UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
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: 001-36272
Element Solutions Inc
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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| Delaware | | 37-1744899 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | | |
| 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1860 | | 33394 |
| Fort Lauderdale, | Florida | | (Zip Code) |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | | |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (561) 207-9600
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, par value $0.01 per share | ESI | 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 ý No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o No ý
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 ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. | | | | | | | | | | | |
Large accelerated filer ý | Accelerated filer o | Non-Accelerated filer o | 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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1 (b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 14, 2025 was 242,452,327. The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2024 was approximately $6.06 billion, based upon the last reported sales price for such date on the New York Stock Exchange. All (i) executive officers and directors of the registrant and (ii) all persons who hold 10% or more of the registrant’s outstanding common stock have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
Portions of the Company’s definitive 2025 Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference into Part III of this 2024 Annual Report.
Element Solutions Inc
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the year ended December 31, 2024
Table of Contents
GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS
| | | | | | | | |
| Terms | | Definitions |
Element Solutions; We; Us; Our; the Company | | Element Solutions Inc, a Delaware corporation, and where the context requires, its subsidiaries or operating businesses. |
| Credit Agreement | | Credit Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2019, as amended from time to time, among, inter alia, Element Solutions and MacDermid, Incorporated, as borrowers, certain subsidiaries of Element Solutions and the lenders from time to time parties thereto. |
| EBITDA | | Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. |
| E.U. | | European Union. |
| Exchange Act | | Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
| FDII | | Foreign-derived intangible income. |
| GAAP | | U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. |
| GILTI | | Global intangible low-taxed income. |
| HSO | | HSO Herbert Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG, Dipl.-Ing. W. Schmidt GmbH and HSO Hong Kong Holding Limited and its subsidiary. |
| HSO Acquisition | | Acquisition of HSO on January 26, 2022. |
| Kuprion Acquisition | | Acquisition of Kuprion, Inc. on May 19, 2023. |
| MGS Transaction | | ESI's pending sale of its flexographic printing plate business, MacDermid Graphics Solutions, for approximately $325 million, subject to adjustments, as announced on September 3, 2024. The MGS Transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments. |
| OEM | | Original equipment manufacturer. |
| RSUs | | Restricted stock units issued by Element Solutions from time to time under the 2013 Plan. |
| SEC | | Securities and Exchange Commission. |
| Securities Act | | Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
| ViaForm Distribution Rights | | The rights to sell the Company's ViaForm® electrochemical deposition products directly to customers. |
| WACC | | Weighted average cost of capital. |
| 2013 Plan | | Element Solutions Inc Amended and Restated 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan. |
| 2024 Plan | | Element Solutions Inc 2024 Incentive Compensation Plan. |
| 2024 Annual Report | | This annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. |
| 2025 Proxy Statement | | Element Solutions’ definitive proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders expected to be filed no later than 120 days after the Company's fiscal year end of December 31, 2024. |
| 3.875% USD Notes due 2028 | | Element Solutions' $800 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% senior notes due 2028, denominated in U.S. dollars, issued on August 18, 2020. |
Forward-Looking Statements
This 2024 Annual Report contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "expect," "anticipate," "project," "will," "should," "believe," "intend," "plan," "assume," "estimate," "predict," "seek," "continue," "outlook," "may," "might," "aim," "can have," "likely," "potential," "target," "hope," "goal," "priority" or "confident" and variations of such words and similar expressions. Many of the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements, beliefs, projections and expectations regarding the expected benefits of the reacquired ViaForm Distribution Rights, the Kuprion Acquisition and the MGS Transaction; the timing for completion of the MGS Transaction and the ability of the parties to satisfy closing conditions and close this transaction; the tax treatment and tax implications of the MGS Transaction; deferred payments related to the Kuprion Acquisition; the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict and other hostilities in the Middle East as well as actions in response thereto and their impact on market conditions and the global economy; increases in tariffs and/or imposition of new tariffs and other changes in trade policy in the U.S. and other countries: capital requirements and need for and availability of financing; probability of achievement of the performance target related to certain performance-based RSUs; the impact of government regulations on our ability to conduct operations; the impact of new accounting standards and accounting changes; potential share repurchases; our dividend policy and dividend declarations; our hedging activities; timing and outcome of environmental and legal matters; tax planning strategies and assessments; the impact of changes to privacy, cybersecurity, environmental, global trade, tax and other governmental regulations; impairments, including those on goodwill and other intangible assets; price volatility and cost environment; inflation and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; our liquidity, cash flows and capital allocation; funding sources; expected capital expenditures; debt and debt leverage ratio; pension plan contributions; contractual obligations; general views about future operating results; sustainability goals; expected returns to stockholders; risk management programs; future prospects; and other events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future.
Although we believe these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions regarding our business and expectations about future events, financial performance and trends, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from any results expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this 2024 Annual Report. In addition, as we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, new risks may emerge from time to time. Any forward-looking statement included in this 2024 Annual Report is based solely on information currently available and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please consult any further disclosures on related subjects in our SEC filings.
The war in Ukraine by Russia and the sanctions and other measures imposed in response to this conflict have increased the level of economic and political uncertainty. While none of Russia, Ukraine or Belarus constitutes a material portion of our business and we do not have physical assets in these countries, a significant escalation or expansion of economic disruption or the conflict's current scope could disrupt the global supply chain and increase our costs as well as amplify certain risks discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this 2024 Annual Report.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This 2024 Annual Report contains non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA and operating results on a constant currency and organic basis. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, a substitute for, or superior to, performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. For additional information on these non-GAAP financial measures, including definitions, limitations and reconciliations to their most comparable applicable GAAP measures, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Note 22, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements, both included in this 2024 Annual Report.
Part I
Item 1. Business
Unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, all product names, trade names, trademarks, service marks or logos used in this 2024 Annual Report are part of our intellectual property, although the “®” and “TM” trademark designations may have been omitted. For financial and other information about our segments and the geographic areas in which we do business, see "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in Part II, Item 8, as well as Note 1, "Background and Basis of Presentation" and Note 22, "Segment Information" to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements, all included in this 2024 Annual Report.
Business Overview
Element Solutions, incorporated in Delaware in January 2014, is a leading global specialty chemicals company whose businesses supply a broad range of solutions that enhance the performance of products people use every day. Developed in multi-step technological processes, these innovative solutions enable customers' manufacturing processes in several key industries, including consumer electronics, power electronics, semiconductor fabrication, communications and data storage infrastructure, automotive systems, industrial surface finishing, consumer packaging and offshore energy. Our product innovation and product extensions are expected to continue to drive sales growth in both new and existing markets while expanding margins through a consistent focus on increasing customer value propositions.
We believe the majority of our businesses hold strong positions in the high-growth markets we serve. Our extensive global teams of specially trained scientists and engineers develop our products, and our expert sales and service organizations ensure our customers' needs are met every day. Our continuous focus on customer-centric innovation serves as a catalyst to drive changes to existing formulations and opportunities in adjacent markets within our industry. We believe that our customers place significant value on the consistency and quality of our brands, on which we capitalize through significant market share, customer loyalty and supply chain access. In addition, operational risks and switching costs make it difficult for our customers to change suppliers which allows us to retain customers and maintain our market positions.
Our customers use our innovation as a competitive advantage, relying on us to help them navigate through fast-paced, high-growth markets. To that end, we draw upon our broad and longstanding intellectual property portfolio and technical expertise, while working closely with both customers and OEMs on an ongoing basis, to develop proprietary solutions tailored to their manufacturing needs. We leverage these close relationships to win qualifications and specifications into their supply chains as well as to identify opportunities for new products; all of which provide potential additional revenue streams.
Our strategy is based on a balance of operational excellence and prudent capital allocation. Our operating teams focus on the strong execution of customer-led product development, superior technical sales support and continuous supply chain optimization. Our senior leadership aims to foster an environment of accountability and success for our operating teams while also evaluating and executing on high-return capital allocation opportunities that can drive improvements in long-term shareholder value.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
We may pursue targeted and opportunistic acquisitions in our existing and adjacent end-markets that seek to strengthen our current businesses, expand and diversify our product offerings, and enhance our growth and strategic position as well as divestitures to maximize long-term value creation for our shareholders.
MGS Transaction - On September 1, 2024, we entered into an agreement to sell our flexographic printing plate business, MacDermid Graphics Solutions, for approximately $325 million. MacDermid Graphics Solutions constitutes substantially all of our Graphics Solutions business within our Industrial & Specialty segment. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments.
Business Segments
Our operations are organized into two reportable segments: Electronics and Industrial & Specialty. In 2024, we achieved sales of $2.46 billion, to which our Electronics and Industrial & Specialty segments contributed approximately 64% and 36%, respectively.
Our segments share a common focus on attractive niche markets, which we believe will grow faster than the diverse end-markets they each serve. Both segments provide products that, in substantially all cases, are consumed by customers as part of their production process, providing us with reliable and recurring revenue as products are replenished in order to continue production. We provide highly-technical service and support to customers and OEMs in order to optimize their manufacturing processes. While they typically represent only a small portion of our customers' costs, our products, along with our high-value added technical support, are seen as integral to customer product performance.
Neither of our segments is subject to significant seasonality.
Electronics
Our Electronics segment researches, formulates and sells specialty chemicals and process technologies for all types of electronics hardware, from complex printed circuit board designs to advanced semiconductor packaging. In mobile communications, computers, automobiles and aerospace equipment, its products are an integral part of the electronics manufacturing process and the functionality of end-products. The segment's "wet chemistries" for metallization, surface treatments and solderable finishes form the physical circuitry pathways and its "assembly materials," such as solder, pastes, fluxes and adhesives, join those pathways together.
Electronics provides solutions through the following businesses:
Assembly Solutions - representing approximately 50% of the segment's 2024 net sales. As a global supplier of surface mount technologies (SMT), fluxes, thermal management materials, coatings and other attachment materials, we develop high-performing innovative materials that are used to assemble consumer electronics from circuit boards, discrete electronic components, connectors and integrated circuit substrates. We believe our growth in this business will be driven by the increasing use of electronics in consumer, automotive, telecommunications, memory, medical, aerospace and other markets. Of our total net sales for Assembly Solutions, approximately 50% is metal content whose price fluctuations are generally passed through to our customers.
Circuitry Solutions - representing approximately 30% of the segment's 2024 net sales. As a global supplier of chemical formulations to the electronics industry, we design and manufacture proprietary "wet" chemical processes and materials used by our customers to manufacture printed circuit boards and memory storage devices. Our product portfolio is focused on specialized consumable chemical processes and materials, such as circuit formation, primary metallization, electroplate, surface finishes and flexible/formable films. We believe our growth in this business will be driven by demand in wireless mobile devices, internet infrastructure, high performance computing, and the increasing use of electronics in automobiles.
Semiconductor Solutions - representing approximately 20% of the segment's 2024 net sales. As a global supplier to the semiconductor industry, we provide advanced copper interconnects, die attachment, sintered silver material, adhesives, wafer bump processes and photomask technologies to our customers for integrated circuit fabrication and semiconductor packaging. We believe our growth in this business will be driven by advanced electronics packaging, necessary to meet the growing needs of high performance computing, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, next-generation wireless communications and the increasing content and complexity of electronics in automotive applications.
Products
A selection of Electronics' product offerings is presented below: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assembly Solutions |
| Electronic Assembly Materials | | Electronic assembly materials are used in circuit board and high-performance electronic device assembly. Our product offering is primarily focused on SMT, including solder pastes, adhesives and preforms. The portfolio also includes thermal management materials, encapsulants, coatings, fluxes and other solder materials, all of which facilitate wave solder and surface mount assembly activities. Key brands include Alpha, Innolot, AccuFlux, Powerbond, Kester, Electrolube, and Alpha HiTech. |
| | | |
| Circuitry Solutions |
| Circuit Board Metallization | | Circuit board metallization products are used to plate holes drilled through printed circuit boards to connect opposite sides of the board and multi-layered printed circuit boards. Products include Shadow, Blackhole, MacuSpec, M-System and Systek. |
| Circuit Formation Products | | Circuit formation products consist of an assortment of products for defining circuit patterns and bonding conductors to insulating materials. |
| Electronic Materials | | Electronic materials are specialty products developed for evolving electronic applications, including photovoltaics, memory disk and molded interconnect devices manufacturing as well as lead frame and dielectric plating solutions. |
| Surface Finishes | | Surface finishes are metallic and organic surface finishes products that promote wire bondability, provide contact functionality and preserve solderability of the circuit board prior to component assembly. Key brands include Sterling, Entek, Affinity and Ormecon. |
| Film and Smart Surface Solutions | | Films and smart surfaces solutions include 3D formable films, 2D films, texturing Lacquers and circuitry & component attach materials which are used in the creation of in-mold electronic (IME) structures for human-machine interfaces (HMI). Key brands include Xtraform, Autotex and Autoflex. |
| Semiconductor Solutions | |
| Semiconductor Assembly Materials | | Semiconductor assembly materials are sintered materials, die attach pastes and adhesives, thermal interface materials, getters, solder flux, pastes and preforms. Our Argomax line of advanced sinter technology is used in power semiconductor and solid state lighting markets to improve reliability and device performance. Other key brands include ALPHA, ATROX, TrueHeight, Staydry and HiTech. |
| Wafer Level Packaging Materials | | Wafer level packaging materials are advanced plating chemistries used for semiconductor chip fabrication and packaging. Our plating portfolio consists of copper, nickel and precious metals used in advanced packaging applications as well as damascene metallization used for transistor interconnection. Key brands include ViaForm, MICROFAB and NOVAFAB. |
Industrial & Specialty
Our Industrial & Specialty segment researches, formulates and sells specialty chemicals and process technologies that enhance surfaces or improve industrial processes in diverse industrial sectors from automotive trim to transcontinental infrastructure and from high-speed printing to high-design faucets. Its products include chemical systems that protect and decorate metal and plastic surfaces; consumable chemicals that enable printing image transfer on flexible packaging materials; and chemistries used in water-based hydraulic control fluids in offshore energy production. The segment's products are used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, consumer electronics, consumer packaged goods and oil and gas production end-markets.
Industrial & Specialty provides solutions through the following businesses:
Industrial Solutions - representing approximately 75% of the segment's 2024 net sales. As a global supplier of industrial metal and plastic finishing chemistries, we primarily design and manufacture chemical systems that protect and decorate surfaces. Our high-performance functional coatings improve resistance to wear and tear, such as chrome plating of shock absorbers for cars, or provide corrosion resistance for appliance parts. Our decorative performance coatings apply finishes for parts in various end-markets, such as automotive interiors or jewelry surfaces. As part of our broader sustainable solutions platform, we also provide both chemistry and equipment for turnkey wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse solutions. Our industrial customer base is highly diverse and includes customers in the following end-markets: appliances and electronics equipment; automotive parts; industrial parts; plumbing goods; construction equipment and transportation equipment. We believe our growth in this industry will be primarily driven by increased worldwide automobile production with elevated fashion elements and higher content per vehicle as well as general economic growth.
Graphics Solutions - representing approximately 16% of the segment's 2024 net sales. As a supplier of consumable materials used to transfer images onto consumer packaging materials, our products are used to improve print quality and printing productivity. We produce and market photopolymers through an extensive line of flexographic plates that are used in the consumer packaging and printing industries. Photopolymers are molecules that change properties upon exposure to light. Flexography is a printing process that utilizes flexible printing plates made of rubber or other flexible plastics. We believe growth in this business will be driven by consumer demand and market shifts favoring the use of package imaging technologies that, like ours, offer a lower total cost of ownership to customers.
Energy Solutions - representing approximately 9% of the segment's 2024 net sales. As a global supplier of specialized fluids to the offshore energy industry, we produce water-based hydraulic control fluids for major oil and gas companies and drilling contractors to be used in offshore deep-water production and drilling applications. We believe our growth in this business will be driven by continued capital expenditures in energy exploration and production.
Products
A selection of Industrial & Specialty's product offerings is presented below: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Industrial Solutions |
| Electroless Nickel | | Electroless nickel is applied to a variety of metal and plastic surfaces to enhance corrosion resistance, wear resistance, solderability and to repair worn or over-machined surfaces in a variety of applications. |
| Plating Products | | Plating products are high-performance coatings used in multiple applications. Our CuMac range of products is used for plating on aluminum wheels, plastic substrates and zinc-based die castings while our evolve plating process applies to chromium-free plating on plastics. |
| Pre-treatment and Cleaning Solutions | | Pre-treatment and cleaning solutions are applied to prepare the surfaces of a wide variety of industrial products for subsequent treatment. This product family includes a complete line of aqueous and semi-aqueous pre-treatment and cleaning products. |
| Functional Conversion Coatings | | Functional conversion coatings are applied to metals to enhance corrosion resistance and paint adhesion in a wide spectrum of industrial applications where heavy-duty usage and exposure to unfavorable environments are anticipated. |
| Wastewater Solutions | | Wastewater solutions are treatment and recycling systems that allow for less waste discharge and a more sustainable use of resources including water, metals and other production inputs. |
| Water Treatment | | Water treatment consists of Fernox, our water treatment product line, which is used for the filtration, corrosion inhibition, and conditioning of water in residential and commercial boiler systems. |
| Graphics Solutions |
| Solid Sheet Printing Elements | | Solid sheet printing elements are digital and analog printing sheets, used in the flexographic printing and plate-making processes. Our extensive line of LUX flexographic plates, including our LUX ITP 60 plate, are used in the commercial packaging, letterpress newspaper and publication industries. |
| Liquid Imaging Products | | Liquid imaging products are liquid photopolymers used to produce printing plates for transferring images onto commercial packaging. Our key products are LTL photopolymer, M Clear photopolymer and M Stamp 40 photopolymer. We also offer products that are used in the production of liquid photopolymer plates, such as substrate, coverfilms and detergents. |
| Energy Solutions |
| Offshore Fluids | | Offshore fluids are used to operate valves for the deep-water oil extraction and transportation process, and drilling fluids are used to operate valves for drilling rigs on the ocean floor. Production and drilling fluids are water-based hydraulic fluids used in subsea control systems. |
Competitive Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths differentiate our businesses from competitors and contribute to our ongoing success:
•Industry Leading Positions. We diligently focus on building and maintaining leading positions in niche sectors of high-growth markets by offering innovative products and high value-added services to our customers. We believe our scale and global reach in product development, marketing and formulation provide us with advantages over many competitors, allowing us to maintain our market positions and drive profitable growth. Our extensive market presence contributes to our ability to attract new customers and successfully enter new end-markets.
•Customer Driven Innovation. We work closely with our customers, OEMs and other industry participants to develop new products and identify new market opportunities. We participate in a variety of dynamic end-markets where new unmet needs are always materializing. Our sales and technical service teams provide continuous insights that help ensure our research and development efforts are appropriately focused. Customer requirements can lead to improved or uniquely tailored formulations of existing product offerings or to the development of completely new products to satisfy previously unmet needs. Tailoring products for specific OEMs leads to long-term relationships and significant customer switching costs.
•Comprehensive Offering of Critical Products. We provide our customers with a comprehensive offering of products that meet many of their specialty chemical needs. In many cases, we offer a full suite of products with complementary capabilities that provide a complete functional solution to our customers. We believe the ability to provide an “end-to-end” product offering is a significant competitive advantage over many of our smaller competitors. Additionally, we believe our breadth of touchpoints from circuit formation through circuit assembly is unique in the market and allows for a broader dialogue with customers in electronics end-markets. We also believe that our existing product offerings provide many opportunities for growth in adjacent end-markets.
•Stable Cash Flow and Low Capital Requirements. Our businesses typically generate high margins and require low capital expenditures which translate into high cash flow margins and returns on capital. Instead of large investments in physical assets to sustain business or grow, we focus our investments on our technological innovation or sales and services areas. Our business involves the formulation of a broad range of specialty chemicals created by blending raw materials and incorporating them into multi-step technological processes. This model allows us to conservatively manage our fixed asset investments. We believe our existing fixed asset base is well-maintained and, accordingly, requires low ongoing capital expenditures.
•Performance-Driven Culture, Experienced Management and Board with Proven Track Record. We place a premium on maintaining an expert and qualified employee base to provide innovative products and specialized technical service to our customers. We believe we have outstanding people who can deliver superior performance under the guidance and oversight of proven, experienced leadership. Our culture is performance-driven and decentralized. We empower our business teams and hold them accountable for their outcomes and business judgment. We measure our performance against industry benchmarks relating to efficiency growth and profitability, and drive operational excellence through continuous improvement. Our experienced management team is complemented by our experienced Board of Directors, which includes individuals with proven track records of successfully managing and growing businesses. In addition, both of our segments are led by executives who have extensive experience in their respective fields.
