required performance under their contracts with us; the diversion of management attention from our daily operations to the implementation project; reworks due to unanticipated changes in business processes; difficulty in training employees in the operation of new systems and maintaining internal control while converting from legacy systems to new systems; and integration with our existing systems. Some of such factors may not be reasonably anticipated or may be beyond our control.

Despite the security and maintenance measures we have in place, our facilities and systems, and those of the retailers, dealers, licensees and other third-parties with which we do business, we remain vulnerable to security breaches, cyber-attacks, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, malware, data corruption, delays, disruptions, programming and/or human errors or other similar events, such as those accomplished through fraud, trickery or other forms of deceiving our employees, contractors or other agents or representatives and those due to system updates, natural disasters, malicious attacks, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins or similar events. Such incidents have occurred, continue to occur, and may occur in the future.

Security breaches of our infrastructure could create system disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized disclosures of confidential information. Despite the security measures we have in place, our facilities and systems, and those of the retailers, dealers, licensees and other third parties with which we do business, we may be vulnerable to security breaches, cyber-attacks, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or other similar events. Such incidents may involve misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential data, materials or information, including those concerning our customers, employees or suppliers, whether by us or by the retailers, dealers, licensees and other third-party distributors with which we do business, disrupt our operations, result in losses, damage our reputation, and expose us to the risks of litigation and liability (including regulatory liability); and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We have various agreements with a number of third parties that provide software and software-as-a-service products to us. These agreements often require reoccurring payments for online access to the products and have limited terms. In the future, we will be required to renegotiate the terms of these agreements, and may be unable to renew such agreements on favorable terms. If any such agreement cannot be renewed or can only be renewed on terms that are materially worse for us, we may be unable to access the applicable software, and our business and operating results may be adversely affected.

We are subject to environmental laws and regulations governing emissions into the air, discharges into water, and generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials. We are also subject to other federal and state laws and regulations regarding health and safety matters.

Our manufacturing operations involve the use of solvents, chemicals, oils and other materials that are regarded as hazardous or toxic. We also use complex and heavy machinery and equipment that can pose severe safety hazards, especially if not properly and carefully used. Some of our products also incorporate materials that are hazardous or toxic in some forms, such as:

We have in the past, and may in the future, need to take steps to remedy our failure to properly label, store, transport, use and manufacture such toxic and hazardous materials.

If we do not obtain all material licenses and permits required by environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, or otherwise fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may be subject to regulatory action by governmental authorities. If our policies and procedures are flawed, or our employees fail or neglect to follow our policies and procedures in all respects, we might incur liability. Relevant laws and regulations could change or new ones could be adopted that require us to incur substantial expense to comply.

We are currently subject to conflict mineral disclosure regulations in the U.S. and may be affected by new regulations concerning conflict and similar minerals adopted by other jurisdictions where we operate. While we have been successful to date in adapting to such regulations, we have and will continue to incur added costs to comply with the disclosure requirements, including costs related to determining the source of such minerals used in our products. We may not be able to ascertain the origins of such minerals that we use and may not be able to satisfy requests from customers to certify that our products are free of conflict minerals. These requirements also could constrain the pool of suppliers from which we source such minerals. We may be unable to obtain conflict-free minerals at competitive prices. Such consequences will increase costs and may materially and adversely affect our manufacturing operations and profitability.

As part of our product offerings, we may provide engineering and design-related services to our clients. Some of these services require us to stamp drawings or otherwise be involved in the engineering process. While we generally attempt to limit our liability through our internal processes and through our legal agreements with third parties to which we provide such services, under various local, state and federal rules and regulations these limitations may not be effective and we may be held liable for engineering failures. Any such liability could materially and adversely affect our profitability.

We may consider and evaluate acquisitions and compete for acquisitions with other potential acquirers, some of which may have greater financial or operational resources than we do. Any acquisitions we undertake involve numerous risks, including:

As a result, if we fail to evaluate and execute acquisitions properly, we might not achieve the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions and we may incur costs in excess of what we anticipate. These risks would likely be greater in the case of larger acquisitions.

In addition, future acquisitions may involve issuance of additional equity securities that dilute the value of our existing equity securities, increase our debt, cause impairment related to goodwill and cause impairment of, and amortization expenses related to, other intangible assets, which could materially and adversely affect our profitability.

