Table of Contents

 



UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20192020

Or

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

For the transition period from            to

 

Commission File Number 001-34627


 

GENERAC HOLDINGS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

20-5654756
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

  

S45 W29290 Hwy 59, Waukesha, WI
(Address of principal executive offices)

53189
(Zip Code)

 

(262) 544-4811
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

GNRC

New York Stock Exchange

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None

 


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ 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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☒Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐ 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

 

The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 28, 2019,30, 2020, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $4,191,188,195$7,391,323,686 based upon the closing price reported for such date on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

As of February 19, 2020, 62,567,5252021, 62,861,442 shares of registrant's common stock were outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 20192020 furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated by reference into Part II of this Form 10-K. Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 20202021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2020“2021 Proxy Statement”), which will be filed by the registrant on or prior to 120 days following the end of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2019,2020, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 



 

 

 

 

20192020 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  

Page

PART I

   

Item 1.

Business

2

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

8

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

1615

Item 2.

Properties

1615

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

1716

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

1716
 

PART II

   

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

1716

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data[Reserved]

1917

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2418

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

3632

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

3733

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

7267

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

7267

Item 9B.

Other Information

7368
 

PART III

   

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

7368

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

7368

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

7368

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

7368

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

7368
 

PART IV

   

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

7368

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

7772

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This annual report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “confident,” “may,” “should,” “can have,” “likely,” “future,” “optimistic” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events.

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report are based on assumptions that we have made in light of our industry experience and on our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. As you read and consider this report, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual financial results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report include estimates regarding:

 

 

our business, financial and operating results, and future economic performance;

 

proposed new product and service offerings; and

 

management's goals, expectations and objectives and other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

 

Factors that could affect our actual financial results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements include:

 

 

frequency and duration of power outages impacting demand for our products;

 

availability, cost and quality of raw materials and key components from our global supply chain and labor needed in producing our products;

 

the impact on our results of possible fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodities, product mix and regulatory tariffs;

 

the possibility that the expected synergies, efficiencies and cost savings of our acquisitions will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period;

 

the risk that our acquisitions will not be integrated successfully;

the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; 
 

difficulties we may encounter as our business expands globally or into new markets;

 

our dependence on our distribution network;

 

our ability to invest in, develop or adapt to changing technologies and manufacturing techniques;

 

loss of our key management and employees;

 

increase in product and other liability claims or recalls;

 

failures or security breaches of our networks, or information technology systems; andsystems, or connected products;

 

changes in environmental, health and safety, or product compliance laws and regulations affecting our products, operations, or operations.customer demand; and

 

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of these assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in any forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of these and other factors that may affect future results is contained in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Stockholders, potential investors and other readers should consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements.

 

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Founded in 1959, Generac Holdings Inc. (the Company or Generac) is a leading global designer and manufacturer of a wide range of energy technology solutions. The Company provides power generation equipment, energy storage systems, grid service solutions, and other power products serving the residential, light commercial and industrial markets.

 

Power generation and storage is a key focus of the Company, which differentiates us from our competitors who also have broad operations outside of the power equipment market. As the only significant market participant focused predominantlywith a primary focus on these products, we maintain one of the leading market positions in the power equipment market in North America and an expanding presence internationally. We believe we have one of the widest ranges of products in the marketplace, including residential, commercial and industrial standby generators; as well as portable and mobile generators used in a variety of applications. A key strategic focus for the Company in recent years has been leveraging our leading position in the growing market for cleaner burning, more cost-effective natural gas fueled generators to expand into applications beyond standby power. We havepower, allowing us to participate in distributed generation projects. The Company in recent years has been evolving its business model to also been focusedfocus on “connecting” the equipment we manufacture to the users of that equipment, helping to drive additional value to our customersclean energy products, solutions, and our distribution partners over the product lifecycle.

Duringservices. In 2019, we began providing energy storage systems as a clean energy solution for residential use that capture and store electricity from solar panels or other power sources and help reduce home energy costs while also protecting homes from briefshorter-duration power outages. During 2020, we entered the market for grid services involving distributed energy optimization and control software that helps support the operational stability of the world's power grids. We have also been focused on connecting the equipment we manufacture to the users of that equipment, helping to drive additional value to our customers and our distribution partners over the product lifecycle. The strategic focus on expanding the connectivity of our products will broaden our monitoring capabilities and also enable the increasing utilization of this equipment as distributed energy resources as the nascent market for grid-services expands over the next several years. Overall, as the traditional centralized utility model evolves over time, we believe that a cleaner, more decentralized grid infrastructure will build-out, and Generac's energy technology solutions are strategically positioned to participate in this future "Grid 2.0".

 

Other engine poweredIn addition to power generation and storage solutions, other products that we design and manufacture include light towers which provide temporary lighting for various end markets; commercial and industrial mobile heaters and pumps used in the oil & gas, construction and other industrial markets;markets, and a broad and growing product line of outdoor power equipment for residential and commercial use.

 

We design, manufacture, source and modify engines, alternators, transfer switches and other components necessary for our power generation products, which are increasingly being fueled by cleaner sources of energy such as natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline, diesel and Bi-Fuel™. We also design, source, modify and integrate batteries, inverters, power electronics, controls, energy monitoring and management devices and other components into our energy storage systems. We also design software that allows utilities and power aggregators to optimize and control distributed energy resources. Our products and solutions are available globally through a broad network of independent dealers, distributors, retailers, ecommerce partners, wholesalers and equipment rental companies under a variety of brand names. We also sell direct to certain national and regional account customers, as well as to individual consumers, that are the end users of our products.products and solutions.

 

We have a significant market share in the residential and light commercial markets for automatic standby generators, which we believe remain under-penetrated in the marketplace. We also have a leading market position for portable generators used in residential, light construction and recreational applications. We believe that our leading market position ispositions are largely attributable to our strategy of providing a broad product line of high-quality, innovative and affordable products through our extensive and multi-layered distribution network to whom we offer comprehensive support programs, and leads from the factory. In addition, we are a leading provider of light towers, mobile generators, flameless heaters, outdoor power equipment and industrial diesel generators ranging in sizes up to 3,250kW. As we enterhave entered the rapidly developing market for clean energy storage,in recent years, we offerhave significantly increased our market presence for energy storage systems currently ranging in configurations up to 34kWh, and36kWh of storage capacity. We expect to continue to gain market share in clean energy by further advancing our growing capabilities for these systems including product development, sourcing, distribution, and marketing, as well as leveraging our capabilities that we havesignificant competencies developed over the past two decades to grow the residential standby generator market.

 

Over the past 10 years, we have executed a number of acquisitions that support our strategic plan. A summary of recent acquisitions can be found in Note 1, “Description of Business,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Products and Solutions

 

We design and manufacture stationary, portable and mobile generators with single-engine outputs ranging between 800W and 3,250kW. We have the ability to expand the power range for certain stationary generator solutions to much larger multi-megawatt systems through an integrated paralleling configuration called Modular Power Systems (MPS). We have developed a line of turn-key energy storage systems along with a growing selection of energy monitoring and management solutions as we further expand into the clean energy markets. We also recently entered the market for grid services involving distributed energy optimization and control software. Other engine poweredpower products and solutions that we provide include light towers, mobile heaters, power washers and water pumps, along withas well as a broad line of outdoor power equipment. We now have a complete line of energy storage systemsequipment that we refer to as chore products which includes field and energy monitoring solutions as we enter the clean energy markets.brush mowers, pressure washers, water pumps, and battery-powered zero-turn mowers. We classify our products into three categories based on similar range of power output geared for varying end customer uses: Residential products, Commercial & Industrial (C&I) products and Other products & services. The following summary outlines our portfolio of products, including their key attributes and customer applications.

 

Residential Products

 

Our residential automatic standby generators range in output from 6kW7.5kW to 60kW,150kW, operate on natural gas, liquid propane or diesel, and are permanently installed with an automatic transfer switch, which we also manufacture. Air-cooled engine residential standby generators range in outputs from 6kW7.5kW to 22kW, are available in steel and aluminum enclosures24kW and serve as an emergency backup for small to medium-sized homes. Liquid-cooled engine generators serve as emergency backup for larger homes and small businesses and range in output from 22kW to 150kW. We also provide a remote monitoring system with various options for home standby generators called Mobile Link™. This remote monitoring capability is a standard, WiFi-enabled feature on every home standby generator that we offer, and allows our customers to check the status of their generator conveniently online, and also provides the capability to similarly receive maintenance and service alerts. This capability will also give our customers the ability to connect and enroll their generator as a distributed energy resource used in future grid services applications. Our remote monitoring platform also allows our distribution partners to monitor their installed base of customers through a feature that we call “Fleet”, enabling them to offer a more proactive experience to service a customer’s generator.

 

2

Table of Contents

 

During 2020, we introduced the industry's largest air-cooled generator - a 24kW machine that adds to our broad product offering and increases our competitive advantage in the marketplace. The new generator is the first to be bundled with the Company's new PWRview™ Automatic Transfer Switch, equipped with the PWRview™ Home Energy Management System (HEMS). PWRview™ gives the homeowner insights into their daily home energy consumption, enabling power-saving decisions that can reduce electricity bills and help to offset the purchase cost of the generator over the product's lifespan. 

We provide a broad product line of portable and inverter generators that are fueled predominantly by gasoline, with certain models running on propane and diesel fuel, which range in size from 800W to 17.5kW. These products serve as an emergency home backup source of electricity and are also used for construction and recreational purposes. Our portable generators are targeted at homeowners, with price points ranging between the consumer value end of the market through the premium homeowner market; at professional contractors, starting at the value end through the premium contractor segment; and at the recreational market with our inverter product line.generator products, which are quieter than traditional portable generators. In addition, we offer manual transfer switches to supplement our portable generator product offering.

 

We provideDuring 2019 we entered the energy storage and monitoring markets through the acquisitions of Neurio Technology Inc. and Pika Energy, Inc. Following these acquisitions and leveraging their technologies, we introduced a broad product line of engine drivenclean energy products marketed under the Generac brand and using the names PWRcell™ and PWRview™.  This clean energy solution consists of a system of batteries, an inverter, PV optimizers, power washers for residentialelectronic controls, energy monitoring and commercial use, fueled by gasoline, whichmanagement hardware & software, and other components. These systems capture and store electricity from solar panels or other power sources and help reduce home energy costs while also protecting homes from shorter duration power outages, and range in pressuresize from 2,5009kWh up to 4,200 PSI.36kWh of storage capacity.  We alsointroduced several new products during 2020 and we continue to develop an innovative pipeline of additional clean energy products and solutions that we expect will be coming to market over the next year.  These new products further enhance our competitive position and differentiation in the energy storage, monitoring and management markets, and focus on whole-house storage solutions with load management capabilities that eventually could contribute to energy independence.

We provide a broad product line of outdoor power equipment that includes water pumps, trimmer & brush mowers, log splitters, lawn & leaf vacuums, and chipper shreddersreferred to as chore products, which are used for the property maintenance needs of larger-acreage residences, commercial properties, municipalities and farms. These products include trimmers, field and brush mowers, log splitters, stump grinders, chipper shredders, lawn and leaf vacuums, pressure washers and water pumps. During 2020, we further expanded our broad lineup of chore products by entering the commercial battery-powered turf care market through the acquisition of Mean Green Products, LLC. This acquisition also supports our goals to integrate and develop new battery-powered solutions by accelerating the electrification of our higher-powered lineup of chore products. Chore products are largely sold in North America through online catalogs, retail hardware stores and outdoor power equipment dealers primarily under the DR® brand name.

 

The acquisitions of Neurio Technology Inc. in March 2019 and Pika Energy, Inc. in April 2019 accelerated our entrance into the energy storage and energy monitoring markets. Late in 2019 we began selling complete energy storage systems – marketed under the names PWRcellTM and PWRviewTM. This clean energy solution consists of a system of batteries, an inverter, power electronic controls, energy monitoring hardware & software, and other components. These systems capture and store electricity from solar panels or the electric grid and help reduce home energy costs while also protecting homes from brief power outages, and range in size from 8kWh up to 34kWh.

Residential products comprised 51.9%62.6%, 51.5%51.9% and 51.8%51.5%, respectively, of total net sales in 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018.

 

Commercial & Industrial Products

 

We offer a full line of C&I generators that are increasingly being fueled by diesel,cleaner sources of energy such as natural gas, liquid propane, and Bi-Fuel™., as well as other more traditional fuels such as diesel. We believe we have one of the broadest product offerings in the industry with power outputs ranging from 10kW up to 3,250kW.

 

Our light-commercial standby generators include a full range of affordable systems from 22kW to 150kW and related transfer switches, providing three-phase power sufficient for most small and mid-sized businesses such as grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, gas stations, pharmacies, retail banks, small health care facilities and other small-footprint retail applications. Our light-commercial generators run on a variety of fuels including natural gas, liquid propane and diesel fuel.

 

We design and manufacture a broad product line of standardmodelized and configured stationary generators and related transfer switches for various industrial standby, continuous-duty and prime rated applications. Our single-engine industrial generators range in output from 10kW up to 3,250kW, which includesinclude stationary and containerized packages, withand include our MPS technology extendingthat extends our product range up to much larger multi-megawatt systems through an integrated paralleling configuration. During 2018,Over the past several years, we have introduced larger and higher-powered gaseous-fueled generators, with the highest output of 750kW for a new 750kW gaseous-fueled generator, our largest and most powerful generatorsingle-engine set currently to date, with future plans going forward to expand these cleaner-fuel generators into larger applications.applications of 1,000kW and beyond. We offer foura variety of fuel options for our industrial generators, including diesel, natural gas, liquid propane or Bi-Fuel™. Bi-Fuel™ generators operate on a combination of both diesel and natural gas to allowprovide our customers the advantage offlexibility to operate these generators on multiple fuel sources and extended run times. Our industrial standby generators are primarily used as emergency backup for larger applications in the healthcare, telecom, datacom, commercial office, retail, municipal and manufacturing markets. In recent years, we've had a strategic effort aimed at utilizing our gaseous-fueled generators in "beyond standby" applications including distributed generation and micro-grid projects.

 

Our MPS technology combines the power of several smaller generators to produce the output of a larger generator, providing our customers with redundancy and scalability in a cost-effective manner. For larger industrial applications, our MPS products offer customers an efficient, affordable way to scale their standby power needs, and also offerwhile offering superior reliability given their built-in redundancy which allows individual units to be taken off-line for routine maintenance while retaining coverage for critical circuits.

 

We also offer a full line of industrial transfer switches to meet varying needs from light industrial applications all the way to the most demanding critical installations. Generac’s industry-leading feature set and flexible platforms offer a variety of switching technologies for customized solutions to meet any project needs. During 2020, we introduced the first of our new TX Series transfer switches, which are an ideal solution for an array of applications with its extensive capabilities and ease of installation. This new generation of transfer switches should help us increase our spec rate, which should ultimately help us win more projects. 

 

We provide a broad product line of light towers mobile generators and mobile heaters,generators, which provide temporary lighting power and heatpower for various end markets, such as road and commercial construction, energy, mining, military and special events. We manufacture commercial mobile pumps and dust-suppression equipment for a wide variety of applications. We also manufacture various gaseous-engine control systems and accessories, which are sold to gas-engine manufacturers and aftermarket customers.

 

C&I products comprised 39.5%28.3%, 40.6%39.5% and 40.8%40.6% respectively, of total net sales in 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018.

 

3

Table of Contents

 

Other Products and Services

 

Our “Other Products and Services” category primarily consists of aftermarket service parts and product accessories sold to our customers, the amortization of extended warranty deferred revenue, and the service offerings in various parts of our business, including integration, project management, remote monitoring services, and energy monitoring services.

 

Also included in this “Other” category are revenues from Enbala Power Networks Inc., which was acquired during the fourth quarter of 2020.  Enbala accelerates our entrance into the market for grid services involving distributed energy optimization and control software used by utilities and energy retailers that enable the connection of distributed energy resources (known as DERs) to help support the operational stability of the world’s power grids.  These DER assets, which can include residential and C&I natural gas generators, PWRcell™ energy storage systems, and load management devices, can be connected to Enbala’s software platform and aggregated into a decentralized and virtual power network to provide flexible capacity to address peaks in electricity demand, variability in supply due to increasing use of renewables, and where resiliency is needed as a result of power outages. 

Other products and services comprised 8.6%9.1%, 7.9%8.6% and 7.4%7.9%, respectively, of total net sales in 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018.

 

Distribution Channels and Customers

 

We distribute our products through a variety of different distribution channels to increase awareness of our product categories and brands, and to ensure our products reach a broad, global customer base. This omni-channel distribution network includes independent residential dealers, industrial distributors and dealers, national and regional retailers, e-commerce partners, electrical, HVAC and electrical/HVAC/solar wholesalers (including certain private label arrangements), catalogs, equipment rental companies, equipment distributors, and solar installers. We also sell direct to certain national and regional account customers, which include utilities and energy retailers, as well as to individual consumers, who are the end users of our products.

 

We believe our global distribution network is a competitive advantage that has strengthened over the years as a result of adding, expanding and developing the various distribution channels through which we sell our products. We offer a broad set of tools, programs, factory support, and sales leads to help our distribution partners be successful. Our network is well balanced with no single customer providing more than 5%6% of our sales in 2019.2020.

 

At over 6,0007,000 strong, we have the industry's largest network of factory direct independent generator dealers in North America.

 

Our residential/light commercial dealer network sells, installs and services our residential and light commercial products to end users. We have increased our level of investment in recent years by focusing on a variety of initiatives to more effectively market and sell our home standby products and better align our dealer network with Generac. These initiatives have helped to improve lead quality and develop our dealers, thereby increasing close rates and lowering our cost per lead. We intend to leverage

Beginning in 2020, we have been leveraging these practices to grow the rapidly developing markets forassist in growing our base of solar contractors that install our complete energy storage systems. In addition, we have been developing distribution relationships with national solar providers to offer our storage equipment in their portfolio of products and energy monitoring.services. 

 

Our industrial network consists of a combination of primary distributors as well as a support network of dealers serving the global market. Over the past several years, we have been expanding our dealer network globally through acquisitions and organic means, in order to expand our international sales opportunities. The industrial distributors and dealers provide industrial and commercial end users with ongoing sales, installation and product support. Our industrial distributors and dealers help maintain the local relationships with commercial electrical contractors, specifying engineers and national account regional buying offices. We also sell to certain Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies that manage more complex power generation projects.

 

Our retail distribution network includes thousands of locations across the globe and includes a variety of regional and national home improvement chains, retailers, clubs, buying groups, hardware stores and farm supply stores. These physical retail locations are supplemented by a growing presence of e-commerce retailers, along with a number of catalog retailers. This network primarily sells our residential standby, portable and light-commercial generators, as well as our other engine powered tools. The placement of our products at retail locations drives significant awareness for our brands and the automatic home standby product category.

 

Our wholesaler network distributes our residential and light-commercial generators and now our energy storage systems. The channel consists of selling branches of both national and local distribution houses for electrical, HVAC and solar products on a wholesale basis. Theybasis, which in turn typically sell to electrical dealers and solar installers who are not in our dealer network.

 

On a selective basis, we have established private label and licensing arrangements with third party partners to provide residential, light-commercial and industrial generators. These partners include leading home equipment, electrical equipment and construction machinery companies, each of which provides access to incremental channels of distribution for our products.

 

The distribution for our C&I mobile products includes international, national, regional and specialty equipment rental companies, equipment distributors and construction companies, which primarily serve non-residential building construction, road construction, energy markets and special events. In addition, international acquisitions have provided access to numerous independent distributors in over 150 countries.

 

We sell direct to certain national and regional account customers that are the end users of our products covering a number of end market verticals, including telecommunication, retail, banking, energy, utilities, healthcare, convenience stores, grocery stores and other light commercial applications. Additionally, our residential products are also sold direct to individual consumers, who are the end users of the product. In the grid services space, our Enbala business sells software and power direct to utilities and energy retailers.

 

4

Table of Contents

 

Business Strategy


We have been executing on our strategic plan called "Power Our Future", which serves as the framework for the significant investments we have made to capitalize on the long-term growth prospects of Generac. Our strategic plan centers around a number of key mega-trends that we believe will drive significant secular growth opportunities for our business. Significant changes in the energy landscape,"Grid 2.0," climate change, the abundance of natural gas globally, an aging infrastructure, and 5G telecommunications are all major themes that we believe will drive future long-term growth. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has led to a new and emerging trend that we refer to as "Home as a Sanctuary," where millions of people are working, learning, shopping, entertaining, and in general, spending more time at home, which has resulted in a significant increased awareness for backup power security and willingness to invest more in home improvement projects. As we continue to move our strategic plan into the future, we are focused on a number of initiatives that are driven by the following four key objectives, which are called “Powering Our Future”:objectives:

 

Growing the residential standby generatorpower solutions market. This encompasses the still underpenetrated market for home standby generators along with the emerging market for energy storage, monitoring and management systems. As the leader in the home standby generator market, it is incumbent upon us to continue to drive growth and increase the penetration rate of these products in households across the world. Central to this strategy is to increase the awareness, availability and affordability of home standby generators. Ongoing power outage activity due to more severe weather and an aging electrical grid, combined with expanding and developing our residential/light commercial dealer base and overall distribution in affected regions, are key drivers in elevating the awareness of home standby generators over the long term. We intend to continue to supplement these key growth drivers by focusing on a variety of strategic initiatives targeted toward generating moreincreased sales leads, improving close rates and reducing the total overall cost of a home standby system. In addition, we intend to continue to focus on innovation in this growing product category and introduce new products and solutions into the marketplace. With only approximately 4.75%5.0% penetration of the addressable market of homes in the United States (which we define as single-family detached, owner-occupied households with a home value of over $125,000, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau's 20172019 American Housing Survey for the United States), we believe there are significant opportunities to further penetrate the residential standby generator market both domestically and internationally. As

In early 2020, we launched our PWRcell™ energy storage system into the market and began to significantly ramp up our shipment volumes for these products. We expect the market for clean energy products to grow significantly as the energy landscape continues to change and favor on-site renewable power, we intendand homeowners increasingly appreciate the improved payback and resiliency provided by these systems. We expect to leveragefurther advance our growing capabilities for energy storage systems including product development, sourcing, distribution, and marketing, as well as leveraging our significant experience and competencies developed over the past two decades in growingto grow the residential standby generator market to accelerate our recent entrance intomarket position in the emerging residential energy storage, monitoring and monitoringmanagement markets.

 

Gaining market share and entering new markets. We continue to put a strongsharpen our focus on improving our share of the power equipment markets in which we participate around the world by emphasizing our innovation and continually expanding our product lines and services. We design and build a wide range of products from stationary, portable, stationary and mobile generators, light towers, mobile heaters, pumps,field and brush mowers and trimmers, pressure washers, pumps, and other engine powered equipment. We have many advantages over our competitors with strengths in our engineering, sourcing and operations capabilities as well as a global distribution network that we believe can be leveraged further for continued market share gains in the markets we serve around the world.gains. We are also focused on expanding our addressable market opportunities by entering new markets, be it with new products or new geographies around the world.

 

Lead with natural gas power generation products. We will attempt to gain incremental market share within commercial and industrial markets through our leading position in the growing market for cleaner burning, more cost effective natural gas fueled standby power solutions. While still a smallerDemand for these products continues to represent an increasing portion of the overall C&I market, which we believe demand for these products continueswill continue to increase at a faster rate than traditional diesel fueled generators as a result of their lower capital investment and operating costs. Given the abundance of natural gas as a global source for base-load power, we also intend to explore new gaseous generator related market opportunities, including increasing our product capabilities for applications beyond standby generation including continuous-duty, prime rated, distributed generation, demand response, micro grids and combined heat and power.overall use as a distributed energy resource in areas where grid stability or capacity is needed. We plan to do this by leveraging our deep technical capabilities for gaseous-fueled products, leading position for natural gas standby generators and growing market acceptance for these products. As part of this strategy, we plan to continue to expand our natural gas product offering into larger power nodes to take advantage of the continuing shift from diesel to natural gas generators.

 

Connect with customers, partnersto monitor and product.manage energy technology products. We will work to continue to diversify our business model from solelyprimarily “equipment centric” to a systems and services provider through connectivity solutions and subscription based applications deployed enterprise wide. This includes an important emphasis on improving the end-user experience, and helping customers to lower utility costs. The initialcosts and to help offset the purchase cost of our equipment over the product's lifespan. A critical focus iscontinues to be increasing the connection with our products to unlock opportunities and revenue streams. We have developed and acquired tools and programs that add value to dealers, utilities, energy retailers and end-users that will result in recurring revenue from subscriptions and parts. We will leverage data obtained from connected devices by developing predictive analytics that result in continuously improving product quality, sales processes and tools, energy optimization, aftermarket penetration, customer experience and alignment with dealers. Finally, we will continue to build or acquire energy management capabilities to monetize an ecosystem of devices that relate to energy use, storage, generation, control and optimization.optimization, including capitalizing on the future ability of these devices to be used as distributed energy resources in grid services applications around the world to help support the operational stability of electrical grids.

 

Expansion globally is a core pieceelement to the success of each of our strategic objectives. The recent acquisitions completed over the past several years that now comprise our International segment have significantly increased our global presence by adding product, manufacturing and distribution capabilities that serve local markets around the world, and have resulted in us becoming a leading global player in the markets for backup power and mobile power equipment. As we look forward, we intend to leverage our increased international footprint attained from these acquisitions to serve the significant global markets for power generation, energy storage, monitoring and power storagemanagement, and grid services outside the U.S. and Canada.

 

5

Table of Contents

 

See “Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Business Drivers and Trends” for additional drivers that influence demand for our products and other trends affecting the markets that we serve.

 

Manufacturing

 

We operate numerous manufacturing plants, distribution facilities and inventory warehouses located throughout the world. We store finished goods at third-party logistics providers in the United States that accommodate material storage and rapid response requirements of our customers. See “Item 2 – Properties” for additional details regarding the locations and activities of our principal operations.

 

In recent years, we have added and continue to add manufacturing capacity through investments in automation, improved utilization and the expansion of our manufacturing footprint through organic means as well as through acquisitions. We believe we will have sufficient capacity to achieve our business goals for the near-to-intermediate term.

 

Research and Development

 

Our focus on power generation equipment, energy storage systems, grid services solutions and other power products drives technological innovation, specialized engineering and manufacturing competencies. Research and development (R&D) is a core competency and includes a staff of over 500 engineers working on numerous projects at various facilities worldwide. These activities are focused on developing new technologies and product enhancements, as well as maintaining product competitiveness by improvingreducing manufacturing costs, improving safety characteristics, reliability and performance while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. We have over 35 years of experience using natural gas engines and have developed specific expertise with fuel systems and emissions technology. In the residential and light commercial markets, we have developed proprietary engines, cooling packages, controls, fuel systems and emissions systems. The Pika Energy and Neurio Technologies acquisitions have built outprovided significant resources and expertise in the energy storage and energy monitoring markets. They providemarkets, which has been leveraged to further advance the competencies in these areas as well as an increased focus on energy management. This includes advanced capabilities with power electronics and battery management software, along with proprietary inverter technologies and hardware and software for energy monitoring and management. We also have engineering and product management resources focused on evaluating and developing alternative technologies that could become commercially viable options for de-carbonized power generation over the long term. We believe that our expertise in power equipment givesenergy technology solutions provides us with the capability to develop new products and services that will allow continued diversification in our end markets.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We are committed to research and development, and we rely on a combination of patents and trademarks to establish and protect our proprietary rights. Our patents protect certain features and technologies we have developed for use in our products including fuel systems, air flow, electronics and controls, noise reduction, air-cooled engines, and air-cooled engines.load management. We believe the existence of these patents and trademarks, along with our ongoing processes to register additional patents and trademarks, protect our intellectual property rights and enhance our brands and competitive position. We also use proprietary manufacturing processes that require customized equipment. With our continuous focus on research and development, we expect to develop new intellectual property on an ongoing basis.

 

Suppliers of Raw Materials, Components and Equipment

 

Our primary raw material inputs are steel, copper and aluminum, all of which are purchased from third parties and, in many cases, as part of machined or manufactured components. In certain instances, we purchase from third-party suppliers complete equipment and systems. Within the clean energy market, we expect batteries to be a significant supply chain input for our energy storage systems. We have developed an extensive network of reliable suppliers in the United States and around the world. We believe our Strategic Global Sourcing function is a competitive strength and continuously evaluates the quality and cost structure of our purchased components and equipment and assesses the capabilities of our supply chain. Components and equipment are sourced accordingly based on this evaluation. Our supplier quality engineers conduct on-site audits of major supply chain partners and help to maintain the reliability of critical sourced components.components and equipment.

 

Competition

 

The market for power generation equipment, energy storage systems, grid services solutions and other engine powered products is competitive. We face competition from a variety of large diversified industrial companies as well as smaller generator manufacturers, along with mobile equipment, engine powered tools, solar inverter, and battery storage and grid services providers, both domestic and internationally.

 

Specifically in the generator market, most of the traditional participants compete on a more focused basis, targeting specific applications within their larger diversified product mix. We are the only significant market participant with a primary focus on power equipment with a key emphasis on standby, portable and mobile generators with broad capabilities across the residential, light-commercial and industrial markets. We believe that our engineering capabilities and core focus on generators provide us with manufacturing flexibility and enables us to maintain a first-mover advantage over our competition for product innovation. We also believe our broad product offering, diverse omni-channel distribution model and strong factory support provide additional advantages as well.

 

The Company in recent years has been evolving its business model toward more of a focus on clean energy products, solutions and services, which has introduced a new set of competitors. 

6

Table of Contents

 

A summary of the primary competitors across our main product classes areis as follows:

 

Residential productsKohler, Briggs & Stratton, Cummins, Honda, Champion, Techtronics International, Husqvarna, Ariens, LG Chem, Tesla, Enphase, and Solar Edge, along with a number of smaller domestic and foreign competitors; certain of which also have broad operations in other manufacturing businesses.

 

C&I products – Caterpillar, Cummins, Kohler, MTU, IGSA, Wacker, MultiQuip, Terex, Doosan, Briggs & Stratton (Allmand), Atlas Copco, Himoinsa, and Himonisa;FG Wilson; certain of which focus on the market for diesel generators as they are also diesel engine manufacturers. Also, we compete against other regional packagers that serve local markets throughout the world.

Other products – Relative to service parts and extended warranty revenue, all of the above named companies are primary competitors. Relative to grid services optimization software, Autogrid, Energy Hub, along with other grid service solution providers.

 

In a continuously evolving market, we believe our scale and broad capabilities make us well positioned to remain competitive. We compete primarily on the basis of brand reputation, quality, reliability, pricing, innovative features, breadth of product offering, product availability and factory support.

 

EmployeesHuman Capital

"Our People" is one of the foundational elements to our “Powering Our Future” strategy and is a corporate value as well. We foster a culture of diversity and engagement to strengthen our company while supporting individual achievement, inclusivity and good corporate citizenship globally. We believe our success is directly tied to our employees’ personal and professional growth. We care about the safety and well-being of our employees, their families, and our communities.

Some examples of key human capital programs and initiatives that we are focused on include:

Health, wellness and safety – Employee health and safety is the Company’s top priority. Generac’s Healthy & Thriving Total Rewards are based on the four pillars of balance, security, well-being and community. These programs are designed to meet the varied and evolving needs of our diverse workforce. We maintain an employee wellness program, incentivize healthy-living activities, provide emergency paid COVID-19 leave benefits to help employees care for themselves and their families, and we develop and administer company-wide policies to ensure the safety of each employee and compliance with government agency and other standards.

Diversity and inclusionAt Generac, people with diverse backgrounds and points of view work together to support our customers around the globe.  As an inclusive workplace, our employees embrace diversity in all forms, celebrate differences, and treat others with equity and respect.  We have hosted a series of culture-changing listening and learning sessions, championed Unconscious Bias training for our employees, launched employee-led Business Employee Resource Groups (BERG) to facilitate networking and connections with peers and leadership, and partner with community job agencies representing disabled clients and workforce release programs to provide job opportunities to those who face barriers to employment.

Talent development & employee engagement – We prioritize and invest in creating opportunities to help employees build careers at Generac. We hold internal career events as well as partner with local educational resources to offer on the job learning, collaborative work experiences and formal learning programs on continuous improvement and project management skills to support progressions and advancement of our workforce. Further, we maintain an ongoing global employee engagement initiative with targeted action plans by region, function, and business group. Action plans and their progress are measured by global employee engagement surveys.

 

As of December 31, 2019,2020, we had 5,6896,797 employees (5,412(6,452 full time and 277345 part-time and temporary employees). Of those, 2,9533,705 employees were directly involved in manufacturing at our manufacturing facilities.

 

Domestically, we have had an “open shop” bargaining agreement for the past 50 years. The current agreement, which expires October 17, 2021, covers our Eagle, Wisconsin facility. Additionally, our plants in Mexico, Italy and Spain are operated under various local or national union groups. Our other facilities are not unionized.

 

Regulation, including Environmental Matters

 

As a manufacturing company, our operations are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations covering environmental, health and safety matters. Applicable laws and regulations include those governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharges to water, noise and employee safety, as well as the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste and other materials. In addition, our products are subject to various laws and regulations relating to, among other things, emissions and fuel requirements, as well as labeling, storage, transport, and marketing.

 

Our products sold in the United States are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB) and various other state and local air quality management districts. These governing bodies continue to pass regulations that require us to meet more stringent emission standards, and all of our engines and engine-driven products are regulated within the United States and its territories. In addition, certain products in the United States are subject to safety standards as established by various other standards and rule making bodies, or state and local agencies, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

 

Similarly, other countries have varying degrees of regulation for our products, depending upon product application and fuel types.

 

Available Information

 

The Company’s principal executive offices are located at S45 W29290 Highway 59, Waukesha, Wisconsin, 53189 and the Company’s telephone number is (262) 544-4811. The Company’s website is www.generac.com. The Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports are available free of charge through the “Investor Relations” portion of the Company’s web site, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The information provided on these websites is not part of this report and is therefore not incorporated herein by reference.

 

Information About Our Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers:

 

Name Age Position

Aaron P. Jagdfeld

 

4849

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

York A. Ragen

 

4849

 

Chief Financial Officer

Russell S. Minick

 

5960

 

Chief Marketing Officer

Tom Pettit

 

5152

 

Chief Operations Officer

Erik Wilde

 

4546

 

Executive Vice President, Industrial, Americas

Patrick Forsythe

 

5253

 

Chief Technical Officer

Raj Kanuru50Executive Vice President, Global Engineering

General Counsel and Secretary

 

7

Table of Contents

 

Aaron P. Jagdfeld has served as our Chief Executive Officer since September 2008, as a director since November 2006 and was named Chairman in February 2016. Prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jagdfeld worked for Generac for 15 years. He began his career in the finance department in 1994 and became our Chief Financial Officer in 2002. In 2007, he was appointed President and was responsible for sales, marketing, engineering and product development. Prior to joining Generac, Mr. Jagdfeld worked in the audit practice of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin office of Deloitte and Touche. Mr. Jagdfeld holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

 

York A. Ragen has served as our Chief Financial Officer since September 2008. Prior to becoming Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Ragen held Director of Finance and Vice President of Finance positions at Generac. Prior to joining Generac in 2005, Mr. Ragen was Vice President, Corporate Controller at APW Ltd., a spin-off from Applied Power Inc., now known as Enerpac Tool Group. Mr. Ragen began his career at Arthur Andersen in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin office audit practice. Mr. Ragen holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

 

Russell S. Minick began serving as our Chief Marketing Officer in August 2016. In addition to his CMO responsibilities, Mr. Minick was appointed President of our Energy Technology business in January 2021. Prior to his appointment,these appointments, he served as our Executive Vice President, Residential Products since October 2011, with this responsibility being expanded in January 2014 to Executive Vice President, Global Residential Products and to Executive Vice President, North America in September 2014.America. Prior to joining Generac, Mr. Minick was President & CEO of Home Care Products for Electrolux from 2006 to 2011, President of The Gunlocke Company at HNI Corporation from 2003 to 2006, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Development at True Temper Sports from 2002 to 2003, and General Manager of Extended Warranty Operations for Ford Motor Company from 1998 to 2002. Mr. Minick is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, and holds a degree in marketing.