Business Strategies
We are building a best-in-class global specialty chemical solutions company. Our primary long-term measures of success are the value we create for our customers, the growth opportunities we provide for our people and the growth in the intrinsic value of our shares, which is a byproduct of value to customers, a strong meritocratic culture and prudent capital allocation. We regularly develop new products and processes and leverage our existing technologies and global footprint to profitably enter new markets. Our efforts are directed by the following key business strategies:
•Commercial Excellence. We understand that reliably meeting our customers' needs through a focus on high-quality and reliable service leads to success for all parties. From product development and applications excellence through quality manufacturing and on-time delivery, we demand a customer-focus from all levels of the organization. We believe that we can capitalize on our existing technical capabilities, sophisticated process know-how, and strong industry relationships to enable customer success.
•Market Leading Innovation. Our customers participate in dynamic markets driven by innovation, which means that we too must place a strong emphasis on innovation. We work alongside our customers and OEMs to develop leading edge products based on our significant intellectual property portfolio, process experience and technical expertise. Building on our core competencies in product innovation, applications development and technical service should help drive organic growth. Innovation helps develop new high-growth markets and technologies and expand upon our existing portfolio with new products for current and adjacent markets.
•Enabling Sustainability. It is both socially responsible and commercially compelling to develop sustainable solutions that exceed the increasingly stringent environmental standards of our customers and regulators. As part of our innovation and product development process, we actively partner with governments, industry groups and universities to develop commercially viable, environmentally friendly solutions for our customers' use around the world. Enabling our customers to improve their environmental footprint will allow us to do well by doing good.
•Decisiveness and Action Orientation. A customer-oriented, customer-service driven organization requires decentralized decision making. We encourage our employees to make decisions and empower them to act swiftly to meet the ever-changing local needs of our customers. Clear communication, strong strategic alignment and a culture that rewards good judgement allow us to ensure the right decisions are being made by our trusted global workforce.
•Recruitment and Talent Development. Our success is a by-product of the efforts and capabilities of our people from our research and development laboratories to our customers’ manufacturing floors. Our technical expertise and innovation track records are the result of a specialized, highly-skilled workforce. Our ability to drive profitable growth through technical process know-how, strong customer relationships and industry knowledge relies on our ability to attract, grow and retain highly-skilled and motivated teams at all levels of our organization.
•Disciplined and Prudent Capital Allocation. Our capital efficient business model translates to stable, substantial free cash flow. Our ability to grow the intrinsic value of our shares relies on deploying that capital prudently. We intend to be opportunistic with the allocation of our free cash flow and may pursue organic investments in priority markets, bolt-on and strategic acquisitions, as well as stockholder-friendly capital returns, such as share repurchases or dividends. Our investment decisions will be driven by comparing relative and absolute risk adjusted returns expectations.
Customers
Our businesses have diverse customer bases and sell products either directly to end-user customers or through intermediaries. We also have collaborative relationships with many OEMs and industry partners, who specify our chemistries and technologies for use in their products or grant us development rights to their intellectual property.
We believe that we are able to attract new customers successfully through our international reach, coupled with our local knowledge and on-the-ground presence, which enable us to meet the needs of our customers. We operate a relatively large number of small and medium-sized facilities located close to our customers throughout the world's major economic regions. This close proximity to our global customers' local sites enables access to key growth markets and, along with our efficient formulation process, allows for "just in time" supply chain management.
We believe that our businesses are not materially dependent upon any single customer with no customer representing 10% or more of our consolidated net sales in 2024, 2023 or 2022.
Due to the relatively short cycle times in the majority of our businesses, our order backlog levels are minimal.
Selling & Marketing
We employ a customer-centric and highly-technical sales and marketing force worldwide. These professionals have robust technical expertise and local market knowledge and cultivate strong customer relationships. Our local sales and marketing teams closely monitor market trends and maintain active dialogue with our customers to assess and understand their constantly evolving challenges. We use this information from our local sales teams to anticipate future needs and respond rapidly to changing market conditions or technologies in order to swiftly deliver customized, value-added solutions to our customers. This feedback loop is an important source of new product ideas and helps guide our capital allocation decisions and research and development initiatives.
Our methods for selling and marketing our proprietary products vary slightly by geographic region. We generate business through the efforts of regional sales, technical and service personnel as well as distributors. In addition to regional sales and service staff, we maintain a group of global personnel focused on coordinating sales projects and obtaining design specifications for complex projects involving multiple customers within the manufacturing supply chain.
Human Capital Management
We strive to embody the five elements of our culture, our “5 Cs”: Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization. We believe they reinforce our strategic objectives and empower our employees when serving and engaging with our customers globally.
At December 31, 2024, we employed over 5,300 full-time employees, of which approximately 40% are research and development chemists and experienced technical service and technical sales personnel. Our full-time employees are based throughout the world, with approximately 80% employed outside of the U.S. In certain countries where we operate, our employees are also members of unions or are represented by works councils. We believe our relationships with our employees and collective bargaining unions are satisfactory.
Occupational Health and Safety. As a specialty chemical company, the success of our business is fundamentally connected to the safety of our employees. To promote worker safety, we are committed to training our workforce on workplace safety and security. As part of our safety program, we host an annual Global Safety Day, which is designed to raise safety awareness through seminars, videos and targeted discussions. We also track injury and illness rates locally and maintain emergency and disaster recovery plans. This past year, we focused on reducing lost time injuries ("LTI"), by improving our root cause analysis process and closing time for identified findings. As a result, we were able to reduce our LTI rate by nearly 13% in 2024. We also care for our employees' health and offer benefits designed to support their physical, mental and financial well-being, including parental leave, healthcare, life insurance and disability coverage programs.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ("DE&I"). We believe diversity, equity and inclusion drive innovation, which in turn allows us to compete effectively. To support this approach, our talent program is based on policies designed to ensure fair hiring practices and prevent discrimination and harassment, as well as diversity training on a targeted basis. In 2024, we continued on our path toward creating an inclusive workplace and adopted a new DE&I goal, which is to increase gender diversity at management-level globally by 2027. In 2024, we increased the number of female employees enrolled in our High Potential (HiPo) leadership program, facilitated internal mobility and implemented other initiatives geared toward candidates historically underrepresented in our industry. In addition, we promote further employee connection and engagement through a variety of initiatives, including our employee resource groups (ERGs), which allow discussions of common interest across all businesses and geographies, and which in turn helps us attract and retain diverse candidates.
Talent Retention and Development. With our focus on innovation and service, key elements of our human capital strategy are the attraction, acquisition and engagement of highly-skilled employees. Accordingly, we invest in creating opportunities to help employees grow and build their career through training, professional development and education programs. In 2024, we launched our new ESI Learning Hub, which offers valuable resources and tools to our employees, such as our KITS (Knowledge, Insights & Training Series), an extensive virtual library of topics related to leadership, culture and other important matters at ESI. We also track internal KPIs related to career development and internal promotion, and regularly review talent development and succession plans for our functions and segments. In addition, we conduct regular global employee culture surveys to collect feedback on our employees' experience at the Company as well as their views on leadership, understanding of our culture, and sense of inclusion. These surveys are part of our continuous improvement mindset around building a robust culture that is both engaging and aligned with our core value of "Care."
Social and Community Impact. We believe that building connections among our employees, their families and our communities creates a more meaningful, fulfilling and enjoyable workplace. The Company has a longstanding commitment to social impact by supporting communities in which we operate and encouraging the contributions of our employees. Through our engagement programs, our employees can connect to volunteering opportunities and nonprofit organizations of their choice, supporting causes they care about, locally and/or globally, including education, humanitarian relief and minorities. The ESI Foundation further brings our purpose to life with a matching gift program. It also focuses on causes important to the environmental and social well-being of these communities, such as EARTHDAY.ORG's The Canopy Project®, which in 2024 helped us celebrate Earth Day with the planting of trees around the world. In 2024, global donations through our ESI Cares program benefited over 1,000 charitable organizations, including charities who focus on human rights and humanitarian initiatives, such as Equality Now and Doctors Without Borders USA.
For more information on our workforce prosperity efforts, social and community impact and sustainability goals, see our ESG reports and ESG supplements posted on the Sustainability section of our website. The information included in our ESG reports, ESG supplements or sustainability website is not a part of this 2024 Annual Report and is not incorporated by reference.
Research and Development
Innovation is a key element of our culture and critical to our success. Continued investment in research and development ensures that we remain ahead of emerging trends and continue to strengthen our strong positions in our market niches. Our research and development activities are also focused on developing products, and improving formulations and processes, not only to respond to or anticipate customers' changing needs, but also to drive growth or otherwise add value to our core business operations and those of our customers. We accelerate market introductions and increase the impact of our local product offerings through collaboration with partners in the academic and commercial sectors (customers and value-chain partners) and
by working with customers and OEMs on tailored application development around the world through our technical service teams. We plan to continue making meaningful investments in a broad range of research and development efforts.
Our commitment to technological innovation and extensive intellectual property portfolio enables us to develop differentiated products at the forefront of technological advances. Research resulting in new, proprietary formulations is performed principally in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and India. During 2024, our research and development expenses totaled $63.0 million, which included $3.9 million of research and development costs associated with contingent consideration related to the Kuprion Acquisition. Substantially all research and development activity was performed internally.
Competitive Environment
Our markets are competitive and subject to rapid changes in technology. Our businesses compete in markets for specialty chemicals for electronic applications, general metal and plastic finishing, offshore oil and gas exploration and production, and consumer packaging.
Our businesses compete primarily on the basis of quality, technology, performance, reliability, brand, reputation, service, range of products and services and support. We maintain extensive technical support and testing services for our customers and are continuously developing new products to meet their needs. Further consolidation within our industry or other changes in the competitive environment could result in larger competitors that compete with us across several business areas. In addition, some of our competitors may have greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do and may be able to devote greater resources to promoting and selling certain products. We believe, however, that our ability to manufacture, sell, service and develop new products and applications enable us to compete successfully. Some large competitors operate globally, as we do, but most operate only locally or regionally. We also face competition from many smaller companies that specialize in particular segments of the markets in which we compete.
The specific competitive environment of each of our segments is described below:
Electronics
Our Electronics segment provides a broad line of proprietary chemical compounds and supporting services, and broadly competes within the specialty chemicals industry. Although competition varies by end-market and geography, our most significant competitors are MKS Instruments, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Henkel Corporation, Senju Metal Industry Co. and Uyemura International.
Industrial & Specialty
Our Industrial & Specialty segment provides a broad line of proprietary chemical compounds and supporting services, and broadly competes within the specialty chemicals industry. Although competition varies by end-market and geography, our most significant competitors are MKS Instruments, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., BP p.l.c., Miraclon Corp. and XSYS Global.
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials
Our businesses formulate a broad range of specialty chemicals, which we create by blending raw materials and incorporating them into multi-step technological processes. Our global operations depend upon obtaining adequate supplies of raw materials on a timely basis. We typically purchase our major raw materials as-needed from outside sources and we work closely with these suppliers to help ensure continuity of supply while maintaining high quality and reliability. As part of our sustainability efforts, we recycle certain raw materials, primarily tin, in our own smelting and refining facility in the U.S. for further use in our manufacturing process. We seek to use local sources where possible but the majority of the raw materials we use are obtainable from multiple conformant sources worldwide.
Patents, Trademarks and Proprietary Products
We maintain an extensive intellectual property portfolio, which we developed or acquired over a number of years. This portfolio includes a combination of patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks and other forms of intellectual property rights in major markets and other commercially-relevant jurisdictions worldwide. Although we believe the ownership of such intellectual property rights is an important factor in our businesses, we also rely on the innovative skills, technical competence and selling abilities of our personnel.
We regularly file patent applications to protect innovations arising from our research and development. At December 31, 2024,
we owned, had applications pending, or licensed the rights to, approximately 2,900 domestic and foreign patents, which have remaining lives of varying duration. Although certain of these patents are important to our business, no specific group or groups of intellectual property rights are material, and we have many proprietary products which are not covered by patents.
We also rely on confidentiality agreements and patent, trade secret, trademark and copyright law as well as judicial enforcement to protect our technologies, processes, product composition, formulations and other intellectual property rights. In addition, we implement confidentiality procedures, contractual exclusivity and other rights necessary to protect our proprietary intellectual property, formulations, processes and other product-related rights. We also enter into invention or patent assignment agreements, when applicable, with our employees, consultants, contractors and other third-parties who may be engaged in discovery or development of intellectual property and other proprietary rights. Finally, we seek to include provisions in our material transfer agreements, license and development agreements and other agreements that provide for the transfer of intellectual property rights back to us to the greatest extent possible under the circumstances of any specific transaction and development project.
Government Regulations
As a global specialty chemicals company, we are subject to various, complex and evolving federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations relating to the development, manufacture, sale, and distribution of our products across the countries in which we operate. These regulations include, but are not limited to, those relating to safety, health and environmental (SH&E) matters.
Compliance with SH&E requirements has not had, and in the future is currently not expected to have, a material effect on our capital expenditures, results of operations and competitive position as compared to prior periods. However, SH&E requirements are gradually becoming more stringent and may cause us to incur additional costs, fines or penalties in the future. These evolving requirements include, without limitation, increasing levels of product safety, such as chemical composition, packaging and labeling, as well as environmental protection, such as the management, movement and disposal of hazardous substances and the clean-up of contaminated properties. In addition, as climate change and other ESG-related directives, standards and frameworks are adopted and implemented around the world, we will be required to comply with additional SH&E requirements in the future, and there can be no assurance that future capital expenditures or incremental operating expenses required to ensure compliance will not be material.
Climate-related regulations, including those limiting or taxing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, may also provide new business opportunities for our company. Enabling sustainability is a pillar of ESI's strategy and our R&D teams collaborate with our product marketing, regulatory and safety teams to lead the development of our sustainable chemistry and processes. In terms of GHG emissions, we develop technologies to help our facilities and our customers lower energy consumption and improve efficiency. We also offer a variety of solutions that enable clean technology and as such, may benefit from the upcoming transition to a lower carbon economy.
We believe we are in material compliance with environmental laws and regulations applicable to our operations, and consider the liabilities recorded at December 31, 2024 for our various environmental matters to be appropriate.
For additional information about the risks related to government regulations, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Available Information
Our internet website address is www.elementsolutionsinc.com. We make available free of charge, through our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and proxy statements for our annual meetings of stockholders as soon as reasonably practicable after these are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The SEC also maintains an internet website available at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed by issuers, such as Element Solutions.
The information on or linked to our website is not incorporated by reference into, and does not form a part of, this 2024 Annual Report or any of our other SEC filings.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1860, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394 and our telephone number is (561) 207-9600.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following discussion of "risk factors" identifies the material factors that may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Potential investors should carefully consider these risks and the other information in this 2024 Annual Report when evaluating our business. This discussion is not all inclusive and additional risks that are currently unknown to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial may also impair our business operations and cause our future results to differ from our expectations.
BUSINESS & OPERATIONAL RISKS
We may be unable to compete successfully in the competitive markets in which we operate and, as a result, we may experience pricing pressure, fewer customer orders, reduced margins and the loss of market share.
We may be unable to compete successfully in the competitive markets in which we operate. In these markets, we encounter competition from numerous and varied competitors in all areas of our businesses. Some of our competitors have longer operating histories, greater resources, greater brand recognition and a larger base of customers than we do. As a result, we may lose business, customers and market shares if we are unable to devote greater resources to the research and development, manufacturing, formulation, promotion, sale or support of our products, withstand adverse changes in economic conditions or prices of raw materials, and/or maintain competitive pricing. In addition, our competitors could enter into exclusive arrangements with our existing or potential customers or suppliers which could limit our ability to generate sales, acquire necessary raw materials and/or significantly increase costs.
In addition, the markets in which we operate are driven by consumer preferences that are rapidly changing as well as frequent new product introductions and improvements. As a result, we must develop new products and services that offer distinct value to our customers in order to compete successfully. We seek to provide products tailored to the often-unique needs of our customers which require an ongoing level of innovation. Our inability to anticipate customers’ changing needs or adapt to emerging technological and business trends accurately, control research and development costs or execute our innovation strategy could adversely affect our ability to sustain our market positions and/or penetrate new markets.
Consolidation of our competitors could also place us at a competitive disadvantage and reduce our profitability. We operate in industries which are fragmented on a global scale, but in which there has been a trend toward consolidation in recent years. Consolidations of our competitors may jeopardize the strength of our positions in one or more of our markets which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations as well as our growth potential.
If we don't successfully execute our go-to-market strategy, our business and financial performance may suffer.
Our go-to-market strategy is focused on leveraging our existing portfolio of products and services as well as introducing new products and services to meet the demands of our customers in a continually changing technological landscape. To successfully execute this strategy, we must gauge the direction of the commercial and technological progress in our key end-markets, emphasize the aspects of our core business where demand remains strong, identify and capitalize on organic growth, and innovate by developing new products in such changing markets and services that will enable us to expand beyond our existing technology categories. Any failure to successfully execute this strategy, including any failure to invest sufficiently in strategic growth areas and support our research and development activities, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, the process of developing new high-technology products or enhancing existing products is complex, costly and uncertain. After we develop a product, we must be able to manufacture appropriate volumes quickly while managing costs and maintaining the high-quality level that our customers expect. Any delay in the development, forecast, production and/or marketing of a new product could result in us not being among the first to market which could further harm our competitive position.
Meeting customer demand depends in part on our ability to obtain timely deliveries from our suppliers and contract manufacturers. To help ensure continuity of supply to our customers, we have increased our procurement efforts to shorten lead times. These increases in materials inventory and purchase commitments have resulted, and could continue to result, in excess and/or obsolete inventory charges if the demand for our products is ultimately less than our expectations.
Our substantial international operations subject us to risks of doing business in foreign countries which could affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our products are manufactured, formulated, distributed and sold globally. In 2024, approximately 77% of our net sales were generated from non-U.S. operations. As a result, we face certain risks inherent in international trade which may reduce our sales and harm our business, including:
•political uncertainties, war, terrorism and other instability risks and their impact on the global economy, market conditions and supply chain operations, including risks caused by the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict and other hostilities in the Middle East, and the increased tariffs and trade restrictions between China and the U.S.;
•changes in global or local economic conditions, including inflation, hyperinflation, fluctuations in interest rates and other increasing price levels in certain sectors, such as energy, impacting availability and cost of goods and services;
•fluctuations in currency values and currency exchange rates for countries in, or with which, we conduct business;
•changes or uncertainty in international, national or local legal environments, including tax, data handling, privacy, intellectual property, consumer protection, environmental and antitrust laws;
•adverse tax consequences, including as a result of changes in taxation and regulatory requirements, transfer pricing practices involving our foreign operations, and additional withholding taxes or other taxes on foreign income;
•foreign exchange controls or other currency restrictions and limitation on the movement of funds, potentially leading to the inability to readily repatriate earnings from foreign operations effectively;
•natural disasters, extreme weather events, regional or global health concerns, such as outbreaks of COVID 19 or its variants;
•establishing and maintaining relationships with local distributors and OEMs;
•governmental regulations and/or sanctions affecting the import and export of products, including global trade barriers, additional taxes, tariff increases, cash repatriation restrictions, retaliations and boycotts between the U.S. and other countries, including Mexico, Russia and China;
•import and export control and licensing requirements; risk of non-compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, U.S. export control and trade sanction laws, SEC rules regarding conflict minerals sourcing and other similar anti-corruption and international trade laws or regulations in other jurisdictions;
•greater difficulty in safeguarding intellectual property than in the U.S.;
•difficulty in staffing and managing geographically diverse operations and ensuring compliance with our policies and procedures; and
•challenges in maintaining an effective internal control environment, including language and cultural differences, varying levels of GAAP expertise and internal control over financial reporting.