Our capital expenditures are limited by our liquidity and capital resources and the amount we have available for capital spending is limited by the need to pay our other expenses and to maintain adequate cash reserves and borrowing capacity to meet unexpected demands that may arise. Productivity improvements through process re-engineering, design efficiency and manufacturing cost improvements may be required to offset potential increases in labor and raw material costs and competitive price pressures. If we are unable to make sufficient capital expenditures, or to maximize the efficiency of the capital expenditures we do make, our competitive position may be harmed and we may be unable to manufacture the products necessary to compete successfully in our targeted market segments.

If the cash needed for working capital or to fund our growth or other business requirements increases to a level that exceeds the amount of cash that we generate from operations and have available through our current credit arrangements, we will need to seek additional financing. Additional or new borrowings may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all. Our ability to raise money by issuing and selling shares of our common or preferred stock depends on general market conditions and the demand for our stock. If we sell stock, our existing stockholders could experience substantial dilution. Our inability to secure additional financing could prevent the expansion of our business, internally and through acquisitions.

We depend, in part, on the efforts and skills of our executives and other key employees, including members of our sales force. Our executives and key employees are experienced and highly qualified. The loss of any of our executive officers or other key employees could harm the business and the Company’s ability to timely achieve its strategic initiatives. Our success also depends on our ability to identify, attract, hire and retain our key personnel. We face strong competition for such personnel and may not be able to attract or retain such personnel. In addition, when we experience periods with little or no profits, a decrease in compensation based on our profits may make it difficult to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. We may not be able to attract and retain key personnel or may incur significant costs to do so.

A significant number of our employees are represented by labor unions and covered by collective bargaining agreements that will expire between 20212022 and 2023.2025. Generally, collective bargaining agreements that expire may be terminated after notice by the union. After termination, the union may authorize a strike similar to the strike which was initiated at our Stockton facility in the third quarter of 2019. Although we believe that our relations with our employees are generally good, no assurance can be given that we will be able to successfully extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining agreements as they expire. If we fail to extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining agreements, if disputes with our unions arise, or if the workers covered by one or more of the collective bargaining agreements engage in a strike, lockout, or other work stoppage, we could have a material adverse effect on production at one or more of our facilities, incur higher labor costs, and, depending upon the length of such dispute or work stoppage, on our business, results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

All of these factors could result in increased costs or decreased revenues and could materially and adversely affect our sales, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, international construction standards, techniques and methods differ from those in the U.S. and as a result, we may need to redesign our products, or design new products, to compete effectively and profitably in international markets.

In addition, we operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption and we could be adversely affected by violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and similar worldwide anti-corruption laws. The FCPA and similar anti-corruption laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making

We are subject to a number of export, import and economic sanction regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”), the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) and U.S. sanction regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets (“OFAC”). Foreign governments where we have operations also implement export, import and sanction laws and regulations, some of which may be inconsistent or conflict with ITAR and EAR. Where we face such inconsistencies, it may be impossible for us to comply with all applicable regulations.

If we do not obtain all necessary import and export licenses required by applicable export and import regulations, including ITAR and EAR, or do business with sanctioned countries or individuals, we may be subject to fines, penalties and other regulatory action by governmental authorities, including, among other things, having our export or import privileges suspended. Even if our policies and procedures for exports, imports and sanction regulations comply, but our employees fail or neglect to follow them in all respects, we might incur similar liability.

Any changes in applicable export, import or sanction laws or regulations or any legal or regulatory violations could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

We maintain manufacturing capability in various parts of the world, including Jiangsu, China, in part to allow us to serve our customers with prompt delivery of needed products. In recent years, we have significantly expanded our manufacturing capabilities in China. Substantially all of our manufacturing output in China was and is currently intended for export to other parts of the world. If a widespread outbreak of an illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, occurredAny halting or disruption to our operations at or near our Jiangsu, China manufacturing facility it could substantially interfere with our general commercial activity related to our supply chain and customer base, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects. If this outbreak caused us to curtail our operations,In such event, we may need to seek alternative sources of supply for products for our customers, which may increase the costs to manufacture and deliver our products.