 

Tom Pettit began serving as our Chief Operations Officer in February 2020. SinceFrom 2017 until February 2020, Mr. Pettit was Executive Vice President and Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer of nVent Electric plc, a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions and a former subsidiary of Pentair plc (“Pentair”), a global industrial company. Mr. Pettit previously served as the Operations Vice President of Pentair sincefrom 2015 until 2017, and as the Chief Operating Officer for BioScrip, Inc., a provider of infusion and home care management solutions, from 2014-2015.2014 until 2015. Mr. Pettit holds a B.S. in General Engineering from West Point Military Academy and an MBA from the University of Hawaii.

 

Erik Wilde began serving as our Executive Vice President, Industrial, Americas in July 2016. Mr. Wilde was Vice President and General Manager of the Mining Division for Komatsu America Corp., a manufacturer of construction, mining, and compact construction equipment, from 2013 until he joined Generac. Prior to that role, he held leadership positions as Vice President of the ICT Business Division and Product Marketing at Komatsu America Corp. beginning in 2005. Mr. Wilde holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Boise State University and an M.B.A. from the Keller Graduate School of Management.

 

Patrick Forsythe has served as our Chief Technical Officer since January 2021. He previously served as our Executive Vice President of Global Engineering since July 2015. Prior to re-joining Generac, in July 2015. Mr. Forsythe was Vice President, Global Engineering & Technology of Hayward Industries a producer of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment, from 2008 to 2015, Vice President, Global Engineering at Ingersoll Rand Company (and the acquired Doosan Infracore International) from 2004 to 2008, and Director of Engineering at Ingersoll Rand Company from 2002 to 2004. Prior to 2002, Mr. Forsythe worked in various engineering management capacities with Generac from 1995 to 2002. Mr. Forsythe holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ulster (United Kingdom), a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and an M.S. in Manufacturing Management & Technology from The Open University (United Kingdom).

Raj Kanuru is our Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary and is the Company’s principal legal and compliance officer, roles that he has held since joining Generac in 2013. Prior to joining Generac, Mr. Kanuru served as in-house counsel at Caterpillar Inc. for almost 14 years within various leadership roles, including in the Securities, Regulatory and Tax group, at Caterpillar Financial, and in Caterpillar’s Energy & Transportation group. From 2009 to 2013, Mr. Kanuru served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Progress Rail Services Inc., and its subsidiaries (a Caterpillar company). He began his legal career as a senior associate in the tax consulting practice of Arthur Andersen LLP. Mr. Kanuru holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree from Birmingham-Southern College and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

You should carefully consider the following risks. These risks could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition, cause the trading price of our common stock to decline materially or cause our actual results to differ materially from those expected or those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us. These risks are not exclusive, and additional risks to which we are subject include, but are not limited to, the factors mentioned under “Forward-Looking Statements” and the risks of our businesses described elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

8

Table of Contents

 

Risk factors related to COVID-19

The duration and scope of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are uncertain and may continue to adversely affect our operations, supply chain, distribution, and demand for certain of our products and services.

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has created significant uncertainty within the global markets that we serve. We have operations, customers and suppliers in countries significantly impacted by COVID-19. Governmental authorities around the world have taken a variety of measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including travel bans or restrictions, increased border controls or closures, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders and business shutdowns and such authorities may impose additional restrictions in the future. We have also taken actions to protect our employees and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within our business. There can be no assurance that the measures implemented by governmental authorities or our own actions will be effective or achieve their desired results in a timely fashion. 

The impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and our customers, as well as recent volatility in oil prices, has negatively impacted demand for certain of our products and is expected to continue to do so in the future. Its effects could also result in disruptions to our manufacturing operations and supply chain, which could negatively impact our ability to meet customer demand. Our forward-looking statements assume that our production facilities, supply chain and distribution partners continue to operate during the pandemic. To date, we have been able to operate the majority of our facilities given our status as an essential operation. If we were to encounter a significant work stoppage, disruption, or outbreak due to COVID-19 at one or more of our locations or suppliers, we may not be able to satisfy customer demand for a period of time.

Furthermore, the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, demand for our products and impacts to our operations, including the measures taken by governmental authorities to address it, may precipitate or exacerbate other risks and/or uncertainties, including specifically many of the risk factors set forth in this Annual Report, including risks related to the fair market value of intangible assets that could lead to an impairment, which may have a significant impact on the Company's operating results and financial condition, although we are unable to predict the extent or nature of these impacts at this time. 

Risk factors related to our business and industry

Demand for the majority of our products is significantly affected by unpredictable power outage activity that can lead to substantial variations in, and uncertainties regarding, our financial results from period to period.

 

Sales of our products are subject to consumer buying patterns, and demand for the majority of our products is affected by power outage events caused by thunderstorms, hurricanes, ice storms, blackouts, public safety power shutoffs, and other power grid reliability issues. The impact of these outage events on our sales can vary depending on the location, frequency and severity of the outages. Sustained periods without major power disruptions can lead to reduced consumer awareness of the benefits of standby and portable generator products and can result in reduced sales growth rates and excess inventory. There are smaller, more localized power outages that occur frequently that drive a baseline level of demand for back-up power solutions. The lack of major power outage events and fluctuations to the baseline levels of power outage activity are part of managing our business, and these fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our net sales and profits. Despite their unpredictable nature, we believe power disruptions create awareness and accelerate adoption for our home standby products.

 

Demand for our products is significantly affected by durable goods spending by consumers and businesses, and other macroeconomic conditions.

 

Our business is affected by general economic conditions, and uncertainty or adverse changes such as the prolonged downturn in U.S. residential investment and the impact of more stringent credit standards could lead to a decline in demand for our products and pressure to reduce our prices. Our sales of light-commercial and industrial generators are affected by conditions in the non-residential construction sector and by the capital investment trends for small and large businesses and municipalities. If these businesses and municipalities cannot access credit markets or do not utilize discretionary funds to purchase our products as a result of the economy or other factors, our business could suffer and our ability to realize benefits from our strategy of increasing sales in the light-commercial and industrial sectors through, among other things, our focus on innovation and product development, including natural gas engine and modular technology, could be adversely affected. In addition, consumer confidence and home remodeling expenditures have a significant impact on sales of our residential products, and prolonged periods of weakness in consumer durable goods spending could have a material impact on our business. Typically, we do not have contracts with our customers which call for committed volume, and we cannot guarantee that our current customers will continue to purchase our products at the same level, if at all. If general economic conditions or consumer confidence were to worsen, or if the non-residential construction sector or rate of capital investments were to decline, our net sales and profits would likely be adversely affected. Additionally, timing of capital spending by our national account customers can vary from quarter-to-quarter based on capital availability and internal capital spending budgets. Also, the availability of renewable energy mandates and investment tax credits and other subsidies can have an impact on the demand for energy storage systems.

 

Decreases in the availability and quality, or increases in the cost, of raw materials, key components and labor we use to make our products could materially reduce our earnings.

 

The principal raw materials that we use to produce our products are steel, copper and aluminum. We also source a significant number of component parts from third parties that we utilize to manufacture our products. The prices of those raw materials and components are susceptible to significant fluctuations due to trends in supply and demand, commodity prices, currencies, transportation costs, government regulations and tariffs, price controls, economic conditions and other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. We do not have long-term supply contracts in place to ensure the raw materials and components we use are available in necessary amounts or at fixed prices. If we are unable to mitigate raw material or component price increases through product design improvements, price increases to our customers, manufacturing productivity improvements, or hedging transactions, our profitability could be adversely affected. Also, our ability to continue to obtain quality materials and components is subject to the continued reliability and viability of our suppliers, including in some cases, suppliers who are the sole source of certain important components, including diesel engines.components. If we are unable to obtain adequate, cost efficient or timely deliveries of required raw materials and components, or sufficient labor resources while we ramp up production to meet higher levels of demand, we may be unable to manufacture sufficient quantities of products on a timely basis. This could cause us to lose sales, incur additional costs, delay new product introductions or suffer harm to our reputation. For example, in December 2019, a strain

9

The industry in which we compete is highly competitive, and our failure to compete successfully could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We operate in markets that are highly competitive. Some of our competitors have established brands and are larger in size or are divisions of large diversified companies which have substantially greater financial resources than we do. Some of our competitors may be willing to reduce prices and accept lower margins in order to compete with us. In addition, we could face new competition from large international or domestic companies with established industrial brands that enter our end markets. Demand for our products may also be affected by our ability to respond to changes in design and functionality, to respond to downward pricing pressure, and to provide shorter lead times for our products than our competitors. If we are unable to respond successfully to these competitive pressures, we could lose market share, which could have an adverse impact on our results. For further information, see “Item 1—Business—Competition”.

9

 

Our industry is subject to technological change, and our failure to continue developing new and improved products and to bring these products rapidly to market could have an adverse impact on our business.

 

New products, or refinements and improvements ofto our existing products, may have technical failures, delayed introductions, higher than expected production costs or may not be well accepted by our customers. If we are not able to anticipate, identify, develop and market high quality products in line with technological advancements that respond to changes in customer preferences, demand for our products could decline and our operating results could be adversely affected.

 

We rely on independent dealers and distribution partners, and the loss of these dealers and distribution partners, or of any of our sales arrangements with significant private label, national, retail or equipment rental customers, would adversely affect our business.

 

In addition to our direct sales force and manufacturer sales representatives, we depend on the services of independent distributors and dealers to sell our products and provide service and aftermarket support to our end customers. We also rely upon our distribution channels to drive awareness for our product categories and our brands. In addition, we sell our products to end users through private label arrangements with leading home equipment, electrical equipment and construction machinery companies; arrangements with top retailers and equipment rental companies; and our direct national accounts with telecommunications and industrial customers. Our distribution agreements and any contracts we have with large national, retail and other customers are typically not exclusive, and many of the distributors with whom we do business offer competitors’ products and services. Impairment of our relationships with our distributors, dealers or large customers, loss of a substantial number of these distributors or dealers or of one or more large customers, or an increase in our distributors' or dealers' sales of our competitors' products to our customers or of our large customers' purchases of our competitors' products could materially reduce our sales and profits. Also, our ability to successfully realize our growth strategy is dependent in part on our ability to identify, attract and retain new distributors at all layers of our distribution platform, including increasing the number of energy storage distributors, and we cannot be certain that we will be successful in these efforts. For further information, see “Item 1—Business—Distribution Channels and Customers”.

 

Our business could be negatively impacted if we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights or if third parties claim that we are in violation of their intellectual property rights.

 

We consider our intellectual property rights to be important assets, and seek to protect them through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, as well as licensing and confidentiality agreements. These protections may not be adequate to prevent third parties from using our intellectual property without our authorization, breaching any confidentiality agreements with us, copying or reverse engineering our products, or developing and marketing products that are substantially equivalent to or superior to our own. The unauthorized use of our intellectual property by others could reduce our competitive advantage and harm our business. Not only are intellectual property-related proceedings burdensome and costly, but they could span years to resolve and we might not ultimately prevail. We cannot guarantee that any patents, issued or pending, will provide us with any competitive advantage or will not be challenged by third parties. Moreover, the expiration of our patents may lead to increased competition with respect to certain products.

 

In addition, we cannot be certain that we do not or will not infringe third parties' intellectual property rights. Any such claim, even if it is without merit, may be expensive and time-consuming to defend, subject us to damages, cause us to cease making, using or selling certain products that incorporate the disputed intellectual property, require us to redesign our products, divert management time and attention, and/or require us to enter into costly royalty or licensing arrangements.

 

Our operations are subject to various environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, and non-compliance with or liabilities under such laws and regulations could result in substantial costs, fines, sanctions and claims.

Our operations are subject to a variety of foreign, federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations including those governing, among other things, emissions to air; discharges to water; noise; and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste and other materials. In addition, under federal and state environmental laws, we could be required to investigate, remediate and/or monitor the effects of the release or disposal of materials both at sites associated with past and present operations and at third-party sites where wastes generated by our operations were disposed. This liability may be imposed retroactively and whether or not we caused, or had any knowledge of, the existence of these materials and may result in our paying more than our fair share of the related costs. We could also be subject to a recall action by regulatory authorities. Violations of or liabilities under such laws and regulations could result in substantial costs, fines and civil or criminal proceedings or personal injury and workers' compensation claims.

10

Our products are subject to substantial government regulation.

Our products are subject to extensive statutory and regulatory requirements governing, among other things, emissions, noise, labeling, transport, product content, and data privacy, including standards imposed by the EPA, CARB and other regulatory agencies around the world. Also, as we increase our connectivity with our products and customers, we may be required to comply with additional data privacy and cybersecurity regulations. These laws are constantly evolving and many are becoming increasingly stringent. Changes in applicable laws or regulations, or in the enforcement thereof, could require us to redesign our products and could adversely affect our business or financial condition in the future. Developing and marketing products to meet such new requirements could result in substantial additional costs that may be difficult to recover in some markets. In some cases, we may be required to modify our products or develop new products to comply with new regulations, particularly those relating to air emissions and carbon monoxide. Typically, additional costs associated with significant compliance modifications are passed on to the market. While we have been able to meet previous deadlines and requirements, failure to comply with other existing and future regulatory standards could adversely affect our position in the markets we serve.

We may incur costs and liabilities as a result of product liability claims.

 

We face a risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in injury or other damage. Although we currently maintain product liability insurance coverage, we may not be able to obtain such insurance on acceptable terms in the future, if at all, or obtain insurance that will provide adequate coverage against potential claims. Product liability claims can be expensive to defend and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for long periods of time, regardless of the ultimate outcome. A significant unsuccessful product liability defense could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we believe our business depends on the strong brand reputation we have developed. If our reputation is damaged, we may face difficulty in maintaining our market share and pricing with respect to some of our products, which could reduce our sales and profitability.

10

We are unable to determine the specific impact of changes in selling prices or changes in volumes or mix of our products on our net sales.

Because of the wide range of products that we sell, the level of customization for many of our products, the frequent rollout of new products, the different accounting systems utilized, and the fact that we do not apply pricing changes uniformly across our entire portfolio of products, we are unable to determine with specificity the effect of volume or mix changes or changes in selling prices on our net sales.

Policy changes affecting international trade could adversely impact the demand for our products and our competitive position.

Changes in government policies on foreign trade and investment can affect the demand for our products, impact the competitive position of our products or prevent us from being able to sell products in certain countries. Our business benefits from free trade agreements, and efforts to withdraw from, or substantially modify such agreements, in addition to the implementation of more restrictive trade policies, such as more detailed inspections, higher tariffs, import or export licensing requirements, exchange controls or new barriers to entry, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. For example, starting in 2018 and continuing, we are experiencing increased tariffs on many of our products and product components, although these tariffs did not ultimately have a material adverse effect on our results due to the implementation of various mitigation efforts and temporary exclusions in conjunction with our supply chain and end market partners.

Additionally, the United Kingdom’s exit from European Union (EU) membership has caused and may continue to cause significant volatility in global stock markets, currency exchange rate fluctuations and global economic uncertainty. Although it is unknown what the terms of the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the EU will be, it is possible that there will be greater restrictions on imports and exports between the United Kingdom and EU and increased regulatory complexities. Any of these factors could adversely impact customer demand, our relationships with customers and suppliers and our results of operations.

Risk factors related to our operations

 

The loss of any key members of our senior management team or key employees could disrupt our operations and harm our business.

 

Our success depends, in part, on the efforts of certain key individuals, including the members of our senior management team, who have significant experience in the power products industry. If, for any reason, our senior executives do not continue to be active in management, or if our key employees leave our company, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. Failure to continue to attract these individuals at reasonable compensation levels could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity and results of operations. Although we do not anticipate that we will have to replace any of these individuals in the near future, the loss of the services of any of our key employees could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Disruptions caused by labor disputes or organized labor activities could harm our business.

 

We may from time to time experience union organizing activities in our non-union facilities. Disputes with the current labor union or new union organizing activities could lead to work slowdowns or stoppages and make it difficult or impossible for us to meet scheduled delivery times for product shipments to our customers, which could result in loss of business. In addition, union activity could result in higher labor costs, which could harm our financial condition, results of operations and competitive position. A work stoppage or limitations on production at our facilities for any reason could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, many of our suppliers have unionized work forces. Strikes or work stoppages experienced by our customers or suppliers could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

11

We may experience material disruptions to our manufacturing operations.

 

While we seek to operate our facilities in compliance with applicable rules and regulations and take measures to minimize the risks of disruption at our facilities, a material disruption at one of our manufacturing facilities could prevent us from meeting customer demand, reduce our sales and/or negatively impact our financial results. Any of our manufacturing facilities, or any of our equipment within an otherwise operational facility, could cease operations unexpectedly due to a number of events, including:

 

 

equipment or information technology infrastructure failure; 

 

disruptions in the transportation infrastructure including roads, bridges, railroad tracks and container ports;

 

fires, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, disease, pandemics, acts of violence, or other catastrophes; and 

 

other operational problems.

11

 

In addition, a significant portion of our manufacturing and production facilities are located in Wisconsin within a 100-mile radius of each other. We could experience prolonged periods of reduced production due to unforeseen events occurring in or around our manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin. In the event of a business interruption at our facilities, in particular our Wisconsin facilities, we may be unable to shift manufacturing capabilities to alternate locations, accept materials from suppliers or meet customer shipment needs, among other severe consequences. Such an event could have a material and adverse impact on our financial condition and results of our operations.

 

A significant portion of our purchased components are sourced in foreign countries, exposing us to additional risks that may not exist in the United States.

We source a significant portion of our purchased components overseas, primarily in Asia and Europe. Our international sourcing subjects us to a number of potential risks in addition to the risks associated with third-party sourcing generally. Such risks include:

inflation or changes in political and economic conditions; 

unstable regulatory environments; 

changes in import and export duties; 

domestic and foreign customs and tariffs; 

currency rate fluctuations;

trade restrictions; 

labor unrest; 

logistical challenges, including extended container port congestion, and higher logistics costs;

communications challenges; and 

other restraints and burdensome taxes.

These factors may have an adverse effect on our ability to efficiently and cost effectively source our purchased components overseas. In particular, if the U.S. dollar were to depreciate significantly against the currencies in which we purchase raw materials from foreign suppliers, our cost of goods sold could increase materially, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

We are vulnerable to supply disruptions from single-sourced suppliers.

 

We single-source certain types of parts in our product designs. Any delay in our suppliers’ deliveries may impair our ability to deliver products to our customers. A wide variety of factors could cause such delays including, but not limited to, lack of capacity, economic downturns, availability of credit, logistical challenges, trade restrictions, weather events, disease or natural disasters.

As a U.S. corporation that conducts business in a variety of foreign countries, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and a variety of anti-corruption laws worldwide. A determination that we violated any of these laws may affect our business and operations adversely.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business. The United Kingdom Bribery Act (UKBA) prohibits domestic and foreign bribery of the private sector as well as public officials. Any determination that we have violated any anti-corruption laws could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results and cash flows.

Policy changes affecting international trade could adversely impact the demand for our products and our competitive position.

Changes in government policies on foreign trade and investment can affect the demand for our products, impact the competitive position of our products or prevent us from being able to sell products in certain countries. Our business benefits from free trade agreements, and efforts to withdraw from, or substantially modify such agreements, in addition to the implementation of more restrictive trade policies, such as more detailed inspections, higher tariffs, import or export licensing requirements, exchange controls or new barriers to entry, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. For example, starting in 2018 and continuing through 2019, we experienced increased tariffs on many of our products and product components, although these tariffs did not ultimately have a material adverse effect on our results due to the implementation of various mitigation efforts in conjunction with our supply chain and end market partners.

Additionally, the United Kingdom’s exit from EU membership, and discussions regarding its exit from the EU, have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility in global stock markets, currency exchange rate fluctuations and global economic uncertainty. Although it is unknown what the terms of the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the EU will be, it is possible that there will be greater restrictions on imports and exports between the United Kingdom and EU and increased regulatory complexities. Any of these factors could adversely impact customer demand, our relationships with customers and suppliers and our results of operations.

12

Our total assets include goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles. If we determine these have become impaired, our net income could be materially adversely affected.

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Indefinite-lived intangibles are comprised of certain tradenames. At December 31, 2019, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles totaled $933.6 million. We review goodwill and other intangibles at least annually for impairment and any excess in carrying value over the estimated fair value is charged to the statement of comprehensive income. Future impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the performance of an acquired business or product line, adverse market conditions and changes in the competitive landscape, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations, including changes that restrict the activities of an acquired business or product line, and a variety of other circumstances. A reduction in net income resulting from the write-down or impairment of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements. Refer to the Critical Accounting Policies in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s process for evaluating its goodwill for impairment.

We are unable to determine the specific impact of changes in selling prices or changes in volumes or mix of our products on our net sales.

Because of the wide range of products that we sell, the level of customization for many of our products, the frequent rollout of new products, the different accounting systems utilized, and the fact that we do not apply pricing changes uniformly across our entire portfolio of products, we are unable to determine with specificity the effect of volume or mix changes or changes in selling prices on our net sales.

We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected. We may also encounter significant unexpected difficulties in integrating acquired businesses.

 

Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions will depend, to a large extent, on our ability to integrate the acquired businesses with our business. The integration of independent businesses is a complex, costly and time-consuming process. Further, integrating and managing businesses with international operations may pose challenges not previously experienced by our management. As a result, we may be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the business practices and operations of any acquired businesses with ours. The integration process may disrupt our business and, if implemented ineffectively, could preclude realization of the full benefits expected by us. Our failure to meet the challenges involved in integrating an acquired business into our existing operations or otherwise to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, our activities and could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

In addition, the overall integration of our acquired businesses may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses, loss of customer relationships, and diversion of management's attention, and may cause our stock price to decline. The difficulties of combining the operations of acquired businesses with ours include, among others:

 

 

managing a larger company;

 

maintaining employee morale and retaining key management and other employees;

 

complying with newly applicable foreign regulations;

 

integrating two business cultures, which may prove to be incompatible;

 

the possibility of faulty assumptions underlying expectations regarding the integration process;

 

retaining existing customers and attracting new customers;

 

consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures and eliminating duplicative operations;

 

the diversion of management's attention from ongoing business concerns and performance shortfalls as a result of the diversion of management's attention to the acquisition;

 

unanticipated issues in integrating information technology, communications and other systems;

 

unanticipated changes in applicable laws and regulations;

 

managing tax costs or inefficiencies associated with integrating the operations of the combined company;

 

unforeseen expenses or delays associated with the acquisition;

 

difficulty comparing financial reports due to differing financial and/or internal reporting systems; and

 

making any necessary modifications to internal financial control standards to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

13

 

Many of these factors will be outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management's time and energy, which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, even if the operations of our acquired businesses are integrated successfully with our operations, we may not realize the full benefits of the transaction, including the synergies, cost savings or sales or growth opportunities that we expect. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame, or at all. Or, additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in the integration of our businesses. All of these factors could cause dilution to our earnings per share, decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the acquisition, and cause a decrease in the price of our common stock. As a result, we cannot assure you that the combination of our acquisitions with our business will result in the realization of the full benefits anticipated from the transaction.

12

A significant portion of our purchased components are sourced in foreign countries, exposing us to additional risks that may not exist in the United States.

We source a significant portion of our purchased components overseas, primarily in Asia and Europe. Our international sourcing subjects us to a number of potential risks in addition to the risks associated with third-party sourcing generally. Such risks include:

inflation or changes in political and economic conditions; 

unstable regulatory environments; 

changes in import and export duties; 

domestic and foreign customs and tariffs; 

currency rate fluctuations;

trade restrictions; 

labor unrest; 

logistical challenges, including extended container port congestion, and higher logistics costs;

communications challenges; and 

other restraints and burdensome taxes.

These factors may have an adverse effect on our ability to efficiently and cost effectively source our purchased components overseas. In particular, if the U.S. dollar were to depreciate significantly against the currencies in which we purchase raw materials from foreign suppliers, our cost of goods sold could increase materially, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

Risk factors related to legal and regulatory matters

We may encounter difficultiesAs a U.S. corporation that conducts business in operating or implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system across our subsidiariesvariety of foreign countries, whichwe are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and a variety of anti-corruption laws worldwide. A determination that we violated any of these laws may adversely affect our business and operations and financial reporting.adversely.

 

OverThe U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the past four years,purpose of obtaining or keeping business. The United Kingdom Bribery Act (UKBA) prohibits domestic and foreign bribery of the private sector as well as public officials. Any determination that we have implemented a new ERP system for a majority of our business as part of our ongoing efforts to improve and strengthen our operational and financial processes and our reporting systems. We expect to implement the new ERP system at our other locations in future years. The ERP system may not provide the benefits anticipated,violated any anti-corruption laws could add costs and complications to ongoing operations, and may impact our ability to process transactions efficiently, all of which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results and cash flows.

Our operations are subject to various environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, and non-compliance with or liabilities under such laws and regulations could result in substantial costs, fines, sanctions and claims.

Our operations are subject to a variety of foreign, federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations including those governing, among other things, emissions to air; discharges to water; noise; and the Company’sgeneration, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste and other materials. In addition, under federal and state environmental laws, we could be required to investigate, remediate and/or monitor the effects of the release or disposal of materials both at sites associated with past and present operations and at third-party sites where wastes generated by our operations were disposed. This liability may be imposed retroactively and whether or not we caused, or had any knowledge of, the existence of these materials and may result in our paying more than our fair share of the related costs. We could also be subject to a recall action by regulatory authorities. Violations of or liabilities under such laws and regulations could result in substantial costs, fines and civil or criminal proceedings or personal injury and workers' compensation claims.

Our products are subject to substantial government regulation.

Our products are subject to extensive statutory and regulatory requirements governing, among other things, emissions, noise, labeling, transport, product content, and data privacy, including standards imposed by the EPA, CARB and other regulatory agencies around the world. Also, as we increase our connectivity with our products and customers, we may be required to comply with additional data privacy and cybersecurity regulations. These laws are constantly evolving and many are becoming increasingly stringent. Changes in applicable laws or regulations, or in the enforcement thereof, could require us to redesign our products and could adversely affect our business or financial condition in the future. Developing and resultsmarketing products to meet such new requirements could result in substantial additional costs that may be difficult to recover in some markets. In some cases, we may be required to modify our products or develop new products to comply with new regulations, particularly those relating to air emissions and carbon monoxide. Typically, additional costs associated with significant compliance modifications are passed on to the market. While we have been able to meet previous deadlines and requirements, failure to comply with other existing and future regulatory standards could adversely affect our position in the markets we serve.

13

Risk factors related to cybersecurity

 

Failures or security breaches of our networks or information technology systems could have an adverse effect on our business.

 

We rely heavily on information technology (IT) both in our products and services for customers and in our IT systems.systems used to run our business. Further, we collect and store sensitive information in our data centers and on our networks. Government agencies and security experts have warned about growing risks of hackers, cyber-criminals, malicious insiders and other actors targeting confidential information and all types of IT systems. These actors may engage in fraudulent activities, theft of confidential or proprietary information and sabotage.sabotage or ransomware.

 

Our IT systems, our connected products, and our confidential information may be vulnerable to damage or intrusion from a variety of attacks including computer viruses, worms or other malicious software programs. The risk of such attacks may increase as we integrate newly acquired companies or develop new connected products and related software. These attacks pose a risk to the security of our products, systems and networks and those of our customers, suppliers and third-party service providers, as well as to the confidentiality of our information and the integrity and availability of our data. While we attempt to mitigate these risks through board oversight, controls, due diligence, employee training and communication, third party intrusion testing, system hardening, email and web filters, regular patching, surveillance, encryption, and other measures, we remain vulnerable to information security threatsthreats.

 

Despite the precautions we take, an intrusion or infection of our systems or connected products could result in the disruption of our business, or a loss of proprietary or confidential information. Similarly, an attack on our IT systems or connected products could result in theft or disclosure of trade secrets or other intellectual property, a breach of confidential customer or employee information, or product failure or misuse. Any such events could have an adverse impact on sales, harm our reputation and cause us to incur legal liability and increased costs to address such events and related security concerns. As the threats evolve and become more potent, we may incur additional costs to secure the products that we sell, as well as our data and infrastructure of networks and devices.

 

Certain current favorable tax attributes may no longer be realized in the future, resulting in less cash on hand available to invest in other business activities.

As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately $225 million of tax-deductible goodwill and intangible asset amortization remaining from our acquisition by CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC in 2006 that we expect to generate aggregate cash tax savings of approximately $57 million through 2021, assuming continued profitability of our U.S. business and a combined federal and state tax rate of 25.3%. The recognition of the tax benefit associated with these assets for tax purposes is expected to be $122 million annually in 2020 and $102 million in 2021, which generates annual cash tax savings of $31 million in 2020 and $26 million in 2021. Based on current business plans, we believe that our cash tax obligations through 2021 will be significantly reduced by these tax attributes, after which our cash tax obligation will increase. Other domestic acquisitions have resulted in additional tax deductible goodwill and intangible assets that will generate tax savings, but are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Risks related to our common stock

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our common stock or if our results of operations do not meet their expectations, our common stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade recommendations regarding our stock, or if our results of operations do not meet their expectations, our stock price could decline and such decline could be material.

14

Anti-takeover provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws could prohibit a change of control that our stockholders may favor and could negatively affect our stock price.

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws may make it more difficult and expensive for a third party to acquire control of us even if a change of control would be beneficial to the interests of our stockholders. These provisions could discourage potential takeover attempts and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. These provisions may also prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our management. For example, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws:

permit our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock with such terms as they determine, without stockholder approval; 

provide that only one-third of the members of the Board of Directors are elected at each stockholders meeting and prohibit removal without cause; 

require advance notice for stockholder proposals and director nominations; and

contain limitations on convening stockholder meetings.

These provisions make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirers to acquire us without negotiation and could discourage potential takeover attempts and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

We do nothaveplans to paydividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

We currently do not have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future on our common stock. We intend to use future earnings for the operation and expansion of our business, as well as for repayment of outstanding debt, acquisitions, and for share repurchases. In addition, the terms of our senior secured credit facilities limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be the sole source of gain for the foreseeable future. While we may change this policy at some point in the future, we cannot assure you that we will make such a change.

RisksRisk factors related to our capital structure

 

We have indebtedness which could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to make payments on our indebtedness.

 

As of December 31, 20192020 we had total indebtedness of $898.9$885.2 million. Our level of indebtedness increases the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay, when due, the principal of, interest on or other amounts due in respect of our indebtedness. While we maintain interest rate swaps covering a portion of our outstanding debt, our interest expense could increase if interest rates increase because debt under our credit facilities bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR or other base rate. In connection with our term loan amendment in December 2019, language was added to the agreement to include a benchmark replacement rate, selected by the administrative agent and the borrower, as a replacement to LIBOR that would take affect at the time LIBOR ceases. The Company plans to work with its lenders in the near future to amend other LIBOR based debt agreements to add a replacement rate should the use of LIBOR cease. If we do not have sufficient earnings to service our debt, we may be required to refinance all or part of our existing debt, sell assets, borrow more money or sell securities, none of which we can guarantee we will be able to do.

 

The terms of our credit facilities restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes in our business or to take certain actions.

 

Our credit facilities contain, and any future indebtedness of ours or our subsidiaries would likely contain, a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries, including restrictionslimitations on our ability to engage in acts that may be in our best long-term interests. These restrictions include,set limitations on, among other things, our ability to:

 

 

incur liens;

 

incur or assume additional debt or guarantees or issue preferred stock;

 

pay dividends, or make redemptions and repurchases, with respect to capital stock;

 

prepay, or make redemptions and repurchases of, subordinated debt;

 

make loans and investments;

 

make capital expenditures;

 

engage in mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, sale/leaseback transactions and transactions with affiliates;

 

change the business conducted by us or our subsidiaries; and

 

amend the terms of subordinated debt.

 

The operating and financial restrictions in our credit facilities and any future financing agreements may adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities. A breach of any of the restrictive covenants in our credit facilities would result in a default. If any such default occurs, the lenders under our credit facilities may elect to declare all outstanding borrowings, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable, or enforce their security interest, any of which would result in an event of default. The lenders will also have the right in these circumstances to terminate any commitments they have to provide further borrowings. Our existing credit facilities do not contain any financial maintenance covenants.

15
14

 

We may need additional capital to finance our growth strategy or to refinance our existing credit facilities, and we may not be able to obtain it on acceptable terms, or at all, which may limit our ability to grow.

 

We may require additional financing to expand our business. Financing may not be available to us or may be available to us only on terms that are not favorable. The terms of our senior secured credit facilities limit our ability to incur additional debt. In addition, economic conditions, including a downturn in the credit markets, could impact our ability to finance our growth on acceptable terms or at all. If we are unable to raise additional funds or obtain capital on acceptable terms, we may have to delay, modify or abandon some or all of our growth strategies. In the future, if we are unable to refinance our credit facilities on acceptable terms, our liquidity could be adversely affected.

 

Our total assets include goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles. If we determine these have become impaired, our net income could be materially adversely affected.