In addition, changes in policies by the U.S. or foreign governments could negatively affect our operating results, supply chain and competitive position due to changes in duties, tariffs, trade regulations, employment regulations, taxes, or limitations on currency or fund transfers. Tariffs and other changes in U.S. trade policy have in the past and could in the future trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries, and certain foreign governments have instituted or are considering imposing retaliatory measures on certain U.S. goods. If we are unable to successfully manage these and/or any of the risks listed above, we could experience a loss of sales and profitability and/or an impairment or loss of assets, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Failure to attract and retain key personnel, including our executive officers, or effectively manage succession could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our business involves complex operations. As a result, our success depends to a significant degree on the skills, experience and efforts of our executive management and other key personnel as well as their ability to provide uninterrupted leadership and strategic direction. In addition, due to the specialized and technical nature of our business, our future performance depends upon our ability to attract, develop and retain skilled employees, such as specialized research and development and sales and service personnel, in order to maintain our efficient production processes, drive innovation in our product offerings and maintain our deep customer relationships. The failure to attract and retain key personnel, or effectively manage succession, could have an adverse material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, we are highly dependent on the experience and track records of Sir Martin E. Franklin, our other Board members and our executive leadership team. If one or more of our executive officers or Board members were to cease to be employed by us or to serve as directors, or if we were unable to replace them in a timely manner our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or stock price could be adversely affected.
Our reliance on certain key customers, contract manufacturers, suppliers and distributors could adversely affect our overall sales and profitability.
Although our business is not materially dependent upon any single customer, the loss of one or more key customers may impair our results of operations for the affected earnings periods. In addition, there is limited available manufacturing capacity that meets our quality standards and regulatory requirements. If we are unable to arrange for sufficient production capacity among our suppliers or contract manufacturers, or if our suppliers or contract manufacturers encounter production, quality, financial or other difficulties (for example, labor or geopolitical disturbances or natural disasters), we may be unable to meet our customers' demands. Finally, we rely on independent distributors to distribute our products and to assist us with the marketing and sale of certain of our products. There can be no assurance that our distributors will focus adequate resources on selling our products to end users, or will be successful in selling our products, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We may not realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or divestitures which may adversely affect our existing businesses, reputation and financial condition.
We have completed several acquisitions and divestitures and may in the future pursue additional opportunistic strategic transactions. These transactions may present operational, financial, and managerial challenges, including diversion of management attention from existing businesses, integration and separation complexities, increased expenses, and potential disputes with the buyers or sellers. Our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or divestitures depends on many factors, including our ability to negotiate favorable terms, close such transactions in a timely and cost-effective manner and successfully integrate any businesses we acquire.
With respect to acquisitions, we may be exposed to successor liability relating to actions taken before the acquisition date. The due diligence we conduct in connection with an acquisition, the controls and policies we implement and any contractual guarantees or indemnities that we receive from the sellers of acquired companies or assets may not be sufficient to protect us from, or compensate us for, actual liabilities. Acquisitions also involve compliance and reputational risks as well as risks relating to differing levels of management and internal control effectiveness, systems integration, impairment charges relating to recorded goodwill and intangible assets, significant accounting charges, completion fees and integration expenses. Sizable acquisitions may also require a material increase in funding to address capital expenditures, working capital requirements and employee retention.
In addition to unanticipated delays, costs and other issues, divestitures may also expose us to liabilities or claims for indemnification for retained liabilities or indemnification obligations associated with the assets or businesses that we sell. The magnitude of any such liability or obligation may be difficult to quantify at the time of the transaction, as it was the case for certain liabilities retained in connection with the sale of our Agricultural Solutions business in 2019. We cannot predict the ultimate resolution of these matters, and there can be no assurance that any such resolution, which may take several years, will not adversely impact our financial position or results of operations.
INDUSTRY RISKS
Industry and consumer trends may cause significant fluctuations in our results of operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
The specialty chemical industry is subject to constant and rapid technological change, product obsolescence, price erosion, evolving standards, finite product lifecycles, raw material price fluctuations, and changes in product supply and demand. For example, the electronics end markets, such as mobile devices, particularly smartphones and tablets, is characterized by rapidly changing market conditions, frequent product introductions and intense competition based on features and price; all of which could impact our sale volumes and margins. In the automotive industry, demand for our products and services may be affected by technological advances, changing automotive OEM specifications and other factors beyond our control that impact production levels of our customers, such as interest rates, fuel prices, shifts in vehicle mix, consumer confidence, regulatory and legislative oversight requirements and trade agreements. In addition, technological changes in our customers’ products, processes or preferences, such as sustainable products, may make certain of our specialty chemicals unnecessary or obsolete. Customers also have found, and may continue to find, alternative materials or processes, which no longer require our products.
All these factors, consumer trends and industry characteristics may impact the demand for our products which may cause significant fluctuations in our results of operations and adversely affect our financial condition and cash flow.
Fluctuations in the supply and prices of raw materials and in other costs may negatively impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The unavailability or increased prices of raw materials could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We use a variety of specialty and commodity chemicals in our formulation processes, and such formulation operations depend upon obtaining adequate supplies of raw materials on a timely basis from numerous suppliers in various countries. We typically purchase our major raw materials under existing supply agreements or on an as-needed basis from outside sources. The availability and prices of raw materials may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, the financial stability of our suppliers, new laws and regulations, protectionist nationalistic trade policies and practices, changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels. In some cases, we are limited in our ability to purchase certain raw materials from other suppliers due to minimum purchase requirements contained in certain of our supply agreements. Our responsible sourcing practices could also affect the sourcing, pricing, and availability of certain conflict minerals we use in our products. If only a limited pool of our suppliers can demonstrate that they are compliant with the applicable rules, we may not be able to obtain the conflict minerals we need in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Further, if we are unable to price our products competitively to timely reflect volatility in prices of raw materials or if we do not accurately estimate the amount of raw materials needed for a specific geographic region, our margins could be adversely affected.
In addition, higher commodity, shipping, transportation and energy prices could result from volatility caused by market fluctuations, supply and demand, currency fluctuations, production and transportation disruptions, climate change and weather conditions and other world events. Passing along these costs to our customers by increasing our prices could result in long-term sales declines or loss of market share if our customers were to find alternative suppliers or choose to reformulate their products to use fewer ingredients. If we are unable to efficiently and effectively pass through price increases to our customers, or manage inventory impacts resulting from price volatility, our profit margins and working capital could be adversely impacted and have an adverse long-term impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
LEGAL & REGULATORY RISKS
Intellectual Property
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.
Protection of our proprietary processes, methods, formulations and other technology is important to our business. To protect our intellectual property rights, we generally rely on patent, trade secret, trademark and copyright laws of the U.S. and certain other countries in which our products are manufactured or sold as well as nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements. The laws of other countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. Additionally, we rely in some cases upon unpatented proprietary manufacturing expertise, continuing technological innovation and other trade secrets to develop and maintain our competitive position. While we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and third-parties to protect our intellectual property, our confidentiality agreements could be breached and may not provide meaningful protection for, or adequate remedies to protect, our trade secrets or proprietary manufacturing expertise in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of information. Failure to protect our existing intellectual property rights, domestically or internationally, may result in the loss of valuable technologies and competitive advances, and our net sales, market share, financial condition and cash flows may be adversely impacted.
Further, protecting against the unauthorized use of our products, technology and other proprietary rights is difficult, time-consuming and expensive, and we cannot be certain that the steps we are taking will prevent or minimize the risks of such unauthorized use. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation of this type could also result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, which could significantly harm our results of operations and reputation.
Additionally, we could face infringement claims from our competitors or others alleging our processes or products infringe on their rights. Any settlement or adverse judgment resulting from litigation could result in the payment of material damages and/or require us to change our processes, redesign a certain product partially or completely, stop producing it entirely, obtain a license to continue our use, or potentially be restricted in our use of certain aspects. Further, there is a risk that licensing
opportunities may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. Regardless of their merit, infringement claims can be time-consuming, divert the time and attention of our management and technical personnel, and result in material litigation costs.
Finally, our exposure to risks associated with the use of intellectual property may increase as a result of acquisitions, as we would have an unavoidable lower level of visibility into the development process of any newly acquired technologies and the steps taken to safeguard against the risks of infringing the rights of third parties.
Global Regulations
Changes in our effective tax rate, tax cost and tax liabilities could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
In 2024, approximately 77% of our net sales were generated outside of the U.S. Given the global nature of our business, a number of factors may increase our effective rate and tax cost, including:
•the geographic mix of jurisdictions in which profits are earned and taxed;
•the statutory tax rates and tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct business;
•the resolution of tax issues arising from tax examinations by various tax authorities; and
•the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Additionally, tax laws, regulations, and administrative practices in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change, with or without notice, due to economic, political, and other conditions, and significant judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our provision and accruals for these taxes. For example, several countries where we do business have implemented or announced plans to implement global minimum tax regimes based on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Anti-Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project. The final form of these global minimum tax regimes is uncertain but is expected to change various aspects of the existing international legal framework under which our global tax obligations are determined. While the ultimate impact of these changes is unknown, there can be no assurance that they will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Moreover, we are regularly examined by various tax authorities throughout the world. The final resolution of tax audits and any related litigation may differ from our historical provisions and accruals resulting in additional tax liabilities, which may have an adverse impact on our tax provision, net income and cash flow. Although we believe our tax estimates and accruals are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the tax authorities will agree and we may have to engage in litigation to achieve the results reflected in such estimates and accruals, which may be time-consuming and the costs incurred significant. There can be no assurance that we will be successful or that any final determination will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Chemical manufacturing is inherently hazardous and may result in accidents, which may disrupt our operations or expose us to significant losses or liabilities.
The hazards associated with chemical manufacturing and the related storage and transportation of raw materials, products and wastes are inherent in our operations as our research and development, manufacturing, formulating and packaging activities involve the use of dangerous, toxic or hazardous materials and the generation of hazardous waste. We cannot eliminate the risk of accidental contamination, discharge or injury resulting from those materials. Also, our suppliers or contract manufacturers may use and/or generate such materials and waste in connection with producing our products. We may be required to indemnify our suppliers, contract manufacturers or waste disposal contractors against damages and other liabilities arising out of the production, handling or storage of our products or raw materials or the disposal of related wastes. Potential risks include explosions and fires, chemical spills and other discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases, or pipeline and storage tank leaks and ruptures. Those hazards may result in personal injury and loss of life, damage to property and contamination of the environment, all or any of which may result in a suspension of operations and the imposition of civil or criminal fines, penalties and other sanctions, cleanup costs, and claims by governmental entities or third-parties. The loss or shutdown of operations over an extended period could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Because our operations currently use and generate, and have historically used and generated, hazardous materials and waste, we are subject to regulatory oversight and investigation, remediation, and monitoring obligations at our current and former Superfund sites, as well as third-party disposal sites, under federal laws and their state and local analogues, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and analogous foreign laws. We are also subject to ongoing obligations at active sites in the U.S. and are conducting closure activities pursuant to the RCRA and CERCLA at several of our sites in the U.S. The costs and liabilities associated with these obligations and activities may be substantial and, to the extent not covered by insurance, may materially impact our financial condition.
Our products and operations are subject to numerous and increasingly complex government regulations, and compliance with these regulations could require us to incur additional costs or to reformulate or discontinue certain of our products.
Our products are subject to numerous and increasingly complex federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations. This legal framework includes customs regulations, imports and international trade laws, export control, antitrust laws, environmental and chemicals manufacturing, global climate change, health and safety requirements and zoning and occupancy laws; all of which impact the manufacture, import, export, promotion and sale of our products, the operation of our production and warehouse facilities, and our relationship with our customers, suppliers, employees and competitors.
Our products and manufacturing processes are also subject to numerous ongoing reviews by certain governmental authorities. Governmental, regulatory and societal demands for increasing levels of product safety (such as chemical composition, packaging and labeling) and environmental protection (such as the management, movement and disposal of hazardous substances) are resulting in increased pressure for more stringent regulatory control with respect to the chemical industry. Such regulations include the European Union's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), which mandate compliance obligations and restrictions on certain chemicals; REACH-like regimes, which have now been adopted in several other countries; the E.U. Poison Center Notification (PCN); the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); the U.S. and E.U. conflict minerals regulations; as well as the emerging ESG regulations in the E.U. and globally, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), its transposition in E.U. countries, and the E.U. Taxonomy for sustainable activities. Any of these regulations and changes in our regulatory environment, particularly in, but not limited to, the U.S., the E.U. and China, may require significant resources and data management systems and led us to re-design our products or supply chain to ensure compliance with the applicable standards or use different types or sources of materials, which could have an adverse impact on the efficiency of our manufacturing process, the performance of our products, add greater testing lead-times for product introductions or other similar effects. Any of these changes could materially alter our market share and reputation, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we have incurred, are incurring and will incur in the future, costs and capital expenditures to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. For example, we have several product lines that rely on lead-based solder and many others that historically did so. Legal claims have been brought alleging harmful exposures or contamination as a result of lead-based solder, and it is possible that we may face additional claims in the future. We are also currently involved in various environmental investigations due to historic operations. Liability under some environmental laws relating to contaminated sites can be joint and several and imposed retroactively, regardless of fault or the legality of the activities that gave rise to the contamination. Some of our formulating and manufacturing facilities have an extended history of chemical formulating and manufacturing operations or other industrial activities, and contaminants have been detected at some of our sites and offsite disposal locations. Ultimate environmental costs and liabilities are difficult to predict and may significantly vary from current estimates. To the extent available, we maintain what we believe to be adequate insurance coverage. However, there can be no assurance that we won’t incur losses beyond the limits or outside the terms of such coverage, or that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance at rates we consider reasonable. In addition, the discovery of additional contaminants, the inability or failure of other liable parties to satisfy their obligations, the imposition of additional cleanup obligations, or the commencement of related third-party claims could result in additional material costs and negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations.
Our offshore oil industry products are subject to the hazards inherent in the offshore oil production and drilling industry, and we may incur substantial liabilities or losses as a result of these hazards.
In the offshore oil industry, we are subject to the hazards inherent in the offshore oil production and drilling industry. Our offshore business produces water-based hydraulic control fluids for major oil companies and drilling contractors to be used for potentially hazardous offshore deepwater production and drilling applications. Offshore deepwater oil production and drilling are subject to hazards that include blowouts, explosions, fires, collisions, capsizing, sinking and damage or loss to pipeline, subsea or other facilities from severe weather conditions. Those hazards could result in personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to, or destruction of, property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage and suspension of operations. A catastrophic occurrence at a location where our products are used may expose us to substantial liability for personal injury, wrongful death, product liability or commercial claims. To the extent available, we maintain insurance coverage that we believe is customary in this industry. Such insurance does not, however, provide coverage for all liabilities, and there can be no
assurance that our insurance coverage will be adequate to cover claims that may arise, or that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance at rates we consider reasonable. The occurrence of a significant offshore deepwater oil production or drilling event that results in liability to us that is not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Certain of our products may be subject to various export control regulations and exports may require a license from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
As a global company, we are subject to various laws and regulations relating to the export of products, services and technology. In the U.S., these laws include, among others, the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Some of our products or technology may have military or strategic applications governed by the ITAR or represent so-called “dual use” items governed by the EAR. Although the majority of our relevant products are currently subject to automatic approval and do not require government licenses to be exported to certain jurisdictions, entities or persons, this may change in the future if these laws and regulations are amended or if new laws or regulations are adopted. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in civil or criminal penalties, fines, investigations, adverse publicity and restrictions on our ability to export our products, any of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Failure to comply with anti-corruption laws could subject us to penalties and damage our reputation.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010 and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or for other unfair advantages. Under these laws, companies may also be held liable for actions taken by third-parties acting on their behalf, such as strategic or local partners or representatives. Our policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws, including the requirements to maintain accurate information and internal controls. However, in certain of the jurisdictions where we conduct business, we face a heightened risk for corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other improper practices. There can be no assurance that our internal control policies and procedures will protect us from acts committed by our employees or agents. Failure by us or our intermediaries to comply with applicable anti-corruption laws may result in civil and/or criminal penalties or other sanctions, including disgorgement of profits and contract suspensions or cancellations, any of which could damage our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Failure to comply with international trade restrictions and economic sanctions laws and regulations could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We have operations, assets and/or generate sales in countries all over the world, including countries that are or may become the target of trade and economic restrictions from the U.S. and/or other countries, which we refer to collectively as “Economic Sanctions Laws.” Economic Sanctions Laws are complex and change with time as international relationships and confrontations between and among nations evolve. For example, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the U.S. State Department monitors trade restrictions and economic sanctions and impose penalties upon U.S. persons and entities and, in some instances, non-U.S. entities, for conducting activities or transacting business with certain countries as well as governments, entities, or individuals subject to Economic Sanctions Laws. We have established policies and procedures to support our compliance with Economic Sanctions Laws, and we believe we do not unlawfully conduct business in any sanctioned or restricted countries. However, given the breadth of our international operations and the scope of our sales globally, including via third-party distributors over whom we may have limited or no control, coupled with the complexity and ever-changing nature of Economic Sanctions Laws driven by geopolitical events, there can be no assurance that our controls and procedures have prevented in the past or will prevent at all times in the future a violation of these laws. Failure to comply with Economic Sanctions Laws, or allegations of such failure, could lead to investigations and/or actions being taken against us which could materially and adversely affect our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Changes in data privacy and data protection laws and regulations, or any failure to comply with such laws and regulations, could adversely impact our business.
Our global business is subject to a wide variety of domestic and foreign laws and regulations designed to protect the privacy of customers, employees and other third parties, including, without limitation, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the E.U. and the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) in the U.S. Additional states, as well as foreign jurisdictions, have enacted or are proposing similar data protection regimes, resulting in a rapidly evolving and uncertain governing
landscape. Complying with these various laws and regulations is difficult and could require us to incur substantial costs or change our business practices in a manner adverse to our business. In addition, there can be no assurance that our controls and procedures enable us to be fully compliant. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with the GDPR, the CCPA or any other applicable regulatory requirements or orders, within the E.U., the U.S. or elsewhere, could result in proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or individuals; subject us to significant fines, penalties, and/or judgments; require us to change our business practices; limit the offering of our products and services in certain countries; or otherwise adversely affect our business, as we would be at risk to lose both customers and sales, and incur substantial costs.
FINANCIAL RISKS
Our net sales and gross profit vary depending on our product, customer and geographic mix for any given period which makes it difficult to forecast future operating results.
Our net sales and gross profit vary among our products, customers and markets, and therefore may be different in future periods from historic or current periods. Overall gross profit margins in any given period are dependent in large part on the product, customer and geographic mix reflected in that period’s net sales. Market trends, competitive pressures, commoditization of products, increased component or shipping costs, increased or prolonged periods of inflation, regulatory conditions and other factors may also result in reductions in revenue or pressure on the gross profit margins in a given period. The varying nature of our product, customer and geographic mix between periods has historically materially impacted our net sales and gross profit between periods during certain recessionary times, and may lead to difficulties in measuring the potential impact of market conditions, regulatory changes and/or other factors on our business. As a result, we may be challenged in our ability to forecast our future operating results.
Unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our results of operations.
The reporting currency for our financial statements is the U.S. dollar. However, a large portion of our net sales (approximately 77% in 2024) are generated by our non-U.S. operations, which means that we have net sales, substantial assets, liabilities and costs denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. To prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements, we must translate those sales, assets, liabilities and expenses into U.S. dollars at then-applicable exchange rates. Consequently, increases and decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar versus other currencies will affect the amount of these items in our Consolidated Financial Statements, even if their value has not changed in their original currency. These translations could result in significant changes to our results of operations from period to period. Additionally, volatility in currency exchange rates may adversely impact our financial condition, cash flows and liquidity. There can be no assurance that the techniques we employ to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, including foreign currency hedging activities, will be effective risk management strategies, and our financial condition or results of operations could be adversely impacted.
Our Credit Agreement and other debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.
Our Credit Agreement, the indenture governing our 3.875% USD Notes due 2028 and other debt agreements contain restrictive clauses, which may limit our operational and financial flexibility, including, among other things, our ability to grant liens, pay cash dividends, enter new lines of business, repurchase our shares of common stock, make certain investments and engage in certain merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions. In addition, our Credit Agreement contains customary remedies, including the right of the lenders to take action with respect to the collateral securing outstanding loans, that would apply should we default or otherwise be unable to satisfy our debt obligations. To the extent an event of default occurs, we may not be able to borrow under the Credit Agreement and therefore, may not be able to pursue certain business initiatives or certain transactions that might otherwise be advantageous, meet extraordinary capital needs, finance future operations, plan for or react to market conditions, or otherwise take actions that we believe are in the best interest of our businesses. As a result, our business prospects, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely impacted.
In addition, our Credit Agreement requires that we meet certain financial ratios, including a first lien net leverage ratio based on net debt to EBITDA. EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure of liquidity defined in the Credit Agreement. Our ability to meet these financial covenants depends upon the future successful operating performance of our businesses. If we fail to comply with the Credit Agreement covenants, we would be in default under our term loan and revolving credit facilities and, unless we were to obtain waivers from our lenders, the maturity of our outstanding debt could be accelerated, which could adversely impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
We and our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, which would result in additional restrictions upon our business and impact our financial condition.