If significant tariffs or other restrictions are placed on Chinese or other imports or any related countermeasures are taken by China or other countries, our costs of doing business, revenue and results of operations may be materially harmed. If duties are imposed on our imports, we may be required to raise our prices, which may result in the loss of customers and harm our operating performance. Alternatively, we may seek to shift production outside of China, resulting in diversion of management's attention, significant costs and disruption to our operations as we would need to pursue the time-consuming processes of recreatingestablishing a new supply chain, identifying substitute components and establishing new manufacturing locations.

We generally conduct international operations through our wholly-owned subsidiaries. Our income tax liabilities in the different countries where we operate depend in part on internal settlement prices and administrative charges among us and our subsidiaries. These arrangements require us to make judgments with which tax authorities may disagree. Tax authorities may impose additional tariffs, duties, taxes, penalties and interest on us. Transactions that we have arranged in light of current tax

rules could have material and adverse consequences if tax rules change, and changes in tax rules or imposition of any new or increased tariffs, duties and taxes could materially and adversely affect our sales, profits and financial condition.

Tax laws are dynamic and subject to change as new laws are passed and new interpretations are issued or applied. If the U.S. or other foreign tax authorities change applicable tax laws, our overall taxes could increase, and our business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely impacted.

We are subject to income taxation in the U.S. as well as numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax provision and, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.

Our Board of Directors is authorized by our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to determine the terms of one or more series of preferred stock and to authorize the issuance of shares of any such series on such terms as our Board of Directors may approve. Any such issuance could be used to impede an acquisition of our business that our Board of Directors does not approve, further dilute the equity investments of holders of our common stock and reduce funds available for the payment of dividends to holders of our common stock.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our Company or changes in our management that our stockholders may deem advantageous. For example, under our charter documents, our stockholders cannot call special meetings and cannot take action by written consent.

Additionally, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with any “interested” stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which the stockholder became an “interested” stockholder and which may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company. Delaware law and our corporate governance documents could deter takeover attempts that might otherwise be beneficial to our stockholders.

Declines in the Company’s business may result in an impairment of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets which could result in a material non-cash charge. At least annually, or at other times when events occur that could affect the value of such assets, we perform impairment tests on our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets. To determine whether an impairment has occurred, we compare fair value of each of our reporting units with its carrying value. In the past, these tests have led us to incur significant impairment charges. Significant and unanticipated changes in circumstances, such as significant adverse changes in business climate, adverse actions by regulatory authorities, unanticipated competition, loss of key customers or changes in technology or markets, can require a charge for impairment that can negatively impact our results of operations.

 

Our headquarters and principal executive offices in Pleasanton, California, and our principal U.S. manufacturing facilities in Stockton and San Bernardino County, California, McKinney, Texas, West Chicago, Illinois, Columbus, Ohio, and Gallatin,

Tennessee are located in owned premises. The principal manufacturing facilities located outside the U.S., the majority of which we own, are in France, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Portugal and China. We also own and lease smaller manufacturing facilities, warehouses, research and development facilities and sales offices in the U.S., Canada, the United

We believe that our properties are maintained in good operating condition. Our manufacturing facilities are equipped with specialized equipment and use extensive automation. Our leased facilities typically have renewal options and have expiration dates through 2031.2032. We believe we will be able to extend leases on our various facilities as necessary, or as they expire. Currently, our manufacturing facilities are being operated with at least one full-time shift. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, we anticipate that we may require additional facilities to accommodate possible future growth.

From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and other matters arising in the normal course of business. Corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, cracking, material hardness, wood pressure-treating chemicals, misinstallations, misuse, design and assembly flaws, manufacturing defects, labeling defects, product formula defects, inaccurate chemical mixes, adulteration, environmental conditions, or other factors can contribute to failure of fasteners, connectors, anchors, adhesives, specialty chemicals, such as fiber reinforced polymers, and tool products. In addition, inaccuracies may occur in product information, descriptions and instructions found in catalogs, packaging, data sheets, and the Company’s website.