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Indefinite-lived intangibles are comprised of certain tradenames. At December 31, 2020, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles totaled $983.6 million. We review goodwill and other intangibles at least annually for impairment and any excess in carrying value over the estimated fair value is charged to the statement of comprehensive income. Future impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the performance of an acquired business or product line, adverse market conditions and changes in the competitive landscape, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations, including changes that restrict the activities of an acquired business or product line, and a variety of other circumstances including any of the risk factors noted above. A reduction in net income resulting from the write-down or impairment of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements. Refer to the Critical Accounting Policies in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s process for evaluating its goodwill for impairment.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

We own or lease manufacturing, distribution, R&D, and office facilities globally totaling over five million square feet. We also have inventory warehouses that accommodate material storage and rapid response requirements of our customers. The following table provides information about our principal facilities exceeding 20,000 square feet:

 

Location

 

Owned/

Leased

 

Activities

 

Segment

Waukesha, WI

 

Owned

 

Corporate headquarters, R&D

 

Domestic

Eagle, WI

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing, office, training

 

Domestic

Whitewater, WI

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing, office, distribution

 

Domestic

Oshkosh, WI

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing, office, warehouse, R&D

 

Domestic

Berlin, WI  Owned Manufacturing, office, warehouse, R&D Domestic

Jefferson, WI

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing, office, distribution, R&D

 

Domestic

Janesville, WI Leased Distribution Domestic
Various WI Leased WarehouseDomestic
Stockton, CALeasedSales, office, warehouseDomestic
Hamilton, OHLeasedManufacturing, office, warehouse, R&D Domestic

Maquoketa, IA

 

Owned

 

Storage, rental property

 

Domestic

South Burlington, VT

 

Leased

 

Office

 

Domestic

Mexico City, Mexico

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing, sales, distribution, warehouse, office, R&D

 

International

Mexico City, Mexico

Leased

Storage, warehouse 

International

San Mateo Cuautepec, Mexico

Leased

Storage, manufacturing

International

Hidalgo, Mexico

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing, sales, distribution, warehouse, office, R&D

 

International

Milan, Italy

 

Leased

 

Manufacturing, sales, distribution, warehouse, office, R&D

 

International

Casole d’Elsa, Italy

 

Leased

 

Manufacturing, office, warehouse, R&D

 

International

Balsicas, Spain

 

Leased

 

Manufacturing, office, warehouse, R&D

 

International

Foshan, China

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing, office, warehouse, R&D

 

International

Saint-Nizier-sous-Charlieu, France

 

Leased

 

Sales, office, warehouse

 

International

Ribeirao Preto, Brazil

 

Leased

 

Manufacturing, office, warehouse

 

International

Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

 

Leased

 

Sales, office, warehouse

 

International

Sydney, Australia

 

Leased

 

Sales, office, warehouse

 

International

Celle,Fellbach, Germany

 

OwnedLeased

 

Manufacturing,Sales, office, warehouse R&D

 

International

Charzyno, Poland

Celle, Germany
 

Owned

 

Manufacturing,

office, warehouse, R&D
 

International

Charzyno, PolandOwnedManufacturingInternational

West Bengal, India

 

Leased

 

Manufacturing, warehouse

 

International

 

In addition to the countries represented above, the Company has other operations or sales offices in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore,Romania, Russia, Canada, Colombia and the Dominican Republic, as well as several other countries throughout Europe.Republic.

 

As of December 31, 2019,2020, substantially all of our domestically-owned and a portion of our internationally-owned properties are subject to collateral provisions under our senior secured credit facilities.

 

1615

Table of Contents

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings primarily involving product liability, employment matters and general commercial disputes arising in the ordinary course of our business. As of December 31, 2019,2020, we believe that there is no litigation pending that would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable.

 

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Shares of our common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “GNRC.”

 

Purchases of Equity Securities By the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

The following table summarizes the stock repurchase activity for the three months ended December 31, 2019,2020, which consisted of the withholding of shares upon the vesting of restricted stock awards to pay related withholding taxes on behalf of the recipient:

 

  

Total Number of Shares Purchased

  

Average Price Paid per Share

  

Total Number Of Shares Purchased As Part Of Publicly Announced Plans Or Programs

  

Approximate Dollar Value Of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under The Plans Or Programs

 
                 

10/01/19 - 10/31/19

  -   -   -  $250,000,000 

11/01/19 - 11/30/19

  1,409  $93.38   -  $250,000,000 

12/01/19 - 12/31/19

  682   98.11   -  $250,000,000 

Total

  2,091  $95.54         
  

Total Number of Shares Purchased

  

Average Price Paid per Share

  

Total Number Of Shares Purchased As Part Of Publicly Announced Plans Or Programs

  

Approximate Dollar Value Of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under The Plans Or Programs

 
                 

10/01/20 - 10/31/20

  -   -   -  $250,000,000 

11/01/20 - 11/30/20

  2,212  $217.12   -  $250,000,000 

12/01/20 - 12/31/20

  785   217.29   -  $250,000,000 

Total

  2,997  $217.17         

 

For equity compensation plan information, refer to Note 17, “Share Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For information on the Company’s stock repurchase plans, refer to Note 13, “Stock Repurchase Programs,” to the consolidated financial statements.

 

1716

 

Stock Performance Graph

 

The line graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s S&P 500 Index, the S&P 500 IndustrialsMidCap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index for the five-year period ended December 31, 2019.2020. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on December 31, 20142015 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index, and that all dividends were reinvested. Cumulative total stockholder returns for our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 500 IndustrialsMidCap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index are based on our fiscal year.

 

totalreturngraph.jpg

 

Company / Market / Peer Group

 

12/31/2014

  

12/31/2015

  

12/31/2016

  

12/31/2017

  

12/31/2018

  

12/31/2019

 
                         

Generac Holdings Inc.

 $100.00  $63.67  $87.13  $105.90  $106.29  $215.12 

S&P 500 Index - Total Returns

  100.00   101.38   113.51   138.29   132.23   173.86 

S&P MidCap 400 Index

  100.00   96.29   114.33   130.85   114.50 �� 142.04 

Russell 2000 Index

  100.00   95.59   115.95   132.94   118.30   148.49 

Company / Market / Peer Group

 

12/31/2015

  

12/31/2016

  

12/31/2017

  

12/31/2018

  

12/31/2019

  

12/31/2020

 
                         

Generac Holdings Inc.

 $100.00  $136.85  $166.34  $166.95  $337.89  $763.89 

S&P 500 Index - Total Returns

  100.00   111.96   136.40   130.42   171.49   203.04 

S&P MidCap 400 Index

  100.00   120.74   140.35   124.80   157.49   179.00 

Russell 2000 Index

  100.00   121.31   139.08   123.76   155.35   186.36 

 

Holders

 

As of February 19, 2020,17, 2021, there were 194206 registered holders of record of Generac’s common stock. A substantially greater number of holders of Generac common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.

 

Dividends

 

We do not have plans to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. However, in the future, subject to factors such as general economic and business conditions, our financial condition and results of operations, our capital requirements, our future liquidity and capitalization, and other such factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant, we may change this policy and choose to pay dividends. Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is currently limited by the terms of our senior secured credit facilities and may be further restricted by any future indebtedness we incur. Dividends from, and cash generated by our subsidiaries will be our principal sources of cash to repay indebtedness, fund operations, repurchase shares of common stock and pay dividends. Accordingly, our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders is dependent on the earnings and distributions of funds from our subsidiaries.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

For information on securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans, refer to “Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

None.

 

Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. [Reserved]

1817

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial data for the periods and at the dates indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected historical consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is derived from our audited historical consolidated financial statements not included in this annual report.

The results indicated below and elsewhere in this annual report are not necessarily indicative of our future performance. This information should be read together with “Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Over the years, we have executed a number of acquisitions that support our strategic plan. A summary of the recent acquisitions can be found in Note 1, “Description of Business,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, in August 2015, we closed the Country Home Products acquisition, and in March 2016, we acquired a majority ownership interest in PR Industrial S.r.l. and its subsidiaries (Pramac).

  

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Statement of Operations Data:

                    

Net sales

 $2,204,336  $2,023,464  $1,679,373  $1,447,743  $1,317,299 

Costs of goods sold

  1,406,584   1,298,424   1,094,587   935,322   857,349 

Gross profit

  797,752   725,040   584,786   512,421   459,950 

Operating expenses:

                    

Selling and service

  217,683   191,887   174,841   164,860   130,242 

Research and development

  68,394   50,019   42,869   37,163   32,922 

General and administrative

  110,868   103,841   87,581   74,693   52,947 

Amortization of intangibles (1)

  28,644   22,112   28,861   32,953   23,591 

Tradename and goodwill impairment (2)

  -   -   -   -   40,687 

Total operating expenses

  425,589   367,859   334,152   309,669   280,389 

Income from operations

  372,163   357,181   250,634   202,752   179,561 

Other (expense) income:

                    

Interest expense

  (41,544)  (40,956)  (42,667)  (44,568)  (42,843)

Investment income

  2,767   1,893   298   44   123 

Loss on extinguishment of debt (3)

  (926)  (1,332)  -   (574)  (4,795)

Loss on pension settlement (4)

  (10,920)  -   -   -   - 

Loss on change in contractual interest rate (5)

  -   -   -   (2,957)  (2,381)

Other, net

  (1,933)  (5,710)  (4,566)  (1,000)  (6,682)

Total other expense, net

  (52,556)  (46,105)  (46,935)  (49,055)  (56,578)

Income before provision for income taxes

  319,607   311,076   203,699   153,697   122,983 

Provision for income taxes (6)

  67,299   69,856   44,142   56,519   45,236 

Net income

  252,308   241,220   159,557   97,178   77,747 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  301   2,963   1,749   24   - 

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $252,007  $238,257  $157,808  $97,154  $77,747 
                     

Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share - diluted:

 $4.03  $3.54  $2.53  $1.47  $1.12 
                     

Statement of Cash Flows data:

                    

Depreciation

 $32,265  $25,296  $23,127  $21,465  $16,742 

Amortization of intangible assets

  28,644   22,112   28,861   32,953   23,591 

Expenditures for property and equipment

  (60,802)  (47,601)  (33,261)  (30,467)  (30,651)
                     

Other Financial Data:

                    

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Generac Holdings Inc. (7)

 $449,150  $416,793  $311,225  $272,738  $270,816 

Adjusted net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc. (8)

  317,822   292,213   211,869   195,572   198,436 

19

  

As of December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Balance Sheet Data:

                    

Current assets

 $1,195,829  $1,120,769  $824,557  $687,794  $632,017 

Property and equipment, net

  316,976   278,929   230,380   212,793   184,213 

Goodwill

  805,284   764,655   721,523   704,640   669,719 

Other intangibles and other assets (9)

  347,580   261,961   249,505   260,742   292,686 

Total assets

 $2,665,669  $2,426,314  $2,025,965  $1,865,969  $1,778,635 
                     

Total current liabilities

 $497,064  $560,706  $396,423  $347,926  $213,224 

Long-term borrowings, less current portion

  837,767   876,396   906,548   1,006,758   1,037,132 

Other long-term liabilities (9)

  236,760   166,947   124,745 �� 80,968   62,408 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

  61,227   61,004   43,929   33,138   - 

Total stockholders' equity

  1,032,851   761,261   554,320   397,179   465,871 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $2,665,669  $2,426,314  $2,025,965  $1,865,969  $1,778,635 

(1) Our amortization of intangibles expense includes the straight-line amortization of customer lists, patents and technology, certain tradenames and other finite-lived intangible assets.

(2) During the fourth quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors approved a plan to strategically transition and consolidate certain of our brands acquired through acquisitions to the Generac® tradename. This brand strategy change resulted in a reclassification to a two year remaining useful life and a $36.1 million non-cash charge to write-down the impacted tradenames to net realizable value. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2015, a $4.6 million goodwill impairment charge was recorded related to the write-down of the Ottomotores reporting unit goodwill.

(3) Represents the non-cash write-off of original issue discount and deferred financing costs due to voluntary debt prepayments. Refer to Note 12, “Credit Agreements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the losses on extinguishment of debt.

(4) Represents pre-tax settlement charges related to the termination of the Company’s domestic pension plan in the fourth quarter of 2019. Refer to Note 16, “Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s pension plans.

(5) For the year ended December 31, 2016, represents a non-cash loss in the third quarter 2016 relating to the continued 25 basis point increase in borrowing costs as a result of the credit agreement leverage ratio remaining above 3.0 times based on projections at that time. For the year ended December 31, 2015, represents a non-cash loss relating to a 25 basis point increase in borrowing costs as a result of the credit agreement leverage ratio rising above 3.0 times effective in the third quarter 2015 and expected to remain above 3.0 times based on projections at that time. Following the May 2017 Term Loan amendment, which removed the pricing grid based on leverage ratio achieved, gains or losses on changes in contractual interest rate will no longer be recorded in the statements of comprehensive income. Refer to Note 12, “Credit Agreements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the gains and losses on changes in the contractual interest rate.

(6) On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Government enacted a comprehensive tax reform bill commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act, or Tax Reform). As a result of the Tax Act, we recognized a one-time, non-cash benefit of $28.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 primarily from the impact of the revaluation of the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities. Refer to Note 15, “Income Taxes,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the Tax Act and its impact.

(7) Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before noncontrolling interests, interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as further adjusted for the other items reflected in the reconciliation table set forth below. The computation of adjusted EBITDA is based on the definition of EBITDA contained in the Term Loan and ABL Facility (terms defined in Note 12, “Credit Agreements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

(8) Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income before noncontrolling interests and provision for income taxes adjusted for the following items: cash income tax expense, amortization of intangible assets, amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount related to our debt, intangible impairment charges, certain transaction costs and other purchase accounting adjustments, losses on extinguishment of debt, business optimization expenses, certain other non-cash gains and losses, and adjusted net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, as set forth in the reconciliation table below.

(9) On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases. The Company adopted this standard using the modified retrospective approach as of the date of adoption, meaning no prior period balances were impacted by the adoption. The adoption of the standard had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet primarily related to the recognition of right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. At December 31, 2019, the Company had $36.0 million in ROU assets included in other assets and $37.0 million in lease liabilities included in other liabilities. Refer to Note 10, “Leases,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s leases.

20

We view Adjusted EBITDA as a key measure of our performance. We present Adjusted EBITDA not only due to its importance for purposes of our credit agreements, but also because it assists us in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis as it excludes items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA:

for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and developing and refining our internal projections for future periods;

to allocate resources to enhance the financial performance of our business;

as a benchmark for the determination of the bonus component of compensation for our senior executives under our management incentive plan, as described further in our Proxy Statement;

to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies and as a supplemental tool in evaluating our performance against our budget for each period; and

in communications with our Board of Directors and investors concerning our financial performance.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA is used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of the Company. Management believes the disclosure of Adjusted EBITDA offers an additional financial metric that, when coupled with results prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of our results of operations and the factors and trends affecting our business. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors for the following reasons:

Adjusted EBITDA and similar non-GAAP measures are widely used by investors to measure a company's operating performance without regard to items that can vary substantially from company to company depending upon financing and accounting methods, book values of assets, tax jurisdictions, capital structures and the methods by which assets were acquired;

investors can use Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure to evaluate the overall operating performance of our company, including our ability to service our debt and other cash needs; and

by comparing our Adjusted EBITDA in different historical periods, our investors can evaluate our operating performance excluding the impact of items described below.

The adjustments included in the reconciliation table listed below are provided for under our Term Loan and ABL Facility, and also are presented to illustrate the operating performance of our business in a manner consistent with the presentation used by our management and Board of Directors. These adjustments eliminate the impact of a number of items that:

we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance, such as non-cash write-downs and other charges, non-cash gains, write-offs relating to the retirement of debt, severance costs and other restructuring-related business optimization expenses;

we believe to be akin to, or associated with, interest expense, such as administrative agent fees, revolving credit facility commitment fees and letter of credit fees; or

are non-cash in nature, such as share-based compensation expense.

We explain in more detail in footnotes (a) through (i) below why we believe these adjustments are useful in calculating Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of our operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA does not represent, and should not be a substitute for, net income or cash flows from operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of the limitations are:

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;

several of the adjustments that we use in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, such as non-cash write-downs and other charges, while not involving cash expense, do have a negative impact on the value of our assets as reflected in our consolidated balance sheet prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP; and

other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

21

Furthermore, as noted above, one of our uses of Adjusted EBITDA is as a benchmark for determining elements of compensation for our senior executives. At the same time, some or all of these senior executives have responsibility for monitoring our financial results, generally including the adjustments in calculating Adjusted EBITDA (subject ultimately to review by our Board of Directors in the context of the Board's review of our financial statements). While many of the adjustments (for example, transaction costs and credit facility fees), involve mathematical application of items reflected in our financial statements, others involve a degree of judgment and discretion. While we believe all of these adjustments are appropriate, and while the calculations are subject to review by our Board of Directors in the context of the Board's review of our financial statements, and certification by our Chief Financial Officer in a compliance certificate provided to the lenders under our Term Loan and ABL Facility, this discretion may be viewed as an additional limitation on the use of Adjusted EBITDA as an analytical tool.

Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our U.S. GAAP results and using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $252,007  $238,257  $157,808  $97,154  $77,747 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (a)

  301   2,963   1,749   24   - 

Net income

  252,308   241,220   159,557   97,178   77,747 

Interest expense

  41,544   40,956   42,667   44,568   42,843 

Depreciation and amortization

  60,767   47,408   51,988   54,418   40,333 

Provision for income taxes

  67,299   69,856   44,142   56,519   45,236 

Non-cash write-down and other adjustments (b)

  240   3,532   2,923   357   3,892 

Non-cash share-based compensation expense (c)

  16,694   14,563   10,205   9,493   8,241 

Tradename and goodwill impairment (d)

  -   -   -   -   40,687 

Loss on extinguishment of debt (e)

  926   1,332   -   574   4,795 

Loss on pension settlement (f)

  10,920   -   -   -   - 

Loss on change in contractual interest rate (g)

  -   -   -   2,957   2,381 

Transaction costs and credit facility fees (h)

  2,724   3,883   2,145   2,442   2,249 

Business optimization expenses (i)

  1,572   952   2,912   7,316   1,947 

Other

  (879)  850   761   700   465 

Adjusted EBITDA

  454,115   424,552   317,300   276,522   270,816 

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests

  4,965   7,759   6,075   3,784   - 

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $449,150  $416,793  $311,225  $272,738  $270,816 

(a) Includes the noncontrolling interests’ share of expenses related to Pramac purchase accounting, including the step-up in value of inventories and intangible amortization of $4.2 million, $4.6 million, $4.7 million, and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

(b) Represents the following non-cash charges: gains/losses on disposal of assets, unrealized mark-to-market adjustments on commodity contracts, transactional foreign currency gains/losses and certain purchase accounting related adjustments. We believe that adjusting net income for these non-cash charges is useful for the following reasons:

The gains/losses on disposals of assets result from the sale of assets that are no longer useful in our business and therefore represent gains or losses that are not from our core operations;

The adjustments for unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses on commodity contracts represent non-cash items to reflect changes in the fair value of forward contracts that have not been settled or terminated. We believe it is useful to adjust net income for these items because the charges do not represent a cash outlay in the period in which the charge is incurred, although Adjusted EBITDA must always be used together with our U.S. GAAP statements of comprehensive income and cash flows to capture the full effect of these contracts on our operating performance;

The purchase accounting adjustments represent non-cash items to reflect fair value at the date of acquisition, and therefore do not reflect our ongoing operations

22

(c) Represents share-based compensation expense to account for stock options, restricted stock and other stock awards over their respective vesting period.

(d) During the fourth quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors approved a plan to strategically transition and consolidate certain of our brands acquired through acquisitions to the Generac® tradename. This brand strategy change resulted in a reclassification to a two year remaining useful life and a $36.1 million non-cash charge to write-down the impacted tradenames to net realizable value. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2015, a $4.6 million goodwill impairment charge was recorded related to the write-down of the Ottomotores reporting unit goodwill.

(e) Represents the non-cash write-off of original issue discount and deferred financing costs due to voluntary prepayments of Term Loan debt. Refer to Note 12, “Credit Agreements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the losses on extinguishment of debt.

(f) Represents pre-tax settlement charges related to the termination of the Company’s domestic pension plan in the fourth quarter of 2019. Refer to Note 16, “Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s pension plans.

(g) For the year ended December 31, 2016, represents a non-cash loss relating to the continued 25 basis point increase in borrowing costs as a result of the credit agreement leverage ratio remaining above 3.0 times based on projections at that time. For the year ended December 31, 2015, represents a non-cash loss relating to a 25 basis point increase in borrowing costs as a result of the credit agreement leverage ratio rising above 3.0 times and expected to remain above 3.0 times based on projections at that time. Following the May 2017 Term Loan amendment, which removed the pricing grid based on leverage ratio achieved, gains or losses on changes in contractual interest rate will no longer be recorded in the statements of comprehensive income. Refer to Note 12, “Credit Agreements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the gains and losses on changes in the contractual interest rate.

(h) Represents transaction costs incurred directly in connection with any investment, as defined in our credit agreement, equity issuance, or debt issuance or refinancing, together with certain fees relating to our senior secured credit facilities, such as administrative agent fees and credit facility commitment fees under our Term Loan and ABL Facility, which we believe to be akin to, or associated with, interest expense and whose inclusion in Adjusted EBITDA is therefore similar to the inclusion of interest expense in that calculation, and transaction costs relating to the acquisition of businesses.

(i) Represents severance and non-recurring plant consolidation costs. Additionally, the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily represents charges relating to business optimization and restructuring costs to address the significant and extended downturn for capital spending within the oil & gas industry. These charges represent expenses that are not from our core operations and do not reflect our ongoing operations.

We believe Adjusted Net Income is used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of our company’s operations. Management believes the disclosure of Adjusted Net Income offers an additional financial metric that, when used in conjunction with U.S. GAAP results and the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of our ongoing results of operations, and the factors and trends affecting our business.

The adjustments included in the reconciliation table listed below are presented to illustrate the operating performance of our business in a manner consistent with the presentation used by investors and securities analysts. Similar to the Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation, these adjustments eliminate the impact of a number of items we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance or cash flows, such as amortization costs, transaction costs and write-offs relating to the retirement of debt. We also make adjustments to present cash taxes paid as a result of our favorable tax attributes, causing our cash tax rate to be lower than our U.S GAAP tax rate.

Similar to Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income does not represent, and should not be a substitute for, net income or cash flows from operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted Net Income has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of the limitations are:

Adjusted Net Income does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

although amortization is a non-cash charge, the assets being amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted Net Income does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and

other companies may calculate Adjusted Net Income differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

23

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $252,007  $238,257  $157,808  $97,154  $77,747 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  301   2,963   1,749   24   - 

Net income

  252,308   241,220   159,557   97,178   77,747 

Provision for income taxes

  67,299   69,856   44,142   56,519   45,236 

Income before provision for income taxes

  319,607   311,076   203,699   153,697   122,983 

Amortization of intangible assets

  28,644   22,112   28,861   32,953   23,591 

Amortization of deferred finance costs and original issue discount

  4,712   4,749   3,516   3,940   5,429 

Tradename and goodwill impairment

  -   -   -   -   40,687 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

  926   1,332   -   574   4,795 

Loss on pension settlement

  10,920   -   -   -   - 

Loss on change in contractual interest rate

  -   -   -   2,957   2,381 

Transaction costs and other purchase accounting adjustments (a)

  874   2,578   1,706   5,653   2,710 

Business optimization expenses

  1,572   952   2,912   7,316   1,947 

Adjusted net income before provision for income taxes

  367,255   342,799   240,694   207,090   204,523 

Cash income tax expense (b)

  (47,945)  (47,064)  (25,624)  (9,299)  (6,087)

Adjusted net income

  319,310   295,735   215,070   197,791   198,436 

Adjusted net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  1,488   3,522   3,201   2,219   - 

Adjusted net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $317,822  $292,213  $211,869  $195,572  $198,436 

(a) Represents transaction costs incurred directly in connection with any investment, as defined in our credit agreement, equity issuance or debt issuance or refinancing, and certain purchase accounting adjustments.

(b) For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the amount is based on a cash income tax rate of 15.0%, 15.1%, 12.5% and 5.9%, respectively. Cash income tax expense for 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is based on the projected taxable income and corresponding cash taxes payable for the full year after considering the effects of current and deferred income tax items, and is calculated by applying the derived cash tax rate to the period’s pretax income. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the amount is based on actual cash income taxes paid that year.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with “Item 1 – Business,” “Item 6 - Selected Financial Data” and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements, based on current expectations and related to future events and our future financial performance, that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under “Item 1A - Risk Factors.”

 

Overview

 

We are a leading global designer and manufacturer of a wide range of energy technology solutions. The Company provides power generation equipment, energy storage systems, grid services solutions, and other power products serving the residential, light commercial and industrial markets.

Power generation and storage is a key focus of the Company, which differentiates us from our main competitors thatwho also have broad operations outside of the power equipment market. As the only significant market participant focused predominantlywith a primary focus on these products, we havemaintain one of the leading market positions in the power equipment market in North America and an expanding presence internationally. We believe we have one of the widest ranges of products in the marketplace, including residential, commercial and industrial standby generators,generators; as well as portable and mobile generators used in a variety of applications. A key strategic focus for the Company in recent years has been leveraging our leading position in the growing market for cleaner burning, more cost effectivecost-effective natural gas fueled generators to expand into applications beyond standby power. We havepower, allowing us to participate in distributed generation projects. The Company in recent years has been evolving its business model to also been focusedfocus on “connecting” the equipment we manufacture to the users of that equipment, helping to drive additional value to our customersclean energy products, solutions, and our distribution partners over the product lifecycle. Other power products that we design and manufacture include light towers which provide temporary lighting for various end markets; commercial and industrial mobile heaters and pumps used in the oil & gas, construction and other industrial markets; and a broad product line of outdoor power equipment for residential and commercial use. Duringservices. In 2019, we began providing energy storage systems as a clean energy solution for residential use that capture and store electricity from solar panels or other power sources and help reduce home energy costs while also protecting homes from briefshorter-duration power outages. During 2020, we entered the market for grid services involving distributed energy optimization and control software that helps support the operational stability of the world's power grids. We have also been focused on connecting the equipment we manufacture to the users of that equipment, helping to drive additional value to our customers and our distribution partners over the product lifecycle. The strategic focus on expanding the connectivity of our products will broaden our monitoring capabilities and also enable the increasing utilization of this equipment as distributed energy resources as the nascent market for grid-services expands over the next several years. Overall, as the traditional centralized utility model evolves over time, we believe that a cleaner, more decentralized grid infrastructure will build-out, and Generac's energy technology solutions are strategically positioned to participate in this future "Grid 2.0".

In addition to power generation and storage solutions, other products that we design and manufacture include light towers which provide temporary lighting for various end markets, and a broad and growing product line of outdoor power equipment for residential and commercial use.

 

2418

Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business

The global outbreak of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020 and has negatively affected the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and created significant market volatility and uncertainty. Our management team has been very proactive in addressing the impact of COVID-19 on our business. The situation continues to evolve, and we are working to ensure employee safety, monitor customer demand, proactively address supply chain or production challenges, and support our communities during this challenging time. We manufacture and provide essential products and services to a variety of critical infrastructure customers around the globe, and as a result, substantially all of our operations and production activities have, to-date, been operational. We have implemented changes in our work practices, maintaining a safe working environment for production and office employees at our facilities, while enabling other employees to productively work from home.

The further extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business is dependent on future developments, including the duration of the pandemic, our ability to operate during the pandemic, actions taken by domestic and foreign governments to contain the spread of the virus, and the related length of its impact on the global economy and our customers.

Demand

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant uncertainty within various global markets that we serve. Several areas of our business have been and may continue to be negatively impacted, in particular our Commercial and Industrial (C&I) products around the world. The decline in oil prices has impacted our C&I mobile products demand significantly as national rental customers are deferring their capital spending. C&I stationary product shipments through our North American distributor channel and our Telecom customers have slowed during 2020 due to declines in quoting activity. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a broad-based sharp drop in global demand for our C&I products in our International segment, which magnified the slower economic growth and geopolitical headwinds that were already being experienced by our international business. Given the magnitude of the downturn in demand for C&I products, we initiated a number of meaningful cost-cutting actions for this part of our business during the second quarter of 2020 to better align our cost structure with customer demand. We are continuing to monitor these negative impacts on our C&I product demand closely and may implement additional measures in response.

With regard to our Residential products, historical experience and our current year results have shown that demand for Residential products can decouple from broader economic trends as these products are largely driven by power outages. The aging and underinvested electrical grid in the U.S. continues to be more vulnerable to elevated power outages across the country. As the vast majority of U.S. citizens are spending much more time at home due to the pandemic, it is becoming more essential to have a backup power strategy, especially as homeowners are doing more critical activities like working and learning from home. In addition, with California emerging as a major market for back-up power and our entrance into clean energy, these incremental growth drivers have helped to more than offset the impact of lower consumer spending due to COVID-19.

Supply Chain and Operations

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, governmental authorities have implemented and are continuing to implement numerous and constantly evolving measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, limits on gatherings, quarantines, and business shutdowns. While we are deemed an essential, critical infrastructure business and our facilities currently remain operational, this continues to be a fluid process and subject to change. We have experienced and may continue to experience increased employee absences at several of our production facilities. If we were to encounter a significant work stoppage, disruption, or COVID-19 outbreak at one or more of our locations or suppliers, we may not be able to satisfy customer demand for a period of time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the global supply chain and we are continually monitoring scheduled material receipts to mitigate any delays. To date, we have not experienced significant impacts or interruptions to our supply chain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this could be subject to change if one or more of our suppliers can no longer operate in this environment. We have maintained business continuity by utilizing safety stock inventory levels and executing air freight strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the global logistics network. Although we have experienced inbound and outbound logistics delays and increased costs in moving shipments across several regions, the impact to our business thus far has not been significant. This could change if freight carriers are delayed or not able to operate.

Liquidity

Although the COVID-19 outbreak has created uncertain market conditions, we believe our business model, current cash balance, projected cash flow generation, and availability under our ABL credit facility provide us with a strong balance sheet and liquidity position. This financial strength allows us, notwithstanding unforeseen impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic, to remain focused on our strategic plan and provides the flexibility to continue to invest in future growth opportunities.

19

 

Business Drivers and Operational Factors

 

In operating our business and monitoring its performance, we pay attention to a number of business drivers and trends as well as operational factors. The statements in this section are based on our current expectations.

 

Business Drivers and Trends

 

Our performance is affected by the demand for reliable power generation products, energy storage systems, grid services solutions, and other power products by our customer base. This demand is influenced by several important drivers and trends affecting our industry, including the following:

Key Mega-trends:    There are some important mega-trends that we believe represent major themes that will drive significant secular growth opportunities across our business over the long term. “Grid 2.0”, which is the evolution of the traditional electrical utility model, includes the decentralization and de-carbonization of the grid and a migration toward distributed energy resources that is expected to drive demand for a variety of clean energy and grid services solutions going forward.  Attitudes around global warming and climate change are shifting, which includes the expectation of more severe weather driving increased power outage activity.  Natural gas is expected to be a key fuel of the future with the abundance of supply globally leading to increasing demand for natural gas generators in applications beyond standby power.  The legacy infrastructure is in need of a major investment cycle to rebuild and upgrade aging networks and systems including transportation, water and power.  The wireless telecommunications infrastructure is shifting to the next generation “5G” architecture, which will enable new technologies requiring significant improvement in network uptime through backup power solutions. 

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has led to a new and emerging mega-trend that we refer to as “Home as a Sanctuary,” where millions of people are working, learning, shopping, entertaining, and in general, spending more time at home.  As working adults spend much more time working from home and school-age children learning from home, they become more sensitive to power outages due to lost productivity.  These trends combined with ongoing elevated power outage activity has led to a significant increased awareness, importance and need for backup power security.  As a result of spending more time at home, homeowners are also investing more into home improvement projects and outdoor project activity, which is leading to increased and broad-based demand for home standby generators as well as chore products used in a variety of property maintenance applications.

 

Increasing penetration opportunity.    Many potential customers are still not aware of the costs and benefits of automatic backup power solutions. We estimate that penetration rates for home standby generators are still only approximately 4.75%5.0% of the addressable market of homes in the United States. The decision to purchase backup power for many light-commercial buildings such as convenience stores, restaurants and gas stations is more return-on-investment driven and, as a result, these applications have relatively lower penetration rates as compared to buildings used in code-driven or mission critical applications such as hospitals, wastewater treatment facilities, 911 call centers, data centers and certain industrial locations. The emergence of lower cost, cleaner burning natural gas fueled generators has helped to increase the penetration of standby generators over the past decade in the light-commercial market. In addition, the installed base of backup power for telecommunications infrastructure is still increasing due to a variety of factors, including the impending rollout of next-generation 5G wireless networks enabling new technologies and the growing importance for critical communications and other uninterrupted voice and data services.being transmitted over wireless networks. We believe by expanding our distribution network, continuing to develop our product lines, and targeting our marketing efforts, we can continue to build awareness and increase penetration for our standby generators for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.

 

Effect of large scale and baseline power disruptions.    Power disruptions are an important driver of customer awareness for back-up power and have historically influenced demand for generators, both in the United States and internationally. Increased frequency and duration of major power outage events, that have a broader impact beyond a localized level, increases product awareness and may drive consumers to accelerate their purchase of a standby or portable generator during the immediate and subsequent period, which we believe may last for six to twelve months following a major power outage event for standby generators. For example, thethere have been a number of major outage events that occurred duringover the second half of 2017past decade that drove strong demand for portable and home standby generators, and the increased awareness of these products contributed to strong revenue growth in both 2017 and 2018.the year they occurred along with the following subsequent year. Major power disruptions are unpredictable by nature and, as a result, our sales levels and profitability may fluctuate from period to period. In addition, there are smaller, more localized power outages that occur frequently across the United States that drive the baseline level of demand for back-up power solutions. The level of baseline power outage activity occurring across the United States can also fluctuate, and may cause our financial results to fluctuate from year to year.

 

Energy storage and monitoring markets developing quickly.    During 2019, we entered the rapidly developing energy storage, monitoring and monitoringmanagement markets with the acquisitions of Pika Energy and Neurio Technologies.Technologies, along with the subsequent introduction of complete energy storage systems - marketed under the names PWRcell™ and PWRview™. We believe the electric powerutility landscape will undergo significant changes in the decade ahead as a result of rising utility rates, grid instability and power utility quality issues, environmental concerns, and the continuing performance and cost improvements in renewable energy and batteries. On-site power generation from solar, wind, geothermal, and natural gas generators is projected to become more prevalent as will the need to monitor, manage, monitor and store this power – potentially developing into a significant market opportunity annually.opportunity. The capabilities provided by Pika and Neurio have enabled us to bring an efficient and intelligent energy-savings solution to the energy storage and monitoring markets, which enabled us to quickly ramp shipments for these clean energy solutions during 2020, and we believe will position Generac as a key participant going forward. Although very different from the emergency backup power space, we serve today, we believe this market will develop similarly as the home standby generator market has over the past two decades. Our effortsdecades given both products can provide power resiliency to develop a cost-effective global supply chain, omni-channelhomeowners. We expect to further advance our growing capabilities for energy storage systems including product development, sourcing, distribution, targeted consumer-basedand marketing, content, and proprietary in-home sales tools have played a critical role in creating the market for home standby generators, andas we intend to leverage our expertise and capabilitiessignificant competencies in these areas as we workthe residential standby generator market to growaccelerate our market position in the emerging residential energy storage, monitoring and monitoringmanagement markets.

 

California market for backup power increasing.    During 2019,Over the largest utilitypast two years, utilities in the state of California along with other utilities announced their intention and ultimatelyhave executed a number of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events in large portions of their service areas. These events were pro-active measures to prevent their equipment from potentially causing catastrophic wildfires during the dry and windy season of the year. The occurrence of these events, along with the utilities warning these actions could continue in the future as they upgrade their transmission and distribution infrastructure, have resulted in significant awareness and increased demand for our generators in California, where penetration rates of home standby generators still stand at only approximately 1%. We have a significant focus on expanding distribution in California and are working together with local regulators, inspectors, and gas utilities to increase their bandwidth and sense of urgency around approving and providing the infrastructure necessary for home standby and other backup power products. Our efforts in this part of the country will also be helpful in developing the market for energy storage and monitoring where the installed base of solar and other renewable sources of electricity are some of the highest in the U.S., and the regulatory environment is increasingly mandating renewable energy on new construction starting in 2020.applications.

 

2520

 

Impact of residential investment cycle.    The market for residential generators and energy storage systems is also affected by the residential investment cycle and overall consumer confidence and sentiment. When homeowners are confident of their household income, the value of their home and overall net worth, they are more likely to invest in their home. These trends can have an impact on demand for residential generators and energy storage systems. Trends in the new housing market, highlighted by residential housing starts, can also impact demand for these products. Demand for outdoor power equipment is also impacted by several of these factors, as well as weather precipitation patterns. Finally, the existence of renewable energy mandates and investment tax credits and other subsidies can also have an impact on the demand for energy storage systems.