Our Credit Agreement provides for senior secured credit facilities in an initial aggregate principal amount of $1.42 billion, consisting of term loans B-3 of $1.04 billion maturing in 2030 and a revolving facility of $375 million maturing in 2027. At December 31, 2024, we had $1.04 billion outstanding under the term loans and full availability of our unused borrowing capacity of $368 million, net of letters of credit, under the revolving facility. We and our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future. Although our Credit Agreement and the indenture governing our 3.875% USD Notes due 2028 contain restrictions with respect to the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of significant qualifications and exceptions, and indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. In addition, subject to specified conditions, without the consent of the then-existing lenders, we may add certain incremental term loans or revolving credit facilities, or increase commitments under our revolving credit facility, by up to the sum of (x) the greater of (i) $460 million and (ii) 100% of our consolidated EBITDA, less certain amounts of indebtedness, and (y) an unlimited amount of secured or unsecured incremental debt if, on a pro forma basis, our total first lien net leverage ratio does not exceed certain levels (as described in the Credit Agreement).
Any significant indebtedness incurred by us or our subsidiaries could have the following material consequences:
•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flows to fund acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, research and development efforts and other general corporate purposes;
•expose us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings include instruments with variable rates of interest;
•downgrade of our credit rating, which would increase our cost of borrowing and make it more difficult for us to raise capital in the future;
•increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and
•place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to less-leveraged competitors or competitors with comparable debt governed by more favorable terms.
We may also enter into additional debt transactions or credit facilities, including equipment loans, working capital lines of credit, senior notes and other long-term debt, which may increase our indebtedness and result in additional restrictions upon our businesses. In addition, major debt rating agencies regularly evaluate our debt based on a number of factors, including our degree of leverage. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our existing debt ratings, and failure to do so could adversely affect our cost of funds, liquidity and access to capital markets.
Any future impairment of our tangible or intangible long-lived assets may materially affect our results of operations.
As a result of our historical acquisitions, as of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $2.86 billion of intangible assets and goodwill. Under GAAP, we review our intangible assets and long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. For example, considering Graphics Solutions' lower than expected results, we conducted an interim impairment test on this reporting unit in the third quarter of 2023 which resulted in an impairment charge of $80.0 million. Other indicators that may signal that an asset has become impaired include changes in our strategy for our overall business or use of acquired assets, unexpected negative industry or economic trends, decreased market capitalization relative to net book values, prolonged decline in the value of our stock price, unanticipated competitive activities, change in consumer demand, loss of key personnel and/or acts by governments and judicial courts. To the extent any of our acquired assets do not perform as anticipated, the value of such assets may be negatively affected. As a result, we may be required to record impairment charges, which could be substantial and negatively impact our results of operations and financial position.
GENERAL RISKS
If we experience a significant disruption in our information technology systems or if we fail to implement new systems and software successfully, our business operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We depend on information technology systems throughout the Company to, among other functions, control our manufacturing processes, process orders and bill, collect and make payments, interact with customers and suppliers, manage inventory and
otherwise conduct business. We also depend on these systems to respond to customer inquiries, implement our overall internal control processes and maintain records of our property, plant and equipment. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate, including as a result of significant network or power outages, could disrupt our business and result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies and the loss of sales and customers. As we upgrade or change systems, we may also experience interruptions in service, loss of data or reduced functionality and other unforeseen material issues, which could adversely impact our ability to provide quotes, receive and fulfill customer orders and otherwise run our business in a timely manner. As a result, our competitive position and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Material cybersecurity-related events may materially disrupt our operations and harm our reputation and results of operations.
Information technology security threats, including security breaches, computer malware, cyber-attacks and other unauthorized access attempts are increasing, in both frequency and sophistication. Any such disruption, if successful, could result in data leaks or otherwise compromise confidential, proprietary and/or business critical information, cause a disruption in our operations or harm our reputation and results of operations. As previously announced, we have in the past experienced a cyber intrusion and may in the future be subject to additional intrusion events. There can be no assurance that the controls and procedures that we put in place will be sufficient or adequate to protect us. Further, as cyber threats are continually evolving, we may be required to devote additional resources to modify or enhance our systems in the future. Additionally, as we increase the use of artificial intelligence ("AI") tools in our operations, the risk of unauthorized access to, improper release of, and fabrication by AI of incorrect or incomplete information relating to, our sensitive data, may increase. Any such breaches or compromises of data, and/or misappropriation of information could result in violation of privacy and other laws, litigation, fines, negative publicity, loss of investor confidence, lost sales, business delays, indemnity obligations and/or material costs not covered by insurance, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Corporate responsibility, specifically related to ESG matters, may impose additional costs and expose us to new risks.
Increasing focus on ESG matters requires that we devote significant time and resources on ESG tracking and reporting, including the continuous monitoring of various and evolving standards and progress toward our published sustainability goals. Certain organizations, which provide corporate governance and risk information to stockholders, have developed, and others may in the future develop, scores and ratings to evaluate companies based upon their ESG metrics and disclosures. Certain investors, particularly institutional investors, use these scores to benchmark companies and make investment and/or voting decisions. In this rapidly evolving ESG disclosure context, we may face reputational risk if we don't successfully execute our ESG strategy and/or if our ESG disclosures do not meet the standards or requirements set by our constituencies.
Further, requirements for tracking and reporting ESG matters continue to multiply, and our processes and controls for reporting across our operations and supply chain are evolving in accordance with multiple disparate standards, in the U.S. and in foreign countries. These new disclosure requirements, which include climate bills in California, the EU's recently adopted CSRD, its transposition in E.U. countries, the E.U. Taxonomy for sustainable activities, and any final rules that may be approved by the SEC, may negatively impact our business by diverting time, focus and resources. As the interpretation and guidance related to these new requirements evolve over time, significant revisions may need to be made to our methodologies for reporting ESG data, previously reported ESG metrics, our existing sustainability goals, reported progress in achieving such goals, or our ability to achieve them in the future. Evolving environmental and climate laws or regulations could also lead to new or additional investment in product designs, incremental operating expenses and increased environmental expenditures in order to ensure compliance. We expect these ESG disclosure and regulatory trends to continue, and the ultimate cost related to reporting and, where required, compliance could be material.
We have numerous equity instruments outstanding that could require the future issuance of additional shares of common stock, which issuance could result in significant dilution of ownership interests and have an adverse effect on our stock price.
Upon stockholders' approval on June 4, 2024, our 2024 Plan replaced our 2013 Plan, under which no further awards can be granted. However, outstanding awards under our 2013 Plan continue to vest in accordance with their terms and those of the 2013 Plan. Under our new 2024 Plan, an additional 10,000,000 shares were reserved for issuance in connection with the vesting of equity-based awards to be granted to our officers, other employees and directors. This number of shares will be increased by the number of shares subject to awards under our 2013 Plan which are forfeited, cancelled, expired or otherwise terminated.
The issuance of additional shares upon satisfaction of the applicable vesting conditions under the 2013 Plan or the 2024 Plan
could result in a stockholder's percentage ownership being diluted. At December 31, 2024, the aggregate equity-based awards outstanding under both plans were as follows:
•3,939,584 RSUs with each RSU representing a contingent right to receive one share of our common stock or, for performance-based RSUs, multiple shares depending upon the underlying performance metrics and our performance during the applicable performance period; and
•367,704 options which are all vested and exercisable at any time at the option of the holder to purchase shares of our common stock, on a one-for-one basis.
We may also issue additional shares of our common stock, or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock, in connection with future acquisitions, for capital raising purposes or for other business purposes; which issuances could also result in significant dilution of ownership interest.
Volatility of our stock price could adversely affect us and our stockholders.
Our stock price may experience substantial price volatility as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, coverage or sentiment in the media or the investment community; speculation; announcement of acquisitions or divestitures; quarterly financial results and comparisons to estimates by the investment community or financial outlook provided by us; issuance of additional debt or equity; changes in key personnel or business strategy; material litigation or governmental investigations; and expectations regarding capital allocation, including any future shares repurchases and/or any future dividend payments, or any determination to cease repurchasing stock or paying dividends. General or industry specific market conditions, stock market performance or macroeconomic and geopolitical factors unrelated to our performance may also affect the price of our stock. Further, in the past, market fluctuations and price declines in a company's stock have led to securities class action litigation, which could have a substantial cost and divert management time and resources regardless of their outcome.
Future issuances or sales of our common stock or preferred stock may depress the price of our common stock.
The issuance of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock, including shares issued in connection with acquisitions, could cause significant dilution to holders of our common stock. In addition, the sale in the market of those newly-issued shares, or shares held by our executive officers, directors or significant stockholders, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. In turn, decline in our stock price may make it more difficult for us to finance acquisitions with shares of common stock and/or sell additional equity or equity-related securities in future offerings at a time and price we deem necessary or appropriate; which all may further depress the price of our common stock.
In addition, our Board of Directors is authorized to issue preferred stock in one or more series and may determine the terms of such future preferred stock offerings without stockholder approval, such as the number of shares constituting each series as well as their respective designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion or exchange rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, and liquidation preferences. The issuance of preferred stock could affect the rights of our common stockholders or reduce the value of shares of common stock they hold.
There can be no assurance that we will continue to declare dividends.
Future dividends are subject to declaration by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion. To the extent the Board determines to pay dividends on our common stock in the future, we will pay dividends at the times and in the amounts as the Board determines appropriate. The Board may, however, reduce or discontinue entirely the payment of such dividends at any time. Paying dividends will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition and results of operations, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements and access to capital markets, covenants associated with our Credit Agreement, the indenture governing our 3.875% USD Notes due 2028 and/or other debt obligations, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions and other factors that the Board may deem relevant. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will have the ability and/or sufficient funds to pay dividends or as to the amounts of these dividends, if any.
If we fail to establish and maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to report our financial results in a timely and reliable manner, which could harm our business and adversely impact our stock price.
We are required by the SEC to establish and maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting that provides reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. We are likewise required, on a quarterly basis, to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls and to disclose any material changes and material weaknesses in those internal controls. We have in the past experienced, and in the future may experience again, material weaknesses and potential problems in implementing and maintaining adequate internal controls as
required by the SEC. If we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting. If we cannot provide financial reports in a timely and reliable manner, or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and our stock price could drop significantly.
We are dependent on cash flows from our operating subsidiaries to fund our debt obligations, capital expenditures and ongoing operations.
Our operations are conducted almost entirely through our subsidiaries, and our ability to generate cash to meet our debt obligations or to pay dividends, if any, is highly dependent on the earnings of, and receipt of funds from, our subsidiaries through dividends or intercompany loans, in particular from MacDermid, Incorporated. As a result, we are dependent on the income generated by our subsidiaries, and to some degree on our ability to repatriate earnings from our foreign operations effectively, to meet our debt service obligations, expenses and operating cash requirements or to pay dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock. For example, the amount of dividends, if any, which may be paid to us by our subsidiaries depends on many factors, including our subsidiaries' results of operations and financial condition, limits on dividends or otherwise under applicable law and their constitutional documents, documents governing their indebtedness, and other factors which may be outside our control. If our subsidiaries are unable to generate sufficient cash flows or if we are unable to repatriate earnings effectively, or if we are unable to do so without incurring substantial costs, we may be unable to service our debt obligations, pay our expenses and/or meet our operating cash requirements or to make future dividend payments or shares repurchases, if any.
Supply Chain and business disruptions, including those related to climate change, could have a material impact on our future sales and financial condition, and may not be covered by insurance.
We believe our customers rely on our ability to timely deliver products of constant quality which are integral to their manufacturing processes and overall product performance. Our ability to meet these expectations relies on continuous access to multiple sources of raw materials and working closely with our suppliers and contract manufacturers to help ensure continuity of supply while maintaining high quality.
Natural or human-induced disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, cyclones or typhoons, fires, power or water shortages, telecommunications failures, terrorist acts, civil unrest, conflicts or wars, and epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as the COVID 19 pandemic, could seriously harm our operations as well as the operations of our customers and suppliers. Among other impacts, these events could limit our ability to access the quantity and quality of raw materials we need and/or increase the price of these materials as worldwide supply and demand may be seriously impacted. In addition, extreme weather, natural disasters or other unexpected events could result in physical damage to, and closure of, one or more of our manufacturing or sale facilities, temporary or long-term disruption in our supply chain and/or disruption of our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and/or increase the risk of chemical spills, other discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or pipeline ruptures, all of which could in turn adversely affect our operations, financial condition, reputation and/or stock price. Current or future business continuity plans and insurance arrangements may not provide protection against property damage, loss of business or increased costs that may arise from such events, particularly if these are catastrophic in nature or occur in combination. We believe climate change serves as a risk multiplier increasing both the frequency and severity of natural disasters that may affect our worldwide business operations. Further, the long-term effects of climate change on general economic conditions are unclear, and changes in the supply or demand of our products, or available sources of the raw materials we use in our manufacturing processes, may affect the availability or cost of our products.
We are governed by Delaware law, which has anti-takeover implications.
We are governed by Delaware law, the application of which may have the effect of deterring hostile takeover attempts or a change in control. In particular, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law imposes certain restrictions on merger, business combinations and other transactions between us and holders of 15% or more of our common stock. A Delaware corporation may opt out of that provision either with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or in an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws approved by its stockholders. We have not opted out of this provision. Section 203 could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us, which may negatively affect our stock price.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a part of our risk management framework, and we have established policies and processes designed to manage cybersecurity defenses, controls and programs, including ISO 27001 compliant security procedures. Our processes are evaluated by expert cybersecurity firms through various security assessments and audits, which help us identify and mitigate cyber-related risks to our businesses. We also engage with providers of information systems as part of our continuing efforts to enhance the effectiveness of our security measures. Our vendor risk management (VRM) program, through which we screen external providers, helps us identify and evaluate known risks associated with these third parties.
Our information security program is led by our Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) who manages a global information security team responsible for assessing and mitigating cyber-related threats. The cybersecurity expertise of our CISO and his team includes information security management as well as governance, risk and compliance (GRC) roles, hands-on cyber incident response experience, forensic and network intrusion investigations and security risk assessments.
Our CISO regularly reports to senior management on cybersecurity risks and incidents, including the nature of threats, the state of our defense and detection capabilities, incident response plans and employee training activities, as applicable. In addition, as part of the Board’s oversight of the Company’s risk management program, our CISO provides periodic updates to the Board on the state of our cybersecurity management program in addition to, when needed, ad hoc information about any significant cybersecurity matters and/or strategic risk management decisions.
Item 2. Properties
At December 31, 2024, our physical presence included 51 manufacturing sites, of which 12 included research facilities, and 9 stand-alone research centers. Of our manufacturing facilities, 8 were located in the U.S. with the remaining international facilities located primarily in Asia and Europe. We owned 26 of our manufacturing facilities, of which 6 included research facilities, and 2 stand-alone research centers. In addition to the remaining manufacturing and research facilities, we leased the majority of our office, warehouse and other physical locations. Among our two segments, Electronics and Industrial & Specialty utilize 21 and 17 of our manufacturing facilities, respectively, with the remaining 13 manufacturing facilities being shared between the two segments.
We believe that all of our significant facilities and equipment are in good condition, well-maintained, adequate for our present operations and utilized for their intended purposes. See Note 7, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 2024 Annual Report for amounts invested in land, buildings, machinery, and equipment, and Note 17, Leases, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 2024 Annual Report for information about our operating lease commitments.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal disputes, investigations, claims and other legal proceedings, including, but not limited to, product liability claims, contractual disputes, premises claims, tax examinations as well as employment, environmental and health and safety matters. Where appropriate, we may establish loss contingencies for such proceedings based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable. We also maintain insurance to mitigate certain of such risks. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the various legal proceedings, investigations and/or claims asserted against us, we believe that the resolution of these matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Due to their inherent uncertainty, however, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of current or future legal proceedings, investigations or claims and it is possible that a resolution of one or more such matters could result in fines and penalties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, we are involved in various claims relating to environmental matters at current and former plant sites and waste management sites. We engage or participate in remedial and other environmental compliance activities at certain of these sites. At other sites, we have been named as a potential responsible party pursuant to the federal Superfund Act and/or state Superfund laws comparable to the federal law for site remediation. Based on currently available information, we do not anticipate any material losses in excess of the liabilities recorded. However, it is possible that, as additional information becomes available, the impact of an adverse determination could have a different effect. For additional information regarding environmental matters and liabilities, see Note 18, Contingencies, Environmental and Legal Matters, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 2024 Annual Report.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market for our Common Stock
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ESI.” On February 14, 2025, there were approximately 154 registered holders of record of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and the closing price of our common stock was $26.13.
Dividends
We declared and paid cash dividends on our common stock of $78.2 million, $77.4 million and $78.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
On February 12, 2025, our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.08 per outstanding share of our common stock. The dividend is expected to be paid on March 17, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2025.
We currently expect to continue to pay a cash dividend on a quarterly basis; however, the actual declaration of any cash dividends, as well as their amounts and timing, will be subject to the final determination of our Board of Directors based on factors including our future earnings and cash flow generation.
Performance Graph
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total stockholder returns for our common stock, the Standard and Poor's 500 Index and the S&P 500 Specialty Chemicals Index from December 31, 2019 through December 31, 2024, assuming a $100 investment in our common stock on December 31, 2019 and the reinvestment of all dividends thereafter.
The stock performance shown on this graph is based on historical data and is not indicative of, or intended to forecast, possible future performance of our common stock. This performance graph and related information is not deemed to be "soliciting material" or "filed" with the SEC and should not be deemed incorporated by reference into any of our prior or future SEC filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The information regarding our equity compensation plans will be included in the 2025 Proxy Statement under the heading "Executive Compensation Tables - Equity Compensation Plan Information," and is incorporated by reference into this 2024 Annual Report.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
Item 6. [Reserved]
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section should be read in conjunction with “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in Part II, Item 8 of this 2024 Annual Report and our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this 2024 Annual Report. “Overview” and "2024 Highlights" briefly present our business and certain significant events addressed in this section or elsewhere in this 2024 Annual Report. This 2024 Annual Report should be read in its entirety for a complete description of our business and discussion of these events.
Overview
Element Solutions, incorporated in Delaware in January 2014, is a leading global specialty chemicals company whose businesses supply a broad range of solutions that enhance the performance of products people use every day. Developed in multi-step technological processes, these innovative solutions enable customers' manufacturing processes in several key industries, including consumer electronics, power electronics, semiconductor fabrication, communications and data storage infrastructure, automotive systems, industrial surface finishing, consumer packaging and offshore energy. Our product innovation and product extensions are expected to continue to drive sales growth in both new and existing markets while expanding margins through a consistent focus on increasing customer value propositions.
Our operations are organized into two segments: Electronics and Industrial & Specialty. In 2024, we achieved net sales of $2.46 billion, to which our Electronics and Industrial & Specialty segments contributed approximately 64% and 36%, respectively.
Each of our segments is described below:
Electronics – The Electronics segment researches, formulates and sells specialty chemicals and material process technologies for all types of electronics hardware, from complex printed circuit board designs to advanced semiconductor packaging. In mobile communications, computers, automobiles and aerospace equipment, its products are an integral part of the electronics manufacturing process and the functionality of end-products. The segment's "wet chemistries" for metallization, surface treatments and solderable finishes form the physical circuitry pathways and its "assembly materials," such as SMT, pastes, fluxes and adhesives, join those pathways together. The segment provides specialty chemical solutions through the following businesses: Assembly Solutions, Circuitry Solutions and Semiconductor Solutions.
Industrial & Specialty – The Industrial & Specialty segment researches, formulates and sells specialty chemicals and material process technologies that enhance surfaces or improve industrial processes in diverse industrial sectors from automotive trim to transcontinental infrastructure and from high-speed printing to high-design faucets. Its products include chemical systems that protect and decorate metal and plastic surfaces; consumable chemicals that enable printing image transfer on flexible packaging materials; and chemistries used in water-based hydraulic control fluids in offshore energy production. These fully consumable products are used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, consumer electronics, consumer packaged goods and oil and gas production end-markets. The segment provides specialty chemical solutions through the following businesses: Industrial Solutions, Graphics Solutions and Energy Solutions.