The Company currently is not a party to any legal proceedings which the Company expects individually or in the aggregate to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Nonetheless, the resolution of any claim or litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and we could in the future incur judgments, enter into settlements of claims or revise our expectations regarding the outcome of the various legal proceedings and other matters we are currently involved in, which could materially impact our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Refer to Note 14, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent developments related to certain of the legal proceedings in which we are involved.

 

The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “SSD.”

As of February 16, 2021,2022 there were 30,94544,919 holders of record of the Company’s common stock, although we believe that there are a significantly larger number of beneficial owners of our common stock.

 

During 2020,2021, the Company paid a total of $40.3$41.6 million in cash dividends. InOn January 2021,20, 2022, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23$0.25 per share of common stock to be paid on April 22, 202128, 2022 to stockholders of record as of April 1, 2021.7, 2022. See "Note 19 — Subsequent Events" to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Future dividends, if any, will be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, based on the Company’s future earnings, cash flows, financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. See “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock from December 31, 2015,2016, through December 31, 2020,2021, with the cumulative total return on the S&P 500 Index (a broad equity market index), the Dow Jones U.S. Building Materials & Fixtures Index (a published industry or line-of-business index) and a Peer Group Index over the same period (assuming the investment of $100 in the Company’s common stock and in each of the indices on December 31, 2015,2016, and reinvestment of all dividends into additional shares of the same class of equity securities at the frequency with which dividends are paid on such securities during the applicable fiscal year). To provide an additional comparison to our performance, we included an index consisting of companies in the building products or construction materials industries that are most comparable to us in terms of size and nature of operations, which group has also been referenced by us in connection with setting our executive compensation. The Peer Group Index below consisted of AAON, Inc., Advance Drainage Systems, Inc., American Woodmark Corp, Apogee Enterprises, Inc., Armstrong World Industries, Inc., Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., Eagle Materials Corp., GCP Applied Technologies, Inc., Gibraltar Industries, Inc., Insteel Industries, Inc., Masonite International Corp., Patrick Industries, Inc., PGT Innovations, Inc., Quanex Building Products Corp., Summit Material, LLC.Materials, Inc., and Trex Company, Inc., and GCP Applied Technologies.

On December 16, 2020,November 18, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase up to $100.0 million of the Company’s common stock from January 1, 20212022 through December 31, 2021.2022.

 

You should read theThe following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations togethershould be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto includedthat appear in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some ofReport. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the information containedfollowing discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this discussionthe forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, on Form 10-K, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Note About Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A—particularly in "Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of forward-looking statements and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements.Factors."

Overview

At our March 23, 2021 analyst and investor day, we unveiled several key growth initiatives that we believe will help us continue our track record of above market revenue growth through a combination of organic and inorganic opportunities. Our strategic plan for growth includes increasing our market share and profitability in our Europe segment; growing our market share in the concrete space; and continuing to develop our software to supportorganic opportunities are focused on expansion into new markets within our core competencies of wood and concrete products. These key growth initiatives will focus on the original equipment manufacturers, repair and remodel or do-it-yourself, mass timber, concrete and structural steel markets.

In order to grow in these markets, we aspire to be among the leaders in engineered load-rated construction building products offeringand systems and building technology while leveraging our strengthsengineering expertise, deep-rooted relationships with top builders, engineers, contractors, code officials and distributors, along with our ongoing commitment to testing, research and innovation. Importantly, we currently have existing products, testing results, distribution and manufacturing capabilities for our key growth initiatives. Although these initiatives are all currently in engineering,different stages of development, our successful growth in these areas will ultimately be a function of expanding our sales and/or marketing functions to promote our products to different end users and distribution channels, expanding our customer base, and our strong brand name. We believe these initiatives and objectives are crucial to not only offer a more complete solution to our customers and bolster our sales of core wood connectorpotentially introducing new products but also to mitigatein the effect of the cyclicality of the U.S. housing market.future.

On October 30, 2017,Also during the March analyst and investor day, we announcedhighlighted our five-year ambitions, which are as follows:

We will make periodic updates related to deliver financialmaterial developments to our key growth initiatives and operational efficiencies. However, givenwith our five-year ambitions.