 

Impact of business capital investment and other economic cycles.    The global market for our commercial and industrial products is affected by different capital investment cycles, which can vary across the numerous regions around the world in which we participate. These markets include non-residential building construction, durable goods and infrastructure spending, as well as investments in the exploration and production of oil & gas, as businesses or organizations either add new locations or make investments to upgrade existing locations or equipment. These trends can have a material impact on demand for these products. The capital investment cycle may differ for the various commercial and industrial end markets that we serve including light commercial, retail, office, telecommunications, industrial, data centers, healthcare, construction, oil & gas and municipal infrastructure, among others. The market for these products is also affected by general economic and geopolitical conditions as well as credit availability in the geographic regions that we serve. In addition, we believe demand for our mobile power products will continue to benefit from a secular shift towards renting versus buying this type of equipment.

 

Factors Affecting Results of Operations

 

We are subject to various factors that can affect our results of operations, which we attempt to mitigate through factors we can control, including continued product development, expanded distribution, pricing, cost control and hedging. Certain operational and other factors that affect our business include the following:

 

Effect of commodity, currency and component price fluctuations.    Industry-wide price fluctuations of key commodities, such as steel, copper and aluminum, along with other components we use in our products, as well as changes in labor costs required to produce our products, can have a material impact on our results of operations. Acquisitions in recent years have further expanded our commercial and operational presence outside of the United States. These international acquisitions, along with our existing global supply chain, expose us to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and regulatory tariffs that can also have a material impact on our results of operations.

 

We have historically attempted to mitigate the impact of any inflationary pressures through improved product design and sourcing, manufacturing efficiencies, price increases and select hedging transactions. Our results are also influenced by changes in fuel prices in the form of freight rates, which in some cases are accepted by our customers and in other cases are paid by us.

 

Seasonality.    Although there is demand for our products throughout the year, in each of the past five years, approximately 20%19% to 24%21% of our net sales occurred in the first quarter, 22% to 25% in the second quarter, 26% to 28% in the third quarter and 27% to 29%31% in the fourth quarter, with different seasonality depending primarily on the occurrence, timing and severity of major power outage activity in each year. Major outage activity is unpredictable by nature and, as a result, our sales levels and profitability may fluctuate from period to period. The seasonality experienced during a major power outage, and for the subsequent quarters following the event, will vary relative to other periods where no major outage events occurred. We maintain

During 2020, elevated power outage activity and the emergence of the "Home as a flexible productionSanctuary" trend driven by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in demand for home standby generators.  This increased demand has resulted in extended lead times for these products as of December 31, 2020, and supply chain infrastructure in orderas a result, our net sales during 2021 are expected to respondbe more level-loaded throughout the year relative to outage-driven peak demand.historical seasonal patterns. 

 

Factors influencing interest expense and cash interest expense.    Interest expense can be impacted by a variety of factors, including market fluctuations in LIBOR, interest rate election periods, interest rate swap agreements, repayments or borrowings of indebtedness, and amendments to our credit agreements. In connection with our term loan amendment in December 2019, language was added to the agreement to include a benchmark replacement rate, selected by the administrative agent and the borrower, as a replacement to LIBOR that would take affect at the time LIBOR ceases. We plan to work with our lenders in the future to amend other LIBOR based debt agreements to add a replacement rate should the use of LIBOR cease. Interest expense increased slightlydecreased during 20192020 compared to 2018,2019, primarily due to increased borrowings by our foreign subsidiaries.lower LIBOR rates and lower outstanding borrowings. Refer to Note 12, “Credit Agreements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.

 

Factors influencing provision for income taxes and cash income taxes paid.    On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which significantly changed how the U.S. taxes corporations. During 2018,Since enactment, the U.S. Treasury Department (Treasury) issued several new regulations and other guidance which we have incorporated into our final tax calculations. At December 31, 2019, we consider the tax expense recorded for the impact of Tax Reform to be complete. It is possible additional regulations or guidance could be issued by Treasury or by a state which may create an additional tax expense or benefit. We will update our future tax provisions based on new regulations or guidance accordingly.

 

2621

 

As a result of the Tax Act, we recognized a one-time, non-cash benefit of $28.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 primarily from the impact of the revaluation of our net deferred tax liabilities. This non-cash benefit resulted primarily from the Federal rate reduction from 35% to 21%.

As of December 31, 2019,2020, we had approximately $225$102 million of tax-deductible goodwill and intangible asset amortization remaining from our acquisition by CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC in 2006 that we expect to generate aggregate2006. This remaining balance will fully amortize in our 2021 tax return, resulting in approximately $26 million of cash tax savings of approximately $57 million through 2021, assuming continued profitability of our U.S. business andduring 2021. Beginning in 2022, this tax amortization will no longer exist, resulting in a combined federal and state tax rate of 25.3%. The recognition of the tax benefit associated with these assets for tax purposes is expected to be $122 million in 2020 and $102 million in 2021, which generates annual cash tax savings of $31 million in 2020 and $26 million in 2021. Based on current business plans, we believe that our cash tax obligations through 2021 will be significantly reduced by these tax attributes, after which ourhigher cash tax obligation will increase. Other domestic acquisitions have resulted in additional tax deductible goodwill and intangible assets that will generate tax savings, but are not material to our consolidated financial statements.on a go-forward basis.

 

Components of Net Sales and Expenses

 

Net Sales

 

Our net sales primarily consist of product sales to our customers. This includes sales of our power generation equipment, energy storage systems, and other power products to the residential, light commercial and industrial markets, as well as service parts to our dealer network. Net sales also include shipping and handling charges billed to customers, with the related freight costs included in cost of goods sold. Additionally, we offer other services, including extended warranties, remote monitoring, grid optimization, installation and maintenance services. However, these services accounted for less than threetwo percent of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020. Refer to Note 2, “Significant“Summary of Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our revenue streams and related revenue recognition accounting policies.

 

We are not dependent on any one channel or customer for our net sales, with no single customer representing more than 5%6% of our sales, and our top ten customers representing less than 19%24% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.

 

Costs of Goods Sold

 

The principal elements of costs of goods sold are component parts, raw materials, freight, factory overhead and labor. Component parts and raw materials comprised approximately 75% of costs of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020. The principal component parts are engines, alternators, and batteries. We design and manufacture air-cooled engines for certain of our generators up to 22kW,24kW, along with certain liquid-cooled, natural gas engines. We source engines for certain of our smaller products and all of our diesel products. For certain natural gas engines, we source the base engine block, and then add a significant amount of value engineering, sub-systems and other content to the point that we are recognized as the OEMoriginal equipment manufacturer (OEM) of those engines. We design and manufacture many of the alternators for our units. We also manufacture other generator components where we believe we have a design and cost advantage. We source component parts from an extensive global network of reliable, high quality suppliers. In some cases, these relationships are proprietary.

 

The principal raw materials used in the manufacturing process that are sourced are steel, copper and aluminum. We are susceptible to fluctuations in the cost of these commodities, impacting our costs of goods sold. We seek to mitigate the impact of commodity prices on our business through a continued focus on global sourcing, product design improvements, manufacturing efficiencies, price increases and select hedging transactions. We are also impacted by foreign currency fluctuations given our global supply chain. There is typically a lag between raw material price fluctuations and their effect on our costs of goods sold.

 

Other sources of costs include our manufacturing and warehousing facilities, factory overhead, labor and shipping costs. Factory overhead includes utilities, insurance, support personnel, depreciation, general supplies, support and maintenance. Although we attempt to maintain a flexible manufacturing cost structure, our margins can be impacted when we cannot timely adjust labor and manufacturing costs to match fluctuations in net sales.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Our operating expenses consist of costs incurred to support our sales, marketing, distribution, service parts, engineering, information systems, human resources, accounting, finance, risk management, legal and tax functions, among others. These expenses include personnel costs such as salaries, bonuses, employee benefit costs, taxes, and share-based compensation cost, and are classified into three categories: selling and service, research and development, and general and administrative. Additionally, the amortization expense related to our finite-lived intangible assets is included within operating expenses.

 

2722

 

Selling and service.    Our selling and service expenses consist primarily of personnel expense, marketing expense, standard assurance warranty expense and other sales expenses. Our personnel expense recorded in selling and services expenses includes the expense of our sales force responsible for our broad customer base and other personnel involved in the marketing, sales and service of our products. Standard warranty expense, which is recorded at the time of sale, is estimated based on historical trends. Our marketing expenses include direct mail costs, printed material costs, product display costs, market research expenses, trade show expenses, media advertising, promotional expenses and co-op advertising costs. Marketing expenses are generally related to the launch of new product offerings, participation in trade shows and other events, opportunities to create market awareness for our products, and general brand awareness marketing efforts.

 

Research and development.    Our research and development expenses support numerous projects covering all of our product lines. They also support our connectivity, remote monitoring, and energy monitoring initiatives. We operate engineering facilities with extensive capabilities at many locations globally and employ over 500 personnel with focus on new product development, existing product improvement and cost containment. We are committed to research and development, and rely on a combination of patents and trademarks to establish and protect our proprietary rights. Our research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

General and administrative.    Our general and administrative expenses include personnel costs for general and administrative employees; accounting, legal and professional services fees; information technology costs; insurance; travel and entertainment expense; and other corporate expenses.

 

Amortization of intangibles.    Our amortization of intangibles expense includes the straight-line amortization of finite-lived tradenames, customer lists, patents and technology, and other intangibles assets.

 

Other (Expense) Income

 

Other (expense) income includes the interest expense on our outstanding borrowings, amortization of debt financing costs and original issue discount, and cash flows related to interest rate swap agreements. Other (expense) income also includes other financial items such as losses on extinguishment of debt, gains (losses) on changes in contractual interest rate, loss on pension settlement, and investment income earned on our cash and cash equivalents.

 

Results of Operations

 

A detailed discussion of the year-over-year changes from the Company's fiscal 2018 to fiscal 2019 can be found in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of the Company's fiscal 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 25, 2020. 

Year ended DecemberDecember 31, 20192020 compared to year ended December 331, 20191, 2018

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated statement of operations data for the periods indicated:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

         

Year Ended December 31,

      

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

  

2018

  

$ Change

  

% Change

  

2020

  

2019

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Net sales

 $2,204,336  $2,023,464  $180,872  8.9% $2,485,200  $2,204,336  $280,864  12.7%

Cost of goods sold

  1,406,584   1,298,424   108,160   8.3%  1,527,546   1,406,584   120,962   8.6%

Gross profit

 797,752  725,040  72,712  10.0% 957,654  797,752  159,902  20.0%

Operating expenses:

                    

Selling and service

 217,683  191,887  25,796  13.4% 246,373  217,683  28,690  13.2%

Research and development

 68,394  50,019  18,375  36.7% 80,251  68,394  11,857  17.3%

General and administrative

 110,868  103,841  7,027  6.8% 119,644  110,868  8,776  7.9%

Amortization of intangible assets

  28,644   22,112   6,532   29.5%  32,280   28,644   3,636   12.7%

Total operating expenses

  425,589   367,859   57,730   15.7%  478,548   425,589   52,959   12.4%

Income from operations

 372,163  357,181  14,982  4.2% 479,106  372,163  106,943  28.7%

Total other expense, net

  (52,556)  (46,105)  (6,451)  14.0%  (32,915)  (52,556)  19,641   -37.4%

Income before provision for income taxes

 319,607  311,076  8,531  2.7% 446,191  319,607  126,584  39.6%

Provision for income taxes

  67,299   69,856   (2,557)  -3.7%  98,973   67,299   31,674   47.1%

Net income

 252,308  241,220  11,088  4.6% 347,218  252,308  94,910  37.6%

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  301   2,963   (2,662)  -89.8%  (3,358)  301   (3,659)  -1215.6%

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $252,007  $238,257  $13,750   5.8% $350,576  $252,007  $98,569   39.1%

 

2823

Table of Contents

 

The following sets forth our reportable segment information for the periods indicated:

 

 

Net Sales by Segment

         

Net Sales by Segment

      
 

Year Ended December 31,

         

Year Ended December 31,

      

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

$ Change

 

% Change

  

2020

  

2019

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Domestic

 $1,742,898  $1,566,520  $176,378  11.3% $2,088,808  $1,742,898  $345,910  19.8%

International

  461,438   456,944   4,494   1.0%  396,392   461,438   (65,046)  -14.1%

Total net sales

 $2,204,336  $2,023,464  $180,872   8.9% $2,485,200  $2,204,336  $280,864   12.7%

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA by Segment

         

Adjusted EBITDA by Segment

      
 

Year Ended December 31,

         

Year Ended December 31,

      
 

2019

  

2018

  

$ Change

  

% Change

  

2020

  

2019

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Domestic

 $428,667  $388,495  $40,172  10.3% $563,394  $428,667  $134,727  31.4%

International

  25,448   36,057   (10,609)  -29.4%  20,379   25,448   (5,069)  -19.9%

Total Adjusted EBITDA

 $454,115  $424,552  $29,563   7.0% $583,773  $454,115  $129,658   28.6%

 

The following table sets forth our product class information for the periods indicated:

 

 Net Sales by Product Class     
 

Year Ended December 31,

         

Year Ended December 31,

      

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

$ Change

 

% Change

  

2020

  

2019

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Residential products

 $1,143,723  $1,042,739  $100,984  9.7% $1,556,501  $1,143,723  $412,778  36.1%

Commercial & industrial products

 871,595  820,270  51,325  6.3% 701,751  871,595  (169,844) -19.5%

Other

  189,018   160,455   28,563   17.8%  226,948   189,018   37,930   20.1%

Total net sales

 $2,204,336  $2,023,464  $180,872   8.9% $2,485,200  $2,204,336  $280,864   12.7%

 

Net sales.    The increase in Domestic segment sales for the year ended December 31, 20192020 was primarily due to strong growth in shipments of home standby generators due to increased trendsand portable generators as elevated outage activity and nationwide stay-at-home orders heightened consumer awareness of power outage activity across the U.S. and Canada, inclusive of public utility power shut-offs in California. In addition, C&I stationary generator shipmentsreliability concerns. Chore products sold directly to consumers were also strong particularly for natural gas and telecom applications. The Pika and Neurio acquisitions providedduring the current year as homeowners increased outdoor project activity. In addition, shipments of the PWRcell™ energy storage system had a modest contribution of salesstrong impact on growth as we expanded our presence in 2019 given their start-up nature. The overall Domestic segment salesthe rapidly developing solar-plus-storage market. This broad-based residential products growth was partially offset by continued weakness in sales of C&I mobile products due to the ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as lower shipments of portable generators and C&I mobile products.products to national telecom customers as compared to a strong prior year comparison.

 

The slight increasedecrease in International segment sales for the year ended December 31, 20192020 was primarily due to contributions from the Selmec and Captiva acquisitions. International segment salesdriven by a broad-based sharp drop in 2019 were impactedglobal demand caused by the unfavorable results of foreign currencyCOVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical headwinds that caused economic softnessits impact on the C&I power generation market in certain key regions of the world, which magnified the slower economic growth and geopolitical headwinds already being experienced prior to the pandemic. However, the year-over-year decline in which we operate.the fourth quarter was at a notably lesser rate relative to recent quarters as certain regions are beginning to show signs of recovery.  

 

Total contribution from non-annualized recent acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 20192020 was $36.1$32.4 million.

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.    Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc. was $350.6 million as compared to $252.0 million in the prior year period. The current year net income includes $11.5 million of pre-tax charges taken in the second quarter of 2020 relating to business optimization, restructuring, and other costs to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decline in oil prices on end markets for our products. The cost reduction actions taken include certain headcount reductions, non-cash asset write-downs, and other charges. The charges, which primarily relate to C&I products, consist of $6.3 million classified within costs of goods sold and $5.2 million classified within operating expenses. 

 

Gross profit.    Gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 20192020 was 36.2%38.5% compared to 35.8%36.2% for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019. The overall increase in gross profit margin reflected a favorable sales mix towards significantly higher margin home standby generators and price increases implemented since the prior period. These items were partially offset byshipments of residential products, along with a lower mix of C&I products. The current year period includes the impact of recent acquisitions and the realizationaforementioned $6.3 million of higher inputcharges classified within costs including regulatory tariffs, logistics costs, and labor rates.of goods sold. 

 

Operating expenses.    Operating expenses increased $53.0 million, or 12.4%, as compared to the prior year. The current year period includes the impact of the aforementioned $5.2 million of charges classified within operating expenses. In addition, the increase in operating expenses was primarily driven by higher variable expenses from the significant increase in sales volume, incremental variable operating expense onspend related to clean energy products and the strong sales growth, recurringimpact of acquisitions, higher employee costs, and additional intangible amortization. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in operating expenses from recent acquisitions,as a result of the restructuring actions initiated in the second quarter of 2020 and an increaseoverall reduction in employee headcount related to strategic initiatives, higher marketing and promotional spend, and higher intangible amortizationcontrollable operating expenses.

 

Other expense.    The increasedecrease in other expense, net was primarilydriven by a reduction in interest expense due to lower LIBOR rates and lower outstanding borrowings in the current year, as well as a $10.9 million pre-tax settlement charge related to the termination of the Company’s domestic pension plan in the fourth quarter of 2019, partially off-set by more favorable foreign currency adjustments compared to the prior year.2019. 

 

Provision for income taxes.    The effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were 22.2% and 2018 were 21.1% and 22.5%, respectively. The decreaseincrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a reduction in the prior year U.S. state income tax expense, and lower foreignwhich did not repeat in the current year, as well as higher earnings in the current year, which are subject to higher jurisdictionaldilute the impact of discrete tax rates.

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.    The increase in net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc. was primarily due to the factors outlined above.benefits.

 

Adjusted EBITDA.    Adjusted EBITDA is defined in, and there is a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the Company in, "Non-GAAP Measures - Adjusted EBITDA" included below in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Adjusted EBITDA margins for the Domestic segment for the year ended December 31, 20192020 were 24.6%27.0% of net sales as compared to 24.8%24.6% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019. Adjusted EBITDA margin in the current year benefited from favorable sales mix pricing initiatives, and fixedhigher operating cost leverage onfrom the higher sales volumes. These favorable impacts were more thansignificant revenue growth, partially offset by the aforementioned higher input costs, including regulatory tariffs, increased employee headcount, higher marketing and promotional spend, and recurring operating expenses from recent acquisitions.expense investments. 

29

 

Adjusted EBITDA margins for the International segment, before deducting for non-controlling interests, for the year ended December 31, 20192020 were 5.5%5.1% of net sales as compared to 7.9%5.5% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA margin as compared2019. Decreased operating leverage on lower sales volumes was the primary contributor to the prior year was primarily due to unfavorable sales mix, higher input costs, and incrementalmargin decline, partially offset by lower operating expense investments.expenses as a result of the restructuring activities initiated in the second quarter of 2020.

 

Adjusted net income.    Adjusted Net Income is defined in, and there is a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income attributable to the Company in, "Non-GAAP Measures - Adjusted Net Income" included below in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Adjusted Net Income of $412.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased 29.7% from $317.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, increased 8.8% from $292.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, due to the factors outlined above.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, management determined that the Latin American export operations of the legacy Generac business should have been included in the International reportable segment beginning in 2018. Previously, this was reported in the Domestic segment, in amounts that were not material. Refer to Note 7, “Segment Reporting,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding this correction.

Year ended December 31, 2018 compared to year ended December 31, 2017

The following table sets forth our consolidated statement of operations data for the periods indicated:

  

Year Ended December 31,

         

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Net sales

 $2,023,464  $1,679,373  $344,091   20.5%

Cost of goods sold

  1,298,424   1,094,587   203,837   18.6%

Gross profit

  725,040   584,786   140,254   24.0%

Operating expenses:

                

Selling and service

  191,887   174,841   17,046   9.7%

Research and development

  50,019   42,869   7,150   16.7%

General and administrative

  103,841   87,581   16,260   18.6%

Amortization of intangible assets

  22,112   28,861   (6,749)  -23.4%

Total operating expenses

  367,859   334,152   33,707   10.1%

Income from operations

  357,181   250,634   106,547   42.5%

Total other expense, net

  (46,105)  (46,935)  830   -1.8%

Income before provision for income taxes

  311,076   203,699   107,377   52.7%

Provision for income taxes

  69,856   44,142   25,714   58.3%

Net income

  241,220   159,557   81,663   51.2%

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  2,963   1,749   1,214   N/A 

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $238,257  $157,808  $80,449   51.0%

The following table sets forth our reportable segment information for the periods indicated:

  

Net Sales by Segment

         
  

Year Ended December 31,

         

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Domestic

 $1,566,520  $1,271,678  $294,842   23.2%

International

  456,944   407,695   49,249   12.1%

Total net sales

 $2,023,464  $1,679,373  $344,091   20.5%

  

Adjusted EBITDA by Segment

         
  

Year Ended December 31,

         
  

2018

  

2017

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Domestic

 $388,495  $282,450  $106,045   37.5%

International

  36,057   34,850   1,207   3.5%

Total Adjusted EBITDA

 $424,552  $317,300  $107,252   33.8%

30

The following table sets forth our product class information for the periods indicated:

  

Year Ended December 31,

         

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Residential products

 $1,042,739  $870,491  $172,248   19.8%

Commercial & industrial products

  820,270   684,352   135,918   19.9%

Other

  160,455   124,530   35,925   28.8%

Total net sales

 $2,023,464  $1,679,373  $344,091   20.5%

Net sales. The increase in Domestic sales for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to strong broad-based growth in shipments of home standby generators, portable generators, outdoor power equipment and service parts. Shipments of residential products were particularly strong with demand climbing from the elevated outage environment which continued to drive awareness around the home standby category and the need for homeowners to have back-up power. Sales of our C&I mobile and stationary products were also strong during the year with rental, telecom, and healthcare market verticals experiencing growth.

The increase in International sales for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to the $30.7 million contribution from the Selmec acquisition, and broad-based core growth from the Pramac, Ottomotores and Motortech businesses as we continue to drive market penetration across the globe.

Gross profit. Gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2018 was 35.8% compared to 34.8% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase reflected a favorable mix of home standby generators, improved leverage of fixed manufacturing costs on the increase in sales, favorable pricing environment, and focused initiatives to improve margins. These items were partially offset by general inflationary pressures from higher commodities, currencies, wages and logistics costs.

Operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily driven by an increase in employee and incentive compensation costs, higher selling-related variable operating expenses given the higher sales volumes, and the recurring operating expenses from the Selmec acquisition. These items were partially offset by lower promotion, marketing and intangible amortization expenses.

Other expense. The decrease in other expense, net was primarily due to lower interest expense and higher investment income, partially offset by the $1.3 million loss on extinguishment of debt resulting from a $50.0 million voluntary prepayment of Term Loan debt.

Provision for income taxes.The effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were 22.5% and 21.3%, respectively. The reduction of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% as a result of the Tax Act was more than offset by the 2017 one-time, non-cash $28.4 million benefit from revaluing our net deferred tax liabilities in accordance with the Tax Act.

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.    The increase in net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc. was primarily due to the factors outlined above partially offset bytogether with an increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA margins for the Domestic segment for the year ended December 31, 2018 were 24.8% of net sales as compared to 22.2% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2017. Adjusted EBITDA margin in 2018 benefitted from improved operating leverage, favorable sales mix from higher shipments of home standby generators, a favorable pricing environment, lower promotional costs, and focused margin improvement initiatives. These benefits were partially offset by an increase in employee costs and general inflationary pressures.

Adjusted EBITDA margins for the International segment, before deducting for non-controlling interests, for the year ended December 31, 2018 were 7.9% of net sales as compared to 8.5% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2017. The slight decrease in EBITDA margin is due to an unfavorable sales mix as 2017 included higher shipments of portable generators following large-scale outages from Hurricane Maria. This unfavorable sales mix was partially offset by increased leverage of fixed operating costs in 2018.

Adjusted net income. Adjusted Net Income of $292.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased 37.9% from $211.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, due to the factors outlined above, partially offset by an increase in cash income tax expense.rate from 15.0% in 2019 to 17.9% in 2020.

24

 

Liquidity and Financial Position

 

Our primary cash requirements include payment for our raw material and component supplies, salaries & benefits, facility and lease costs, operating expenses, interest and principal payments on our debt and capital expenditures. We finance our operations primarily through cash flow generated from operations and, if necessary, borrowings under our ABL Facility.credit facility (ABL Facility).

31

 

Our credit agreements originally provided for a $1.2 billion term loan B credit facility (Term Loan) and include a $300.0 million uncommitted incremental term loan facility. The Term Loan currently matures on December 13, 2026 and bears interest at rates based upon either a base rate plus an applicable margin of 0.75% or adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin of 1.75%. The Term Loan does not require an Excess Cash Flow payment if our secured leverage ratio is maintained below 3.75 to 1.00 times. As of December 31, 2019,2020, our secured leverage ratio was 1.501.12 to 1.00 times, and we were in compliance with all covenants of the Term Loan. There are no financial maintenance covenants on the Term Loan.

 

Our credit agreements also provide for the $300.0 million ABL Facility, which matures on June 12, 2023. As of December 31, 2019,2020, there were $31.0 million of borrowingswas no outstanding and $268.6 million of availabilitybalance under the ABL Facility, leaving $299.6 million of availability, net of outstanding letters of credit. We were in compliance with all covenants of the ABL Facility as of December 31, 2019.2020.

As of December 31, 2020, we had $954.7 million of liquidity comprised of $655.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and $299.6 million available under our ABL Facility. Additionally, we have no maturities on our Term Loan until December 2026. We believe we have a strong liquidity position that allows us, notwithstanding unforeseen impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic, to execute our strategic plan and provides the flexibility to continue to invest in future growth opportunities. 

 

In August 2015,September 2018, our Board of Directors approved a $200.0 million stock repurchase program, which we completed in the third quarter of 2016. In October 2016, our Board of Directors approved a new $250.0 million stock repurchase program, which expired in the fourth quarter of 2018.October 2020. In September 2018,2020, the Board of Directors approved another stock repurchase program, which commenced inon October 2018,27, 2020, and under which we may repurchase an additional $250.0 million of common stock over 24 months from time to time, in amounts and at prices we deem appropriate, subject to market conditions and other considerations. During the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, no repurchases were made. Since the inception of all stock repurchase programs starting in August 2015, we have repurchased 8,676,706 shares of our common stock for $305.5 million (an average repurchase price of $35.21 per share), all funded with cash on hand.

 

Long-term Liquidity

 

We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations, and availability under our ABL Facility and other short-term lines of credit combined with our favorable tax attributes (which result in a lower cash tax rate as compared to the U.S. statutory tax rate) provide us with sufficient capital to continue to grow our business in the future. We may use a portion of our cash flow to pay interest and principal on our outstanding debt, as well as repurchase shares of our common stock, impacting the amount available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. As we continue to expand our business, we may require additional capital to fund working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions.

 

Cash Flow

 

Year ended December 31, 20192020 compared to year ended December 31, 20182019

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows by category for the periods presented:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

         

Year Ended December 31,

      

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

$ Change

 

% Change

  

2020

  

2019

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $308,887  $247,227  $61,660  24.9% $486,533  $308,887  $177,646  57.5%

Net cash used in investing activities

 (170,078) (108,894) (61,184) 56.2% (124,095) (170,078) 45,983  -27.0%

Net cash used in financing activities

 (41,918) (52,034) 10,116  -19.4% (30,428) (41,918) 11,490  -27.4%

 

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by higher sales volumes and resulting higher operating earnings in the monetization of previouscurrent year, as well as a significant working capital investments and an increaseinvestment that was made in operating earnings compared tothe prior year which did not repeat in the current year.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily represented cash payments of $64.8 million related to the acquisition of businesses and $62.1 million for the purchase of property and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily representedconsisted of cash payments of $112.0 million related to the acquisition of businesses and $60.8 million for the purchase of property and equipment.

Net cash used in investingfinancing activities for the year ended December 31, 20182020 primarily consisted of cash payments$282.5 million of $65.4debt repayments ($277.7 million of short-term borrowings and $4.8 million of long-term borrowings), $14.9 million of taxes paid related to the acquisitionequity awards, and $4.0 million of businesses and $47.6contingent consideration for acquired businesses. These payments were partially offset by $257.9 million cash proceeds from borrowings ($257.6 million for short-term borrowings and $0.3 million for long-term borrowings) and $13.1 million of proceeds from the purchaseexercise of property and equipment.stock options.

 

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily consisted of $112.6 million of debt repayments ($53.1 million of long-term borrowings and $59.5 million of short-term borrowings), $6.4 million of taxes paid related to equity awards, and $5.5 million of contingent consideration for acquired businesses. These payments were partially offset by $75.0 million of cash proceeds from borrowings ($73.3 million for short-term borrowings and $1.7 million for long-term borrowings) and $9.4 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily consisted of $129.7 million of debt repayments ($101.8 million of long-term borrowings and $27.9 million of short-term borrowings), $25.7 million for the repurchase of our common stock, and $5.7 million of taxes paid related to equity awards. These payments were partially offset by $105.4 million of cash proceeds from borrowings ($54.0 million for short-term borrowings and $51.4 million for long-term borrowings) and $5.6 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

 

3225

Year ended December 31, 2018 compared to year ended December 31, 2017

The following table summarizes our cash flows by category for the periods presented:

  

Year Ended December 31,

         

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

$ Change

  

% Change

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $247,227  $257,322  $(10,095)  -3.9%

Net cash used in investing activities

  (108,894)  (28,128)  (80,766)  287.1%

Net cash used in financing activities

  (52,034)  (160,143)  108,109   -67.5%

The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by increased working capital investment due to strong organic growth and incremental inventory purchases ahead of expected tariff changes, which was partially offset by an increase in operating earnings.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily represented cash payments of $65.4 million related to the acquisition of businesses and $47.6 million for the purchase of property and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily consisted of cash payments for the purchase of property and equipment.

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily consisted of $129.7 million of debt repayments ($101.8 million of long-term borrowings and $27.9 million of short-term borrowings), $25.7 million for the repurchase of our common stock, and $5.7 million of taxes paid related to equity awards. These payments were partially offset by $105.4 million of cash proceeds from borrowings ($54.0 million for short-term borrowings and $51.4 million for long-term borrowings) and $5.6 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily consisted of $232.4 million of debt repayments ($117.5 million of long-term borrowings and $114.9 million of short-term borrowings), $30.0 million for the repurchase of our common stock, $5.9 million of taxes paid related to equity awards and $3.9 million of payments for debt issuance costs. These payments were partially offset by $105.1 million cash proceeds from borrowings ($102.0 million for short-term borrowings and $3.1 million for long-term borrowings) and $7.0 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

 

Refer to Note 12, “Credit Agreements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 and the “Liquidity and Financial Position” section included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on the senior secured credit facilities.

 

Covenant Compliance

 

The Term Loan contains restrictions on the Company’s ability to pay distributions and dividends. Payments can be made to the Company or other parent companies for certain expenses such as operating expenses in the ordinary course, fees and expenses related to any debt or equity offering and to pay franchise or similar taxes. Dividends can be used to repurchase equity interests, subject to limitations in certain circumstances. Additionally, the Term Loan restricts the aggregate amount of dividends and distributions that can be paid and, in certain circumstances, requires pro forma compliance with certain fixed charge coverage ratios or gross leverage ratios, as applicable, in order to pay certain dividends and distributions. The Term Loan also contains other affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, liens on property, sale and leaseback transactions, investments, loans and advances, mergers or consolidations, asset sales, acquisitions, transactions with affiliates, prepayments of certain other indebtedness and modifications of our organizational documents. The Term Loan does not contain any financial maintenance covenants.

 

The Term Loan contains customary events of default, including, among others, nonpayment of principal, interest or other amounts, failure to perform covenants, inaccuracy of representations or warranties in any material respect, cross-defaults with other material indebtedness, certain undischarged judgments, the occurrence of certain ERISA, bankruptcy or insolvency events, or the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the Term Loan). A bankruptcy or insolvency event of default will cause the obligations under the Term Loan to automatically become immediately due and payable.

 

The ABL Facility also contains covenants and events of default substantially similar to those in the Term Loan, as described above. 

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes our expected payments for significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019,2020, using the interest rates in effect as of that date:

 

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

Total

 

Less than 1 Year

 

2 - 3 Years

 

4 - 5 Years

 

After 5 Years

  

Total

 

Less than 1 Year

 

2 - 3 Years

 

4 - 5 Years

 

After 5 Years

 

Long-term debt, including current portion (1)

 $832,236  $553  $1,683  $-  $830,000  $833,990 $1,836 $1,951 $142 $830,061 

Finance lease obligations, including current portion

 25,962  1,830  3,479  2,174  18,479  27,371 2,312 3,939 2,517 18,603 

Interest on long-term debt and finance lease obligations

 218,085  30,479  60,539  60,336  66,731  111,035 16,553 34,903 34,641 24,938 

Operating leases (2)

  50,542  9,511  14,302  10,755  15,974   71,706 19,530 27,654 12,811 11,711 

Total contractual cash obligations

 $1,126,825  $42,373  $80,003  $73,265  $931,184  $1,044,102  $40,231  $68,447  $50,111  $885,313 

 

(1) The Term Loan matures on December 13, 2026. The ABL Facility provides for a $300.0 million senior secured ABL revolving credit facility, which matures on June 12, 2023. There was no outstanding balance on the ABL Facility classified as long-term as of December 31, 2019.

(2) Includes future cash disbursements for three leases entered into in December 2019 for which there is not a corresponding right of use asset or lease liability recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the year ended December 31, 2019, due to the leases having a commencement date in 2020. Total payments to be made over the lease term for these three leases total $5.8 million.

In 2019, the Company terminated its domestic Pension Plan. In connection with the termination, all obligations were settled in the fourth quarter of 2019 through the purchase of annuities and lump sum distributions.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Our operations require capital expenditures for facilities and related improvements, technology, research & development, tooling, equipment, capacity expansion, IT systems & infrastructure and upgrades. Capital expenditures were $62.1 million, $60.8 million, $47.6 million and $33.3$47.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, respectively, and were funded through cash from operations.

As a result of increased demand for our products and in order to expand manufacturing and distribution capacity, we have entered into an agreement to purchase an approximate 420,000 square foot building in Trenton, South Carolina. The transaction funded in February 2021. 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have an arrangement with a finance company to provide floor plan financing for selected dealers. This arrangement provides liquidity for our dealers by financing dealer purchases of products with credit availability from the finance company. We receive payment from the finance company after shipment of product to the dealer, and our dealers are given a longer period of time to pay the finance company. If our dealers do not pay the finance company, we may be required to repurchase the applicable inventory held by the dealer. We do not indemnify the finance company for any credit losses they may incur.

 

Total inventorydealer purchases financed under this arrangement accounted for approximately 11%12% and 10%11% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. The amount financed by dealers which remained outstanding was $49.6$55.6 million and $47.2$49.6 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, respectively.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

In preparing the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that have an impact on the asset, liability, revenue and expense amounts reported. These estimates can also affect our supplemental information disclosures, including information about contingencies, risk and financial condition. We believe, given current facts and circumstances, that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, adhere to U.S. GAAP, and are consistently applied. Inherent in the nature of an estimate or assumption is the fact that actual results may differ from estimates and estimates may vary as new facts and circumstances arise. We make routine estimates and judgments in determining net realizable value of accounts receivable, inventories, property and equipment, prepaid expenses, product warranties and other reserves. Management believes our most critical accounting estimates and assumptions are in the following areas: goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessment; business combinations and purchase accounting; and income taxes.