2024 Corporate Activity
•Portfolio Optimization - On September 1, 2024, we agreed to sell our flexographic printing plate business, MacDermid Graphics Solutions, for approximately $325 million. MacDermid Graphics Solutions constitutes substantially all of our Graphics Solutions business within our Industrial & Specialty segment. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments.
•Improved Balance Sheet through Debt and Interest Rate Reduction - In October 2024, we completed the syndication of $1.04 billion of new term loans B-3 which resulted in an interest rate reduction of 25 basis points to SOFR plus a spread 1.75% per annum. In connection with this repricing, we fully paid down our $1.14 billion term loans B-2, therefore reducing our borrowings under the Credit Agreement by $100 million. The net proceeds of the new term loans and cash on hand were used to prepay in full our term loans B-2.
•Cash Dividends - During the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately $78.2 million was returned to our stockholders in the form of cash dividends.
Acquisitions
We may pursue targeted and opportunistic acquisitions in our existing or adjacent end-markets that seek to strengthen our current businesses, expand and diversify our product offerings, and enhance our growth and strategic position. We expect to achieve commercial and distribution efficiencies by expanding into related categories that can be marketed through our existing distribution channels or provide us with new distribution channels for our existing products. To the extent we pursue future acquisitions, we expect that acquisition candidates would demonstrate a combination of attractive margins, strong cash flow characteristics, niche leading positions and consumable products that generate recurring revenue. We believe the diversity of the niche end-markets we serve will enable us to continue our growth and maintain strong cash flow generation throughout economic cycles and mitigate the impact of a downturn in any single market. We will only pursue a candidate when it is deemed to be fiscally prudent and meets our acquisition criteria. We anticipate that any future acquisitions would be financed through a combination of cash on hand, availability under our Credit Agreement and/or new debt or equity offerings.
Foreign Currency Exposure
In 2024, approximately 77% of our net sales originated outside of the U.S. and were denominated in numerous currencies, including the euro and Chinese yuan. Therefore, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates in any given reporting period may positively or negatively impact our financial performance. Foreign exchange translation negatively impacted our 2024 net sales performance by approximately 2%.
In addition, our foreign subsidiaries are subject to foreign currency risk relating to receipts from customers, payments to suppliers and intercompany transactions that are not in their functional currency, which is typically their local currency. As a result, our foreign subsidiaries may enter, and have entered, into foreign exchange hedges designed to protect against transaction exposures. We actively assess our hedging programs in order to mitigate foreign exchange risk exposures. This includes programs to hedge our foreign currency denominated balance sheet exposures as well as foreign currency anticipated cash flows.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates that may significantly impact our reported financial results and accompanying disclosures. We base our estimates, assumptions and judgments on historical experience, current conditions as well as other factors that we consider reasonable. Estimates relate to matters that are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ from these estimates and such differences could be material to our financial statements.
We consider the accounting estimates discussed below to be critical to the understanding of our financial statements and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments that could potentially affect our reported results. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 2024 Annual Report for a detailed discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually in the fourth quarter, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. Our reporting units are determined based upon our organizational structure in place at the date of the goodwill impairment test.
We may elect to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors, and overall financial performance of the reporting units. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs a quantitative test.
For the quantitative test, the Company tests for impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit is based equally on market multiples and the present value of discounted future cash flows. The discounted cash flows are prepared based upon cash flows at the reporting unit level. The cash flow model utilized in the goodwill impairment test involves significant judgments related to future growth rates, gross profit, operating expenses and discount rates, among other considerations from the vantage point of a market participant. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the
goodwill impairment loss is calculated as the difference between these amounts, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
In 2024, the estimated fair value of our reporting units was considered to be substantially in excess of their respective carrying value.
See Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 2024 Annual Report for additional information.
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets, liabilities, net operating losses and tax carryforwards. A valuation allowance is required to be recognized to reduce the recorded deferred tax asset to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income by jurisdiction during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible or when carryforwards can be utilized. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in this assessment. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense. We evaluate our valuation allowance conclusions on a quarterly basis based on available evidence and realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in the applicable carryback or carryforward periods. Changes in our estimates of and reliance on such evidence may affect the estimate of the realization of the benefits of tax attribute carryforwards.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of such change.
Tax benefits are recognized for an uncertain tax position when we consider it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority or upon completion of the litigation process. For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount that is judged to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances and when new information becomes available. Such adjustments are recognized in the period in which they are identified.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
A summary of recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 3, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 2024 Annual Report.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our financial results presented in accordance with GAAP in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section, we present certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as operating results on a constant currency and organic basis and Adjusted EBITDA. Management internally reviews these non-GAAP measures to evaluate performance on a comparative period-to-period basis in terms of absolute performance, trends and expected future performance with respect to our business. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, which are each further described below, provide investors with an additional perspective on trends and underlying operating results on a period-to-period comparable basis. We also believe that investors find this information helpful in understanding the ongoing performance of our operations separate from items that may have a disproportionate positive or negative impact on our financial results in any particular period or are considered to be associated with our capital structure.
These non-GAAP financial measures, however, have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation from, a substitute for, or superior to, the related financial information that we report in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitation of these non-GAAP financial measures is that they exclude significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recorded in our financial statements and may not be completely comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential differences in calculation methods. In addition, these measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgment by management about which items are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. Investors are encouraged to review the definitions and reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial
measures to their most comparable GAAP financial measures included in this 2024 Annual Report and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
Constant Currency
We disclose operating results, from net sales through operating profit and Adjusted EBITDA, on a constant currency basis by adjusting results to exclude the impact of changes due to the translation of foreign currencies of our international locations into U.S. dollars. Management believes this non-GAAP financial information facilitates period-to-period comparison in the analysis of trends in business performance, thereby providing valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, consistent with how we internally evaluate our financial results.
The impact of foreign currency translation is calculated by converting our current-period local currency financial results into U.S. dollars using the prior period's exchange rates and comparing these adjusted amounts to our prior period reported results. The difference between actual growth rates and constant currency growth rates represents the estimated impact of foreign currency translation.
Organic Net Sales Growth
Organic net sales growth is defined as net sales excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, changes due to the pass-through pricing of certain metals and acquisitions and/or divestitures, as applicable. Management believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides investors with a more complete understanding of the underlying net sales trends by providing comparable net sales over differing periods on a consistent basis.
For a reconciliation of GAAP net sales growth to organic net sales growth, see "Net Sales" within the "Results of Operations" section below.
Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA, excluding the impact of additional items included in GAAP earnings which we believe are not representative or indicative of our ongoing business or are considered to be associated with our capital structure. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA provides investors with a more complete understanding of the long-term profitability trends of our business and facilitates comparisons of our profitability to prior and future periods.
For a reconciliation of "Net income" to Adjusted EBITDA and more information about the adjustments made, see Note 22, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 2024 Annual Report.
Results of Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Change - 2024 vs 2023 | | | | Change - 2023 vs 2022 |
| (dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | Reported | | Constant Currency | | Organic | | 2022 | | Reported | | Constant Currency | | Organic |
| Net sales | | $ | 2,456.9 | | | $ | 2,333.2 | | | 5% | | 7% | | 4% | | $ | 2,549.4 | | | (8)% | | (7)% | | (5)% |
| Cost of sales | | 1,421.2 | | | 1,414.7 | | | 0% | | 2% | | | | 1,596.7 | | | (11)% | | (10)% | | |
| Gross profit | | 1,035.7 | | | 918.5 | | | 13% | | 14% | | | | 952.7 | | | (4)% | | (2)% | | |
| Gross margin | | 42.2 | % | | 39.4 | % | | 280 bps | | 270 bps | | | | 37.4 | % | | 200 bps | | 220 bps | | |
| Operating expenses | | 691.8 | | | 744.9 | | | (7)% | | (6)% | | | | 627.4 | | | 19% | | 19% | | |
| Operating profit | | 343.9 | | | 173.6 | | | 98% | | (nm) | | | | 325.3 | | | (47)% | | (41)% | | |
| Operating margin | | 14.0 | % | | 7.4 | % | | 660 bps | | 680 bps | | | | 12.8 | % | | (540) bps | | (480) bps | | |
| Other expense, net | | (56.2) | | | (44.5) | | | 26% | | | | | | (53.3) | | | (16)% | | | | |
| Income tax expense | | (44.8) | | | (13.0) | | | 244% | | | | | | (85.8) | | | (85)% | | | | |
| Net income from continuing operations | | 242.9 | | | 116.1 | | | (nm) | | | | | | 186.2 | | | (38)% | | | | |
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | | 1.6 | | | 2.1 | | | (26)% | | | | | | 1.8 | | | 19% | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 244.5 | | | $ | 118.2 | | | (nm) | | | | | | $ | 188.0 | | | (37)% | | | | |
| Net income margin | | 10.0 | % | | 5.1 | % | | 490 bps | | | | | | 7.4 | % | | (230) bps | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | 534.7 | | | $ | 482.3 | | | 11% | | 13% | | | | $ | 526.6 | | | (8)% | | (6)% | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | | 21.8 | % | | 20.7 | % | | 110 bps | | 120 bps | | | | 20.7 | % | | 0 bps | | 20 bps | | |
(nm) Calculation not meaningful.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023
Net Sales
Net sales for 2024 increased 5% on a reported basis, 7% on a constant currency basis and 4% on an organic basis. Electronics' consolidated results were positively impacted by $59.7 million of pass-through metals pricing and $8.1 million of acquisitions and Industrial & Specialty's consolidated results were positively impacted by $0.5 million of acquisitions.
The following table reconciles GAAP net sales growth to constant currency and organic net sales growth: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, | | % Change |
| (dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | | Reported Net Sales Growth | | Impact of Currency | | Constant Currency | | Pass-Through Metals Pricing | | Acquisitions | | Organic Net Sales Growth |
| Electronics: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assembly Solutions | $ | 782.8 | | | $ | 726.1 | | | 8% | | 2% | | 10% | | (8)% | | —% | | 1% |
| Circuitry Solutions | 470.7 | | | 424.3 | | | 11% | | 1% | | 12% | | —% | | —% | | 12% |
| Semiconductor Solutions | 307.9 | | | 264.3 | | | 17% | | 1% | | 18% | | —% | | (3)% | | 14% |
| Total | $ | 1,561.4 | | | $ | 1,414.7 | | | 10% | | 1% | | 12% | | (4)% | | (1)% | | 7% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Industrial & Specialty: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Industrial Solutions | $ | 666.4 | | | $ | 699.0 | | | (5)% | | 2% | | (2)% | | —% | | 0% | | (2)% |
| Graphics Solutions | 146.2 | | | 142.7 | | | 2% | | 1% | | 3% | | —% | | —% | | 3% |
| Energy Solutions | 82.9 | | | 76.8 | | | 8% | | 0% | | 8% | | —% | | —% | | 8% |
| Total | $ | 895.5 | | | $ | 918.5 | | | (3)% | | 2% | | (1)% | | —% | | 0% | | (1)% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 2,456.9 | | | $ | 2,333.2 | | | 5% | | 2% | | 7% | | (3)% | | 0% | | 4% |
NOTE: Totals may not sum due to rounding.
Electronics' net sales for 2024 increased 10% on a reported basis, 12% on a constant currency basis and 7% on an organic basis.
•Assembly Solutions: net sales increased 8% on a reported basis and 1% on an organic basis. Pass-through metals pricing had a positive impact of 8% on reported net sales. Foreign exchange had a negative impact of 2% on reported net sales. The increase in organic net sales was primarily due to demand improvement in consumer, mobile and computer end markets, offset by weakness in broader industrial and automotive end markets.
•Circuitry Solutions: net sales increased 11% on a reported basis and 12% on an organic basis. Foreign exchange had a negative impact of 1% on reported net sales. The increase in organic net sales was primarily due to increased demand in the AI and data center end markets, electric vehicles in China and the mobile phone end market.
•Semiconductor Solutions: net sales increased 17% on a reported basis and 14% on an organic basis. The reacquired ViaForm Distribution Rights and the Kuprion Acquisition had a positive impact of 3% on reported net sales. Foreign exchange had a negative impact of 1% on reported net sales. The increase in organic net sales was primarily due to increased demand for wafer level packaging products in Asia and growth from new customers in power electronics. The prior year was negatively impacted by lower ViaForm sales as we transitioned from our prior distributor.
Industrial & Specialty's net sales for 2024 decreased 3% on a reported basis, 1% on a constant currency basis and 1% on an organic basis.
•Industrial Solutions: net sales decreased 5% on a reported basis and 2% on an organic basis. Acquisitions had an immaterial impact on reported net sales. Foreign exchange had a negative impact of 2% on reported net sales. The decrease in organic net sales was primarily due to continued lower demand in the automotive end market, lower commodity surcharges in 2024 when compared to 2023 as well as demand softness in construction and industrial end markets. Both periods included an equipment sale for a new production line under a multi-year chemistry sales agreement with an automotive customer.
•Graphics Solutions: net sales increased 2% on a reported basis and 3% on an organic basis. Foreign exchange had a negative impact of 1% on reported net sales. The increase in organic net sales was primarily due to increased demand for flexographic plates and new business in Latin America partially offset by lower newspaper net sales.
•Energy Solutions: net sales increased 8% on a reported basis and 8% on an organic basis. Foreign exchange had an immaterial impact on reported net sales. The increase in organic net sales was primarily due to price improvement and a continued increase in drilling and energy production activity from higher utilization rates.
Gross Profit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Change |
(dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | | Reported | | Constant Currency |
| Gross profit: | | | | | | | |
| Electronics | $ | 652.5 | | | $ | 558.2 | | | 17% | | 18% |
| Industrial & Specialty | 383.2 | | | 360.3 | | | 6% | | 8% |
| Total | $ | 1,035.7 | | | $ | 918.5 | | | 13% | | 14% |
| | | | | | | |
| Gross profit margin: | | | | | | | |
| Electronics | 41.8 | % | | 39.5 | % | | 230 bps | | 220 bps |
| Industrial & Specialty | 42.8 | % | | 39.2 | % | | 360 bps | | 360 bps |
| Total | 42.2 | % | | 39.4 | % | | 280 bps | | 270 bps |
Electronics' gross profit for 2024 increased 17% on a reported basis and 18% on a constant currency basis. The constant currency increase in gross profit was primarily driven by higher net sales, favorable product mix from growth in higher margin products, particularly in Asia, and lower raw material costs. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to favorable product mix from growth in higher margin products, the recaptured margin on ViaForm Distributions Rights and lower raw material costs.
Industrial & Specialty's gross profit for 2024 increased 6% on a reported basis and 8% on a constant currency basis. The constant currency increase in gross profit was primarily driven by lower raw material costs in the Industrial Solutions business combined with higher net sales in the Graphics Solutions and Energy Solutions businesses. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to growth in our higher margin Energy Solutions business, favorable product mix and lower commodity surcharge-based revenue in our Industrial Solutions business.
Operating Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, | | Change |
| (dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | | Reported | | Constant Currency |
| Selling, technical, general and administrative | $ | 628.8 | | | $ | 596.8 | | | 5% | | 6% |
| Research and development | 63.0 | | | 68.1 | | | (8)% | | (7)% |
| Goodwill impairment | — | | | 80.0 | | | (nm) | | (nm) |
| Total | $ | 691.8 | | | $ | 744.9 | | | (7)% | | (6)% |
| | | | | | | |
| Operating expenses as % of net sales | | | | | | | |
| Selling, technical, general and administrative | 25.6 | % | | 25.6 | % | | 0 bps | | (20) bps |
| Research and development | 2.6 | % | | 2.9 | % | | (30) bps | | (40) bps |
| Goodwill impairment | — | % | | 3.4 | % | | (nm) | | (nm) |
| Total | 28.2 | % | | 31.9 | % | | (370) bps | | (400) bps |
(nm) Calculation not meaningful.
During the third quarter of 2023, we recorded an impairment charge in our Industrial & Specialty segment of $80.0 million related to our Graphics Solutions reporting unit. See Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Operating expenses for 2024 decreased 7% on a reported basis and 6% on a constant currency basis. Excluding the goodwill impairment charge discussed above, operating expenses for 2024 increased 4% on a reported basis and 5% on a constant currency basis. The constant currency increase was primarily driven by $19.8 million of higher incentive compensation costs, primarily due to higher accruals associated with increased expectations for strong full year financial results, $12.2 million of costs related to the MGS Transaction, higher personnel costs and $3.9 million of research and development costs associated with contingent consideration for the Kuprion Acquisition in the first quarter of 2024. This was partially offset by a 2023 expense of $15.7 million for research and development costs associated with the purchase accounting related to the Kuprion Acquisition. See Note 4, Acquisitions, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the Kuprion Acquisition research and development costs.
Other (Expense) Income, net | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Interest expense, net | $ | (56.3) | | | $ | (49.3) | |
| Foreign exchange gains | 25.1 | | | 7.9 | |
| Other expense, net | (25.0) | | | (3.1) | |
| Total | $ | (56.2) | | | $ | (44.5) | |
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net increased $7.0 million primarily due to a higher effective interest rate on our term loans B-2 (which were outstanding from December 18, 2023 through October 15, 2024 when the term loans B-2 were fully prepaid) when considering the impact of our interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps, partially offset by higher interest income.
Foreign exchange gains
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the fluctuations in foreign exchange gains were primarily driven by the remeasurement of intercompany loans.
Other expense, net
Other expense, net for 2024 included an $11.4 million impairment of an available-for-sale debt security, $11.0 million of net losses associated with metals derivative contracts ($15.4 million of realized losses and $4.4 million of unrealized gains) and $2.6 million of charges due to highly inflationary accounting for our operations in Turkey, partially offset by $0.2 million of debt refinancing gains related to the prepayment of our then existing term loans B-2. See Note 12, Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the debt refinancing costs.
Other expense, net for 2023 included $7.0 million of charges due to highly inflationary accounting for our operations in Turkey, $2.3 million of debt refinancing costs related to the prepayment of our then existing term loans B-1 and term loans A and $0.1 million of net losses associated with metals derivative contracts ($1.3 million of realized losses and $1.2 million of unrealized gains).
The metal derivative contracts primarily relate to inventory associated with pass-through metals pricing in our Assembly Solutions business and are intended to mitigate the impact associated with fixed price agreements with our customers or commodity price movement after inventory is purchased on Gross Profit. See Note 13, Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these derivative instruments.
Income Tax
The income tax expense for 2024 totaled $44.8 million, as compared to $13.0 million in 2023. Our tax expense for 2024 was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily driven by a continued U.S. benefit related to claiming foreign tax credits consistent with our election in the fourth quarter of 2023, release of valuation allowances and deductions for FDII, with offsets from withholding taxes, tax attribute expirations and the impact of changes to the geographical mix of earnings.
The rate for 2024 includes a benefit associated with the release of valuation allowances of $40.8 million previously recorded against certain U.K. tax attribute carryforwards, primarily consisting of net operating loss carryforwards and interest carryforwards. The valuation allowances were released as the Company expects improved profitability in its U.K. business and a shift to a three-year cumulative income position. The Company determined there was sufficient positive, objectively verifiable evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that, as of December 31, 2024, select U.K. net deferred tax assets will be realized. These expectations are based on actual results, management's assessment of projected future taxable income, and expected utilization of net operating losses and tax carryforwards.
During the third quarter of 2024, an internal restructuring of the Graphics business was completed which resulted in the recognition of a capital gain of $208 million. This gain was offset by capital losses generated in 2024 totaling $10.1 million and capital loss carryforwards of $198 million. The capital gain provided income of the appropriate character to support the release of a valuation allowance on the amount of the capital loss carryforward utilized. The remaining unused capital loss carryforward with a full valuation allowance expired at the close of 2024. The capital gain also resulted in a higher interest expense deduction and consequentially a lower deduction for FDII and lower utilization of certain foreign tax credits before expiration. In addition, the gain on the internal restructuring resulted in a step-up in tax basis and the Company recorded a deferred tax asset of $22.5 million on the excess of stock tax basis over book basis due to subsequent held for sale classification. As of the balance sheet date there is no objectively verifiable evidence supporting income of appropriate character to realize this tax benefit, therefore a valuation allowance has been recorded against this deferred tax asset. Due to the status of the MGS Transaction it is reasonably possible the status of this deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance are subject to change due to one or more future confirming events.
During 2024, the Company finalized the 2023 consolidated U.S. federal income tax return along with prior years amended federal corporate income tax returns related to crediting foreign taxes including the return-to-provision true-up of foreign tax credits, valuation allowances and prior year one-time benefit.