COVID-19 surfaced in late 2019 COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China. Overand has spread around the next several months, COVID-19 quickly spread acrossworld, including to the world.United States. In March 2020, the WHOWorld Health Organization declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic based on the rapid increase in exposure globally, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. As of JanuaryDecember 31, 2021, the virus continueseffects of and responses to spread infecting over 46 million people worldwide. Vaccinesthe pandemic continue to have a significant impact on worldwide economic activity and on macroeconomic conditions. Although vaccines are available in variousnumerous countries and distribution of the vaccine alsovaccination level varies by country and in the U.S.United States by state. The duration and severity of itsthe effects of the pandemic are still unknown.unknown and cannot be predicted with any certainty. Despite this lessening impact throughout 2021, we continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic for potential impact on our business and take precautions to provide a safe environment for our employees and customers. Notwithstanding the Company's continued efforts to promote the health and safety of our employees, suppliers and customers, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, health concern risks remain. It also remains unclear how various national, state, and local governments will react if new variants of the virus become more prevalent.

GovernmentIn response to the pandemic, government authorities in the countries and states where we operate have issued various and differing shelter in place and stay at home orders, social distancing guidelines, mask mandates and other measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In many of those locations our operations are classified as an essential business"essential business" and all of our manufacturing and distribution facilitieswe continue to operate our business in accordancecompliance with those orders. In late March 2020, twoapplicable state and local laws and are observing recommended Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to minimize the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus. We have undertaken numerous steps and instituted additional precautions to comply with health and safety guidelines and to protect our employees, suppliers and customers, as their safety and well-being is one of our larger European manufacturing facilities intop priorities, and to comply with health and safety guidelines. These steps and precautions include enhanced deep cleaning, staggered shifts, temperature checking, use of face masks, practicing social distancing and limiting non-employees at our locations, amongst other safety related policies and procedures. Although vaccines are available where we operate, health concern risks remain and it is possible the United KingdomCOVID-19 pandemic could further impact our operations and France were ordered to cease nearly all operations. Those two facilities have since re-opened. And since then, there have been no orders to close anythe operations of our manufacturing or distribution facilities. suppliers and vendors, particularly in light of variant strains of COVID-19 that may cause a resumption of high levels of infection and hospitalization.

The Company’s management team continues to monitor and manage its ability to operate effectively and, to date, the Company has not experienced any significant disruptions within its supply chain. Our supply chain partners have been very supportive and continue to do their part to ensure that service levels to our customers remain strong and, to date, we have not experienced any supply-chain disruptions related to COVID-19 and have been ablecontinued to meet our customers’ needs.needs despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to communicate with our supply chain partners to identify and mitigate risk and to manage inventory levels.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Company proactively took measures to maintain and preserve its strong financial position and flexibility, including drawing down on its credit facility, suspending its stock repurchase program, implementing a hiring freeze and adjusting employee hours to meet production requirements. Based on updated expectations in mid-2020, the Company had resumed hiring to meet increased demand levels that it has experienced.flexibility. The Company repaid the amount outstanding on its credit facility and resumed its stock repurchase program. As a result of COVID-19 and in support of continuing its manufacturing efforts, the Company has undertaken steps to protect its employees, suppliers and customers, as their safety and well-being is one of our top priorities. We have instituted additional precautions in our manufacturing and distribution facilities to comply with health and safety guidelines and to protect our employees, including enhanced deep cleaning, staggered shifts, temperature checking, use of face masks, practicing social distancing and limiting non-employees at our locations, amongst other safety related policies and procedures. Many of our office workers in our manufacturing and distribution facilities, as well as the corporate headquarters, continue to work remotely, where possible. TheCompany's Crisis Management Team, which includes members of senior management, meets regularly to review and assess the status of the Company's operations and the health and safety of its employees.

Unlike lumber or other products that have a more direct correlation to United States housing starts, our products are used to a greater extent in areas that are subject to natural forces, such as seismic or wind events. Our products are generally used in a sequential mannerprocess that follows the construction process. Residential light industrial and commercial construction begins with the foundation, followed by the wall and the roof systems, and then the installation of our products, which flow into a project or a house according to these schedules.