 

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

Refer to Note 2, “Significant“Summary of Accounting Policies – Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the Company’s policy regarding the accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company performed the required annual impairment tests for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for the fiscal years 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, and found no impairment.

 

When preparing a discounted cash flow analysis for purposes of our annual impairment test, we make a number of key estimates and assumptions. We estimate the future cash flows of the business based on historical and forecasted revenues and operating costs. This, in turn, involves further estimates, such as estimates of future growth rates and inflation rates. In addition, we apply a discount rate to the estimated future cash flows for the purpose of the valuation. This discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital for the business and may change from year to year. Weighted average cost of capital includes certain assumptions such as market capital structures, market betas, risk-free rate of return and estimated costs of borrowing.

 

In our October 31, 20192020 impairment test calculation, the Latin America reporting unit and the Generac Mobile Products reporting unit each had an estimated fair value that exceeded its carrying value by approximately 10%. 

The carrying value of the Latin America goodwill was $48.1$43.6 million. Key financial assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of the reporting unit includesinclude revenue growth levels that reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with an eventual return to normalized revenue growth patterns and profitability from recovering end markets, an expanding customer and project pipeline, increased sales of service parts and service contracts, improving profit margins, a 3% terminal growth rate and an 11.1%11.7% discount rate. The reporting unit’s fair value would approximate its carrying value with a 70 basis point increase in the discount rate or a 75 basis point reduction in the sales continuous annual growth rate and terminal growth rate. 

The carrying value of the Generac Mobile Products goodwill was $48.6 million. Key financial assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of the reporting unit include revenue growth levels that reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the impact of a decline in oil prices on end markets with an eventual return to normalized revenue growth levels from recovering end markets, improving profit margins, a 3% terminal growth rate and a 14.6% discount rate. The reporting unit’s fair value would approximate its carrying value with a 100 basis point increase in the discount rate or a 100 basis point reduction in the sales continuous annual growth rate and terminal growth rate. As of the October 31, 2019 impairment test date, there was no other reporting unit with a carrying value that was at risk of exceeding its fair value.

 

As noted above, a considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests. While we believe our judgments and assumptions are reasonable, different assumptions could change the estimated fair values. A number of factors, many of which we have no ability to control, could cause actual results to differ from the estimates and assumptions we employed. These factors include:

 

continued negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic;
 

a prolonged global or regional economic downturn;

 

a significant decrease in the demand for our products;

 

the inability to develop new and enhanced products and services in a timely manner;

 

a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate;

 

an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;

 

successful efforts by our competitors to gain market share in our markets;

 

disruptions to the Company’s business;

 

inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses;

 

unexpected or unplanned changes in the use of assets or entity structure; and

 

business divestitures.

 

If management's estimates of future operating results change or if there are changes to other assumptions due to these factors, the estimate of the fair values may change significantly. Such change could result in impairment charges in future periods, which could have a significant impact on our operating results and financial condition.

 

Business Combinations and Purchase Accounting

 

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired business are recorded at their respective fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Assigning fair market values to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of an acquisition requires knowledge of current market values, the values of assets in use, and often requires the application of judgment regarding estimates and assumptions. While the ultimate responsibility resides with management, for material acquisitions we retain the services of certified valuation specialists to assist with assigning estimated values to certain acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including intangible assets and tangible long-lived assets. Acquired intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are valued using certain discounted cash flow methodologies based on future cash flows specific to the type of intangible asset purchased. This methodology incorporates various estimates and assumptions, the most significant being projected revenue growth rates, profit margins, and forecasted cash flows, based on the discount raterates and terminal growth rate.rates. Refer to Note 1, “Description of Business,” and Note 3, "Acquisitions," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the Company’s business acquisitions.

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes in accordance with ASCAccounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes. Our estimate of income taxes payable, deferred income taxes and the effective tax rate is based on an analysis of many factors including interpretations of federal, state and international income tax laws; the difference between tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities; estimates of amounts currently due or owed in various jurisdictions; and current accounting standards. We review and update our estimates on a quarterly basis as facts and circumstances change and actual results are known.

 

In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets on our balance sheet, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the years in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the taxable income in prior carryback years, scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

 

Refer to Note 15, “Income Taxes”Taxes,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the Company’s income taxes.

 

New Accounting Standards

 

For information with respect to new accounting pronouncements and the impact of these pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements, refer to Note 2, “Significant“Summary of Accounting Policies - New Accounting Pronouncements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted EBITDA

The computation of Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Generac Holdings Inc. is based on the definition of EBITDA contained in our credit agreement, as amended. To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we provide the computation of Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the Company, taking into account certain charges and gains that were recognized during the periods presented.

We view Adjusted EBITDA as a key measure of our performance. We present Adjusted EBITDA not only due to its importance for purposes of our credit agreements, but also because it assists us in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis as it excludes items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA:

for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and developing and refining our internal projections for future periods;

to allocate resources to enhance the financial performance of our business;

as a benchmark for the determination of the bonus component of compensation for our senior executives under our management incentive plan, as described further in our Proxy Statement;

to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies and as a supplemental tool in evaluating our performance against our budget for each period; and

in communications with our Board of Directors and investors concerning our financial performance.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA is used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of the Company. Management believes the disclosure of Adjusted EBITDA offers an additional financial metric that, when coupled with results prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of our results of operations and the factors and trends affecting our business. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors for the following reasons:

Adjusted EBITDA and similar non-GAAP measures are widely used by investors to measure a company's operating performance without regard to items that can vary substantially from company to company depending upon financing and accounting methods, book values of assets, tax jurisdictions, capital structures and the methods by which assets were acquired;

investors can use Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure to evaluate the overall operating performance of our Company, including our ability to service our debt and other cash needs; and

by comparing our Adjusted EBITDA in different historical periods, our investors can evaluate our operating performance excluding the impact of items described below.

The adjustments included in the reconciliation table listed below are provided for under our Term Loan and ABL Facility, and also are presented to illustrate the operating performance of our business in a manner consistent with the presentation used by our management and Board of Directors. These adjustments eliminate the impact of a number of items that:

we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance, such as non-cash write-downs and other charges, non-cash gains, write-offs relating to the retirement of debt, severance costs and other restructuring-related business optimization expenses;

we believe to be akin to, or associated with, interest expense, such as administrative agent fees, revolving credit facility commitment fees and letter of credit fees; or

are non-cash in nature, such as share-based compensation expense.

We explain in more detail in footnotes (a) through (g) below why we believe these adjustments are useful in calculating Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of our operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA does not represent, and should not be a substitute for, net income or cash flows from operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of the limitations are:

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;

several of the adjustments that we use in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, such as non-cash write-downs and other charges, while not involving cash expense, do have a negative impact on the value of our assets as reflected in our consolidated balance sheet prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP; and

other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

Furthermore, as noted above, one of our uses of Adjusted EBITDA is as a benchmark for determining elements of compensation for our senior executives. At the same time, some or all of these senior executives have responsibility for monitoring our financial results, generally including the adjustments in calculating Adjusted EBITDA (subject ultimately to review by our Board of Directors in the context of the Board's review of our financial statements). While many of the adjustments (for example, transaction costs and credit facility fees), involve mathematical application of items reflected in our financial statements, others involve a degree of judgment and discretion. While we believe all of these adjustments are appropriate, and while the calculations are subject to review by our Board of Directors in the context of the Board's review of our financial statements, and certification by our Chief Financial Officer in a compliance certificate provided to the lenders under our Term Loan and ABL Facility, this discretion may be viewed as an additional limitation on the use of Adjusted EBITDA as an analytical tool.

Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our U.S. GAAP results and using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $350,576  $252,007  $238,257 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (a)

  (3,358)  301   2,963 

Net income

  347,218   252,308   241,220 

Interest expense

  32,991   41,544   40,956 

Depreciation and amortization

  68,773   60,767   47,408 

Provision for income taxes

  98,973   67,299   69,856 

Non-cash write-down and other adjustments (b)

  (327)  240   3,532 

Non-cash share-based compensation expense (c)

  20,882   16,694   14,563 

Loss on extinguishment of debt (d)

  -   926   1,332 

Loss on pension settlement (e)

  -   10,920   - 

Transaction costs and credit facility fees (f)

  2,151   2,724   3,883 

Business optimization and other charges (g)

  12,158   1,572   952 

Other

  954   (879)  850 

Adjusted EBITDA

  583,773   454,115   424,552 

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests

  2,358   4,965   7,759 

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $581,415  $449,150  $416,793 

(a) Includes the noncontrolling interests’ share of expenses related to Pramac purchase accounting, including intangible amortization of $4.3 million, $4.2 million, and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

(b) Represents the following non-cash adjustments: gains/losses on disposal of assets, unrealized mark-to-market adjustments on commodity contracts, transactional foreign currency gains/losses and certain purchase accounting related adjustments. We believe that adjusting net income for these non-cash items is useful for the following reasons:

The gains/losses on disposals of assets result from the sale of assets that are no longer useful in our business and therefore represent gains or losses that are not from our core operations;

The adjustments for unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses on commodity contracts represent non-cash items to reflect changes in the fair value of forward contracts that have not been settled or terminated. We believe it is useful to adjust net income for these items because the charges do not represent a cash outlay in the period in which the charge is incurred, although Adjusted EBITDA must always be used together with our U.S. GAAP statements of comprehensive income and cash flows to capture the full effect of these contracts on our operating performance;

The purchase accounting adjustments represent non-cash items to reflect fair value at the date of acquisition, and therefore do not reflect our ongoing operations

(c) Represents share-based compensation expense to account for stock options, restricted stock and other stock awards over their respective vesting period.

(d) Represents the non-cash write-off of original issue discount and deferred financing costs due to voluntary prepayments of Term Loan debt. Refer to Note 12, “Credit Agreements,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the losses on extinguishment of debt.

(e) Represents pre-tax settlement charges related to the termination of the Company’s domestic pension plan in the fourth quarter of 2019. Refer to Note 16, “Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s pension plans.

(f) Represents transaction costs incurred directly in connection with any investment, as defined in our credit agreement, equity issuance, or debt issuance or refinancing, together with certain fees relating to our senior secured credit facilities, such as administrative agent fees and credit facility commitment fees under our Term Loan and ABL Facility, which we believe to be akin to, or associated with, interest expense and whose inclusion in Adjusted EBITDA is therefore similar to the inclusion of interest expense in that calculation.

(g) Typically, represents severance and non-recurring plant consolidation costs. For the year-ended December 31, 2020, represents severance, non-cash asset write-downs and other charges to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and decline in oil prices on demand for C&I products. These charges represent expenses that are nonrecurring and do not reflect our ongoing operations.

Adjusted Net Income

To further supplement our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we provide the computation of Adjusted Net Income attributable to the Company, which is defined as net income before noncontrolling interest and provision for income taxes adjusted for the following items: cash income tax expense, amortization of intangible assets, amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount related to our debt, intangible impairment charges, certain transaction costs and other purchase accounting adjustments, losses on extinguishment of debt, business optimization expenses, certain other non-cash gains and losses, and adjusted net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, as set forth in the reconciliation table below. 

We believe Adjusted Net Income is used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of our company’s operations. Management believes the disclosure of Adjusted Net Income offers an additional financial metric that, when used in conjunction with U.S. GAAP results and the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP results, provides a more complete understanding of our ongoing results of operations, and the factors and trends affecting our business.

The adjustments included in the reconciliation table listed below are presented to illustrate the operating performance of our business in a manner consistent with the presentation used by investors and securities analysts. Similar to the Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation, these adjustments eliminate the impact of a number of items we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance or cash flows, such as amortization costs, transaction costs and write-offs relating to the retirement of debt. We also make adjustments to present cash taxes paid as a result of our favorable tax attributes, causing our cash tax rate to be lower than our U.S GAAP tax rate.

Similar to Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income does not represent, and should not be a substitute for, net income or cash flows from operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted Net Income has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of the limitations are:

Adjusted Net Income does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

although amortization is a non-cash charge, the assets being amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted Net Income does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and

other companies may calculate Adjusted Net Income differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted Net Income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

 

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $350,576  $252,007  $238,257 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  (3,358)  301   2,963 

Net income

  347,218   252,308   241,220 

Provision for income taxes

  98,973   67,299   69,856 

Income before provision for income taxes

  446,191   319,607   311,076 

Amortization of intangible assets

  32,280   28,644   22,112 

Amortization of deferred finance costs and original issue discount

  2,598   4,712   4,749 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

  -   926   1,332 

Loss on pension settlement

  -   10,920   - 

Transaction costs and other purchase accounting adjustments (a)

  (1,328)  874   2,578 

Business optimization and other charges

  12,158   1,572   952 

Adjusted net income before provision for income taxes

  491,899   367,255   342,799 

Cash income tax expense (b)

  (79,723)  (47,945)  (47,064)

Adjusted net income

  412,176   319,310   295,735 

Adjusted net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  (32)  1,488   3,522 

Adjusted net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $412,208  $317,822  $292,213 

(a) Represents transaction costs incurred directly in connection with any investment, as defined in our credit agreement, equity issuance or debt issuance or refinancing, and certain purchase accounting adjustments.

(b) For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, the amount is based on a cash income tax rate of 17.9%, 15.0%, and 15.1%, respectively. Cash income tax expense is based on the projected taxable income and corresponding cash taxes payable for the full year after considering the effects of current and deferred income tax items, and is calculated by applying the derived cash tax rate to the period’s pretax income. 

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. To reduce the risk from these changes, we use financial instruments from time to time. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

 

Foreign Currency

 

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, as well as operating businesses in foreign countries. Periodically, we utilize foreign currency forward purchase and sales contracts to manage the volatility associated with certain foreign currency purchases and sales in the normal course of business. Contracts typically have maturities of twelve months or less. Realized gains and losses on transactions denominated in foreign currency are recorded as a component of cost of goods sold in the statements of comprehensive income.

 

The following is a summary of the forty-threeforty-four foreign currency contracts outstanding as of December 31, 20192020 (notional amount in thousands):

 

Currency

Denomination

 

Trade Dates

 

Effective Dates

 

Notional Amount

 

Expiration Date

GBP

 

11/11/1910/2/20 - 12/16/1922/20

 

11/11/1910/2/20 - 12/16/1922/20

 

 $                     5,1109,666

 

1/15/2013/21 - 4/30/206/28/21

USD

 

10/24/1911/3/20 - 12/16/1914/20

 

10/24/1911/3/20 - 12/16/1914/20

 

 $                     6,3004,260

 

1/15/208/21 - 2/19/203/12/21

AUD

 

11/25/1924/20 - 12/16/1914/20

 

11/25/1924/20 - 12/16/1914/20

 

 $                     4,8003,400

 

1/29/2013/21 - 2/19/2010/21

 

Commodity Prices

 

We are a purchaser of commodities and components manufactured from commodities including steel, aluminum, copper and others. As a result, we are exposed to fluctuating market prices for those commodities. While such materials are typically available from numerous suppliers, commodity raw materials are subject to price fluctuations. We generally buy these commodities and components based upon market prices that are established with the supplier as part of the purchase process. Depending on the supplier, these market prices may reset on a periodic basis based on negotiated lags and calculations. To the extent that commodity prices increase and we do not have firm pricing from our suppliers, or our suppliers are not able to honor such prices, we may experience a decline in our gross margins to the extent we are not able to increase selling prices of our products or obtain manufacturing efficiencies or supply chain savings to offset increases in commodity costs.

 

Periodically, we engage in certain commodity risk management activities to mitigate the impact of potential price fluctuations on our financial results. These derivatives typically have maturities of less than eighteen months. As of December 31, 2019,2020, we had nothe following commodity forward contracts outstanding.contract outstanding (notional amount in thousands):

Hedged Item

Contract Date

Effective Date

Notional Amount

Fixed Price

Expiration Date

Copper

May 18, 2020

January 1, 2021

$                     661

$2.215 per LB

June 30, 2021

 

Interest Rates

 

As of December 31, 2019,2020, all of the outstanding debt under our Term Loan and ABL Facility was subject to floating interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2019,2020, we had the following interest rate swap contracts outstanding (notional amount in thousands of US dollars):

 

Hedged Item

 

Contract Date

 

Effective Date

 

Notional Amount

 

Fixed LIBOR Rate

 

Expiration Date

 

Contract Date

 

Effective Date

 

Notional Amount

 

Fixed LIBOR Rate

 

Expiration Date

Interest Rate

 

June 19, 2017

 

July 1, 2019

 

                    125,000

 

1.9053%

 

July 1, 2020

 

June 19, 2017

 

July 1, 2020

 

                    125,000

 

2.1263%

 

July 1, 2021

Interest Rate

 

June 19, 2017

 

July 1, 2020

 

                    125,000

 

2.1263%

 

July 1, 2021

 

June 19, 2017

 

July 1, 2021

 

                    125,000

 

2.2733%

 

July 1, 2022

Interest Rate

 

June 19, 2017

 

July 1, 2021

 

                    125,000

 

2.2733%

 

July 1, 2022

 

June 19, 2017

 

July 1, 2022

 

                    125,000

 

2.3673%

 

May 31, 2023

Interest Rate

 

June 19, 2017

 

July 1, 2022

 

                    125,000

 

2.3673%

 

May 31, 2023

 

June 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2020

 

                    125,000

 

2.2062%

 

July 1, 2021

Interest Rate

 

June 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2019

 

                    125,000

 

1.9750%

 

July 1, 2020

 

June 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2021

 

                    125,000

 

2.3717%

 

July 1, 2022

Interest Rate

 

June 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2020

 

                    125,000

 

2.2062%

 

July 1, 2021

 

June 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2022

 

                    125,000

 

2.5000%

 

May 31, 2023

Interest Rate

 

June 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2021

 

                    125,000

 

2.3717%

 

July 1, 2022

 

August 9, 2017

 

July 1, 2020

 

                    125,000

 

2.0740%

 

July 1, 2021

Interest Rate

 

June 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2022

 

                    125,000

 

2.5000%

 

May 31, 2023

 

August 9, 2017

 

July 1, 2021

 

                    125,000

 

2.2367%

 

July 1, 2022

Interest Rate

 

August 9, 2017

 

July 1, 2019

 

                    125,000

 

1.8598%

 

July 1, 2020

 

August 9, 2017

 

July 1, 2022

 

                    125,000

 

2.2948%

 

May 31, 2023

Interest Rate

 

August 9, 2017

 

July 1, 2020

 

                    125,000

 

2.0740%

 

July 1, 2021

 

August 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2020

 

                    125,000

 

1.9737%

 

July 1, 2021

Interest Rate

 

August 9, 2017

 

July 1, 2021

 

                    125,000

 

2.2367%

 

July 1, 2022

 

August 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2021

 

                    125,000

 

2.1508%

 

July 1, 2022

Interest Rate

 

August 9, 2017

 

July 1, 2022

 

                    125,000

 

2.2948%

 

May 31, 2023

 

August 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2022

 

                    125,000

 

2.2998%

 

May 31, 2023

Interest Rate

 

August 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2019

 

                    125,000

 

1.7553%

 

July 1, 2020

 March 4, 2020 May 31, 2023                     200,000 0.9565% December 14, 2026

Interest Rate

 

August 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2020

 

                    125,000

 

1.9737%

 

July 1, 2021

 March 5, 2020 May 31, 2023                     100,000 0.9050% December 14, 2026

Interest Rate

 

August 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2021

 

                    125,000

 

2.1508%

 

July 1, 2022

 March 6, 2020 May 31, 2023                     200,000 0.7770% December 14, 2026

Interest Rate

 

August 30, 2017

 

July 1, 2022

 

                    125,000

 

2.2998%

 

May 31, 2023

 

In conjunction with the December 2019 amendment to our term loan,Term Loan, we also amended the interest swaps to remove the LIBOR floor, which resulted in minor reductions to our future dated swap rates. At December 31, 2019,2020, the fair value of these interest rate swaps was a liability of $10.6$29.9 million. Even after giving effect to these swaps, we are exposed to risks due to changes in interest rates with respect to the portion of our Term Loan and ABL Facility that is not covered by the swaps. A hypothetical change in the LIBOR interest rate of 100 basis points would have changed annual cash interest expense by approximately $4.0$3.3 million (or, without the swaps in place, $9.0$8.3 million) in 2019.2020.

 

For additional information on the Company’s foreign currency and commodity forward contracts and interest rate swaps, including amounts charged to the statement of comprehensive income during 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017,2018, refer to Note 5, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and Note 6, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss,” to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Generac Holdings Inc.

Waukesha, WI

 

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Generac Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, the related consolidated statements of  comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019,2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019,2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We have also 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, 2019,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2020,23, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Change in Accounting Principle

 

As discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), using the modified retrospective approach.

 

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 MattersMatter

 

The critical audit mattersmatter communicated below are mattersis a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that werewas communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relaterelates 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 financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit mattersmatter below, providing a separate opinionsopinion on the critical audit mattersmatter or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Acquisitions – Neurio and Pika –Intangible Assets — Refer to Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.it relates.

 

Critical Audit Matter Description

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, on March 12, 2019, the Company acquired Neurio for a purchase price of $59.1 million. The Company accounted for the acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated based on the estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. As a result, the Company recorded approximately $58.8 million of intangible assets, including $17.9 million of goodwill as of the acquisition date.

On April 26, 2019, the Company acquired Pika for a purchase price of $49.1 million. The Company accounted for the acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated based on the estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. As a result, the Company recorded approximately $58.2 million of intangible assets, including $19.9 million of goodwill as of the acquisition date.

For both acquisitions, acquired intangible assets, excluding goodwill, were valued using certain discounted cash flow methodologies based on future cash flows specific to the type of intangible asset purchased. This methodology incorporated various estimates and assumptions, the most significant being projected revenue growth rates, earnings margins, and forecasted cash flows based on a discount rate and terminal growth rate.

The principle consideration for our determination that the purchase accounting for these acquisitions is a critical audit matter is that there is a high degree of auditor effort, judgment and subjectivity involved in designing and performing procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions related to the projected revenue growth rates, earnings margins and forecasted cash flows based on the discount rate and terminal growth rate.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the projected revenue growth rates, earnings margins, and forecasted cash flows and the selection of the discount rate and terminal growth rate for the intangible assets included the following, among others:

We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s process to estimate the fair value of the intangible assets, including those over projected revenue growth rates, earnings margins and forecasted cash flows based on the discount rate and terminal growth rate.

We assessed the reasonableness of management’s future cash flow projections and terminal growth rate by comparing the projections to historical results and relevant industry data.

With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the (1) valuation methodology and (2) discount rate selected, including testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rate, testing the mathematical accuracy of the calculation, and developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rate selected by management.

We evaluated whether the estimated future cash flows were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit, including impairment analyses and tax projections.

Goodwill – Refer to Note 9 to the financial statements.

 

Critical Audit Matter Description

 

The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company’s estimate for each reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows attributable to the respective reporting unit. This requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions including estimates of future growth rates, and inflation rates and discount rates based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital for the business. Changes in the assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value, which could result in an impairment charge. The Company performed their annual impairment assessment of its reporting units as of October 31, 2019.2020.  In the October 31, 20192020 impairment test calculation, the Latin America and Generac Mobile reporting unitunits each had an estimated fair value that exceeded itstheir carrying value by approximately 10%. Because the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value for each, no impairment was recorded.  The carrying value of goodwill for the Company’s Latin America and Generac Mobile reporting unit goodwillunits as of the October 31, 2020 impairment assessment was approximately $48.1 million. $43.6 million and $48.6 million, respectively.

Key financial assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of the Latin America reporting unit include revenue growth levels that reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with an eventual return to normalized revenue growth patterns and profitability from recovering end markets, an expanding customer and project pipeline, increased sales of service parts and service contracts, improving profit margins, a 3% terminal growth rate and a 11.7% discount rate. Key financial assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of the Generac Mobile reporting unit include revenue growth levels that reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the impact of a decline in oil prices on end markets with an 11.1%eventual return to normalized revenue growth levels from recovering end markets, improving profit margins, a 3% terminal growth rate and a 14.6% discount rate.

 

The principle consideration for our determination that the evaluation of goodwill is a critical audit matter is that there is a high degree of auditor effort, judgment and subjectivity involved in designing and performing procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s key financial assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of the Latin America and Generac Mobile reporting unit.units.

 

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

 

Our audit procedures related to the forecasts of future revenue growth rates, improving profit margins, the terminal growth rate and the selection of the discount rate for the Latin America and Generac Mobile reporting unitunits included the following, among others:

 

 

Evaluated the design and effectiveness of the controls over management’s goodwill impairment evaluation, including those over the determination of the fair value of the reporting unit, such as controls related to management’s forecast and the selection of the discount rate.

 

Obtained the Company’s discounted cash flow model and evaluated the valuation analysis for mathematical accuracy.

 

Utilized fair value specialists to evaluate whether the valuation techniques applied by management were appropriate.

 

Assessed management’s historical ability to accurately forecast the Company’s results of operations.

 

Assessed management’s intent and/or ability to take specific actions included in the discounted cash flow model.

 

Evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts by comparing the forecasts to (1) historical results, (2) internal communications to the Board of Directors, and (3) forecasted information included in industry reports.

 

Independently calculated a discount rate and compared it to the rate utilized by the Company.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 25, 202023, 2021

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.

 

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Generac Holdings Inc.

Waukesha, Wisconsin

 

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Generac Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, of the Company and our report dated February 25, 2020,23, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company's adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), using the modified retrospective approach.statements.

 

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Neurio TechnologyWest Coast Energy Systems LLC, which was acquired in July 2020, Mean Green Products, LLC, which was acquired in September 2020, and Enbala Power Networks Inc. (Neurio), which was acquired in March 2019, and Pika Energy, Inc (Pika), which was acquired in April 2019,October 2020, and whose financial statements constitute 5.0%4.7% and 2.8%2.6% of net and total assets, respectively, 0.4%0.6% of net sales, and (2.2)(0.3)% of net income of the consolidated financial statement amountsstatements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at NeurioWest Coast Energy Systems LLC, Mean Green Products, LLC and Pika.Enbala Power Networks Inc.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 25, 202023, 2021

 

 

 

Generac Holdings Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(U.S. Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2020

 

2019

 

Assets

          

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

 $322,883  $224,482  $655,128  $322,883 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,968 and $4,873 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

 319,538  326,133 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $12,001 and $6,968 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively 374,906 319,538 

Inventories

 522,024  544,750  603,317  522,024 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  31,384   25,404   36,382   31,384 

Total current assets

 1,195,829  1,120,769  1,669,733  1,195,829 
  

Property and equipment, net

 316,976  278,929  343,936  316,976 
  

Customer lists, net

 55,552  61,194  49,205  55,552 

Patents and technology, net

 85,546  29,970  86,727  85,546 

Other intangible assets, net

 8,259  3,043  9,932  8,259 

Tradenames, net

 148,377  152,283  146,159  148,377 

Goodwill

 805,284  764,655  855,228  805,284 

Deferred income taxes

 2,933  163  1,497  2,933 

Operating lease and other assets

  46,913   15,308   73,006   46,913 

Total assets

 $2,665,669  $2,426,314  $3,235,423  $2,665,669 
  

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

          

Current liabilities:

      

Short-term borrowings

 $58,714  $45,583  $39,282  $58,714 

Accounts payable

 261,977  328,091  330,247  261,977 

Accrued wages and employee benefits

 41,361  40,819  63,036  41,361 

Other accrued liabilities

 132,629  144,236  204,812  132,629 

Current portion of long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations

  2,383   1,977   4,147   2,383 

Total current liabilities

 497,064  560,706  641,524  497,064 
  

Long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations

 837,767  876,396  841,764  837,767 

Deferred income taxes

 96,328  71,300  115,769  96,328 

Operating lease and other long-term liabilities

  140,432   95,647   179,955   140,432 

Total liabilities

 1,571,591  1,604,049  1,779,012  1,571,591 
  

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

 61,227  61,004  66,207  61,227 
  

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock, par value $0.01, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 71,667,726 and 71,186,418 shares issued at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

 717  712 

Common stock, par value $0.01, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 72,024,329 and 71,667,726 shares issued at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively

 721  717 

Additional paid-in capital

 498,866  476,116  525,541  498,866 

Treasury stock, at cost, 9,103,013 and 9,047,060 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

 (324,551) (321,473)

Treasury stock, at cost, 9,173,731 and 9,103,013 shares at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively

 (332,164) (324,551)

Excess purchase price over predecessor basis

 (202,116) (202,116) (202,116) (202,116)

Retained earnings

 1,084,383  831,123  1,432,565  1,084,383 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (24,917)  (23,813)  (34,254)  (24,917)

Stockholders’ equity attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 1,032,382  760,549  1,390,293  1,032,382 

Noncontrolling interests

  469   712   (89)  469 

Total stockholders’ equity

  1,032,851   761,261   1,390,204   1,032,851 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 $2,665,669  $2,426,314  $3,235,423  $2,665,669 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

   

 

 

 

Generac Holdings Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(U.S. Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 
  

Net sales

 $2,204,336  $2,023,464  $1,679,373  $2,485,200  $2,204,336  $2,023,464 

Costs of goods sold

  1,406,584   1,298,424   1,094,587   1,527,546   1,406,584   1,298,424 

Gross profit

 797,752  725,040  584,786  957,654  797,752  725,040 
  

Operating expenses:

        

Selling and service

 217,683  191,887  174,841  246,373  217,683  191,887 

Research and development

 68,394  50,019  42,869  80,251  68,394  50,019 

General and administrative

 110,868  103,841  87,581  119,644  110,868  103,841 

Amortization of intangibles

  28,644   22,112   28,861   32,280   28,644   22,112 

Total operating expenses

  425,589   367,859   334,152   478,548   425,589   367,859 

Income from operations

 372,163  357,181  250,634  479,106  372,163  357,181 
  

Other (expense) income:

        

Interest expense

 (41,544) (40,956) (42,667) (32,991) (41,544) (40,956)

Investment income

 2,767  1,893  298  2,182  2,767  1,893 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 (926) (1,332)   0  (926) (1,332)

Loss on pension settlement

 (10,920)      0   (10,920)  0 

Other, net

  (1,933)  (5,710)  (4,566)  (2,106)  (1,933)  (5,710)

Total other expense, net

  (52,556)  (46,105)  (46,935)  (32,915)  (52,556)  (46,105)
  

Income before provision for income taxes

 319,607  311,076  203,699  446,191  319,607  311,076 

Provision for income taxes

  67,299   69,856   44,142   98,973   67,299   69,856 

Net income

 252,308  241,220  159,557  347,218  252,308  241,220 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

  301   2,963   1,749   (3,358)  301   2,963 

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $252,007  $238,257  $157,808  $350,576  $252,007  $238,257 
  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 $2,210  $(5,976) $15,191  $4,948  $2,210  $(5,976)

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

 (13,855) 2,924  3,712  (14,285) (13,855) 2,924 

Pension liability adjustment

  10,541   437   62   0   10,541   437 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  (1,104)  (2,615)  18,965   (9,337)  (1,104)  (2,615)

Total comprehensive income

 251,204  238,605  178,522  337,881  251,204  238,605 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

  (635)  1,647   5,549   (364)  (635)  1,647 

Comprehensive income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $251,839  $236,958  $172,973  $338,245  $251,839  $236,958 
  

Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share - basic:

 $4.09  $3.57  $2.56 
Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc. per common share - basic: $5.61 $4.09 $3.57 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic:

 61,926,986  61,662,031  62,040,704  62,280,889  61,926,986  61,662,031 
  

Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share - diluted:

 $4.03  $3.54  $2.53 
Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc. per common share - diluted: $5.48 $4.03 $3.54 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted:

 62,865,446  62,233,225  62,642,872  63,737,734  62,865,446  62,233,225 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

Generac Holdings Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(U.S. Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data)

 

 

Generac Holdings Inc.

         

Generac Holdings Inc.