The income tax expense for 2023 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate mainly due to a benefit of $34.2 million related to changing an election to credit foreign taxes from our previous position of deducting foreign taxes. This is comprised of a $37.3 million impact of amending prior U.S. tax returns offset by $3.1 million from the increase to the valuation allowances on foreign tax credit carryforwards. In addition, the election to credit foreign taxes for the fiscal 2023 year resulted in an incremental $8.2 million of tax expense reduction.
For additional information see Note 11, Income Taxes, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 2024 Annual Report.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA Performance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, | | Change |
(dollars in millions) | 2024 | | 2023 | | Reported | | Constant Currency |
| Net income: | | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 244.5 | | | $ | 118.2 | | | 107% | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA: | | | | | | | |
| Electronics | $ | 361.5 | | | $ | 317.7 | | | 14% | | 16% |
| Industrial & Specialty | 173.2 | | | 164.6 | | | 5% | | 8% |
| Total | $ | 534.7 | | | $ | 482.3 | | | 11% | | 13% |
| | | | | | | |
| Net income margin: | | | | | | | |
| Total | 10.0 | % | | 5.1 | % | | 490 bps | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin: | | | | | | | |
| Electronics | 23.1 | % | | 22.5 | % | | 60 bps | | 80 bps |
| Industrial & Specialty | 19.3 | % | | 17.9 | % | | 140 bps | | 160 bps |
| Total | 21.8 | % | | 20.7 | % | | 110 bps | | 120 bps |
Electronics' Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 increased 14% on a reported basis and 16% on a constant currency basis. The constant currency increase was primarily driven by higher gross profits related to favorable product mix and growth in the Circuitry and Semiconductor Solutions businesses.
Industrial & Specialty's Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 increased 5% on a reported basis and 8% on a constant currency basis. The constant currency increase was primarily driven by higher gross profits related to lower raw material costs and growth in our higher margin Energy Solutions business.
See Note 22, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the reconciliation of "Net income" to Adjusted EBITDA.
Comparison of Fiscal Years 2023 and 2022
For the comparison of fiscal years 2023 and 2022, see "Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2022" in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated by reference into this 2024 Annual Report.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity during 2024 were the proceeds from the syndication of our new term loans B-3 of approximately $1.04 billion as well as available cash generated from operations. Our primary uses of cash and cash equivalents were to prepay approximately $1.14 billion of debt outstanding, pay cash dividends and fund operations including working capital and capital expenditures. Our first significant debt principal payment of approximately $800 million is related to the maturity of our 3.875% USD Notes due 2028. In the fourth quarter of 2024, we paid a cash dividend of 8 cents per share. We currently expect to continue to pay a cash dividend on a quarterly basis; however, the actual declaration of any cash dividends, as well as their amounts and timing, will be subject to the final determination of our Board of Directors based on factors including our future earnings and cash flow generation.
For the full year 2025, we expect our capital expenditures to be approximately $65.0 million. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operations, supplemented by our availability under our lines of credit, including our revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement, will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs, interest payments, capital expenditures, potential dividend payments and other business requirements for at least the next twelve months. However, working capital cycles and/or future repurchases of our common stock and/or acquisitions may require additional funding, which may include future debt and/or equity offerings. Our long-term liquidity may be influenced by our ability to borrow additional funds, manage interest rates, renegotiate existing debt and/or raise new equity or debt under terms that are favorable to us.
We may from time to time seek to repurchase our equity and/or to retire or repurchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, applicable restrictions under our various financing arrangements, and other factors.
During 2024, approximately 77% of our net sales were generated from non-U.S. operations, and we expect a large portion of our net sales to continue to be generated outside of the U.S. As a result, our foreign subsidiaries will likely continue to generate a substantial portion of our cash. We expect to manage our worldwide cash requirements with available funds generated by the many subsidiaries through which we conduct business and cost-efficient access to those funds. We may transfer cash from certain international subsidiaries to the U.S. and/or other international subsidiaries when we believe it is cost effective to do so. Of our $359 million of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024, $224 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries.
The following is a summary of our cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities during the periods indicated: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 362.0 | | | $ | 333.6 | | | $ | 295.9 | |
| Cash used in investing activities | | $ | (73.8) | | | $ | (250.2) | | | $ | (75.2) | |
| Cash used in financing activities | | $ | (206.6) | | | $ | (58.7) | | | $ | (275.6) | |
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Year Ended December 31, 2024 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023
Operating Activities
The increase in net cash flows provided by operating activities of $28.4 million was primarily driven by higher cash operating profits (net income adjusted for non-cash items) partially offset by higher levels of working capital.
Investing Activities
In 2024, we paid approximately $15.7 million of higher capital expenditures compared to 2023 due to increased activity on several multi-year growth projects in 2024 as these projects neared completion. In 2023, we paid approximately $193 million in connection with the reacquired ViaForm Distribution Rights and $15.9 million in connection with the Kuprion Acquisition.
Financing Activities
In October 2024, we received proceeds of approximately $1.04 billion from the syndication of our new term loans B-3 which were used to prepay our then outstanding $1.14 billion term loans B-2 reducing gross debt by $100 million. During 2024, we also paid $78.2 million of cash dividends on shares of our common stock and $7.6 million for shares of our common stock withheld by the Company to satisfy the tax withholding requirements related to the vesting of RSUs included in "Other, net."
In the second quarter of 2023, we borrowed $150 million of incremental term loans A under our senior credit facility to finance the reacquired ViaForm Distribution Rights. In December 2023, we received proceeds of approximately $1.15 billion from the syndication of our term loans B-2 which were used to prepay our then outstanding $1.11 billion term loans B-1 and $150 million term loans A reducing gross debt by $105 million. During 2023, we also paid $77.4 million of cash dividends on shares of our common stock and $7.7 million for shares of our common stock withheld by the Company to satisfy the tax withholding requirements related to the vesting of RSUs included in "Other, net."
Pension Plans
We maintain "Domestic Pension Plans," which consist of a non-contributory domestic defined benefit pension plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs). These plans are closed to new participants and plan benefits associated with all current participants have been frozen. We also maintain "Foreign Pension Plans" in countries such as Germany and Taiwan, which include a mixture of retirement, death benefit and longevity plans, among others, all of which are deemed immaterial, individually and in the aggregate.
The expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption is developed with reference to historical returns, forward-looking return expectations, the Domestic and Foreign Pension Plans' investment allocations, and peer comparisons. We used a long-term rate of return on plan assets of 7.0% and 3.1% for our Domestic and Foreign Pension Plans, respectively, to determine our
net periodic pension expense for 2024. The discount rate used to value the pension obligation was developed with reference to a number of factors, including the current interest rate environment, benchmark fixed-income yields and expected future pension benefit payments. Discount rates of 5.6% and 3.1% were established for the Domestic Pension Plan and Foreign Pension Plans, respectively, at December 31, 2024, compared to rates of 5.0% and 3.1% established for those respective plans at December 31, 2023. We evaluate the Pension Plans' actuarial assumptions on an annual basis, including the expected long-term rate of return on assets and discount rates. A one percent increase in the discount rate would increase the pension plan expense by approximately $0.7 million and decrease the pension benefit obligation by approximately $14.0 million, whereas a one percent decrease in the discount rate would decrease the pension plan expense by approximately $0.9 million and increase the pension benefit obligation by approximately $16.7 million.
Our Domestic Pension Plans' investment policies incorporate an asset allocation strategy that emphasizes long-term growth of capital and acceptable asset volatility as long as such volatility remains consistent with the volatility of the indexes of relevant markets. Our investment policies attempt to achieve a mix of approximately 95% of plan investments for liability-matching, 3% for long-term growth, and 2% for near-term benefit payments. The weighted average asset allocation of the Domestic Pension Plan was 95% fixed income holdings, 3% equity securities and derivatives and 2% cash at December 31, 2024.
The Domestic Pension Plans were overfunded by $2.3 million at December 31, 2024 compared to underfunded by $8.2 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in the funding position was primarily driven by $11.0 million of actuarial gains due to changes in plan assumptions and experience and a $7.1 million return on plan assets partially offset by $8.4 million of interest costs.
The Foreign Pension Plans were underfunded by $12.9 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $14.8 million at December 31, 2023.
We are not required to make any material plan contributions in 2025. While we do not currently anticipate any, additional future material contributions may be required in order to maintain appropriate funding levels within our plans.
Financial Borrowings
Credit Facilities and Senior Notes
At December 31, 2024, we had $1.82 billion of indebtedness, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs of $14.8 million, which primarily included:
•$1.04 billion of term debt arrangements outstanding under our term loans; and
•$800 million of 3.875% USD Notes due 2028.
Availability under our revolving credit facility and various lines of credit and overdraft facilities totaled $390 million at December 31, 2024 (net of $7.0 million of stand-by letters of credit which reduce our borrowing capacity).
Covenants
At December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with the debt covenants contained in the Credit Agreement and the indenture governing our 3.875% USD Notes due 2028.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk associated with our long-term debt and other financing commitments. At December 31, 2024, we had total debt of $1.82 billion, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs of $14.8 million, including approximately $1.04 billion of variable interest rate debt based on the one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).
We use interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps designed to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. We designated the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and the cross-currency swaps as net investment hedges. These swaps effectively convert our outstanding term loans under the Credit Agreement, which are U.S. dollar denominated debt obligations, into fixed-rate euro-denominated debt through the expiration of the swaps. The net result of these hedges was an interest rate of approximately 3.0% at December 31, 2024 on the term loans B-3, which could vary in the future due to changes in the euro and the U.S. dollar exchange rate. See Note 13, Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 2024 Annual Report for additional information.
Counterparty Risk
Outstanding financial derivative instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of non-performance by our counterparties. The credit exposure related to these financial instruments is considered in the fair values of such contracts. We review the credit ratings of our counterparties and adjust our exposure as deemed appropriate on a periodic basis. At December 31, 2024, we believe that our exposure to counterparty risk was immaterial.
Foreign Currency Risk
We conduct a significant portion of our business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, our financial reporting currency. In 2024, approximately 77% of our net sales were generated outside of the U.S. Generally, our foreign subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency; the currency in which they incur operating expenses and collect accounts receivable. Our business is exposed to foreign currency risk from changes in the exchange rate primarily between the U.S. dollar and the following currencies: euro and Chinese yuan. As a result, our operating results could be affected by foreign currency exchange rate volatility relative to the U.S. dollar. We are not able to project, in any meaningful way, the possible effect of these foreign currency fluctuations on translated amounts or future earnings.
We actively assess our foreign exchange risk exposure and may enter into foreign exchange hedges designed to mitigate such risk and protect ourselves against transaction exposures. Our hedging programs include strategies to mitigate our foreign currency denominated balance sheet exposures as well as foreign currency anticipated cash flows. At December 31, 2024, the aggregate U.S. dollar notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts totaled $104 million. None of these foreign currency forward contracts were designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Their fair value at December 31, 2024 was a $0.9 million net current asset, and the net realized and unrealized losses on such contracts for 2024 totaled $4.1 million.
Our policies prohibit us from speculating in financial instruments for profit on exchange rate price fluctuations, from trading in currencies for which there are no underlying exposures and from entering into trades for any currency to intentionally increase the underlying exposure.
Commodity Price Risk
Some raw materials and supplies are subject to price and supply fluctuations caused by market dynamics. Our strategic sourcing initiatives are focused on mitigating the impact of commodity price risk. Although some of our commercial agreements allow us to pass on certain unusual increases in component and raw material costs to our customers in limited situations, we may not be fully compensated for such increased costs. To a lesser extent, we are also exposed to fluctuations in the prices of certain utilities and services, such as electricity, natural gas and freight.
Periodically, we employ forward metals contracts or other financial instruments to hedge commodity price or other price risks. Such contracts are generally designated as normal purchases and accounted for similar to other inventory purchases. We continue to review a full range of business options focused on strategic risk management for all raw material commodities. Any failure by our suppliers to provide acceptable raw materials or supplies could adversely affect our production schedules and contract profitability. We assess qualification of suppliers and continually monitor them to control risk associated with such supply base reliance. At December 31, 2024, the aggregate U.S. dollar notional amount of metals futures contracts, none of which were designated as hedges for accounting purposes, totaled $55.3 million. The fair value of the metals forward contracts at December 31, 2024 was a $3.2 million net current asset and net realized and unrealized losses on such contracts for 2024 totaled $11.0 million.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” in this 2024 Annual Report.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at December 31, 2024.
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 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
•provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
•provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
However, all internal control systems have inherent limitations and 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 over time due to changes in conditions or the degree of compliance with our policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2024, using the criteria set forth in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management believes that at December 31, 2024 our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2024 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as stated in their report, which appears in this 2024 Annual Report.
Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Based on management's evaluation (with the participation of our CEO and CFO), as required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
Director and Officer 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
None.
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item related to the executive officers, directors, Audit Committee of the Board and insider trading policies and procedures of the Company will be included in the 2025 Proxy Statement under the headings "Executive Officers of the Company," "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" and "Corporate Governance," and is incorporated by reference into this 2024 Annual Report.
The Company has adopted a Business Conduct and Ethics Policy applicable to all directors and employees of Element Solutions, including our CEO, CFO and Chief Accounting Officer. The Company has also adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers applicable, more specifically, to our CEO, CFO and Chief Accounting Officer. The Policy and the Code of Ethics are posted on the Company's website at www.elementsolutionsinc.com under “Investors – Corporate Governance – Governance Documents.” We intend to provide disclosure of any amendment to or waiver of the Policy and/or Code of Ethics on our website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item will be included in the 2025 Proxy Statement under the headings "Director Compensation," "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Report of the Compensation Committee," "Executive Compensation Tables" and "Corporate Governance - Compensation Committee interlocks and Insider Participation," and is incorporated by reference into this 2024 Annual Report.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item will be included in the 2025 Proxy Statement under the headings "Security Ownership" and "Executive Compensation Tables - Equity Compensation Plan Information," and is incorporated by reference into this 2024 Annual Report.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be included in the 2025 Proxy Statement under the headings "Corporate Governance - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" and "Corporate Governance - Director Independence," and is incorporated by reference into this 2024 Annual Report.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this item will be included in the 2025 Proxy Statement under the headings "Report of the Audit Committee" and "Proposal 3 - Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2025," and is incorporated by reference into this 2024 Annual Report.
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(A) Exhibits
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | Included in this 2024 Annual Report |
Exhibit
Nb. | | Exhibit Description | | Form | | File Nb. | | Exhibit Nb. | | Filing Date | |
| 3.1(a) | | | | S-4 POS | | 333-192778 | | 3.1 | | 1/24/2014 | | |
| 3.1(b) | | | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 3.1 | | 6/13/2014 | | |
| 3.1(c) | | | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 3.1 | | 2/5/2019 | | |
| 3.2 | | | | 10-Q | | 001-36272 | | 3.2 | | 4/27/2023 | | |
| 4.1 | | | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 4.1 | | 2/5/2019 | | |
| 4.2 | | | | 10-K | | 001-36272 | | 4.2 | | 2/23/2022 | | |
| 4.3 | | | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 4.1 | | 8/18/2020 | | |
| 4.4 | | | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | A to 4.01 | | 8/18/2020 | | |
| 10.1** | | Credit Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2019, by and among, inter alios, the Company, MacDermid, Incorporated, the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.1 | | 2/5/2019 | | |
| 10.2** | | Amendment No.1 to Credit Agreement, dated November 26, 2019, among, inter alios, the Company, MacDermid, Incorporated, the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.1 | | 12/3/2019 | | |
| 10.3** | | Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated September 1, 2021, among, inter alios, the Company, MacDermid, Incorporated, the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative and collateral agent | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.1 | | 9/1/2021 | | |
| 10.4** | | Amendment No.4 to Credit Agreement, dated December 17, 2021, among, inter alios, the Company, MacDermid, Incorporated, the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative and collateral agent | | 10-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.4 | | 2/23/2022 | | |
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| | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | Included in this 2024 Annual Report |
Exhibit
Nb. | | Exhibit Description | | Form | | File Nb. | | Exhibit Nb. | | Filing Date | |
| 10.5** | | Amendment No.6 and Joinder to Credit Agreement, dated November 15, 2022, among, inter alios, the Company, MacDermid, Incorporated, the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative and collateral agent | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.1 | | 11/15/2022 | | |
| 10.6** | | Amendment No. 7 to Credit Agreement, dated June 1, 2023, among, inter alios, the Company, MacDermid, Incorporated, the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A, as administrative and collateral agent | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.1 | | 6/5/2023 | | |
| 10.7** | | Amendment No.8 to Credit Agreement, dated December 18, 2023, among, inter alios, the Company, MacDermid, the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative and collateral agent. | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.1 | | 12/22/2023 | | |
| 10.8** | | Amendment No.9 to Credit Agreement, dated October 15, 2024, among, inter alios, the Company, MacDermid, the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time parties thereto, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative and collateral agent. | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.1 | | 10/18/2024 | | |
| 10.9** | | | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.2 | | 2/5/2019 | | |
| 10.10† | | | | 10-Q | | 001-36272 | | 10.2 | | 8/2/2019 | | |
| 10.11† | | | | DEF14A | | 001-36272 | | Appendix A | | 4/19/2024 | | |
| 10.12† | | | | DEF14A | | 001-36272 | | Appendix A | | 4/21/2023 | | |
| 10.13† | | | | 10-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.7 | | 2/25/2021 | | |
| 10.14† | | | | 10-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.9 | | 2/25/2021 | | |
| 10.15† | | | | 8-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.3 | | 3/25/2016 | | |
| 10.16† | | | | 10-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.23 | | 2/28/2019 | | |
| 10.17† | | | | S-4/A | | 333-192778 | | 10.12 | | 1/2/2014 | | |
| 10.18† | | | | 10-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.2 | | 2/23/2022 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | Included in this 2024 Annual Report |
Exhibit
Nb. | | Exhibit Description | | Form | | File Nb. | | Exhibit Nb. | | Filing Date | |
| 10.19 | | | | S-4/A | | 333-192778 | | 10.15 | | 1/2/2014 | | |
| 10.20 | | | | 10-K | | 001-36272 | | 10.19 | | 2/21/2024 | | |
| 14.1 | | | | 10-K | | 001-36272 | | 14.1 | | 2/28/2019 | | |
| 19.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 21.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 23.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 24.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 31.1 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 31.2 | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 32.1* | | | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 97.1 | | | | 10-K | | 001-36272 | | 97.1 | | 2/21/2024 | | |
| 101.SCH* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 101.CAL* | | Inline XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 101.DEF* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 101.LAB* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 101.PRE* | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 101.INS* | | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL documents | | | | | | | | | | X |
| 104* | | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and included in Exhibit 101) | | | | | | | | | | X |
| | | | | | | | |
| * | | Furnished herewith. |
| ** | | Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request. |
| † | | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
(B) Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
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.