Our sales also tend to be seasonal, with operating results varying from quarter to quarter. With some exceptions, our sales and income have historically been lower in the first and fourth quarters than in the second and third quarters of a fiscal year, as our customers tend to purchase construction materials in the late spring and summer months for the construction season. Weather conditions, such as extended cold or wet weather, which affect and sometimes delay installation of some of our products, could negatively affect our results of operations. Political and economic events such as tariffs and the possibility of additional tariffs on imported raw materials or finished goods or such as labor disputes can also have an effect on our gross and operating profits as well as the amount of inventory on-hand. Our operations can also be affected by a volatile steel market and stressed product transportation systems. Changes in raw material cost could negatively affect our gross profit and operating margins depending on the timing of raw material purchases or how much sales prices can be increased to offset higher raw material costs. Delays in receiving products or shipping sales orders, as well as increased transportation costs, could negatively impact sales and operating profits.

Our operations also expose us to risks associated with pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic which spread from China to many other countries including the U.S. See "Item IA—Risk Factors."pandemic.

Historically our North America segment has generated more revenues from wood construction products compared to concrete construction products. During 2020, the return of Lowe's, favorable weather conditions,North America sales increased home improvement activity and increased housing starts resulted in higher sales volumes over the same time period of 2019, which had extremely wet weather in the first half of the year. Wood construction product sales volume increased 15.6%23.7% for the year ended December 31, 20202021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to increased sales volumes in connection with the return of Lowe's and increased housing starts and repair and remodel activity, which resulted in increased sales to some of our other sales distributor channels.Net sales of our concrete2020. Our wood construction product sales increased slightly25.2% for the year ended December 31, 20202021 compared to December 31, 2020, primarily due to product price increases that took effect throughout 2021 as well as increased sales volumes. Our concrete construction product sales increased 13.9% for the year ended December 31, 20192021 compared to December 31, 2020, mostly due to increasedproduct price increases that took effect throughout 2021. North America net sales volumes. Operating profits increased duewere positively affected by approximately $4.7 million in foreign currency translation mostly related to a strengthening Canadian dollar. Each product price percentage increase ranged from mid-single digits to mid-teens depending on the product mix, for certain of our wood connector, fastener and concrete products in the United States. In regards to the product price increases phased in during 2021 relative to 2022, full phased in product price increases for 2022 could result in $300 million in additional net sales compared to 2021. . We currently anticipate additional net sales to be offset by higher sales,priced raw materials and lowerrising average cost of goods sold mostly due to lower material costs. Insteel on hand significantly compressing gross margin and operating expenses, increasesmargin in cash profit sharing and stock-based compensation expense were partially offset by reductions in consulting fees and travel related expense.fiscal 2022.

Our Asia/Pacific segment has generated revenues from both wood and concrete construction products. We believe that the Asia/Pacific segment is not significant to our overall performance.

 

The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, the Company’s operating results as a percentage of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 2019 and 2018,2019, respectively:

 

Unless otherwise stated, the results announced below results, when providing comparisons (which are generally indicated by words such as “increased,” “decreased,” “unchanged” or “compared to”), compare the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020,2021, against the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020. Unless otherwise stated, the results

announced below, when referencing “both years,” refer to the year ended December 31, 20192020 and the year ended December 31, 2020.2021.

The following table shows the change in the Company’s operations from 20192020 to 2020,2021, and the increases or decreases from the prior year, for each category by segment:

 

Net Sales

The following table shows net sales by segment for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2020,2021, respectively:

The following table shows segment net sales as percentages of total net sales for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2020,2021, respectively:

 

The following table shows gross profit by segment for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2020,2021, respectively:

North America

Europe

Asia/Pacific

Administrative and All Other

 

The critical accounting policies described below affect the Company’s more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. If the Company’s business conditions change or if it uses different assumptions or estimates in the application of these and other accounting policies, as well as uncertainty in the current economic environment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Company’s future results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value (market). Cost includes all costs incurred in bringing each product to its present location and condition, as follows:

 

 

The Company applies net realizable value and makes estimates for obsolescence to the gross value of inventory. The Company estimates net realizable value based on estimated selling price less further costs through completion and disposal. The Company impairs slow-moving products by comparing inventories on hand to projected demand. If on-hand supply of a product exceeds projected demand or if the Company believes the product is no longer marketable, the product is considered obsolete inventory. The Company revalues obsolete inventory to its net realizable value and has consistently applied this methodology. The