      
 

Common Stock

 

 

Additional

Paid-In

 

Treasury Stock

 Excess Purchase Price

Over

Predecessor
 

Retained

 

 

Accumulated Other

Comprehensive

 

 

Total

Stockholders'

 

Noncontrolling

                    

Excess Purchase Price

    

Accumulated

         
 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 Basis

 

Earnings

 

Income (Loss)

 

Equity

 

Interest

 

Total

        

Additional

       

Over

    

Other

 

Total

      

Balance at December 31, 2016

 70,261,481  $702  $449,049  (7,564,874) $(262,402) $(202,116) $452,119  $(40,163) $397,189  $(10) $397,179 

Change in noncontrolling interest share

     (2,124)           (2,124) 184  (1,940)

Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax of $2,384

               3,712  3,712    3,712 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

               15,191  15,191  (14) 15,177 

Common stock issued under equity incentive plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes and strike price

 558,692  6  2,686            2,692    2,692 

Net share settlement of restricted stock awards

       (39,500) (1,591)       (1,591)   (1,591)

Stock repurchases

       (844,500) (30,012)       (30,012)   (30,012)

Share-based compensation

     10,205            10,205    10,205 

Pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $21

               62  62    62 

Redemption value adjustment

             909    909    909 

Net income

             157,808    157,808  119  157,927 
 

Common Stock

 

Paid-In

 

Treasury Stock

 

Predecessor

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

Stockholders'

 

Noncontrolling

   
                         

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Basis

 

Earnings

 

Income (Loss)

 

Equity

 

Interest

 

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 70,820,173  $708  $459,816  (8,448,874) $(294,005) $(202,116) $610,836  $(21,198) $554,041  $279  $554,320  70,820,173  $708  $459,816  (8,448,874) $(294,005) $(202,116) $610,836  $(21,198) $554,041  $279  $554,320 

Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax of $1,027

               2,924  2,924    2,924 

Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax of $1,027

   0  0    0  0  0  2,924  2,924  0  2,924 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

               (5,976) (5,976) (2) (5,978)   0  0    0  0  0  (5,976) (5,976) (2) (5,978)

Common stock issued under equity incentive plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes and strike price

 366,245  4  1,737            1,741    1,741  366,245 4 1,737 0 0 0 0 0 1,741 0 1,741 

Net share settlement of restricted stock awards

     ��  (38,186) (1,812)       (1,812)   (1,812) 0  0  0  (38,186) (1,812) 0  0  0  (1,812) 0  (1,812)

Stock repurchases

       (560,000) (25,656)       (25,656)   (25,656) 0  0  0  (560,000) (25,656) 0  0  0  (25,656) 0  (25,656)

Cash dividends paid to noncontrolling interest of subsidiary

                   (314) (314)   0  0    0  0  0  0  0  (314) (314)

Share-based compensation

     14,563            14,563    14,563    0  14,563    0  0  0  0  14,563  0  14,563 

Pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $154

               437  437    437 

Pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $154

   0  0    0  0  0  437  437  0  437 

Redemption value adjustment

             (17,970)   (17,970)   (17,970)   0  0    0  0  (17,970) 0  (17,970) 0  (17,970)

Net income

             238,257    238,257  749  239,006    0  0    0  0  238,257  0  238,257  749  239,006 
                                                

Balance at December 31, 2018

 71,186,418  $712  $476,116  (9,047,060) $(321,473) $(202,116) $831,123  $(23,813) $760,549  $712  $761,261  71,186,418  $712  $476,116  (9,047,060) $(321,473) $(202,116) $831,123  $(23,813) $760,549  $712  $761,261 

Change in noncontrolling interest share

                   (154) (154)   0  0    0  0  0  0  0  (154) (154)

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps, net of tax of ($4,877)

               (13,855) (13,855)   (13,855)   0  0    0  0  0  (13,855) (13,855) 0  (13,855)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

               2,210  2,210  (30) 2,180    0  0    0  0  0  2,210  2,210  (30) 2,180 

Common stock issued under equity incentive plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes and strike price

 481,308  5  6,056            6,061    6,061  481,308 5 6,056 0 0 0 0 0 6,061 0 6,061 

Net share settlement of restricted stock awards

     (55,953) (3,078)       (3,078)   (3,078) 0  0  0  (55,953) (3,078) 0  0  0  (3,078) 0  (3,078)

Cash dividends paid to noncontrolling interest of subsidiary

               (285) (285)   0  0    0  0  0  0  0  (285) (285)

Share-based compensation

     16,694            16,694    16,694    0  16,694    0  0  0  0  16,694  0  16,694 

Pension liability adjustment and settlement, net of tax

               10,541  10,541    10,541    0  0    0  0  0  10,541  10,541  0  10,541 

Redemption value adjustment

             1,253    1,253    1,253    0  0    0  0  1,253  0  1,253  0  1,253 

Net income

             252,007    252,007  226  252,233    0  0    0  0  252,007  0  252,007  226  252,233 
                                                

Balance at December 31, 2019

  71,667,726  $717  $498,866  (9,103,013) $(324,551) $(202,116) $1,084,383  $(24,917) $1,032,382  $469  $1,032,851  71,667,726  $717  $498,866  (9,103,013) $(324,551) $(202,116) $1,084,383  $(24,917) $1,032,382  $469  $1,032,851 

Accounting standard adoption impact

   0  0    0  0  (1,147) 0  (1,147) 0  (1,147)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps, net of tax of ($4,826)  0 0  0 0 0 (14,285) (14,285) 0 (14,285)
Foreign currency translation adjustment  0 0  0 0 0 4,948 4,948 (29) 4,919 
Common stock issued under equity incentive plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes and strike price 356,603 4 5,793 0 0 0 0 0 5,797 0 5,797 
Net share settlement of restricted stock awards 0 0 0 (70,718) (7,613) 0 0 0 (7,613) 0 (7,613)
Share-based compensation  0 20,882  0 0 0 0 20,882 0 20,882 
Redemption value adjustment  0 0  0 0 (1,247) 0 (1,247) 0 (1,247)
Net income  0 0  0 0 350,576 0 350,576 (529) 350,047 
                        

Balance at December 31, 2020

  72,024,329  $721  $525,541  (9,173,731) $(332,164) $(202,116) $1,432,565  $(34,254) $1,390,293  $(89) $1,390,204 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

Generac Holdings Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(U.S. Dollars in Thousands)

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 
  

Operating activities

                     

Net income

 $252,308  $241,220  $159,557  $347,218  $252,308  $241,220 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

              

Depreciation

 32,265  25,296  23,127  36,493  32,265  25,296 

Amortization of intangible assets

 28,644  22,112  28,861  32,280  28,644  22,112 

Amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs

 4,712  4,749  3,516  2,598  4,712  4,749 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 926  1,332    0  926  1,332 

Loss on pension settlement

 10,920      0  10,920  0 

Deferred income taxes

 18,733  23,600  19,502  21,195  18,733  23,600 

Share-based compensation expense

 16,694  14,563  10,205  20,882  16,694  14,563 

Other

 1,086  2,474  410  7,145  1,086  2,474 

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

              

Accounts receivable

 8,231  (43,243) (32,857) (55,976) 8,231  (43,243)

Inventories

 26,369  (152,594) (22,986) (77,983) 26,369  (152,594)

Other assets

 (358) (6,362) (14,783) 12,859  (358) (6,362)

Accounts payable

 (69,404) 86,359  42,788  66,040  (69,404) 86,359 

Accrued wages and employee benefits

 (3,724) 12,626  6,105  20,157  (3,724) 12,626 

Other accrued liabilities

 (16,252) 16,972  37,029  60,593  (16,252) 16,972 

Excess tax benefits from equity awards

  (2,263)  (1,877)  (3,152)  (6,968)  (2,263)  (1,877)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 308,887  247,227  257,322  486,533  308,887  247,227 
  

Investing activities

                     

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 95  214  82  179  95  214 

Proceeds from beneficial interest in securitization transactions

 2,630  3,933  3,794  2,651  2,630  3,933 

Expenditures for property and equipment

 (60,802) (47,601) (33,261) (62,128) (60,802) (47,601)

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

  (112,001)  (65,440)  1,257   (64,797)  (112,001)  (65,440)

Net cash used in investing activities

 (170,078) (108,894) (28,128) (124,095) (170,078) (108,894)
  

Financing activities

                     

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 73,340  53,965  101,991  257,593  73,340  53,965 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 1,660  51,425  3,069  277  1,660  51,425 

Repayments of short-term borrowings

 (59,518) (27,880) (114,874) (277,719) (59,518) (27,880)

Repayments of long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations

 (53,049) (101,827) (117,475) (4,758) (53,049) (101,827)

Stock repurchases

   (25,656) (30,012) 0  0  (25,656)

Payment of contingent acquisition consideration

 (5,550)     (4,000) (5,550) 0 

Payment of debt issuance costs

 (1,473) (1,702) (3,901) 0  (1,473) (1,702)

Cash dividends paid to noncontrolling interest of subsidiary

 (285) (314)   0  (285) (314)

Taxes paid related to equity awards

 (6,438) (5,659) (5,892) (14,910) (6,438) (5,659)

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

  9,395   5,614   6,951   13,089   9,395   5,614 

Net cash used in financing activities

  (41,918)  (52,034)  (160,143)  (30,428)  (41,918)  (52,034)
  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 1,510  (289) 2,149  235  1,510  (289)
  

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 98,401  86,010  71,200  332,245  98,401  86,010 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  224,482   138,472   67,272   322,883   224,482   138,472 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $322,883  $224,482  $138,472  $655,128  $322,883  $224,482 
  

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

                     

Cash paid during the period

                     

Interest

 $35,465  $41,007  $41,105  $28,765  $35,465  $41,007 

Income taxes

 61,767  41,044  23,836  61,861  61,767  41,044 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Generac Holdings Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018,2020, 2019 and 20172018

(U.S. Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 

 

1.

Description of Business

 

Founded in 1959, Generac Holdings Inc. (the Company) is a leading global designer and manufacturer of a wide range of energy technology solutions. The Company provides power generation equipment, energy storage systems, grid service solutions, and other power products serving the residential, light commercial and industrial markets. Generac’s power products and solutions are available globally through a broad network of independent dealers, distributors, retailers, e-commerce partners, wholesalers, and equipment rental companies, as well as sold direct to certain end user customers.

 

Over the years, the Company has executed a number of acquisitions that support its strategic plan (refer to Item 1 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for discussion of our "Powering Our Future" strategic plan). A summary of acquisitions affecting the reporting periods presented include:

 

 

In January 2017, the Company acquired Motortech GmbH (Motortech), headquartered in Celle, Germany. Motortech is a leading manufacturer of gaseous-engine control systems and accessories, which are sold primarily to European gas-engine manufacturers and to aftermarket customers.

In June 2018, the Company acquired Selmec Equipos Industriales, S.A. de C.V. (Selmec), headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. Selmec is a designer and manufacturer of industrial generators ranging from 10kW to 2,750kW. Selmec offers a market-leading service platform and specialized engineering capabilities, together with robust integration, project management and remote monitoring services.

 

In February 2019, the Company acquired a majority share of Captiva Energy Solutions Private Limited (Captiva). Captiva, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Kolkata, India, specializes in customized industrial generators for the India market.

 

In March 2019, the Company acquired Neurio Technology Inc. (Neurio), founded in 2005 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. Neurio is a leading energy data company focused on metering technology and sophisticated analytics to optimize energy use within a home or business.

 

In April 2019, the Company acquired Pika Energy, Inc. (Pika), founded in 2010 and located in Westbrook, Maine. Pika is a designer and manufacturer of battery storage technologies that capture and store solar or gridother power sources for homeowners and businesses, and is also a manufacturerdeveloper of advanced power electronics, software and controls for smart energy storage and management.

In July 2020, the Company acquired West Coast Energy Systems LLC (Energy Systems), its industrial distributor in northern California. This addition enhances the Company's ability to serve the west coast markets for both commercial & industrial (C&I) and residential products.

In September 2020, the Company acquired Mean Green Products, LLC (Mean Green), founded in 2009 and located in Ross, Ohio. Mean Green is a designer and manufacturer of commercial grade, battery-powered turf care products that provide quiet, zero emissions and reduced maintenance options as compared to traditional commercial mowers.
In October 2020, the Company acquired Enbala Power Networks Inc. (Enbala), founded in 2003 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Enbala is one of the leading providers of distributed energy optimization and control software that helps support the operational stability of the world's power grids. 

 

 

2.

Summary of Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries that are consolidated in conformity with U.S. GAAP. All intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company maintains the majority of its domestic cash in onea few commercial bankbanks in multiple operating and investment accounts. Balances on deposit are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to specified limits. Balances in excess of FDIC limits are uninsured.

 

 

OneNaN customer accounted for approximately 9%13% and 11%9% of accounts receivable at December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. Noone customer accounted for greater than 5%6%, 6%5%, and 6%, of net sales during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, or 2018 or 2017,, respectively.

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company's trade and other receivables primarily arise from the sale of our products to independent residential dealers, industrial distributors and dealers, national and regional retailers, electrical/HVAC/solar wholesalers, e-commerce partners, equipment rental companies, equipment distributors, solar installers, utilities, and certain end users with payment terms generally ranging from 30 to 90 days. The Company evaluates the credit risk of a customer when extending credit based on a combination of various financial and qualitative factors that may affect the customers' ability to pay. These factors include the customer's financial condition, past payment experience, credit bureau information, and regional considerations.

 

Receivables are recorded at their face value amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts.credit losses. The Company estimates and recordsmaintains an allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses, which represents an estimate of expected losses over the remaining contractual life of its receivables considering current market conditions and estimates for supportable forecasts when appropriate. The Company measures expected credit losses on its trade receivables on an entity by entity basis. The estimate of expected credit losses considers a historical loss experience rate that is adjusted for delinquency trends, collection experience, and/or economic risk where appropriate based on current market conditions. Additionally, management develops a specific identification and historical experience. allowance for trade receivables known to have a high risk of expected future credit loss. 

The Company writes off uncollectible accounts againsthas historically experienced immaterial write-offs given the nature of the customers that receive credit. In addition, the Company holds a credit insurance plan that covers the risk of loss up to specified amounts on certain trade receivables. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had gross receivables of $386,907 and an allowance for doubtful accounts after all collection efforts have been exhausted. Sales are generally made on an unsecured basis, and certain balances are protected by credit insurance.losses of $12,001.

The following is a tabular reconciliation of the Company's allowance for credit losses: 

  Year Ended December 31, 2020 

Balance at beginning of period

 $6,968 

Adoption of ASU 2016-13

  1,147 
Established for Acquisitions  198 

Provision for credit losses

  4,645 

Charge-offs

  (1,448)

Currency translation

  491 

Balance at end of period

 $12,001 

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined generally using the first-in, first-out method.

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are being depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are summarized below (in years). Costs of leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the term of the lease (including renewal option periods) or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Finance lease right of use assets are included in property and equipment. Refer to Note 10, "Leases," to the consolidated financial statements for the Company's lease disclosure.

 

Land improvements

 820 

Buildings and improvements

 1040 

Machinery and equipment

 315 

Dies and tools

 310 

Vehicles

 36 

Office equipment and systems

 315 

Leasehold improvements

 220 

 

Total depreciation expense was $36,493, $32,265, $25,296, and $23,127$25,296 for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 2018,2019 and 2017,2018, respectively.

 

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over fair value of identifiable net assets acquired from business acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if indicators of impairment are present. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually as of October 31 or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has the option to assess goodwill for impairment by performing either a qualitative assessment or quantitative test. The qualitative assessment determines whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative test is not required to be performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company is required to perform the quantitative test. In the quantitative test, the calculated fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its book value including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is in excess of its book value, the related goodwill is not impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its book value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

 

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of certain tradenames. The Company tests the carrying value of these tradenames annually as of October 31, or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates the carrying value may not be recoverable, by comparing the assets’ fair value to its carrying value. Fair value is measured using a relief-from-royalty approach, which assumes the fair value of the tradename is the discounted cash flows of the amount that would be paid had the Company not owned the tradename and instead licensed the tradename from another company.

 

The Company performed the required annual impairment tests for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for the fiscal years 2020, 20192018 and 2017,2018, and found noimpairment.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets (excluding goodwill and indefinite-lived tradenames). Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of an asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset.

 

 

Debt Issuance Costs

 

Debt discounts and direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance or amendment of long-term debt are deferred and recorded as a reduction of outstanding debt and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the related credit agreements. $2,598, $4,712, $4,749, and $3,516$4,749 of deferred financing costs and original issue discount were amortized to interest expense during fiscal years 2020, 20192018 and 2017,2018, respectively. Excluding the impact of any future long-term debt issuances or prepayments, estimated amortization to interest expense for the next five years is as follows: 2020 - $2,598;2021 - $2,640; 2022 - $2,689; 2023 - $2,579; 2024 - $2,508.$2,508;2025 - $2,555.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company is a C Corporation and therefore accounts for income taxes pursuant to the liability method. Accordingly, the current or deferred tax consequences of a transaction are measured by applying the provision of enacted tax laws to determine the amount of taxes payable currently or in future years. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the income tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the years in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers taxable income in prior carryback years, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies, as appropriate, in making this assessment.

 

Revenue Recognition


The Company’s revenues primarily consist of product sales to its customers. The Company considers the purchase orders, which in some cases are governed by master sales agreements, to be the contracts with the customers. For each contract, the Company considers the commitment to transfer products, each of which is distinct, to be the identified performance obligations. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for the transfer of product, which is generally the price stated in the contract specific for each item sold, adjusted for the value of expected returns, discounts, rebates, or other promotional incentives or allowances offered to our customers. Expected returns for damaged or defective product are estimated using the expected value method based upon historical product return experience. Discounts and rebates offered to customers are typically defined in the master sales agreements with customers and, therefore, are recorded using the most likely amount method based on the terms of the contract. Promotional incentives are defined programs offered for short, specific periods of time and are estimated using the expected value method based upon historical experience. The Company does not expect the transaction price for revenue recognized will be subject to a significant revenue reversal. As the Company’s product sale contracts and standard payment terms have a duration of less than one year, it uses the practical expedient applicable to such contracts and does not consider the time value of money. Sales, use, value add and other similar taxes assessed by governmental authorities and collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. The Company has elected to recognize the cost for freight activities when control of the product has transferred to the customer as an expense within cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Product revenues are recognized at the point in time when control of the product is transferred to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery to the customer. To determine when control has transferred, the Company considers if there is a present right to payment and if legal title, physical possession, and the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset has transferred to the customer. As substantially all of the Company’s product revenues are recognized at a point in time, the amount of unsatisfied performance obligations at each period end is not material. The Company’s contracts have an original expected duration of one year or less. As a result, the Company has elected to use the practical expedient to not disclose its remaining performance obligations.

 

At the request of certain customers, the Company will warehouse inventory billed to the customer but not delivered. Unless all revenue recognition criteria have been met, the Company does not recognize revenue on these transactions until the customer takes possession of the product.

 

While the Company’s standard payment terms are less than one year, the specific payment terms and conditions in its customer contracts vary. In some cases, customers prepay for their goods; in other cases, after appropriate credit evaluation, an open credit line is granted and payment is due in arrears. Contracts with payment in arrears are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as accounts receivable upon revenue recognition, while contracts where customers pay in advance are recognized as customer deposits and recorded in other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets until revenue is recognized. The balance of customer deposits (contract liabilities) was $9,952$25,710 and $14,174$9,952 at December 31, 2019 2020and December 31, 2018, 2019, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019, 2020, the Company recognized revenue of $9,589$8,703 related to amounts included in the December 31, 2018 2019customer deposit balance. The Company typically recognizes revenue within one year of the receipt of the customer deposit.

 

 

The Company offers standard warranty coverage on substantially all products that it sells and accounts for this standard warranty coverage as an assurance warranty. As such, no transaction price is allocated to the standard warranty, and the Company records a liability for product warranty obligations at the time of sale to a customer based upon historical warranty experience. Refer to Note 11, “Product Warranty Obligations,” to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company’s standard warranties.

 

The Company also sells extended warranty coverage for certain products, which it accounts for as service warranties. In most cases, the extended warranty is sold as a separate contract. As such, extended warranty sales are considered a separate performance obligation, and the extended warranty transaction is separate and distinct from the product. The extended warranty transaction price is initially recorded as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets and amortized on a straight-line basis to net sales in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income over the life of the contracts following the standard warranty period. For extended warranty contracts that the Company sells under a third-party marketing agreement, it is required to pay fees to the third-party service provider and classifies these fees as costs to obtain a contract. The contract costs are deferred and recorded as other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The deferred contract costs are amortized to net sales in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income consistent with how the related deferred revenue is recognized. Refer to Note 11, “Product Warranty Obligations,” to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company’s extended warranties.

 

In addition to extended warranties, the Company offers other services, including remote monitoring, installation, maintenance and maintenancegrid services in limitedcertain circumstances. Total service revenues accountaccounted for less than threetwo percent of revenue during the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.  

 

Refer to Note 7, “Segment Reporting,” to the consolidated financial statements for the Company’s disaggregated revenue disclosure. The information discussed above is applicable to each of the Company’s product classes.

 

Advertising and Co-Op Advertising

 

Expenditures for advertising, included in selling and service expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for advertising production costs are expensed when the related advertisement is first run. Expenditures for Co-Op advertising are expensed when claimed by the customer. Total expenditures for advertising were $53,678, $44,153, $34,792, and $45,926$34,792 for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 2018,2019 and 2017,2018, respectively.

 

Research and Development

 

The Company expenses research and development costs as incurred. Total expenditures incurred for research and development were $80,251, $68,394, $50,019, and $42,869$50,019 for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 2018,2019 and 2017,2018, respectively.

 

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

 

Balance sheet amounts for non-U.S. Dollar functional currency businesses are translated into U.S. Dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at the end of the fiscal year. Income and expenses incurred in a foreign currency are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the year. The related translation adjustments are made directly to accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of stockholders’ equity, in the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are recognized as incurred in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. ASC 820-10 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the pronouncement establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

The Company believes the carrying amount of its financial instruments (cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, short-term borrowings and ABL facility borrowings), excluding Term Loan borrowings, approximates the fair value of these instruments based upon their short-term nature. The fair value of Term Loan borrowings, which have an aggregate carrying value of $812,953,$815,260, was approximately $833,092$831,038 (Level 2) at December 31, 2019, 2020, as calculated based on independent valuations whose inputs and significant value drivers are observable.

 

 

For the fair value of the assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis, refer to the fair value table in Note 5, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” to the consolidated financial statements. The fair value of all derivative contracts is classified as Level 2. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of derivative contracts, all of which have counterparties with high credit ratings, were based on quoted market prices or model driven valuations using significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. The fair value of derivative contracts considers the Company’s credit risk in accordance with ASC 820-10.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

The Company records all derivatives in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which requires derivative instruments to be reported in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and effectiveness of hedging relationships. The Company is exposed to market risk such as changes in commodity prices, foreign currencies and interest rates. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Refer to Item 7A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on the Company’s derivatives.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

Share-based compensation expense, including stock options and restricted stock awards, is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the fair value of awards which are expected to vest. The fair value of all share-based awards is estimated on the date of grant. Refer to Note 17, “Share Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements for further information on the Company’s share-based compensation plans and accounting.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issuedin the form of accounting standard updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13,Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which represents a new credit loss standard that will change the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other financial instruments. Specifically, this guidance will require entities to utilize a new “expected loss” model as it relates to trade and other receivables. In addition, entities will be required to recognize an allowance for estimated credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities, regardless of the length of time that a security has been in an unrealized loss position. This guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has established a project plan and an implementation team to adopt and apply the new standard. The Company is in the process of implementing necessary changes to accounting policies, processes, and controls to enable compliance with this new standard. The Company continues to evaluate the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements, and doesCodification (ASC). ASUs not believe this new standard will have a material impact.

There are several other new accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB. Each of these pronouncements, as applicable, has been or willlisted below were assessed and determined to be adopted by the Company. Management doeseither not believe any of these accounting pronouncements has hadapplicable or willare not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

On January 1, 2019, 2020the Company adopted ASU 2016-02,13Leases,(TopicFinancial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 842326)Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This guidance was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities in the balance sheet and by disclosing keyprovide financial statement users with more useful information about leasing arrangements.the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. Specifically, this guidance requires entities to utilize a new “expected loss” model as it relates to trade and other receivables. The Company adopted this standard using the modified retrospective approach as of the date of adoption, meaning no prior period balances were impacted by the adoption. Additionally, the Company elected to adopt the standard using the package of practical expedients permitted under the standard’s transition guidance, which allowed the Company to carry forward its historical lease classifications, and embedded lease and initial direct cost assessments. The adoption of the standard hadimpacts the way the Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts on its trade and other receivables, and the Company recorded a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet primarily relateddecrease to the recognitionretained earnings of right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities$1,147 as a result of adopting ASU 2016-13. Results for operating leases. However, the adoption didreporting periods beginning after notJanuary 1, 2020are presented under ASC 326 have a material impact on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and statement of cash flows.while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. Refer to Note 10,2 “Leases,to the consolidated financial statements, “Summary of Accounting Policies - Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses,” for further information regarding the Company’s leases.allowance for expected credit losses.

 

4844

 

On January 1, 2019, 2020,the Company adopted ASU 2018-02,Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This guidance was issued to address the impact of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from the 2017 U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) on items recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). This guidance allows companies to reclassify to retained earnings the stranded tax effects lodged in AOCI as a result of the Tax Act. Upon adoption of the ASU, the Company elected to not reclassifyapply the stranded income tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings.

On January 1, 2019, the Company adoptedoptional expedients discussed in ASU 20172020-12,04, Derivatives and Hedging – Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This guidance was issued to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and to make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s hedging strategies, and did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

On April 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2018-15,Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract.Reference Rate Reform. This guidance was issued to address the diversitychallenges likely to arise in practice related to the accounting for costscontract modifications and hedge accounting because of implementation activities performedreference rate reform. The update provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued if certain criteria are met. The adoption of the optional expedients in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. The Company adopted this standard prospectively, impacting all implementation costs incurred after adoption. The adoption did not havepermits the Company to account for the change to a material impactreference rate on its LIBOR based term loan as a continuation of the Company’s resultsexisting contract rather than having to account for the change in rate as a modification or extinguishment.  Additionally, the election of operations and financial position.the optional expedients permits the Company to continue with its hedge accounting treatment for its interest rate swaps despite expected changes due to reference rate reform.

 

 

3.

Acquisitions

 

Fiscal 2020

Acquisition of Enbala

On October 7,2020, the Company acquired Enbala for a purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $41,982. The acquisition purchase price was funded solely through cash on hand.

The Company recorded a preliminary purchase price allocation during the fourth quarter of 2020 based upon its estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. As a result, the Company recorded $46,645 of intangible assets, including $27,545 of goodwill recorded in the Domestic segment, as of the acquisition date. A portion of the goodwill ascribed to this acquisition is deductible for tax purposes. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of Enbala from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2020. 

Other Acquisitions

In July 2020,the Company acquired Energy Systems, its industrial distributor in northern California.

In September 2020, the Company acquired Mean Green, a designer and manufacturer of commercial grade, battery-powered turf care products.

The combined purchase price for these acquisitions was $22,815 and was funded solely through cash on hand. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of the acquired businesses since the dates of acquisition through December 31, 2020. 

Fiscal 2019

Acquisition of Pika

 

On April 26, 2019, the Company acquired Pika for a purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $49,068. The acquisition purchase price was funded solely through cash on hand.

 

The Company recorded a preliminaryfinalized the Pika purchase price allocation during the secondfirst quarter of 2019, which was trued-up in the fourth quarter of 2019,2020 based upon its estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. As a result, the Company recorded approximately $58,196 of intangible assets, including $19,896 of goodwill recorded in the Domestic segment, as of the acquisition date. The goodwill ascribed to the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of Pika from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2019.2020. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price is based on a preliminary valuation performed to determine the fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation is subject to further analysis and review, primarily around the review and final valuation of acquired intangible assets.

 

Acquisition of Neurio

 

On March 12, 2019, the Company acquired Neurio for a purchase price of $59,071, net of cash acquired and inclusive of a deferred payment of $7,922 which was made during the third quarter of 2019. The acquisition purchase price was funded solely through cash on hand.

 

The Company recorded a preliminaryfinalized the Neurio purchase price allocation induring the secondfirst quarter of 2019, which was trued-up in the fourth quarter of 2019,2020 based upon its estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. As a result, the Company recorded approximately $58,762 of intangible assets, including $17,862 of goodwill recorded in the Domestic segment, as of the acquisition date. Substantially all of the goodwill and other intangible assets ascribed to this acquisition areis deductible for tax purposes. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of Neurio from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2019.2020. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price is based on a preliminary valuation performed to determine the fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation is subject to further analysis and review, primarily around the review and final valuation of acquired intangible assets.

 

Other Acquisitions

In February 2019,the Company acquired a majority share of Captiva, a manufacturer of customized industrial generators in Kolkata, India. The purchase price was immaterial to the Company and was funded solely through cash on hand. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of the acquired business from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2020. 

45

Fiscal 2018

Acquisition of Selmec

 

On June 1, 2018, the Company acquired Selmec for a purchase price of $79,972, net of cash acquired and inclusive of earnout payments of $14,902. Changes in the fair value of the earnout liability during 2020 and 2019 of $(2,241) and $(977), which included interest accretion of $2,740 and other fair value remeasurement adjustments of $(3,717),respectively, were recognized as a component of operating income in the Company’sCompany's consolidated statements of comprehensive income forincome. Changes in the year endedfair value of the earnout liability during December 31, 2019. 2020 and 2019 included interest accretion of $536 and $2,740, respectively, and other fair value remeasurement adjustments of $(2,777) and $(3,717), respectively. The acquisition purchase price was funded solely through cash on hand.

 

49

Table of Contents

The Company finalized the Selmec purchase price allocation during the second quarter of 2019 based upon its estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The final purchase price allocationAs a result, the Company recorded $79,827 of intangible assets, including $46,196 of goodwill recorded in the International segment, as of the June 1, 2018 opening balance sheet date was as follows:

  

June 1, 2018

 

Accounts receivable

 $14,302 

Inventories

  8,000 

Prepaid expense and other assets

  4,323 

Property and equipment

  5,572 

Intangible assets

  33,631 

Goodwill

  46,196 

Deferred income taxes

  3,252 

Other assets

  597 

Total assets acquired

  115,873 
     

Accounts payable

  7,216 

Accrued wages and employee benefits

  397 

Other accrued liabilities

  13,671 

Deferred income taxes

  10,974 

Other long-term liabilities

  3,643 

Net assets acquired

 $79,972 

acquisition date. The goodwill ascribed to the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the results of Selmec from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2019.2020.

Summary Purchase Price Allocations

The fair values assigned to certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition dates, for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Accounts receivable

 $5,151  $4,643  $14,302 

Inventories

  3,711   4,313   8,000 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  897   304   4,323 

Property and equipment

  635   384   5,572 

Intangible assets

  26,057   79,200   33,631 

Goodwill

  42,698   41,428   46,196 

Deferred income taxes

  0   3,217   3,252 

Other assets

  1,122   133   597 

Total assets acquired

  80,271   133,622   115,873 
             

Accounts payable

  4,088   4,380   7,216 

Accrued wages and employee benefits

  700   4,408   397 

Other accrued liabilities

  2,151   602   13,671 

Current portion of long-term debt

  0   937   0 

Deferred income taxes

  4,134   9,958   10,974 

Other long-term liabilities

  4,401   778   3,643 

Redeemable non-controlling interest

  0   3,165   0 

Net assets acquired

 $64,797  $109,394  $79,972 

46

Table of Contents

 

Pro Forma Information

 

The following unaudited pro forma information of the Company gives effect to all acquisitions as though the transactions had occurred on January 1, 2017.2018. Refer to Note 1, “Description of Business,” for further information on the acquisitions included in the table.

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Net Sales:

              

As reported

 $2,204,336  $2,023,464  $1,679,373  $2,485,200  $2,204,336  $2,023,464 

Pro forma

 2,206,952  2,067,737  1,755,358  2,512,017  2,242,710  2,093,112 
  

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.:

              

As reported

 $252,007  $238,257  $157,808  $350,576  $252,007  $238,257 

Pro forma

 248,335  230,379  151,764  339,317  239,925  220,555 
  

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc. per common share - diluted

              

As reported

 $4.03  $3.54  $2.53  $5.48  $4.03  $3.54 

Pro forma

 3.97  3.41  2.44  5.34  3.84  3.26 

 

This unaudited pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated on January 1, 2017.2018.

 

 

4.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

 

On March 1, 2016, the Company acquired a 65% ownership interest in PR Industrial S.r.l. and its subsidiaries (Pramac). The 35% noncontrolling interest in Pramac had an acquisition date fair value of $34,253, and was recorded as a redeemable noncontrolling interest in the consolidated balance sheet, as the noncontrolling interest holder had within its control the right to require the Company to redeem its interest in Pramac. In February 2019, the Company amended its agreement with the noncontrolling interest holder of Pramac, extending the agreement by five years, allowing the Company to exercise its call option rights in partial increments at certain times during the five year period, and providing that the noncontrolling interest holder no longer holds the right to put its shares to the Company until April 1, 2021.The put and call option price is based on a multiple of earnings, subject to a floor and the terms of the acquisition agreement, as amended.

 

5047

Table of Contents

 

On February 1, 2019, the Company acquired a 51% ownership interest in Captiva Energy Solutions, Ltd (Captiva). The 49% noncontrolling interest in Captiva has an acquisition date fair value of $3,165, and was recorded as a redeemable noncontrolling interest in the consolidated balance sheet, as the noncontrolling interest holder had within its control the right to require the Company to redeem its interest in Captiva. The noncontrolling interest holder has a put option to sell his interest to the Company any time after five years from the date of acquisition, or earlier upon the occurrence of certain circumstances. The put option price is based on a multiple of earnings, subject to the terms of the acquisition. Further, the Company has a call option that it may redeem any time after five years from the date of acquisition, or earlier upon the occurrence of certain circumstances. The call option price is based on a multiple of earnings, subject to the terms of the acquisition.

 

For both transactions, the redeemable noncontrolling interest is recorded at the greater of the initial fair value, increased or decreased for the noncontrolling interests’ share of comprehensive income (loss), or the estimated redemption value, with any adjustments to the redemption value impacting retained earnings, but not net income. However, the redemption value adjustments are reflected in the earnings per share calculation, as detailed in Note 14, “Earnings Per Share,” to the consolidated financial statements. The following table presents the changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interest:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

   

2018

 

Balance at beginning of period

 $61,004  $43,929  $33,138   $61,227  $61,004   $43,929 

Noncontrolling interest

 3,165 (1)  -  1,540 (2) 0  3,165 (1) 0 

Net income

 75   2,214  1,631   (2,829) 75   2,214 

Foreign currency translation

 (1,764)  (3,109) 8,529   6,562  (1,764)  (3,109)

Redemption value adjustment

  (1,253)  17,970   (909)   1,247   (1,253)   17,970 

Balance at end of period

 $61,227  $61,004  $43,929   $66,207  $61,227   $61,004 

 

(1) Represents the noncontrolling interest of Captiva Energy calculated at the date of acquisition, February 1, 2019.

(2) Represents the additional noncontrolling interest of Pramac resulting from a common control transaction between Generac Mobile Products S.r.l. and Pramac UK Limited legal entities.

 

 

5.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

Commodities

 

The Company is exposed to price fluctuations in commodities including steel, copper and aluminum; and periodically utilizes commodity derivatives to mitigate the impact of these potential price fluctuations on its financial results. These derivatives typically have maturities of less than eighteen months. At December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, the Company had one and no commodity contracts outstanding.outstanding, respectively.

 

Because these contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, the related gains and losses are recorded in cost of goods sold in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Net pre-tax gains (losses) recognized were $2,185, $(174), $(874), and $377$(874) for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 2018,2019 and 2017,2018, respectively.

 

Foreign Currencies

 

The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. The Company periodically utilizes foreign currency forward purchase and sales contracts to manage the volatility associated with certain foreign currency purchases and sales in the normal course of business. Contracts typically have maturities of twelve months or less. As of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, the Company had forty-threeforty-four and fortyforty-three foreign currency contracts outstanding, respectively.

 

Because these contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, the related gains and losses are recorded in "other, net" in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Net pre-tax gains (losses) recognized for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 2018,2019 and 20172018 were $355, $(1,195), $(653), and $697,$(653), respectively.

 

5148

Table of Contents

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

In 2017, the Company entered into twenty interest rate swap agreements. agreements, twelve of which were still outstanding as of December 31, 2020. In December 2019, in conjunction with the amendment to its term loan,Term Loan, the Company amended those interest rate swaps to remove the LIBOR floor, which also resulted in minor reductions to the future dated swap fixed rates. In March 2020, the Company entered into three additional interest rate swap agreements, bringing the total outstanding interest rate swaps to fifteen as of December 31, 2020. The Company formally documented all relationships between interest rate hedging instruments and the related hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives and strategies for undertaking these hedge transactions. These interest rate swap agreements qualify as cash flow hedges and therefore, the effective portions of the gains or losses are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) in the consolidated balance sheets. The amount of after-tax gains (losses) recognized for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 2018,2019 and 20172018 were $(14,285), $(13,855), $2,924, and $3,712,$2,924, respectively. The cash flows of the swaps are recognized as adjustments to interest expense each period. The ineffective portions of the derivatives’ changes in fair value, if any, are immediately recognized in earnings.

 

Fair Value

 

The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s derivatives:

 

 

December 31,
201
9

  

December 31,
201
8

  

December 31,
2020

  

December 31,
2019

 

Commodity contracts

 $6  $(160) $1,386  $6 

Foreign currency contracts

 31  (117) (154) 31 

Interest rate swaps

 (10,425) 8,307  (29,536) (10,425)

 

The fair value of the commodity contract is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and the fair values of the foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps are included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020. The fair value of the commodity and foreign currency contracts are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and the fair value of the interest rate swaps are included in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. 2019The fair value of the commodity and foreign currency contracts are included in other accrued liabilities, and the fair value of the interest rate swaps are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. . Excluding the impact of credit risk, the fair value of the derivative contracts as of December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 is a liability of $10,588$28,667 and an asset of $8,220,$10,588, respectively, which represents the net amount the Company would pay or receive uponto exit all of the agreements on those dates.