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| | | | ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC |
| | | | |
| | | | By: | | /s/ Michael Russnok |
| | | | | | Michael Russnok |
| | | | | | Chief Accounting Officer |
| | | | Date: | | February 19, 2025 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Signature | | Title | Date |
| /s/ Benjamin H. Gliklich | | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer | February 19, 2025 |
| Benjamin H. Gliklich | | (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| | | |
| /s/ Carey J. Dorman | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | February 19, 2025 |
| Carey J. Dorman | | (Principal Financial Officer) | |
| | | | |
| /s/ Michael Russnok | | Chief Accounting Officer | February 19, 2025 |
| Michael Russnok | | (Principal Accounting Officer) | |
| | | |
| /s/ Sir Martin E. Franklin | | Executive Chairman of the Board | February 19, 2025 |
| Sir Martin E. Franklin | | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ Ian G.H. Ashken | | Director | February 19, 2025 |
| Ian G.H. Ashken | | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ Elyse Filon | | Director | February 19, 2025 |
| Elyse Filon | | | |
| | | |
| /s/ Christopher T. Fraser | | Director | February 19, 2025 |
| Christopher T. Fraser | | | |
| | | |
| /s/ Michael F. Goss | | Director | February 19, 2025 |
| Michael F. Goss | | | |
| | | | |
| /s/ E. Stanley O’Neal | | Director | February 19, 2025 |
| E. Stanley O'Neal | | | |
| | | |
| /s/ Susan W. Sofronas | | Director | February 19, 2025 |
| Susan W. Sofronas | | | |
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
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| Consolidated Financial Statements: | | |
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| Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | | |
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| Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | | |
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| December 31, 2024 and 2023 | | |
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| Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | | |
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| Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | | |
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| Financial Statement Schedule: | | |
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| Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 | | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Element Solutions Inc
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Element Solutions Inc and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, of changes in stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
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 (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 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 (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 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.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Valuation Allowance Assessment of U.K. Deferred Tax Assets
As described in Notes 2 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has recorded $241.8 million of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2024, net of valuation allowances of $69.5 million. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets, liabilities, net operating losses and tax carryforwards. A valuation allowance is required to be recognized to reduce the recorded deferred tax asset to the amount that will be more likely than not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income by jurisdiction during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible or when carryforwards can be utilized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in this assessment. The Company expects improved profitability in its U.K. business and a shift to a three-year cumulative income position. These expectations are based on actual results, management’s assessment of projected future taxable income, and expected utilization of net operating losses and tax carryforwards. Management determined there was sufficient positive, objectively verifiable evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that, as of December 31, 2024, select U.K. net deferred tax assets will be realized. As such, management released valuation allowances of $40.8 million previously recorded against certain U.K. tax attribute carryforwards, primarily consisting of net operating loss carryforwards and interest carryforwards.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation allowance assessment of U.K. deferred tax assets is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management in determining whether the U.K. deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be partially realized; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to projected future taxable income and expected utilization of net operating losses and tax carryforwards and (iii) the audit effort involved in the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the valuation allowance assessment of deferred tax assets, including controls over the determination of future taxable income, expected utilization of net operating losses, and tax carryforwards as it relates to the U.K. deferred tax assets. These procedures also included, among others, (i) evaluating the positive and negative evidence available to support management’s assessment of the realizability of the U.K. deferred tax assets; (ii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used by management in determining the realizability of the U.K. deferred tax assets; and (iii) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management related to projected future taxable income and expected utilization of net operating losses and tax carryforwards. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to projected future taxable income and expected utilization of net operating losses and tax carryforwards involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the U.K. entity and (ii) whether the assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the reasonableness of management's application of technical rules in their assessment of the realizability of the U.K. deferred tax assets.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Miami, Florida
February 19, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
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| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net sales | | $ | 2,456.9 | | | $ | 2,333.2 | | | $ | 2,549.4 | |
| Cost of sales | | 1,421.2 | | | 1,414.7 | | | 1,596.7 | |
| Gross profit | | 1,035.7 | | | 918.5 | | | 952.7 | |
| Operating expenses: | | | | | | |
| Selling, technical, general and administrative | | 628.8 | | | 596.8 | | | 578.6 | |
| Research and development | | 63.0 | | | 68.1 | | | 48.8 | |
| Goodwill impairment | | — | | | 80.0 | | | — | |
| Total operating expenses | | 691.8 | | | 744.9 | | | 627.4 | |
| Operating profit | | 343.9 | | | 173.6 | | | 325.3 | |
| Other (expense) income: | | | | | | |
| Interest expense, net | | (56.3) | | | (49.3) | | | (51.2) | |
| Foreign exchange gains (losses) | | 25.1 | | | 7.9 | | | (5.0) | |
| Other (expense) income, net | | (25.0) | | | (3.1) | | | 2.9 | |
| Total other expense | | (56.2) | | | (44.5) | | | (53.3) | |
| Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests | | 287.7 | | | 129.1 | | | 272.0 | |
| Income tax expense | | (44.8) | | | (13.0) | | | (85.8) | |
| Net income from continuing operations | | 242.9 | | | 116.1 | | | 186.2 | |
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | | 1.6 | | | 2.1 | | | 1.8 | |
| Net income | | 244.5 | | | 118.2 | | | 188.0 | |
| Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests | | (0.3) | | | (0.1) | | | (0.8) | |
| Net income attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 244.2 | | | $ | 118.1 | | | $ | 187.2 | |
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| Earnings per share | | | | | | |
| Basic from continuing operations | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 0.48 | | | $ | 0.75 | |
| Basic from discontinued operations | | 0.01 | | | 0.01 | | | 0.01 | |
| Basic attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 1.01 | | | $ | 0.49 | | | $ | 0.76 | |
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| Diluted from continuing operations | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 0.48 | | | $ | 0.75 | |
| Diluted from discontinued operations | | 0.01 | | | 0.01 | | | 0.01 | |
| Diluted attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 1.01 | | | $ | 0.49 | | | $ | 0.76 | |
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| Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | | | | |
| Basic | | 242.1 | | | 241.4 | | | 245.1 | |
| Diluted | | 242.6 | | | 241.8 | | | 245.8 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(dollars in millions)
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| | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net income | | $ | 244.5 | | | $ | 118.2 | | | $ | 188.0 | |
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| Other comprehensive loss | | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation: | | | | | | |
| Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax expense (benefit) of $12.8, $(11.1) and $(6.1) for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively | | (122.3) | | | (26.1) | | | (148.5) | |
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| Total foreign currency translation adjustments | | (122.3) | | | (26.1) | | | (148.5) | |
| Pension and post-retirement plans: | | | | | | |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax expense (benefit) of $1.7, $1.1 and $(1.8) for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively | | 5.2 | | | 3.4 | | | (5.2) | |
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| Total pension and post-retirement plans | | 5.2 | | | 3.4 | | | (5.2) | |
| Available-for-sale debt securities: | | | | | | |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax benefit of $0.0 for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively | | — | | (1.1) | | 1.1 |
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| Total unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale debt securities | | — | | | (1.1) | | | 1.1 | |
| Derivative financial instruments: | | | | | | |
| Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax expense of $6.2, $0.9 and $15.8 for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively | | 19.9 | | | 2.9 | | | 48.2 | |
| Reclassifications, net of tax benefit of $6.9, $8.4 and $0.0 for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively | | (24.3) | | | (27.5) | | | 1.5 | |
| Total unrealized (loss) gain on qualified hedging derivatives | | (4.4) | | | (24.6) | | | 49.7 | |
| Other comprehensive loss | | (121.5) | | | (48.4) | | | (102.9) | |
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| Comprehensive income | | 123.0 | | | 69.8 | | | 85.1 | |
| Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the non-controlling interests | | (0.1) | | | 0.5 | | | 1.4 | |
| Comprehensive income attributable to stockholders | | $ | 122.9 | | | $ | 70.3 | | | $ | 86.5 | |
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | December 31, |
| | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Assets | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 359.4 | | | $ | 289.3 | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10.3 and $12.6 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively | | 439.6 | | | 461.8 | |
| Inventories | | 246.2 | | | 298.9 | |
| Prepaid expenses | | 22.7 | | | 32.5 | |
| Other current assets | | 136.9 | | | 115.0 | |
| Current assets held for sale | | 65.2 | | | — | |
| Total current assets | | 1,270.0 | | | 1,197.5 | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | | 276.8 | | | 296.9 | |
| Goodwill | | 2,132.0 | | | 2,336.7 | |
| Intangible assets, net | | 732.0 | | | 879.3 | |
| Deferred income tax assets | | 133.3 | | | 120.5 | |
| Other assets | | 140.9 | | | 143.2 | |
| Non-current assets held for sale | | 188.9 | | | — | |
| Total assets | | $ | 4,873.9 | | | $ | 4,974.1 | |
| Liabilities and stockholders' equity | | | | |
| Accounts payable | | $ | 121.3 | | | $ | 140.6 | |
| Current installments of long-term debt | | 10.4 | | | 11.5 | |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | | 229.3 | | | 217.3 | |
| Current liabilities held for sale | | 18.7 | | | — | |
| Total current liabilities | | 379.7 | | | 369.4 | |
| Debt | | 1,813.6 | | | 1,921.0 | |
| Pension and post-retirement benefits | | 22.2 | | | 28.1 | |
| Deferred income tax liabilities | | 93.9 | | | 108.9 | |
| Other liabilities | | 152.6 | | | 202.4 | |
| Non-current liabilities held for sale | | 13.5 | | | — | |
| Total liabilities | | 2,475.5 | | | 2,629.8 | |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) | | | | |
| Stockholders' equity | | | | |
| | | | |
| Common stock, 400.0 shares authorized (2024: 267.2 shares issued; 2023: 266.2 shares issued) | | 2.7 | | | 2.7 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | | 4,214.1 | | | 4,196.9 | |
| Treasury stock (2024: 25.0 shares; 2023: 24.6 shares) | | (349.5) | | | (341.9) | |
| Accumulated deficit | | (1,017.1) | | | (1,183.3) | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | (467.2) | | | (345.9) | |
| Total stockholders' equity | | 2,383.0 | | | 2,328.5 | |
| Non-controlling interests | | 15.4 | | | 15.8 | |
| Total equity | | 2,398.4 | | | 2,344.3 | |
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | | $ | 4,873.9 | | | $ | 4,974.1 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
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| | | Year Ended December 31, | | | |
| | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 | | | |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 244.5 | | | $ | 118.2 | | | $ | 188.0 | | | | |
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | | 1.6 | | | 2.1 | | | 1.8 | | | | |
| Net income from continuing operations | | 242.9 | | | 116.1 | | | 186.2 | | | | |
| Reconciliations of net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | 157.6 | | | 166.7 | | | 161.3 | | | | |
| Deferred income taxes | | (39.2) | | | (69.9) | | | 15.1 | | | | |
| Foreign exchange (gains) losses | | (24.4) | | | (10.6) | | | 3.4 | | | | |
| Incentive stock compensation | | 14.8 | | | 9.4 | | | 17.7 | | | | |
| Goodwill impairment | | — | | | 80.0 | | | — | | | | |
| Other, net | | 22.9 | | | 42.2 | | | 11.4 | | | | |
| Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: | | | | | | | | | |
| Accounts receivable | | (29.9) | | | (6.8) | | | 6.4 | | | | |
| Inventories | | 7.8 | | | (9.5) | | | (31.2) | | | | |
| Accounts payable | | (1.0) | | | 0.3 | | | (0.1) | | | | |
| Accrued expenses | | 33.0 | | | 9.9 | | | (33.0) | | | | |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | (4.2) | | | 1.9 | | | (26.6) | | | | |
| Other assets and liabilities | | (18.3) | | | 3.9 | | | (14.7) | | | | |
| Net cash flows provided by operating activities | | 362.0 | | | 333.6 | | | 295.9 | | | | |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital expenditures | | (68.4) | | | (52.7) | | | (47.8) | | | | |
| Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment | | — | | | 1.4 | | | 4.8 | | | | |
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| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | | (3.9) | | | (214.8) | | | (22.6) | | | | |
| Other, net | | (1.5) | | | 15.9 | | | (9.6) | | | | |
| Net cash flows used in investing activities | | (73.8) | | | (250.2) | | | (75.2) | | | | |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Debt proceeds, net of discount | | 1,040.1 | | | 1,297.1 | | | — | | | | |
| Repayments of borrowings | | (1,152.6) | | | (1,264.1) | | | (16.4) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Repurchases of common stock | | — | | | — | | | (151.0) | | | | |
| Dividends | | (78.2) | | | (77.4) | | | (78.4) | | | | |
| Payment of financing fees | | (3.2) | | | (6.3) | | | (1.9) | | | | |
| Other, net | | (12.7) | | | (8.0) | | | (27.9) | | | | |
| Net cash flows used in financing activities | | (206.6) | | | (58.7) | | | (275.6) | | | | |
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| Net cash flows provided by operating activities of discontinued operations | | 1.6 | | | 2.2 | | | 1.8 | | | | |
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| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | (13.1) | | | (3.2) | | | (11.4) | | | | |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | 70.1 | | | 23.7 | | | (64.5) | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | 289.3 | | | 265.6 | | | 330.1 | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 359.4 | | | $ | 289.3 | | | $ | 265.6 | | | | |
| Supplemental disclosure information of continuing operations: | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash paid for interest | | $ | 64.8 | | | $ | 56.1 | | | $ | 46.9 | | | | |
| Cash paid for income taxes | | $ | 87.2 | | | $ | 73.7 | | | $ | 66.5 | | | | |
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(dollars in millions, except share and per share amounts)
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| | Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Treasury Stock | | Accumulated Deficit | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | | Total Stockholders' Equity | | Non- controlling Interests | | Total Equity | |
| | Shares | | Amount | Shares | | Amount | |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | 266,179,100 | | | $ | 2.7 | | | $ | 4,196.9 | | | 24,644,755 | | | $ | (341.9) | | | $ | (1,183.3) | | | $ | (345.9) | | | $ | 2,328.5 | | | $ | 15.8 | | | $ | 2,344.3 | | |
| Net income | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 244.2 | | | — | | | 244.2 | | | 0.3 | | | 244.5 | | |
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (121.3) | | | (121.3) | | | (0.2) | | | (121.5) | | |
| Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 66,308 | | | — | | | 1.3 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1.3 | | | — | | | 1.3 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends ($0.32 per share) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (78.0) | | | — | | | (78.0) | | | | | (78.0) | | |
| Equity compensation expense | — | | | — | | | 15.1 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 15.1 | | | — | | | 15.1 | | |
| Exercise/ vesting of stock-based compensation | 909,066 | | | — | | | 0.2 | | | 327,646 | | | (7.6) | | | — | | | — | | | (7.4) | | | — | | | (7.4) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Changes in non-controlling interests | — | | | — | | | 0.6 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 0.6 | | | (0.5) | | | 0.1 | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | 267,154,474 | | | $ | 2.7 | | | $ | 4,214.1 | | | 24,972,401 | | | $ | (349.5) | | | $ | (1,017.1) | | | $ | (467.2) | | | $ | 2,383.0 | | | $ | 15.4 | | | $ | 2,398.4 | | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
(dollars in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Treasury Stock | | Accumulated Deficit | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | | Total Stockholders' Equity | | Non- controlling Interests | | Total Equity |
| Shares | | Amount | Shares | | Amount |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | 265,062,533 | | | $ | 2.7 | | | $ | 4,185.9 | | | 24,272,748 | | | $ | (334.2) | | | $ | (1,223.8) | | | $ | (298.1) | | | $ | 2,332.5 | | | $ | 16.6 | | | $ | 2,349.1 | |
| Net income | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 118.1 | | | — | | | 118.1 | | | 0.1 | | | 118.2 | |
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (47.8) | | | (47.8) | | | (0.6) | | | (48.4) | |
| Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 78,375 | | | — | | | 1.3 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1.3 | | | — | | | 1.3 | |
| Dividends ($0.32 per share) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (77.6) | | | — | | | (77.6) | | | | | (77.6) | |
| Equity compensation expense | — | | | — | | | 9.7 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 9.7 | | | — | | | 9.7 | |
| Exercise/ vesting of stock-based compensation | 1,038,192 | | | — | | | | | 372,007 | | | (7.7) | | | — | | | — | | | (7.7) | | | — | | | (7.7) | |
| Changes in non-controlling interests | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (0.3) | | | (0.3) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | 266,179,100 | | | $ | 2.7 | | | $ | 4,196.9 | | | 24,644,755 | | | $ | (341.9) | | | $ | (1,183.3) | | | $ | (345.9) | | | $ | 2,328.5 | | | $ | 15.8 | | | $ | 2,344.3 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued)
(dollars in millions, except share and per share amounts)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Treasury Stock | | Accumulated Deficit | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | | Total Stockholders' Equity | | Non- controlling Interests | | Total Equity |
| Shares | | Amount | Shares | | Amount |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | 261,937,509 | | | $ | 2.6 | | | $ | 4,166.6 | | | 15,195,525 | | | $ | (159.2) | | | $ | (1,331.9) | | | $ | (197.4) | | | $ | 2,480.7 | | | $ | 20.1 | | | $ | 2,500.8 | |
| Net income | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 187.2 | | | — | | | 187.2 | | | 0.8 | | | 188.0 | |
| Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (100.7) | | | (100.7) | | | (2.2) | | | (102.9) | |
| Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 79,075 | | | — | | | 1.3 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1.3 | | | — | | | 1.3 | |
| Repurchases of common stock | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8,042,587 | | | (151.0) | | | — | | | — | | | (151.0) | | | — | | | (151.0) | |
| Dividends ($0.32 per share) | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (79.1) | | | — | | | (79.1) | | | — | | | (79.1) | |
| Equity compensation expense | — | | | — | | | 18.1 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 18.1 | | | — | | | 18.1 | |
| Exercise/ vesting of share based compensation | 3,045,949 | | | 0.1 | | | — | | | 1,034,636 | | | (24.0) | | | — | | | — | | | (23.9) | | | — | | | (23.9) | |
| Changes in non-controlling interests | — | | | — | | | (0.1) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (0.1) | | | (2.1) | | | (2.2) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | 265,062,533 | | | $ | 2.7 | | | $ | 4,185.9 | | | 24,272,748 | | | $ | (334.2) | | | $ | (1,223.8) | | | $ | (298.1) | | | $ | 2,332.5 | | | $ | 16.6 | | | $ | 2,349.1 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Background
Element Solutions was incorporated in Delaware in January 2014 and its shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ESI.”
Element Solutions is a leading global specialty chemicals company whose businesses supply a broad range of solutions that enhance the performance of products people use every day. Developed in multi-step technological processes, these innovative solutions enable customers' manufacturing processes in several key industries, including consumer electronics, power electronics, semiconductor fabrication, communications and data storage infrastructure, automotive systems, industrial surface finishing, consumer packaging and offshore energy. Element Solutions businesses provide products that, in substantially all cases, are consumed by customers as part of their production process, providing the Company with reliable and recurring revenue streams as the products are replenished in order to continue production. Element Solutions delivers its products to customers through its sales and service workforce, regional distributors and manufacturing representatives.
The Company's operations are organized in two reportable segments: Electronics and Industrial & Specialty. The reportable segments represent businesses for which separate financial information is utilized by the chief operating decision maker for the purpose of allocating resources and evaluating performance.
Electronics – The Electronics segment researches, formulates and sells specialty chemicals and process technologies for all types of electronics hardware, from complex printed circuit board designs to advanced semiconductor packaging. In mobile communications, computers, automobiles and aerospace equipment, its products are an integral part of the electronics manufacturing process and the functionality of end-products. The segment's "wet chemistries" for metallization, surface treatments and solderable finishes form the physical circuitry pathways, and its "assembly materials," such as SMT, pastes, fluxes and adhesives, join those pathways together. The segment provides specialty chemical solutions through the following businesses: Assembly Solutions, Circuitry Solutions and Semiconductor Solutions.
Industrial & Specialty – The Industrial & Specialty segment researches, formulates and sells specialty chemicals and process technologies that enhance surfaces or improve industrial processes in diverse industrial sectors from automotive trim to transcontinental infrastructure and from high-speed printing to high-design faucets. Its products include chemical systems that protect and decorate metal and plastic surfaces; consumable chemicals that enable printing image transfer on flexible packaging materials; and chemistries used in water-based hydraulic control fluids for offshore energy production. These fully consumable products are used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, consumer electronics, consumer packaged goods and oil and gas production end-markets. The segment provides specialty chemical solutions through the following businesses: Industrial Solutions, Graphics Solutions and Energy Solutions.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and include the accounts of Element Solutions and all of its controlled subsidiaries. The Company consolidates the income, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows of its subsidiaries from the date it acquires control or becomes the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP, management uses estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Management applies judgment based on its understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including historical experience and future expectations. These judgments, by their nature, are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty and, accordingly, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions.
The Company transferred operational responsibility of its Films business from its Graphics Solutions business and its Industrial Solutions business, both within its Industrial & Specialty segment, to its Circuitry Solutions business in its Electronics segment in the first quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2022, respectively. The financial results of this business are not material to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, the Company transferred certain product lines between its
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Assembly Solutions business and its Semiconductor Solutions business, both within its Electronics segment, to align more closely with its current business structure in the first quarter of 2023. Historical information has been reclassified to reflect these changes for all periods presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly-liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts associated with expected credit losses using a combination of factors to reduce trade receivable balances to their estimated net realizable amount. The Company maintains and adjusts its allowance for credit losses based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables have been past due under the applicable contractual terms, current and future macroeconomic trends and conditions, significant one-time events such as bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, historical experience and the financial condition of its customers. Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally diversified due to the large number of entities comprising the Company's customer base and its dispersion across many different geographical regions. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not believe it had any significant concentrations of credit risk that could materially impact its results of operations or financial position.
Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost being determined by the first-in/first-out and average cost methods. The Company regularly reviews inventories for obsolescence and excess quantities, and calculates reserves based on historical write-offs, customer demand, age of inventory, product evolution, usage rates and quantities of stock on hand. Additional obsolescence reserves may be required if actual sales are less favorable than those projected or product lifecycles differ from expectations.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net – Property, plant and equipment, net is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company records depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each asset.