 

 

6.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

The following presents a tabular disclosure of changes in AOCL during the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, net of tax:

 

 

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges

 

Total

  

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

  

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 

Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges

  

Total

 
 

Beginning Balance – January 1, 2019

 $(18,832) $(10,541) $5,560  $(23,813)

Beginning Balance – January 1, 2020

 $(16,622) $0  $(8,295)  $(24,917)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 2,210  1,474 (1) (13,855)(2) (10,171) 4,948  0  (14,285)(1) (9,337)

Amounts reclassified from AOCL

  -  9,067 (3) -   9,067   0  0  0   0 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

  2,210  10,541   (13,855)  (1,104)  4,948  0  (14,285)  (9,337)

Ending Balance – December 31, 2019

 $(16,622) $-  $(8,295) $(24,917)

Ending Balance – December 31, 2020

 $(11,674) $0  $(22,580)  $(34,254)

 

 

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges

 

Total

  

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

 

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

   

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges

   

Total

 
 

Beginning Balance – January 1, 2018

 $(12,856) $(10,978) $2,636  $(21,198)

Beginning Balance – January 1, 2019

 $(18,832) $(10,541)  $5,560   $(23,813)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 (5,976) (156)(4) 2,924 (5) (3,208) 2,210  1,474 (2) (13,855)(3) (10,171)

Amounts reclassified from AOCL

  -  593 (6) -   593   0  9,067 (4) 0   9,067 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

  (5,976) 437   2,924   (2,615)  2,210  10,541   (13,855)  (1,104)

Ending Balance – December 31, 2018

 $(18,832) $(10,541) $5,560  $(23,813)

Ending Balance – December 31, 2019

 $(16,622) $0   $(8,295)  $(24,917)

 

 (1)Represents unrealized losses of $(19,111), net of tax effect of $4,826 for the year ended December 31, 2020.

(12)

Represents unrecognized actuarial gains of $1,992 net of tax effect of $(518), included in the computation of net periodic pension cost for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to Note 16, “Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

 

(23)

Represents unrealized losses of $(18,732), net of tax effect of $4,877 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

5249

Table of Contents

 

 

(34)

Details of reclassifications from AOCL during 2019 are as follows:

 

  

Amounts reclassified from AOCL

 

Loss on pension settlement

 $10,920 

Amortization of net loss

  843 

Total before tax

  11,763 

Income tax impact

  (2,696)

Amounts reclassified from AOCL

 $9,067 

(4)

Represents unrecognized actuarial losses of $(211), net of tax benefit of $55, included in the computation of net periodic pension cost for the year ended December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 16, “Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

(5)

Represents unrealized gains of $3,951, net of tax effect of $(1,027) for the year ended December 31, 2018.

(6)

Represents actuarial losses of $802, net of tax effect of $(209), amortized to net periodic pension cost for the year ended December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 16, “Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

  

Amounts reclassified from AOCL

 

Loss on pension settlement

 $10,920 

Amortization of net loss

  843 

Total before tax

  11,763 

Income tax impact

  (2,696)

Amounts reclassified from AOCL during 2019

 $9,067 

 

 

7.

Segment Reporting

 

The Company has two reportable segments for financial reporting purposes – Domestic and International. The Domestic segment includes the legacy Generac business (excluding its traditional Latin American export operations), and the acquisitions that are based in the U.S. and Canada, all of which have revenues that are substantially derived from the U.S. and Canada. The International segment includes the legacy Generac business'sbusiness Latin American export operations, and the Ottomotores, Tower Light, Pramac, Motortech and Selmec acquisitions, all of which have revenues that are substantially derived from outside the U.S and Canada. Both reportable segments design and manufacture a wide range of power generation equipment, energy technology solutions and other power products. The Company has multiple operating segments, which it aggregates into the two reportable segments, based on materially similar economic characteristics, products, production processes, classes of customers, distribution methods and regional considerations.

 

The Company's product offerings consist primarily of power generation equipment, energy technology solutions,storage systems, and other power products geared for varying end customer uses. Residential products and commercial & industrial (C&I)C&I products are each a similar class of products based on similar power output and end customer. The breakout of net sales between residential, C&I, and other products by reportable segment is as follows:

 

 

Net Sales by Segment

  

Net Sales by Segment

 
 

Year Ended December 31, 2019

  

Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

Product Classes

 

Domestic

  

International

  

Total

  

Domestic

  

International

  

Total

 

Residential products

 $1,086,019  $57,704  $1,143,723  $1,495,383  $61,118  $1,556,501 

Commercial & industrial products

 513,482  358,113  871,595  404,867  296,884  701,751 

Other

  143,397   45,621   189,018   188,558   38,390   226,948 

Total net sales

 $1,742,898  $461,438  $2,204,336  $2,088,808  $396,392  $2,485,200 

  

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Product Classes

 

Domestic

  

International

  

Total

 

Residential products

 $1,086,019  $57,704  $1,143,723 

Commercial & industrial products

  513,482   358,113   871,595 

Other

  143,397   45,621   189,018 

Total net sales

 $1,742,898  $461,438  $2,204,336 

 

  

Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Product Classes

 

Domestic

  

International

  

Total

 

Residential products

 $980,707  $62,032  $1,042,739 

Commercial & industrial products

  461,415   358,855   820,270 

Other

  124,398   36,057   160,455 

Total net sales

 $1,566,520  $456,944  $2,023,464 

 

  

Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

Product Classes

 

Domestic

  

International

  

Total

 

Residential products

 $796,237  $74,253  $870,490 

Commercial & industrial products

  372,635   311,718   684,353 

Other

  102,806   21,724   124,530 

Total net sales

 $1,271,678  $407,695  $1,679,373 

5350

Table of Contents

 

Residential products consist primarily of automatic home standby generators ranging in output from 6kW7.5kW to 60kW,150kW, portable generators, energy storage and monitoring solutions, and other outdoor power equipment. These products are sold through independent residential dealers, national and regional retailers, e-commerce merchants, electrical/HVAC/solar wholesalers, solar installers, and outdoor power equipment dealers. The residential products revenue consists of the sale of the product to our distribution partners, which in turn sell or rent the product to the end consumer, including installation and maintenance services. In some cases, residential products are sold direct to the end consumer. Substantially all of the residential products revenues are transferred to the customer at a point in time.

 

C&I products consist of larger output stationary generators used in C&I applications and fueled by diesel, natural gas, liquid propane and bi-fuel, with power outputs ranging from 10kW up to 3,250kW. Also included in C&I products are mobile generators, light towers, mobile heaters and mobile pumps. These products are sold through industrial distributors and dealers, equipment rental companies and equipment distributors. The C&I products revenue consists of the sale of the product to our distribution partners, which in turn sell or rent the product to the end customer, including installation and maintenance services. In some cases, C&I products are sold direct to the end customer. Substantially all of the C&I products revenues are transferred to the customer at a point in time.

 

Other products consistconsists primarily of aftermarket service parts and product accessories sold to our dealers, the amortization of extended warranty deferred revenue, and remote monitoring subscription revenue, grid services, installation and maintenance service revenue. The aftermarket service parts and product accessories are generally transferred to the customer at a point in time, while the extended warranty and subscription revenue are recognized over the life of the contract. Other service revenue is recognized when the service is performed.

 

Management evaluates the performance of its segments based primarily on Adjusted EBITDA, which is reconciled to Income before provision for income taxes below. The computation of Adjusted EBITDA is based on the definition that is contained in the Company’s credit agreements.

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  

Adjusted EBITDA

 
 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Domestic

 $428,667  $388,495  $282,450  $563,394  $428,667  $388,495 

International

  25,448   36,057   34,850   20,379   25,448   36,057 

Total adjusted EBITDA

 $454,115  $424,552  $317,300  $583,773  $454,115  $424,552 
  

Interest expense

 (41,544) (40,956) (42,667) (32,991) (41,544) (40,956)

Depreciation and amortization

 (60,767) (47,408) (51,988) (68,773) (60,767) (47,408)

Non-cash write-down and other adjustments (1)

 (240) (3,532) (2,923) 327  (240) (3,532)

Non-cash share-based compensation expense (2)

 (16,694) (14,563) (10,205) (20,882) (16,694) (14,563)

Loss on extinguishment of debt (3)

 (926) (1,332) -  0  (926) (1,332)

Loss on pension settlement (4)

 (10,920) -  -  0  (10,920) 0 

Transaction costs and credit facility fees (5)

 (2,724) (3,883) (2,145) (2,151) (2,724) (3,883)

Business optimization expenses (6)

 (1,572) (952) (2,912)

Business optimization and other charges (6)

 (12,158) (1,572) (952)

Other

  879   (850)  (761)  (954)  879   (850)

Income before provision for income taxes

 $319,607  $311,076  $203,699  $446,191  $319,607  $311,076 

 

 

(1)

Includes certain foreign currency and purchase accounting related adjustments, gains/losses on disposal of assets and unrealized mark-to-market adjustments on commodity contracts.

 

(2)

Represents share-based compensation expense to account for stock options, restricted stock and other stock awards over their respective vesting periods.

 

(3)

Represents the non-cash write-off of original issue discount and deferred financing costs due to a voluntary prepayment of Term Loan debt.

 

(4)

Represents pre-tax settlement charges related to the termination of the Company’s domestic pension plan in the fourth quarter of 2019.

 

(5)

Represents transaction costs incurred directly in connection with any investment, as defined in our credit agreement, equity issuance, debt issuance or refinancing, together with certain fees relating to our senior secured credit facilities.

 

(6)

RepresentsFor the year ended December 31, 2020, represents severance, non-cash asset write-downs, and other charges to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and decline in oil prices. For the year ended December 31, 2019, represents severance and other non-recurring restructuring charges related to the consolidation of certain of our facilities.

 

5451

Table of Contents

In the fourth quarter of 2019, management has determined that the Latin American export operations of the legacy Generac business (GPS LATAM) should have been included in the International reportable segment beginning in 2018. Previously, GPS LATAM was reported in the Domestic segment, in amounts that were not material. This change is to reflect the current leadership structure as well as how the Company makes financial decisions and allocates resources for the overall Latin America reporting unit. To reflect this change, management has chosen to correct the net sales and adjusted EBITDA by segment included in this Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. The following table details the amounts adjusted from the Domestic segment to the International segment.

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2017

 

Residential Products

 $7,129  $9,924  $18,888 

Commercial & industrial products

  5,724   2,651   12,940 

Other

  998   1,230   - 

Total Net Sales

 $13,851  $13,805  $31,828 
             

Adjusted EBITDA

 $984  $190  $7,840 

There was no impact to the Company’s reporting of total assets, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures by segment as a result of this change.

 

The following tables summarize additional financial information by reportable segment:

 

 

Assets

  

Assets

 
 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Domestic

 $2,123,251  $1,868,554  $1,612,607  $2,659,597  $2,123,251  $1,868,554 

International

  542,418   557,760   413,358   575,826   542,418   557,760 

Total

 $2,665,669  $2,426,314  $2,025,965  $3,235,423  $2,665,669  $2,426,314 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

  

Depreciation and Amortization

 
 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Domestic

 $46,145  $35,586  $37,962  $53,020  $46,145  $35,586 

International

  14,764   11,822   14,026   15,753   14,764   11,822 

Total

 $60,909  $47,408  $51,988  $68,773  $60,909  $47,408 

 

 

Capital Expenditures

  

Capital Expenditures

 
 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Domestic

 $36,007  $38,242  $29,258  $51,867  $36,007  $38,242 

International

  24,795   9,359   4,003   10,261   24,795   9,359 

Total

 $60,802  $47,601  $33,261  $62,128  $60,802  $47,601 

 

The Company’s sales in the United States represent approximately 75%82%, 74%75%, and 74% of total sales for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. Approximately 81% and 80% of the Company’s identifiable long-lived assets are located in the United States as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018.2019, respectively.

 

 

8.

Balance Sheet Details

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Raw material

 $328,021  $348,980  $375,516  $328,021 

Work-in-process

 10,387  6,971  6,833  10,387 

Finished goods

  183,616   188,799   220,968   183,616 

Total

 $522,024  $544,750  $603,317  $522,024 

 

5552

Table of Contents

 

As of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, inventories totaling $18,684$9,154 and $8,488,$18,684, respectively, were on consignment at customer locations.

 

Property and equipment consists of the following:

 

 

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Land and improvements

 $18,252  $15,975  $18,363  $18,252 

Buildings and improvements

 177,079  163,161  198,908  177,079 

Machinery and equipment

 117,114  103,726  153,696  117,114 

Dies and tools

 22,040  28,198  24,190  22,040 

Vehicles

 3,955  2,070  6,037  3,955 

Office equipment and systems

 99,124  82,638  107,923  99,124 

Leasehold improvements

 4,293  2,137  5,276  4,293 

Construction in progress

  36,299   26,543   30,227   36,299 

Gross property and equipment

 478,156  424,448  544,620  478,156 

Accumulated depreciation

  (161,180)  (145,519)  (200,684)  (161,180)

Total

 $316,976  $278,929  $343,936  $316,976 

 

Total property and equipment included finance leases of $20,158$27,269 and $26,063 at December 31, 2018,2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily made up of buildings and improvements. Amortization of finance lease right of use assets is recorded within depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The initial measurement of new finance lease right of use assets is accounted for as a non-cash item in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Refer to Note 10, “Leases,” for further information regarding the Company’s accounting for leases under ASC 842, Leases,Leases. in 2019.

 

 

9.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are as follows:

 

 

Domestic

  

International

  

Total

  

Domestic

  

International

  

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 $621,451  $100,072  $721,523 

Acquisitions of businesses, net

 -  46,788  46,788 

Foreign currency translation

  -   (3,656)  (3,656)

Balance at December 31, 2018

 621,451  143,204  764,655  $621,451  $143,204  $764,655 

Acquisitions of businesses, net

 37,758  3,078  40,836  37,758  3,078  40,836 

Foreign currency translation

  -   (207)  (207)  0   (207)  (207)

Balance at December 31, 2019

 $659,209  $146,075  $805,284  659,209  146,075  805,284 

Acquisitions of businesses, net

 42,722  0  42,722 

Foreign currency translation

  604   6,618   7,222 

Balance at December 31, 2020

 $702,535  $152,693  $855,228 

 

Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions,” to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company’s acquisitions.

 

The details of the gross goodwill applicable to each reportable segment at December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are as follows:

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Year Ended December 31, 2018

  

December 31, 2020

 

December 31, 2019

 
 

Gross

 

Accumulated Impairment

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Accumulated Impairment

 

Net

  

Gross

 

Accumulated Impairment

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Accumulated Impairment

 

Net

 

Domestic

 $1,162,402  $(503,193) $659,209  $1,124,644  $(503,193) $621,451  $1,205,728  $(503,193) $702,535  $1,162,402  $(503,193) $659,209 

International

  150,686  (4,611) 146,075   147,815  (4,611) 143,204   157,304  (4,611) 152,693   150,686  (4,611) 146,075 

Total

 $1,313,088  $(507,804) $805,284  $1,272,459  $(507,804) $764,655  $1,363,032  $(507,804) $855,228  $1,313,088  $(507,804) $805,284 

 

5653

Table of Contents

 

The following table summarizes intangible assets by major category as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018:2019:

 

 

Weighted Average

 

December 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

  

Weighted Average

 

December 31, 2020

 

December 31, 2019

 
 

Amortization Years

 

Gross

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

Net Book Value

 

Gross

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

Net Book Value

  Amortization Years 

Gross

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

Net Book Value

 

Gross

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

Net Book Value

 

Finite-lived intangible assets:

                

Tradenames

 9  $56,669  $(36,613) $20,056  $56,378  $(32,416) $23,962  9  $58,729  $(40,891) $17,838  $56,669  $(36,613) $20,056 

Customer lists

 12  369,932  (314,380) 55,552  368,343  (307,149) 61,194  12  370,736  (321,531) 49,205  369,932  (314,380) 55,552 

Patents

 13  131,086  (110,554) 20,532  131,030  (101,060) 29,970 

Developed technology

 9  82,886  (17,872) 65,014  13,169  (12,058) 1,111 

Patents and technology

 10  233,271  (146,544) 86,727  213,972  (128,426) 85,546 

Software

 -  1,046  (1,046) -  1,046  (1,046) -  -  1,046  (1,046) 0  1,046  (1,046) 0 

Non-compete/other

  4   12,063  (3,804) 8,259   3,829  (1,897) 1,932  4   16,469  (6,537) 9,932   12,063  (3,804) 8,259 

Total finite-lived intangible assets

    $653,682  $(484,269) $169,413  $573,795  $(455,626) $118,169     $680,251  $(516,549) $163,702  $653,682  $(484,269) $169,413 

Indefinite-lived tradenames

      128,321  -  128,321   128,321  -  128,321      128,321  -  128,321   128,321  -  128,321 

Total intangible assets

     $782,003  $(484,269) $297,734  $702,116  $(455,626) $246,490     $808,572  $(516,549) $292,023  $782,003  $(484,269) $297,734 

 

Amortization of intangible assets was $32,280, $28,644 $22,112 and $28,861$22,112 in 2020, 20192018 and 2017,2018, respectively. Excluding the impact of any future acquisitions, the Company estimates amortization expense for the next five years will be as follows: 2020$31,237;2021 - $29,473;33,906; 2022 - $22,226;26,649; 2023 - $18,344;22,129; 2024 - $16,156.$18,581;2025 - $16,808.

 

 

10.

Leases

 

The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. The Company recognizes a right of use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s leases generally do not provide an implicit rate, the incremental borrowing rate is used to determine the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is a collateralized rate determined based on the lease term, the Company’s credit rating, and other market information available at the commencement date. The ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to the commencement date and is reduced by any lease incentives. The lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while lease expense for finance leases is recognized as depreciation and interest expense using the effective interest method. The Company’s variable lease expense generally consists of property tax and insurance payments that are variable in nature, however, these amounts are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.statements and are therefore not separately reported.

 

The Company has lease agreements with both lease and nonlease components, which it elected to account for as a single lease component. However, the Company did not elect to apply the recognition exception for short-term leases. The Company is applying these elections to all asset classes.

 

The Company leases certain manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, office space, warehouses, automobiles, machinery and computer equipment globally under both finance and operating leases. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of up to 20 years, of which certain leases, primarily within the buildings and improvements asset class, include options to extend the leases for up to 10 additional years. Further, the Company leases certain buildings from a noncontrolling interest holder, which the Company has determined to be arms’ length transactions.

 

The Company is a lessor of one building that it leases to a third party. The lease income related to this arrangement is not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company records its operating lease cost and amortization of finance lease ROU assets within cost of goods sold or operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income depending on the cost center of the underlying asset. The Company records its finance lease interest cost within interest expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

5754

Table of Contents

 

The components of total lease cost consist of the following:

 

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019

 
  

Year Ended December 31, 2020

  

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Operating lease cost

 $9,647  $18,648  $9,647 

Finance lease cost:

    

Amortization of ROU assets

 2,531  2,587  2,531 

Interest on lease liabilities

  2,227   2,237   2,227 

Total lease cost

 $14,405  $23,472  $14,405 

 

Prior to the adoption of ASCASU 842,2016-02 in 2019, lease expense consisted of payments on operating leases. Total rent expense related to operating leases for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2018 and 2017was approximately $10,739 and $10,845, respectively.$10,739.

 

As of January 1, 2019, the date of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, the Company recognized ROU assets and lease liabilities related to operating leases of $42,024 and $42,056, respectively, and there was 0 cumulative effect adjustment made to retained earnings. Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company’s leases is as follows:

 

 

December 31, 2019

  

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

Operating Leases

           

Operating lease ROU assets (1)

 $35,950  $62,030  $35,950 
  

Operating lease liabilities - current (2)

 $7,231  $17,192  $7,231 

Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent (3)

  29,778   46,558   29,778 

Total operating lease liabilities

 $37,009  $63,750  $37,009 
  

Finance Leases

        

Finance lease ROU assets, gross

 $29,142  $34,929  $29,142 

Accumulated depreciation - finance lease ROU assets

  (3,079)  (7,660)  (3,079)

Finance lease ROU assets, net (4)

 $26,063  $27,269  $26,063 
  

Finance lease liabilities - current (5)

 $1,830  $2,311  $1,830 

Finance lease liabilities - noncurrent (6)

  24,132   25,060   24,132 

Total finance lease liabilities

 $25,962  $27,371  $25,962 

 

 

(1)

Recorded in the operating lease and other assets line within the consolidated balance sheets

 

(2)

Recorded in the other accrued liabilities line within the consolidated balance sheets

 

(3)

Recorded in the operating lease and other long-term liabilities line within the consolidated balance sheets

 

(4)

Recorded in the property and equipment, net line within the consolidated balance sheets

 

(5)

Recorded in the current portion of long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations line within the consolidated balance sheets

 

(6)

Recorded in the long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations line within the consolidated balance sheets

 

Supplemental cash flow information related to the Company’s leases is as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

  Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019  

Year Ended December 31, 2020

  

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

      

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 $2,174  $10,125  $18,412  $10,125 

Operating cash flows from finance leases

 471  1,864  1,871  1,864 

Financing cash flows from finance leases

 976  3,237  3,957  3,237 
  

ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities

      

Operating leases

 239  4,021  41,678  4,021 

Finance leases

 632  8,797  3,737  8,797 

 

5855

Table of Contents

 

Weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate information related to the Company’s leases as of December 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

December 31, 2019

Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)

    

Operating Leases

  6.904.92 

Finance Leases

  13.8712.90 
     

Weighted average discount rate

    

Operating Leases

  4.594.48%

Finance Leases

  7.837.66%

 

The maturities of the Company’s lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

 

As of December 31, 2019

  

Finance Leases

  

Operating Leases

 
 

Finance Leases

  

Operating Leases

 

2020

 $3,769  $9,086 

2021

 3,352  7,029  $4,146  $19,530 

2022

 3,536  5,472  4,292  18,135 

2023

 2,659  4,629  3,112  9,519 

2024

 2,650  4,288  2,999  7,452 

After 2024

  29,371   14,232 

2025

 2,678  5,359 

After 2025

  28,596   11,711 

Total minimum lease payments

 45,337  44,736  45,823  71,706 

Interest component

  (19,375)  (7,727)  (18,452)  (7,956)

Present value of minimum lease payments

 $25,962  $37,009  $27,371  $63,750 

 

 

11.1.

Product Warranty Obligations

 

The Company records a liability for standard product warranty obligations accounted for as assurance warranties at the time of sale to a customer based upon historical warranty experience. The Company also records a liability for specific warranty matters when they become known and are reasonably estimable. The following is a tabular reconciliation of the Company’s standard product warranty liability accounted for as an assurance warranty:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Balance at beginning of period

 $41,785  $35,422  $31,695  $49,316  $41,785  $35,422 

Product warranty reserve assumed in acquisition

 1,062  -  43  124  1,062  0 

Payments

 (26,096) (20,029) (18,861) (33,496) (26,096) (20,029)

Provision for warranty issued

 32,060  26,910  21,347  42,093  32,060  26,910 

Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties

  505   (518)  1,198   1,181   505   (518)

Balance at end of period

 $49,316  $41,785  $35,422  $59,218  $49,316  $41,785 

 

Additionally, theThe Company also sells extended warranty coverage for certain products, which it accounts for as a service warranty. The sales of extended warranties are recorded as deferred revenue, and typically have a duration of five to ten years. The deferred revenue related to extended warranty coverage is amortized over the duration of the extended warranty contract period, following the standard warranty period, using the straight-line method. The Company believes the straight-line method is appropriate because the performance obligation is satisfied based on the passage of time. The amortization of deferred revenue is recorded to net sales in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The following is a tabular reconciliation of the deferred revenue related to extended warranty coverage:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Balance at beginning of period

 $68,340  $57,854  $36,139  $78,738  $68,340  $57,854 

Deferred revenue contracts issued

 24,483  21,440  29,262  26,968  24,483  21,440 

Amortization of deferred revenue contracts

  (14,085)  (10,954)  (7,547)  (15,918)  (14,085)  (10,954)

Balance at end of period

 $78,738  $68,340  $57,854  $89,788  $78,738  $68,340 

 

5956

Table of Contents

 

The timing of recognition of the Company’s deferred revenue balance related to extended warranties at December 31, 2019 2020is as follows:

 

2020

 $15,535 

2021

 16,798  $18,754 

2022

 14,705  18,819 

2023

 11,367  16,464 

After 2023

  20,333 

2024

 11,849 

After 2024

  23,902 

Total

 $78,738  $89,788 

 

In 2017, theThe Company launchedhas a post-sale extended warranty marketing program with a third party. In the program’s agreement, the Company is required to pay fees to the third-party service provider based on the number of extended warranty contracts that they sell, which it classifies as costs to obtain a contract. The contract costs are deferred and recorded as other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The deferred contract costs are amortized to net sales in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income over the same period that the underlying deferred revenue is recognized. The balance of deferred contract costs as of December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 was $6,190$6,869 and $4,782,$6,190, respectively. Amortization of deferred contract costs recorded during the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 20182019 and 20172018 was $1,303, $869 $615 and $193,$615, respectively.

 

Standard product warranty obligations and extended warranty related deferred revenues are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

Product warranty liability

      

Current portion - other accrued liabilities

 $27,885  $25,396  $37,417  $27,885 

Long-term portion - other long-term liabilities

  21,431   16,389   21,801   21,431 

Total

 $49,316  $41,785  $59,218  $49,316 
  

Deferred revenue related to extended warranties

      

Current portion - other accrued liabilities

 $15,519  $13,646  $18,857  $15,519 

Long-term portion - other long-term liabilities

  63,219   54,694   70,931   63,219 

Total

 $78,738  $68,340  $89,788  $78,738 

 

 

12.

Credit Agreements

 

Short-term borrowings are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

ABL facility

 $30,961  $18,459  $0  $30,961 

Other lines of credit

  27,753   27,124   39,282   27,753 

Total

 $58,714  $45,583  $39,282  $58,714 

 

Long-term borrowings are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

Term loan

 $830,000  $879,000  $830,000  $830,000 

Original issue discount and deferred financing costs

 (18,048) (22,440) (15,450) (18,048)

ABL facility

 -  -  0  0 

Finance lease obligation

 25,962  20,171  27,371  25,962 

Other

  2,236   1,642   3,990   2,236 

Total

 840,150  878,373  845,911  840,150 

Less: current portion of debt

 553  1,075  1,836  553 

Less: current portion of finance lease obligation

  1,830   902   2,311   1,830 

Total

 $837,767  $876,396  $841,764  $837,767 

 

6057

Table of Contents

 

Maturities of long-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2019, 2020, excluding finance lease obligations as their maturities are disclosed in Note 10, “Leases,” and before considering original issue discount and deferred financing costs, are as follows:

 

2020

 $553 

2021

 1,683  $1,836 

2022

 -  1,905 

2023

 -  46 

After 2023

  830,000 

2024

 115 

After 2024

  830,088 

Total

 $832,236  $833,990 

 

The Company’s credit agreements originally provided for a $1,200,000 term loan B credit facility (Term Loan) and currently include a $300,000 uncommitted incremental term loan facility. The maturity date of the Term Loan is currently December 13, 2026. The Term Loan is guaranteed by all of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries, and is secured by associated collateral agreements which pledge a first priority lien on virtually all of the Company’s assets, including fixed assets and intangibles, other than all cash, trade accounts receivable, inventory, and other current assets and proceeds thereof, which are secured by a second priority lien. The Term Loan initially bore interest at rates based upon either a base rate plus an applicable margin of 1.75% or adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.75%. Beginning in the second quarter of 2014, and measured each quarterly period thereafter, the applicable margin related to base rate loans was reduced to 1.50% and the applicable margin related to LIBOR rate loans was reduced to 2.50%, in each case, if the Company’s net debt leverage ratio, as defined inCurrently, the Term Loan fell below 3.00 to 1.00 for that measurement period.

In May 2017, the Company amended its Term Loan, modifying the pricing of the facility by reducing the applicable marginbears interest at rates tobased upon either a base rate plus a fixedan applicable margin of 1.25%0.75% or adjusted LIBOR rate plus a fixedan applicable margin of 2.25%1.75%Further, the amendment removed the pricing grid that would reduce the applicable margin if a net debt leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 was achieved. As a result, the Company does not anticipate any future catch-up gains or losses resulting from changes in contractual interest rates to be recorded in the statements of comprehensive income. At the time, the amended Term Loan pricing was still subject to the 0.75% LIBOR floor. In connection with this amendment and in accordance with ASC 470-50,Debt Modifications and Extinguishments, the Company capitalized $1,432 of fees paid to creditors as deferred financing costs on long-term borrowings and expensed $85 of transaction fees in the second quarter of 2017.

In December 2017, the Company amended the Term Loan, which further reduced the applicable margin rates to base rate plus a fixed applicable margin of 1.00% or adjusted LIBOR rate plus a fixed applicable margin of 2.00%. Additionally, the amendment eliminated the Excess Cash Flow payment requirement for 2017, and will eliminate future requirements if the Company’s secured leverage ratio is maintained below 3.75 to 1.00 times. In connection with this amendment and in accordance with ASC 470-50, the Company capitalized $2,346 of fees paid to creditors as original issue discount and deferred financing costs on long-term borrowings and expensed $38 of transaction fees in the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

In June 2018, the Company amended the Term Loan, which further reduced the applicable margin rates to base rate plus a fixed applicable margin of 0.75% or adjusted LIBOR rate plus a fixed applicable margin of 1.75%. In connection with this amendment and in accordance with ASC 470-50, the Company capitalized $829 of fees paid to creditors as deferred financing costs on long-term borrowings and expensed $118 of transaction fees in the second quarter of 2018.

 

In December 2019, the Company amended its Term Loan to extend the maturity date from May 31, 2023 to December 13, 2026, as well as removedto remove the LIBOR floor of 0.75% from the adjusted LIBOR rate. In connection with this amendment and in accordance with ASC 470-50, the Company capitalized $1,247 of fees paid to creditors as deferred financing costs on long-term borrowings and expensed $432 of transaction fees in the fourth quarter of 2019. Additionally, the Company made a voluntary prepayment of $49,000 on the term loan,Term Loan, which resulted in the write-off of $926 of original issue discount and capitalized debt issuance costs as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

In connection with our Term Loan amendment in December 2019, language was added to the agreement to include a benchmark replacement rate, selected by the administrative agent and the borrower, as a replacement to LIBOR that would take affect at the time LIBOR ceases. The Company plans to work with its lenders in the future to amend other LIBOR based debt agreements to add a replacement rate should the use of LIBOR cease.  

 

The Term Loan does not require an Excess Cash Flow payment if the Company’s net secured leverage ratio is maintained below 3.75 to 1.00 times. As of December 31, 2019, 2020, the Company’s net secured leverage ratio was 1.501.12 to 1.00 times, and the Company was in compliance with all covenants of the Term Loan. There are no financial maintenance covenants on the Term Loan.

 

The Company’s credit agreements also originally providedprovide for a senior secured ABL revolving credit facility (ABL Facility). The maturity date of the ABL Facility is currently June 12, 2023. Borrowings under the ABL Facility are guaranteed by all of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries, and are secured by associated collateral agreements which pledge a first priority lien on all cash, trade accounts receivable, inventory, and other current assets and proceeds thereof, and a second priority lien on all other assets, including fixed assets and intangibles of the Company and certain domestic subsidiaries. ABL Facility borrowings initially bore interest at rates based upon either a base rate plus an applicable margin of 1.00% or adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin of 2.00%, in each case, subject to adjustments based upon average availability under the ABL Facility. Currently, the ABL Facility bears interest at rates based upon either a base rate plus an applicable margin of 0.125% or an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin of 1.125%, in each case subject to adjustments based upon average availability under the ABL Facility.

 

6158

Table of Contents

 

In June 2018, the Company amended the ABL Facility; increasing it from $250,000 to $300,000 and extending the maturity date to June 12, 2023. In addition, the ABL Facility amendment modified the pricing by reducing certain applicable interest rates to either a base rate plus an applicable margin of 0.375% or an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin of 1.375%. In connection with this amendment and in accordance with ASC 470-50, the Company capitalized $755 of new debt issuance costs as deferred financing costs on long-term borrowings and wrote-off $34 of capitalized debt issuance costs as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the second quarter of 2018.

 

In June 2018, the Company borrowed $50,000 under the ABL Facility, the proceeds of which were used as a voluntary prepayment of the Term Loan. As a result of the prepayment of the Term Loan, the Company wrote-off $1,298 of original issue discount and capitalized debt issuance costs during the second quarter of 2018 as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. In October 2018, the Company repaid the $50,000 outstanding ABL Facility balance with cash on hand.

 

As of December 31, 2019, 2020, there was $30,9610 outstanding balance under the ABL Facility, leaving $268,608$299,621 of availability, net of outstanding letters of credit.

 

As of December 31, 2019 2020and December 31, 2018, 2019, short-term borrowings consisted of borrowings by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries on local lines of credit and the ABL Facility, which totaled $58,714$39,282 and $45,583,$58,714, respectively.

 

 

13.

Stock Repurchase Programs

 

In August 2015,September 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $200,000 stock repurchase program, which the Company completed in the third quarter of 2016. In October 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new $250,000 stock repurchase program, which expired in the fourthOctober 2020. quarter of 2018.In September 2018,2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved another stock repurchase program, which commenced inon October 2018,27, 2020, and under whichallows for the Company may repurchase an additionalof up to $250,000 of itsthe Company's common stock over the following 24 months.a 24-month period. The Company may repurchase its common stock from time to time, in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions and other considerations. The repurchases may be executed using open market purchases, privately negotiated agreements or other transactions. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the program will be determined by management at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s common stock and general market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements, and compliance with the terms of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness. The repurchases may be funded with cash on hand, available borrowings or proceeds from potential debt or other capital markets sources. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. During the yearyears ended December 31, 2020 and 2019,the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. During the yearsyear ended December 31, 2018, and 2017,the Company repurchased 560,000 and 844,500 shares of its common stock respectively, for $25,656, and $30,012, respectively, all funded with cash on hand. Since the inception of the above notedall programs starting in August 2015, the Company has repurchased 8,676,706 shares of its common stock for $305,547 (at an average cost per share of $35.21), all funded with cash on hand.

 

 

14.

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to the common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, exclusive of restricted shares. Except where the result would be anti-dilutive, diluted earnings per share is calculated by assuming the vesting of unvested restricted stock and the exercise of stock options. Refer to Note 4, “Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest,” to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the accounting for redeemable noncontrolling interests.

 

6259

Table of Contents

 

The following table reconciles the numerator and the denominator used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Numerator

                     

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 $252,007  $238,257  $157,808  $350,576  $252,007  $238,257 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest redemption value adjustment

  1,253   (17,970)  909   (1,247)  1,253   (17,970)

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 $253,260  $220,287  $158,717  $349,329  $253,260  $220,287 
  

Denominator

                     

Weighted average shares, basic

 61,926,986  61,662,031  62,040,704  62,280,889  61,926,986  61,662,031 

Dilutive effect of stock compensation awards (1)

  938,460   571,194   602,168   1,456,845   938,460   571,194 

Diluted shares

  62,865,446   62,233,225   62,642,872   63,737,734   62,865,446   62,233,225 
  

Net income attributable to common shareholders per share

              

Basic

 $4.09  $3.57  $2.56  $5.61 $4.09 $3.57 

Diluted

 $4.03  $3.54  $2.53  $5.48 $4.03 $3.54 

 

 

(1)

Excludes approximately 26,100 and 147,400 stock options for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, as the impact of such awards was anti-dilutive. There were no0 awards with an anti-dilutive impact for the yearyears ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

 

15.

Income Taxes

 

The Company’s provision for income taxes consists of the following:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Current:

              

Federal

 $41,686  $32,072  $15,753  $62,714  $41,686  $32,072 

State

 4,211  9,639  1,775  13,071  4,211  9,639 

Foreign

  2,660   4,546   4,585   1,974   2,660   4,546 
 48,557  46,257  22,113 
Total 77,759  48,557  46,257 

Deferred:

              

Federal

 19,393  22,225  18,213  20,452  19,393  22,225 

State

 1,390  1,910  4,139  1,243  1,390  1,910 

Foreign

  (1,263)  479   (2,777)  (1,197)  (1,263)  479 
 19,520  24,614  19,575 
Total 20,498  19,520  24,614 

Change in valuation allowance

  (778)  (1,015)  2,454   716   (778)  (1,015)

Provision for income taxes

 $67,299  $69,856  $44,142  $98,973  $67,299  $69,856 

 

The Company files U.SU.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign jurisdiction tax returns which are subject to examination up to the expiration of the statute of limitations. The Company believes the tax positions taken on its returns would be sustained upon an exam, or where a position is uncertain, adequate reserves have been recorded. As of December 31, 2019, 2020, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations for United States federal income taxes for tax years prior to 2016.2017. Due to the carryforward of net operating losses and research & development credits, the Company’s Wisconsin state income tax returns for tax years 2009 through 20182019 remain open. In addition, the Company is subject to audit by various foreign taxing jurisdictions for the tax years 20132015 through 2018.2019.

 

The Company is regularly under tax return examination by tax authorities in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The Company is actively managing the examinations and working to address any open matters. While the Company does not believe any material taxes or penalties are due, there is a possibility that the ultimate tax outcome of an examination may result in differences from what was recorded. Such differences may affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which the determination is made, and could impact the Company’s financial results.

 

6360

Table of Contents

 

Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

Deferred tax assets:

          

Accrued expenses

 $21,053  $16,745  $24,358  $21,053 

Deferred revenue

 14,697  12,418  15,851  14,697 

Inventories

 9,879  8,500  11,795  9,879 

Pension obligations

 -  1,062 

Stock-based compensation

 7,490  5,960  8,348  7,490 

Operating loss and credit carryforwards

 28,356  25,585  31,275  28,356 

Bad debt

 1,094  1,363  1,633  1,094 

Other

 4,275  2,516  8,558  4,275 

Valuation allowance

  (5,024)  (5,802)  (5,740)  (5,024)

Total deferred tax assets

 81,820  68,347  96,078  81,820 
  

Deferred tax liabilities:

          

Goodwill and intangible assets

 142,159  108,899  171,831  142,159 

Depreciation

 27,864  25,429  33,716  27,864 

Debt refinancing costs

 4,119  4,206  3,544  4,119 

Prepaid expenses

  1,073   950   1,259   1,073 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 175,215  139,484  210,350  175,215 
     

Net deferred tax liabilities

 $(93,395) $(71,137) $(114,272) $(93,395)

 

As of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, deferred tax assets of $2,933$1,497 and $163,$2,933, and deferred tax liabilities of $96,328$115,769 and $71,300,$96,328, respectively, were reflected on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company maintains a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets of an entity when it is uncertain the entityit will generate sufficient taxable income to utilize the asset. During 2019,2020, the valuation allowance decreasedincreased by $778$716 primarily due to an increase in income allowing for a utilization of tax credits,state net operating losses which are unlikely to be utilized, partially offset by current lossesutilization of loss carryforwards in certain foreign subsidiaries.

 

At December 31, 2019, 2020, the Company had various state research & development and state manufacturing tax credit carryforwards of approximately $8,291$4,513 and $12,747,$19,303, respectively, which expire between 20202024 and 2034.2035. The Company believes it will generate sufficient taxable income in these jurisdictions to fully utilize the credits prior to their expiration.

 

Changes in the Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows:

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

Unrecognized tax benefit, beginning of period

 $5,635  $7,122  $6,720  $5,635 

Increase in unrecognized tax benefit for positions taken in prior period

 633  -  332  633 

Increase in unrecognized tax benefit for positions taken in current period

 495  580  750  495 

Statute of limitation expirations

 (43) (1,818) (189) (43)

Settlements

  -   (249)  0   0 

Unrecognized tax benefit, end of period

 $6,720  $5,635  $7,613  $6,720 

 

The unrecognized tax benefit as of December 31, 2020 31,and 2019 and 2018,, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate.

 

As of December 31, 2020 31,and 2019 and 2018,, total accrued interest of approximately $71$95 and $37,$71, respectively, and accrued penalties of approximately $195$274 and $136,$195, respectively, associated with net unrecognized tax benefits are included in the consolidated balance sheets. Interest and penalties are recorded as a component of income tax expense.

 

The Company does not expect a significant increase or decrease to the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020.2021.

 

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act includes a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and as a result, all previously unremitted earnings for which no U.S. deferred tax liability had been accrued have now been subject to U.S. tax. Notwithstanding the U.S. taxation of these amounts, the Company intends to continue to invest these earnings, as well as the capital in these subsidiaries, indefinitely outside of the U.S. and do not expect to incur any significant additional taxes related to such amounts.

6461

Table of Contents

 

A reconciliation of the statutory tax rates and the effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 20182019 and 20172018 are as follows:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

U.S. statutory rate

 21.0% 21.0% 35.0% 21.0% 21.0% 21.0%

State taxes

 4.3  4.7  4.1  4.3  4.3  4.7 

State tax rate differential

 (1.0) -  -  0.0  (1.0) - 

Research and development credits

 (0.8) (1.3) (1.4) (1.1) (0.8) (1.3)

State credits

 (1.0) (1.0) (0.2) (1.5) (1.0) (1.0)

Share-based compensation (1)

 (0.6) (0.5) (1.4) (1.0) (0.6) (0.5)

Tax Act impact (2)

 -  (0.2) (13.9) 0.0  0  (0.2)

Other

  (0.8)  (0.2)  (0.9)  0.5   (0.8)  (0.2)

Effective tax rate

  21.1%  22.5%  21.3%  22.2%  21.1%  22.5%

 

 

(1)

With the adoption of ASU 2016-09 in 2017, excess tax benefits from equity awards are reflected within the provision for income taxes rather than within the consolidated balance sheet.

(2)As a result of the Tax Act, we recognized a one-time, non-cash benefit of $28.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 primarily from the impact of the revaluation of our net deferred tax liabilities. This non-cash benefit resulted primarily from the Federal rate reduction from 35% to 21%.

 

 

16.

Benefit Plans

 

Medical and Dental PlanPlans

 

The Company maintains medical and dental benefit plans covering its full-time domestic employees and their dependents. CertainThese plans are partially or fully self-funded under which participant claims are obligations of the plan. These plans are funded through employer and employee contributions at a level sufficient to pay for the benefits provided by the plan. The Company’s contributions to the plans were $24,617, $18,290, $14,660, and $14,992$14,660 for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 2018,2019 and 2017,2018, respectively.

 

The Company’s foreign subsidiaries participate in government sponsored medical benefit plans. In certain cases, the Company purchases supplemental medical coverage for certain employees at these foreign locations. The expenses related to these plans are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Savings Plan

 

The Company maintains a defined-contribution 401(k) savings plan for eligible domestic employees. Under the plan, employees may defer receipt of a portion of their eligible compensation. The Company may contribute a matching contribution of 50% of the first 6% of eligible compensation of employees.employees that is deferred. The Company may also contribute a non-elective contribution for eligible employees employed on December 31, 2008 that were impacted by the freezing of the Company’s pension plans. The Company’s matching contributions are subject to vesting. Forfeitures may be applied against plan expenses and companyCompany contributions. The Company recognized $5,332, $4,791 $4,193 and $3,600$4,193 of expense related to these plans infor the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and 2017,, respectively.

 

Pension Plans

 

Historically, the Company maintained frozen noncontributory salaried and hourly pension plans (Pension Plans) covering certain domestic employees. The Pension Plans were frozen effective December 31, 2008. Effective December 31, 2018, the Pension Plans were merged into the same plan (Pension Plan), resulting in no change to benefits for participants. The benefits under the salaried plan were based upon years of service and the participants’ defined final average monthly compensation. The benefits under the hourly plan were based on a unit amount at the date of termination multiplied by the participant’s years of credited service.

 

In 2019, the Company completed the termination of its Pension Plan.  In connection with the Company’s activities to terminate the plan, lump sum distributions were made in the fourth quarter of 2019 to individuals who elected lump sum distributions, including rolling over their accounts to the Company’s 401(k) savings plan. Also in the fourth quarter of 2019, annuity contracts were purchased to settle obligations for the remaining participants. Upon settlement of the pension liability, the Company reclassified related unrecognized pension losses recorded in AOCL to the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As a result, the Company recorded pre-tax settlement charges of $10,920 in the fourth quarter of 2019.

65

Table of Contents

The Company’s historical funding policy for the Pension Plans was to contribute amounts at least equal to the minimum annual amount required by applicable regulations. In the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company made a voluntary pension prepayment of $9,400. In the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company made required contributions of $1,017 in connection with the plan termination. No additional contributions will be required in future years as the pension plan termination was finalized in 2019.

The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the Pension Plan based on a December 31 measurement date:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2019

  

2018

 
         

Accumulated benefit obligation at end of period

 $-  $65,978 
         

Change in projected benefit obligation

        

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period

 $65,978  $72,631 

Interest cost

  2,401   2,575 

Net actuarial (gain) loss

  3,452   (6,820)

Benefits paid

  (31,321)  (2,408)

Annuities purchased

  (40,510)  - 

Projected benefit obligation at end of period

 $-  $65,978 
         

Change in plan assets

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period

 $61,870  $58,014 

Actual return on plan assets

  8,944   (3,507)

Company contributions

  1,017   9,771 

Benefits paid

  (31,321)  (2,408)

Annuities purchased

  (40,510)  - 

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

 $-  $61,870 
         

Funded status: accrued pension liability included in other long-term liabilities

 $-  $(4,108)
         

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss

        

Net actuarial loss, net of tax

 $-  $(10,541)

The actuarial loss for the Pension Plan that was amortized from AOCL into net periodic pension cost during 2019 prior to the pension plan termination was $843.

The actuarial assumption used in the determination of the benefit obligation of the above data is:

  

2019

  

2018

 

Weighted average discount rate

  N/A   4.24% 

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension cost (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2017

 

Interest cost

 $2,401  $2,575  $2,688 

Expected return on plan assets

  (3,500)  (3,525)  (3,011)

Amortization of net loss

  843   802   883 

Loss on pension settlement

  10,920   -   - 

Net periodic pension cost (benefit)

 $10,664  $(148) $560 

66

Table of Contents

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost (benefit) are as follows:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2017

 

Discount Rate

  4.24%   3.60%   4.14% 

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

  6.60%   6.19%   6.58% 

Rate of compensation increase (1)

  N/A   N/A   N/A 

(1No compensation increase was assumed as the Pension Plan was frozen effective December 31, 2008.

To determine the long-term rate of return assumption for the plans’ assets, the Company studied historical markets and preserved the long-term historical relationship between equities and fixed-income securities consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run. The Company evaluated current market factors such as inflation and interest rates before it determined long-term capital market assumptions and reviewed peer data and historical returns to check for reasonableness and appropriateness.

The fair value of the qualified pension plan assets was $0 at December 31,2019 and $61,870 at December 31, 2018. The Pension Plan’s weighted-average asset allocation at December 31, 2018, by asset category, is as follows:

  

Target Allocation

  

December 31, 2018

 

Asset Category

 

Minimum

  

Maximum

  

Dollars

  

%

 

Fixed income

  15.0%  25.0% $12,257   20%

Domestic equity

  36.5%  61.5%  30,731   50%

International equity

  17.0%  25.0%  12,380   20%

Real estate

  7.0%  15.0%  6,502   10%

Total

          61,870   100%

The fair values of the Pension Plans’ assets at December 31, 2018 were as follows:

  

 

 

 

 

Total

  

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Asset

(Level 1)

  

 

Significant Observable Inputs

(Level 2)

  

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs

(Level 3)

 

Mutual funds

 $51,736  $51,736  $  $ 

Other investments

  10,134         10,134 

Total

 $61,870  $51,736  $  $10,134 

A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

  

Year Ended

December 31,

 
  

2018

 

Balance at beginning of period

 $9,700 

Purchases

  3,805 

Redemptions

  (3,795)

Realized gains

  424 

Balance at end of period

 $10,134 

Mutual Funds – This category includes investments in mutual funds that encompass both equity and fixed income securities that are designed to provide a diverse portfolio. The plans’ mutual funds are designed to track exchange indices, and invest in diverse industries. Some mutual funds are classified as regulated investment companies. Investment managers have the ability to shift investments from value to growth strategies, from small to large capitalization funds, and from U.S. to international investments. These investments are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. These investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other Investments – This category includes investments in limited partnerships and are valued at estimated fair value, as determined with the assistance of each respective limited partnership, based on the net asset value of the investment as of the balance sheet date, which is subject to judgment, and therefore is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

67

Table of Contents

The Company’s historical target allocation for equity securities and real estate was generally between 75% to 85%, with the remainder allocated primarily to fixed income (bonds). The Company regularly reviewed its actual asset allocation and periodically rebalanced its investments to the targeted allocation when considered appropriate.

 

Certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries participate in local statutory defined benefit or other post-employment benefit plans. These plans provide benefits that are generally based on years of credited service and a percentage of the employee’s eligible compensation earned throughout the applicable service period. Liabilities recorded under these plans are included in other long-term liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and are not material.

 

62

Table of Contents

 

17.

Share Plans

 

The Company adopted an equity incentive plan (Plan)(the 2010 Plan) on February 10, 2010 in connection with its initial public offering. The 2010Plan, as amended, allowsallowed for granting of up to 9.1 million share-based awards to executives, directors and employees. Awards available for grant under the 2010Plan includeincluded stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other share-based awards and performance-based compensation awards. Awards under the 2010 Plan ceased in June 2019. Total share-based compensation expense related to the Plan, net of estimated forfeitures, was $11,681, $15,738, $14,563 and $10,205$14,563 for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, which is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

On June 13, 2019, the stockholders of Generac Holdings Inc. approved the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan ((the 2019 Plan). Following the effectiveness of the 2019 Plan, no new awards may be made under the Plan. The 2019 Plan allows for granting of up to 2.7 million share-based awards to executives, directors and employees. Awards available for grant under the2019 Plan include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other share-based awards and performance-based compensation awards. Total share-based compensation expense related to the 2019 Plan, net of estimated forfeitures, was $9,201 and $956 for the yearyears ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

Stock Options - Stock options granted in 2020 have an exercise price between $91.00 per share and $158.89 per share; stock options granted in 2019 have an exercise price of $52.07 per share; and stock options granted in 2018 have an exercise price between $43.88 per share and $45.29 per share; and stock options granted in 2017 have an exercise price between $40.12 per share and $48.98 per share. Stock options vest in equal installments over four years, subject to the grantee’s continued employment or service and expire ten years after the date of grant.

 

Stock option exercises can be net-share settled such that the Company withholds shares with value equivalent to the exercise price of the stock option awards plus the employees’ minimum statutory obligation for the applicable income and other employment taxes. Total shares withheld were 24,070, 32,211 and 63,817 and 9,033 infor the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and 2017,, respectively, and were based on the value of the stock on the exercise dates. The net-share settlement has the effect of share repurchases by the Company as they reduce the number of shares that would have otherwise been issued.

 

Employees can also utilize a cashless for cash exercise of stock options, such that all exercised shares will be sold in the market immediately. Cash equivalent to the exercise price of the awards plus the employees’ minimum statutory tax obligations is remitted to the Company, with the remaining cash being transferred to the employee. Total net proceeds from the cashless for cash exercise of stock options were $13,089, $9,395 and $5,614 and $6,951 infor the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and 2017,, respectively, and are reflected as a financing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

Total payments made by the Company to the taxing authorities for the employees’ tax obligations related to stock option exercises were $7,297, $3,360 and $3,846 and $4,301 infor the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and 2017,, respectively, and are reflected as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

The grant-date fair value of each option grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The fair value is then amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards, which is generally the vesting period. Use of a valuation model requires management to make certain assumptions with respect to selected model inputs. Expected volatility is calculated based on an analysis of historic volatility of the Company’s stock price. The average expected life is based on the contractual term of the option using the simplified method. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant. The compensation expense recognized is net of estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated based on actual share option forfeiture history.

 

6863

Table of Contents

 

The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model for 2020, 20192018 and 20172018 are as follows:

 

 Year Ended December 31, 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2017

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Weighted average grant date fair value

 $19.33  $17.86  $16.84  $35.79  $19.33  $17.86 
  

Assumptions:

              

Expected stock price volatility

 33% 37% 40% 32% 33% 37%

Risk free interest rate

 2.52% 2.60% 1.92% 1.56% 2.52% 2.60%

Expected annual dividend per share

 $-  $-  $-  $0  $0  $0 

Expected life of options (years)

 6.25  6.25  6.25  6.25  6.25  6.25 

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 20182019 and 20172018 is as follows:

 

 

Number of

Options

  

Weighted-Average

Exercise Price

  

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)

  

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

($ in thousands)

  

Number of Options

  

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

  

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)

  

Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($ in thousands)

 
  

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

 1,482,964  $27.49  7.5  $23,840 

Granted

 346,421  40.13      

Exercised

 (287,375) 10.58      

Forfeited

  (69,880) 41.12      

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

  1,472,130  33.11  7.3  $25,281  1,472,130  $33.11  7.3  $25,281 
 

Granted

 366,231  43.88       366,231  43.88      

Exercised

 (267,909) 19.90       (267,909) 19.90      

Forfeited

  (49,285) 43.34        (49,285) 43.34      

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018

  1,521,167  37.70  7.0  $19,212   1,521,167  37.70  7.0  $19,212 
  

Granted

 369,779  52.07       369,779  52.07      

Exercised

 (263,250) 30.75       (263,250) 30.75      

Forfeited

  (35,010) 43.79        (35,010) 43.79      

Outstanding as of December 31, 2019

  1,592,686  42.04  6.9  $93,242   1,592,686  42.04  6.9  $93,242 
  

Exercisable as of December 31, 2019

 726,817  37.78  5.3  $45,649 

Granted

 173,650  102.32      

Exercised

 (216,196) 39.88      

Forfeited

  (21,450) 50.25      

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020

  1,528,690  49.08  6.3  $272,553 
 

Exercisable as of December 31, 2020

 845,365  39.15  4.9  $159,145 

 

As of December 31, 2019, 2020, there was $10,649$10,673 of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures, related to unvested options. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining service period, having a weighted-average period of 2.52.4 years. Total share-based compensation cost related to the stock options for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192018 and 20172018 was $5,860, $5,597 $4,998 and $4,503,$4,998, respectively, which is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

Restricted Stock – Restricted stock awards vest in equal installments over three years, subject to the grantee’s continued employment or service. Certain restricted stock awards also include performance shares, which were awarded inwhereby the years 2014 through 2019. The number of performance shares that can be earned are contingent upon Company performance measures over a three-year period. Performance measures are based on a weighting of a number of financial metrics, from which grantees may earn from 0% to 200% of their target performance share award. The performance period for the 2017 awards covers the years 2017 through 2019, the performance period for the 2018 awards covers the years 2018 through 2020, and the performance period for the 2019 awards covers the years 2019 through 2021.2021, and the performance period for the 2020 awards covers the years 2020 through 2022. The Company estimates the number of performance shares that will vest based on projected financial performance. The fair value of restricted awards is determined based on the market value of the Company's shares on the grant date. The fair market value of the restricted awards at the time of the grant is amortized to expense over the period of vesting. The compensation expense recognized for restricted share awards is net of estimated forfeitures.

 

Restricted stock vesting is net-share settled such that, upon vesting, the Company withholds shares with value equivalent to the employees’ minimum statutory tax obligation, and then pays the cash to the taxing authorities on behalf of the employees. In effect, the Company repurchases these shares and classifies them as treasury stock. Total shares withheld were 70,718, 55,953 and 38,186 and 39,500 infor the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and 2017,, respectively, and were based on the value of the stock on the vesting dates. Total payments made by the Company to the taxing authorities for the employees’ tax obligations related to restricted stock vesting were $7,613, $3,078 and $1,812 and $1,591 infor the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 and 2017,, respectively, and are reflected as a financing activity within the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

6964

Table of Contents

 

A summary of the Company's restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 20182019 and 20172018 is as follows:

 

 

Shares

  

Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value

  

Shares

  

Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value

 
  

Non-vested as of December 31, 2016

 361,403  $38.18 

Granted

 211,769  39.91 

Vested

 (133,796) 40.60 

Forfeited

  (47,100) 42.48 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2017

  392,276  37.77  392,276  $37.77 
 

Granted

 208,803  44.49  208,803  44.49 

Vested

 (128,433) 39.03  (128,433) 39.03 

Forfeited

  (46,650) 39.43   (46,650) 39.43 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2018

  425,996  40.50   425,996  40.50 
  

Granted

 265,255  62.38  265,255  62.38 

Vested

 (184,628) 38.78  (184,628) 38.78 

Forfeited

  (14,986) 44.23   (14,986) 44.23 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2019

  491,637  52.84   491,637  52.84 
 

Granted

 183,868  95.14 

Vested

 (200,390) 45.10 

Forfeited

  (18,921) 56.58 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2020

  456,194  68.42 

 

As of December 31, 2019, 2020, there was $16,165$20,608 of unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures, related to non-vested restricted stock awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining service period, having a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. Total share-based compensation cost related to the restricted stock for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192018 and 2017,2018, inclusive of performance shares, was $15,022, $11,097 $9,565 and $5,702,$9,565, respectively, which is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

During 2020, 20192018 and 2017,2018, 15,275, 22,544 33,419 and 34,09533,419 shares of stock, respectively, were granted to certain members of the Company’s Board of Directors as a component of their compensation for their service on the Board, all of which 22,544, 33,419 and 22,762 shares, respectively, were fully vested at time of grant. Non-employee directorsA non-employee director can elect to receive his or her director fees in the form of deferred stock units, which voluntarily defers the issuance of the related shares granted until the director separates from the Company or a triggering event occurs. 10,528, 16,604 22,675, and 11,33322,675 of deferred stock units are included in the shares of stock granted to certain members of the Company’s Board of Directors for the years 2020, 2019, and 2018 and 2017,, respectively. Total share-based compensation cost for these share grants in 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $1,558, $1,391 and 2017 was $1,391, $1,718, and $1,133, respectively, which is recorded in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

 

18.

Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company has an arrangement with a finance company to provide floor plan financing for certain dealers. The Company receives payment from the finance company after shipment of product to the dealer. The Company participates in the cost of dealer financing up to certain limits and has agreed to repurchase products repossessed by the finance company, but does not indemnify the finance company for any credit losses they incur. The amount financed by dealers which remained outstanding under this arrangement at December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 was approximately $49,600$55,600 and $47,200,$49,600, respectively.

 

In the normal course of business, the Company is named as a defendant in various lawsuits in which claims are asserted against the Company. In the opinion of management, the liabilities, if any, which may result from such lawsuits are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

7065

Table of Contents
 

 

19.

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

 

 

Quarters Ended 2019

  

Quarters in the Year Ended December 31, 2020

 
 

Q1

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

  

Q1

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

 

Net sales

 $470,353  $541,916  $601,135  $590,932  $475,915  $546,848  $701,355  $761,082 

Gross profit

 162,175  195,838  217,517  222,222  172,320  208,983  276,149  300,202 

Operating income

 71,173  90,926  105,556  104,508  62,862  89,553  155,637  171,054 

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 44,861  61,958  75,574  69,614  44,460  66,145  114,970  125,001 

Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share - basic:

 $0.77  $0.99  $1.20  $1.14  $0.69  $1.04  $1.86  $2.02 

Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share - diluted:

 $0.76  $0.98  $1.18  $1.12  $0.68  $1.02  $1.82  $1.97 

 

 

Quarters Ended 2018

  

Quarters in the Year Ended December 31, 2019

 
 

Q1

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

  

Q1

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

 

Net sales

 $400,091  $497,581  $562,388  $563,404  $470,353  $541,916  $601,135  $590,932 

Gross profit

 141,927  178,473  200,334  204,306  162,175  195,838  217,517  222,222 

Operating income

 56,347  85,467  106,519  108,848  71,173  90,926  105,556  104,508 

Net income attributable to Generac Holdings Inc.

 33,645  53,261  75,776  75,575  44,861  61,958  75,574  69,614 

Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share - basic:

 $0.42  $0.83  $1.12  $1.21  $0.77  $0.99  $1.20  $1.14 

Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share - diluted:

 $0.42  $0.82  $1.11  $1.20  $0.76  $0.98  $1.18  $1.12 

 

 

20.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

For the years ended December 31, 2019,2020, 20182019 and 2017:2018:

 

 

Balance at Beginning of Year

 

Additions Charged to Earnings

 

Additions Charged to Retained Earnings (1)

 

Charges to Reserve, Net (2)

 

Reserves Established for Acquisitions

 

Balance at End of Year

 

Year ended December 31, 2020

             

Allowance for credit losses

 $6,968  $4,645  $1,147  $(957) $198  $12,001 

Reserves for inventory

 24,293  11,353  0  (8,788) 959  27,817 

Valuation of deferred tax assets

 5,024  716  0  0  0  5,740 
 

Balance at Beginning of Year

  

Additions Charged to Earnings

  

Charges to Reserve, Net (1)

  

Reserves Established for Acquisitions

  

Balance at End of Year

  

Year ended December 31, 2019

                        

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $4,873  $3,086  $(1,033) $42  $6,968 

Allowance for credit losses

 $4,873  $3,086  $0  $(1,033) $42  $6,968 

Reserves for inventory

 23,140  4,821  (3,867) 199  $24,293  23,140  4,821  0  (3,867) 199  24,293 

Valuation of deferred tax assets

 5,802  -  -  (778) $5,024  5,802  0  0  0  (778) 5,024 
  

Year ended December 31, 2018

                        

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $4,805  $1,941  $(2,123) $250  $4,873 

Allowance for credit losses

 $4,805  $1,941  $0  $(2,123) $250  $4,873 

Reserves for inventory

 15,987  10,004  (3,720) 869  23,140  15,987  10,004  0  (3,720) 869  23,140 

Valuation of deferred tax assets

 6,817  478  -  (1,493) 5,802  6,817  478  0  0  (1,493) 5,802 
 

Year ended December 31, 2017

           

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $5,642  $346  $(1,842) $659  $4,805 

Reserves for inventory

 13,031  6,164  (4,036) 828  15,987 

Valuation of deferred tax assets

 4,362  2,455  -  -  6,817 

 

 

(1)

Result of adopting ASU 2016-13,Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.

(2)Deductions from the allowance for doubtful accounts equal accounts receivable written off against the allowance, less recoveries.recoveries, as well as foreign currency translation adjustments. Deductions from the reserves for inventory excess and obsolete items equal inventory written off against the reserve as items were disposed of.

of, as well as foreign currency translation adjustments. 

 

 

21.

Subsequent Events

 

The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued and no such events were identified.

7166

Table of Contents
 

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

There were no changes in, or disagreements with, accountants reportable herein.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in this report on Form 10-K has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-K.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

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 the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) 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 Company’s financial statements.

 

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error or the circumvention or overriding of the controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving its objective. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate, because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20192020 based on the criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.2020. In conducting this assessment, our management excluded Neurio TechnologyWest Coast Energy Systems LLC, which was acquired in July 2020, Mean Green Products, LLC, which was acquired in September 2020, and Enbala Power Networks Inc., which was acquired in March 2019, and Pika Energy, Inc., which was acquired in April 2019,October 2020, and whose financial statements constitute 5.0%4.7% and 2.8%2.6% of net and total assets, respectively, 0.4%0.6% of net sales, and (2.2)(0.3)% of net income of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019,2020, which is included herein.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 20192020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

 

7267

Table of Contents

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.On February 18, 2021, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved certain incremental equity awards to be granted to Mr. Minick effective March 1, 2021. The equity awards include: (i) an award of restricted stock valued at $1 million that vests on the third anniversary of the date of grant, and (ii) an award of performance shares valued at $1 million, at target achievement level, with a performance period ending December 31, 2023. Such awards are intended to retain and align Mr. Minick's interests with certain objectives related to the Company's Energy Technology initiatives over the next three years. 

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information required by Item 10 not already provided herein under “Item 1 – Business – Information About Our Executive Officers”, will be included in our 20202021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information required by this item will be included in our 20202021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The information required by this item, including under the heading “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans,” will be included in our 20202021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information required by this item will be included in our 20202021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information required by this item will be included in our 20202021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)(1) Financial Statements

 

Included in Part II of this report:

 

 

Page

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

3733

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20192020 and 20182019

4036

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 20172018

4137

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 20172018

4238

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 20172018

4339

Notes to consolidated financial statements

4440

 

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

 

All financial statement schedules have been omitted, since the required information is not applicable or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

 

7368

Table of Contents

 

(a)(3) Exhibits

 

The below exhibits index is the list of the exhibits being filed or furnished with or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

Exhibits
Number

 

Description

3.1

 

Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Generac Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009).

   

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Generac Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2016).

   

4.1

 

Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on January 25, 2010).

   

4.2*4.2

 

Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020).

   

10.1

 

Credit Agreement, Dated as of February 9, 2012, As Amended and Restated as of May 30, 2012, As Further Amended and Restated as of May 31, 2013, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Bank of America, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as syndication agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 4, 2013), as amended by the First Amendment dated as of May 18, 2015.

   

10.2

 

Replacement Term Loan Amendment dated as of November 2, 2016, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 3, 2016).

   

10.3

 

2017 Replacement Term Loan Amendment dated as of May 11, 2017, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 15, 2017).

   

10.4

 

2017-2 Replacement Term Loan Amendment dated as of December 8, 2017, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 11, 2017).

   

10.5

 

2018 Replacement Term Loan Amendment, dated as of June 8, 2018, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 14, 2018).

   

10.6

 

2019 Replacement Term Loan Amendment, dated as of December 13, 2019, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 16, 2019).

   

10.7

 

Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2013, to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2012, as amended and restated as of May 30, 2012, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Bank of America, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as syndication agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 4, 2013).

   

10.8

 

Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2012, as amended and restated as of May 30, 2012, among Generac Holdings Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., Generac Power Systems, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Generac Power Systems, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 31, 2012).

   

10.9

 

First Amendment to Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of May 31, 2013, among Generac Holdings Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., Generac Power Systems, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Generac Power Systems, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 4, 2013).

 

7469

Table of Contents

 

Exhibits
Number
 Description

10.10

 

Credit Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2012, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., its Domestic Subsidiaries listed as Borrowers on the signature pages thereto, Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as syndication agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Documentation Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 31, 2012).

   

10.11

 

Amendment No. 1 dated as of May 31, 2013, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., its Domestic Subsidiaries listed as Borrowers on the signature pages thereto, Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as syndication agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Documentation Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 4, 2013).

   

10.12

 

Amendment No. 2 dated as of May 29, 2015, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., its Domestic Subsidiaries listed as Borrowers on the signature pages thereto, Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, and the other agents named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 1, 2015).

   

10.13

 

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2018, among Generac Power Systems, Inc., its Subsidiaries listed as Borrowers on the signature pages thereto, Generac Acquisition Corp., the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Documentation Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 14, 2018).

   

10.14

 

Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2012, among Generac Holdings Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., Generac Power Systems, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Generac Power Systems, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 31, 2012).

   

10.15

 

First Amendment to Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of May 31, 2013, among Generac Holdings Inc., Generac Acquisition Corp., Generac Power Systems, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Generac Power Systems, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 4, 2013).

   

10.16+

 

2009 Executive Management Incentive Compensation Program (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on December 17, 2009).

10.17+

Generac Holdings Inc. Amended and Restated 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of the Company filed with the SEC on April 27, 2012)

   

10.18+10.17+

 

Generac Holdings Inc. Annual Performance Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.63 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on January 25, 2010).

   

10.19+10.18+

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 5, 2018, between Generac and Aaron Jagdfeld (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 6, 2018).

   

10.2010.19

 

Form of Confidentiality, Non-Competition and Intellectual Property Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on November 24, 2009).

   

10.21+10.20+

 

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on January 25, 2010).

 

7570

Table of Contents

 

Exhibits
Number
 Description

10.22+10.21+

 

Amended Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2012).

10.22+

Amended Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement pursuant to the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2012).

   

10.23+

 

Amended Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement pursuant to the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2012).

10.24+

Amended Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with accelerated vesting pursuant to the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2012).

10.25+

Amended Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement pursuant to the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2019).

   

10.26+10.24+

 

Amended Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2019).

   

10.2710.25

 

Form of Director Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on January 11, 2010).

   

10.2810.26

 

Form of Officer Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on January 11, 2010).

   
10.29+Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2014).

10.30+10.27+

 

Amended Form of Performance Share Award Agreement pursuant to the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2019).

   

10.31*+10.28+

 

Generac Holdings Inc. Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy.Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020).

   

10.32+10.29+

 

Generac Power Systems, Inc. Executive Change in Control Policy, effective November 5, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 6, 2018).

   

10.33+10.30+

 

Generac Holdings Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of the Company filed with the SEC on April 26, 2019).

   

10.34+10.31+

 

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement pursuant to the Generac Holdings Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 5, 2019).

   

10.35+10.32+

 

Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement pursuant to the Generac Holdings Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 5, 2019).

   

10.36+10.33+

 

Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Generac Holdings Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 5, 2019).

   

21.1*

 

List of Subsidiaries of Generac Holdings Inc.

   

23.1*

 

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

   

31.1*

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

31.2*

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

7671

Table of Contents

 

Exhibits
Number
 Description

32.1**

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   
32.2** Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101* The following financial information from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019,2020, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020,23, 2021, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018;2019; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2019,2020, December 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017;2018; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2019,2020, December 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017;2018; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2019,2020, December 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017;2018; (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
   

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XBRL document).

____________________________

*               Filed herewith.

**             Furnished herewith.

+               Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

 

None.

 

7772

Table of Contents

 

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.

 

 

Generac Holdings Inc.

  
 

By:

/s/ Aaron Jagdfeld

  

Aaron Jagdfeld

  

 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Dated: February 25, 202023, 2021

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons and on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

SignatureTitleDate
   
/s/ Aaron JagdfeldChairman, President and Chief ExecutiveFebruary 25, 202023, 2021

Aaron Jagdfeld

Officer

 

   

/s/ York A. Ragen

Chief Financial Officer and

February 25, 202023, 2021

York A. RagenChief Accounting Officer 
   

/s/ bennett morgan

Lead Director

February 25, 202023, 2021

Bennett Morgan  
   

/s/ MARCIA J. AVEDON

Director

February 25, 202023, 2021

Marcia J. Avedon  
   

/s/ JOHN D. BOWLIN

Director

February 25, 202023, 2021

John D. Bowlin  
   

/s/ RobertROBERT D. DixonDIXON

Director

February 25, 202023, 2021

Robert D. Dixon  
   

/s/ WILLIAM JENKINS

Director

February 25, 202023, 2021

William Jenkins  
   

/s/ Andrew G. Lampereur

Director

February 25, 202023, 2021

Andrew G. Lampereur  
   

/s/ David A. Ramon

Director

February 25, 202023, 2021

David A. Ramon  
   

/s/ KATHRYN ROEDEL

Director

February 25, 202023, 2021

Kathryn Roedel  
   

/s/ DOMINICK ZARCONE

Director

February 25, 202023, 2021

Dominick Zarcone

  

 

78

73