Estimated useful lives by asset class are as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Average useful life (in years) |
| Buildings and building improvements | | 5 | | to | | 20 |
| Machinery, equipment and fixtures | | 3 | | to | | 15 |
| Computer hardware and software | | 3 | | to | | 7 |
| Furniture and automobiles | | 3 | | to | | 7 |
| Leasehold improvements | | Lesser of useful life or lease term |
Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred, while renewals and improvements, which significantly extend the useful life of the asset, are capitalized and expensed over its remaining useful life. Costs and accumulated depreciation on assets retired or disposed of are removed from the accounts and any resulting gains or losses are recorded to earnings in the period of disposal.
Business Combinations – The Company allocates the purchase price of acquisitions to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. Significant assumptions inherent in the valuation of the intangible assets acquired include the amount and timing of future cash flows, including expected growth rates, profitability and customer attrition rate, and the discount rate applied to the projected cash flows, among other considerations, from the vantage point of a market participant. The excess of the acquisition price over those estimated fair values is recorded as goodwill. Changes to the acquisition date provisional fair values prior to the end of the measurement period are recorded as adjustments to goodwill.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Goodwill – Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually in the fourth quarter, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. The Company's reporting units are determined based upon its organizational structure in place at the date of the goodwill impairment test.
The Company may elect to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors, and overall financial performance of the reporting units. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs a quantitative test.
For the quantitative test, the Company tests for impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit is based equally on market multiples and the present value of discounted future cash flows. The discounted cash flows are prepared based upon cash flows at the reporting unit level. The cash flow model utilized in the goodwill impairment test involves significant judgments related to future growth rates, gross profit, operating expenses and discount rates, among other considerations from the vantage point of a market participant. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the goodwill impairment loss is calculated as the difference between these amounts, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
The primary components of and assumptions used in the assessment consist of the following:
•Valuation Techniques - the Company uses a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires assumptions about short and long-term net cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. Additionally, it considers guideline company and guideline transaction information, where available, to aid in the valuation of the reporting units.
•Growth Assumptions - Multi-year financial forecasts are developed for each reporting unit based on several key growth drivers, such as new business initiatives, client service and retention standards, market share changes, historical performance and industry and economic trends, among other considerations.
•Discount Rate Assumptions - Discount rates are estimated based on the WACC, which combines the required return on equity and considers the risk-free interest rate, market risk premium, size risk premium and a company-specific risk premium, with the cost of debt, based on rated corporate bonds, adjusted using an income tax factor.
•Estimated Fair Value and Sensitivities - The estimated fair value of each reporting unit is derived from the valuation techniques described above. This fair value is analyzed in relation to numerous market and historical factors, including current economic and market conditions, company-specific growth opportunities and guideline company information.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets – Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for potential impairment on an annual basis, in the fourth quarter, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that such assets may be impaired, by comparing their estimated fair values to their carrying values. An impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value. The Company uses the “relief from royalty” method to estimate the fair value of trade name intangible assets for impairment. The primary assumptions used to estimate the present value of cash flows from such assets include sales projections and growth rates being applied to a prevailing market-based royalty rate; the effects of which are then tax effected and discounted using the WACC from the vantage point of a market participant. Assumptions concerning sales projections are impacted by the uncertain nature of global and local economic conditions in the various markets it serves.
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets – Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which currently range from 8 to 25 years for customer relationships, 3 to 10 years for developed technologies, 5 to 20 years for trade names, 15 years for reacquired distribution rights and up to 5 years for other intangible assets. If circumstances require a long-lived asset group to be tested for possible impairment, the Company first determines if the estimated undiscounted future pre-tax cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset or asset group, if any, are less than its carrying value. When an impairment is identified, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Leases – The Company determines whether an arrangement is a lease at inception. Right-of-use (or ROU) assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The interest rate used to determine the present value of future lease payments is the Company's incremental borrowing rate as the implicit rate in its leases is not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis for borrowings with similar terms and payments. The Company's leases may include variable payments such as common area maintenance, insurance, real estate taxes, changes in price indices or other costs, which are expensed as incurred. ROU assets also include any lease payments made prior to commencement and are recorded net of any lease incentives received. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. Lease expense for fixed lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Contingencies and Commitments – The Company records accruals for loss contingencies and commitments which are both probable and reasonably estimable. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of loss. The Company reviews accruals on a quarterly basis and adjusts, as necessary, to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other current information. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.
Environmental Matters – The Company accrues for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on current laws and existing technologies. Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and cleanup are charged to expense. The accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities” at undiscounted amounts. Receivables for related insurance or other third-party recoveries for environmental liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a recovery will be realized and are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Other current assets" and "Other assets."
Employee Benefits – Amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements related to pension and other post-retirement benefits are determined from actuarial valuations. Inherent in such valuations are assumptions, including expected return on plan assets, discount rates at which the liabilities could be settled, rates of increase in future compensation levels and mortality rates. These assumptions are updated annually and are disclosed in Note 10, Pension, Post-Retirement and Post-Employment Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results that differ from the assumptions are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" within Stockholders’ Equity and amortized over future periods and, therefore, affect expense recognized.
The Company considers a number of factors in determining and selecting assumptions for the overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, including the historical long-term return experience of its plan assets as well as their current and expected allocation and expected long-term rates of return. Expected long-term rates of return are determined with the assistance of investment advisors. The Company bases its expected allocation of plan assets on a diversified portfolio consisting of domestic and international equity securities, fixed income securities and alternative asset classes. The measurement date used to determine pension and other post-retirement benefits is December 31.
Derivatives – The Company recognizes all contracts that meet the definition of a derivative as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. To designate a derivative for hedge accounting at inception and throughout the hedge period, the Company formally documents the nature and relationships between the hedging instrument and hedged item, as well as its risk-management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions and the method of assessing hedge effectiveness. Additionally, for hedges of forecasted transactions, the significant characteristics and expected terms of forecasted transactions are specifically identified, and the likelihood of each forecasted transaction occurring is deemed probable. If it is determined that a forecasted transaction will not occur, a gain or loss is recognized in current earnings. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period. The Company does not engage in trading or other speculative uses of financial instruments. It is the Company's policy to disclose the fair value of derivative instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
If hedge accounting is applied, the effective portion of unrealized gains and losses associated with the derivatives are deferred as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" until the underlying hedged transactions are reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. For derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments, the
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Company records changes in the net fair value of such contracts in "Other (expense) income, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Realized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts, commodity derivative contracts and the net periodic payments from interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps are reflected as "Cash flows from operating activities" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Proceeds from the monetization of interest rate swaps are reflected as "Cash flows from operating activities" and proceeds from the monetization of cross-currency swaps are reflected as "Cash flows from investing activities" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 13, Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Financial Instruments – The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt. The Company believes that the carrying value of its cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are representative of their respective fair values because of their short maturities.
Foreign Currency Translation – The Company’s foreign subsidiaries primarily use their local currency as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet dates. The Consolidated Statements of Operations are translated at average foreign currency exchange rates for the periods presented. Cumulative currency translation adjustments are included in the stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Accumulated other comprehensive loss." Net gains and losses from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as "Foreign exchange gains (losses)."
Revenue Recognition – The Company recognizes revenue when a customer obtains control of the products it purchased, which occurs upon shipment or delivery, when title or the risks and rewards of ownership have been passed on to the customer, the Company's performance obligations have been fulfilled and collectability is probable. Estimates for sales rebates, incentives and discounts as well as sales returns and allowances are accounted for as reductions of revenue when the earnings process is complete. Sales rebates, incentives and discounts are typically earned by customers based on annual sales volume targets. The Company records an estimate for these accruals based on contract terms and its historical experience with similar programs, however, changes to these estimates may be required if the historical data used in the calculation differs from actual experience. Differences between estimated expense and actual costs are typically immaterial and are recognized in earnings in the period such differences are determined. Variable consideration for volume discounts, rebates and returns are recorded as liabilities and settled with the customer in accordance with the terms of the applicable contract, typically when program requirements are achieved by the customer.
Most performance obligations relate to contracts with a duration of less than one year, in which the Company has the right to invoice the customer at the time the performance obligation is satisfied for the amount of revenue recognized at that time. The Company expenses incremental costs for obtaining contracts with terms of less than one year.
See Note 22, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a disaggregation of net sales by business unit.
Research and Development – Research and development costs, which primarily relate to internal salaries, are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes – The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets, liabilities, net operating losses and tax carryforwards. A valuation allowance is required to be recognized to reduce the recorded deferred tax asset to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income by jurisdiction during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible or when carryforwards can be utilized. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in this assessment. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date of such change.
Tax benefits are recognized for an uncertain tax position when the Company considers it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority or upon completion of the litigation process. For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount that is
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
judged to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances and when new information becomes available. Such adjustments are recognized in the period in which they are identified.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans – Stock-based compensation is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as "Selling, technical, general and administrative" expense over the requisite service period based on the estimated grant-date fair value of the awards, effected for forfeitures as they occur. The fair value of RSU awards is determined using the closing price of Element Solutions' common stock on the date of grant.
Compensation costs for awards with performance conditions are only recognized if and when it becomes probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. The probability of vesting is reassessed at the end of each reporting period and the compensation costs are adjusted accordingly with the cumulative effect of such a change on current and prior periods being recognized in compensation cost in the period of the change.
Earnings Per Share – Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of all potentially dilutive share equivalents using the if-converted or treasury stock methods, provided that the effects of which are not anti-dilutive. For stock options and RSUs, it is assumed that the proceeds will be used to buy back shares. For stock options, such proceeds equal the average unrecognized compensation plus the assumed exercise of weighted average number of options outstanding. For unvested RSUs, the assumed proceeds equal the average unrecognized compensation expense.
Fair Value Measurements – The Company determines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Inputs used in the valuation techniques to determine fair values are classified based on a three-level hierarchy. The basis for fair value measurements for each level within the hierarchy is described below, with Level 1 having the highest priority and Level 3 having the lowest. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
•Level 1 – inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2 – inputs are quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in non-active markets; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant valuation drivers are observable.
•Level 3 – inputs to valuation models are unobservable and/or reflect the Company’s market assumptions.
The fair value hierarchy is based on maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company transfers the fair value of an asset or liability between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which a significant change in the inputs used to determine the fair value has occurred.
NAV Practical Expedient is the measure of fair value using the net asset value (or NAV) per share (or its equivalent) as an alternative to the fair value hierarchy discussed above.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, "Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures," which requires the disclosure of significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis. The Company adopted the new standard on December 31, 2024. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 22, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Income Taxes (Topic 740) - In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, "Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures," which requires enhanced disclosures in the effective tax rate reconciliation and the disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning in fiscal year 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its disclosures to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Statement (Topic 220) - In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, "Reporting Comprehensive Income -Expense Disaggregation Disclosures," which requires enhanced disclosures regarding certain expenses in the financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning in fiscal year 2027 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning in fiscal year 2028. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its disclosures to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
4. ACQUISITIONS
ViaForm Distribution Rights
On June 1, 2023, the Company reacquired the right to market and distribute directly (rather than through its exclusive distributor) its ViaForm® electrochemical deposition products by terminating a long-standing distribution agreement for $200 million, including $170 million paid at closing and a deferred payment of $30.0 million which was paid in the fourth quarter of 2023. Following the completion of the transaction, the Company now manages all aspects of the ViaForm® product line in-house, which it believes will result in a more efficient supply chain and improved customer outcomes for leading semiconductor fabricators. The transaction did not meet the accounting definition of a business which precluded any goodwill from being recognized and resulted in the Company capitalizing $0.5 million of transaction costs. The financial results of this transaction are included in the Company's Semiconductor Solutions business within its Electronics segment.
In connection with the transaction, the Company recognized a reacquired distribution right intangible asset of $187 million, which will be amortized over 15 years, and a receivable of $13.5 million, which was settled in the fourth quarter of 2023 with $6.1 million of inventory and $7.4 million cash (which reduced the purchase price paid by the cash received). The amounts paid are deductible for tax purposes.
Kuprion Acquisition
On May 19, 2023, the Company completed the Kuprion Acquisition for $15.9 million, net of cash, with potential additional payments in various installments, which are not to exceed $259 million in aggregate, to be made upon the achievement of certain milestones associated with product qualification and revenue through December 31, 2030. The Company acquired Kuprion, Inc. to complement its next-generation nano-copper technology for the semiconductor, circuit board and electronics assembly markets. As the acquisition did not meet the accounting definition of a business and the technology acquired was still in development with no alternative future use, $15.7 million was expensed to "Research and development" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Any potential earn-out payments to be paid based on milestones will be recognized when probable and estimable and either expensed as additional research and development expense, if the technology did not yet meet the accounting definition of an asset, or capitalized as a developed technology intangible asset. The Company did not make any payments associated with the contingent consideration during the year ended December 31, 2023. Kuprion, Inc. is included in the Company's Semiconductor Solutions business within its Electronics segment.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In the first quarter of 2024, one of the product qualification milestones agreed to as part of the Kuprion Acquisition was achieved. As a result, the Company made a payment of $3.9 million, which was expensed to "Research and development" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the technology did not yet meet the accounting definition of an asset. The payment was included in "Acquisitions, net of cash acquired" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a cash outflow from investing activities. The amounts paid, including future consideration, are not deductible for tax purposes.
HSO Acquisition
On January 26, 2022, the Company completed the HSO Acquisition for approximately $23 million, net of cash. HSO is a multi-national developer of technology and chemistry for decorative and functional surface finishing with a focus on environmentally sustainable products, especially in the field of plating on plastics. HSO is included in the Company's Industrial Solutions business within its Industrial & Specialty segment and was not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In connection with this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $11.7 million of finite-lived intangible assets, primarily customer relationships.
5. HELD FOR SALE
MGS Transaction
On September 1, 2024, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its flexographic printing plate business, MacDermid Graphics Solutions, for approximately $325 million. MacDermid Graphics Solutions constitutes substantially all of the Company’s Graphics Solutions business within its Industrial & Specialty segment. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments.
The pending disposition met the accounting criteria to be classified as held for sale but did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. As a result, the assets and liabilities of MacDermid Graphics Solutions are classified as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and depreciation and amortization ceased as of September 1, 2024. The Company compared the expected proceeds from the transaction less costs to sell to the carrying value of MacDermid Graphics Solutions and determined that its fair value exceeded its carrying value.
The major components of MacDermid Graphics Solutions' assets and liabilities classified as held for sale were as follows: | | | | | | | | |
| (dollars in millions) | | December 31, 2024 |
| Assets held for sale: | | |
| Accounts receivable, net | | $ | 28.7 | |
| Inventories | | 30.6 | |
| Other current assets | | 5.9 | |
| Current assets held for sale | | $ | 65.2 | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | | 35.3 | |
| Goodwill | | 127.9 | |
| Intangible assets, net | | 11.0 | |
| ROU assets | | 11.3 | |
| Other assets | | 3.4 | |
| Non-current assets held for sale | | $ | 188.9 | |
| Liabilities held for sale: | | |
| Accounts payable | | $ | 9.3 | |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | | 9.4 | |
| Current liabilities held for sale | | $ | 18.7 | |
| Non-current lease liabilities | | 11.4 | |
| Other liabilities | | 2.1 | |
| Non-current liabilities held for sale | | $ | 13.5 | |
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6. INVENTORIES
The major components of inventories, on a net basis, were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Finished goods | | $ | 137.4 | | | $ | 176.2 | |
| Work in process | | 35.6 | | | 37.5 | |
| Raw materials and supplies | | 73.2 | | | 85.2 | |
| Total inventories | | $ | 246.2 | | | $ | 298.9 | |
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
The major components of property, plant and equipment, net were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Land and leasehold improvements | | $ | 48.0 | | | $ | 51.7 | |
| Buildings and improvements | | 180.0 | | | 168.5 | |
| Machinery, equipment, fixtures and software | | 313.1 | | | 334.3 | |
| Construction in process | | 55.5 | | | 66.7 | |
| Total property, plant and equipment | | 596.6 | | | 621.2 | |
| Accumulated depreciation | | (319.8) | | | (324.3) | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | | $ | 276.8 | | | $ | 296.9 | |
For 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded depreciation expense of $40.0 million, $42.6 million and $41.6 million, respectively.
8. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | | Electronics | | Industrial & Specialty | | Total |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | | $ | 1,304.0 | | | $ | 1,108.8 | | (1) | $ | 2,412.8 | |
Transfer of Films business (2) | | 7.9 | | | (7.9) | | | — | |
| Goodwill impairment | | — | | | (80.0) | | | (80.0) | |
| Foreign currency translation and other | | (13.2) | | | 17.1 | | | 3.9 | |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | | 1,298.7 | | | 1,038.0 | | (3) | 2,336.7 | |
Held for sale (4) | | — | | | (130.4) | | | (130.4) | |
| | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation and other | | (40.6) | | | (33.7) | | | (74.3) | |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | | $ | 1,258.1 | | | $ | 873.9 | | (1) | $ | 2,132.0 | |
(1) Includes accumulated impairment losses of $46.6 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
(2) In the first quarter of 2023, the Company transferred operational responsibility of its Films business from its Graphics Solutions business within its Industrial & Specialty segment to its Electronics segment. Goodwill was reallocated using a relative fair value approach and assessed for impairment both before and after the allocation. See Note 1, Background and Basis of Presentation, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
(3) Includes accumulated impairment losses of $127 million.
(4) As a result of the MGS Transaction, MacDermid Graphics Solutions' assets and liabilities, including goodwill, were classified as held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024. Goodwill held for sale includes accumulated impairment losses of $80.0 million. See Note 5, Held for Sale, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the MGS Transaction.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level in the fourth quarter of each year or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. During the third quarter of 2023, given the lower-than-expected results of the Graphics Solutions reporting unit, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of this reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company conducted an interim goodwill impairment test which confirmed that goodwill was impaired, and the Company recorded an $80.0 million impairment charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations to reduce the carrying value of this reporting unit to its estimated fair value. This impairment charge was primarily driven by the reduction of the expected long-term cash flows for the business due to profit margin pressures from raw material inflation across the packaging supply chain, the recent loss of a significant newspaper customer, and a higher WACC as compared to the assumptions used for the 2022 annual goodwill impairment test.
After recording the impairment, the carrying value of the Graphics Solutions reporting unit was equal to its estimated fair value and there have been no events or changes in circumstances that indicated that goodwill was further impaired. As of December 31, 2024, the goodwill assigned to the Graphics Solutions reporting unit was reported as an asset held for sale. See Note 5, Held for Sale, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. No impairments of goodwill were recognized for any of the Company's other reporting units during the year ended December 31, 2023 and no impairments of goodwill were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2022.
Intangible Assets, Net
The major components of intangible assets, net were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
(dollars in millions) | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Book Value | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Book Value |
| Customer relationships | | $ | 830.5 | | | $ | (447.8) | | | $ | 382.7 | | | $ | 978.4 | | | $ | (505.9) | | | $ | 472.5 | |
| Developed technology | | 291.4 | | | (233.3) | | | 58.1 | | | 410.0 | | | (316.2) | | | 93.8 | |
| Trade names | | 92.9 | | | (37.0) | | | 55.9 | | | 95.9 | | | (30.9) | | | 65.0 | |
| Reacquired distribution rights | | 187.0 | | | (19.7) | | | 167.3 | | | 187.0 | | | (7.3) | | | 179.7 | |
| Other | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 0.8 | | | (0.5) | | | 0.3 | |
| Indefinite-lived trade name | | 68.0 | | | — | | | 68.0 | | | 68.0 | | | — | | | 68.0 | |
| Total | | $ | 1,469.8 | | | $ | (737.8) | | | $ | 732.0 | | | $ | 1,740.1 | | | $ | (860.8) | | | $ | 879.3 | |
For 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded amortization expense on intangible assets of $118 million, $124 million and $120 million, respectively. No impairments of indefinite-lived intangible assets were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Estimated future amortization of intangible assets for each of the next five years is as follows: | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | | Amortization Expense |
| 2025 | | $ | 103.0 | |
| 2026 | | 70.4 | |
| 2027 | | 68.9 | |
| 2028 | | 68.8 | |
| 2029 | | 68.5 | |
9. LONG-TERM COMPENSATION PLANS
In 2014 the Company's stockholders adopted the 2013 Plan in connection which a maximum of 15,500,000 shares of common stock were reserved and made available for issuance. On June 4, 2024, the Company adopted the 2024 Plan. Under the 2024 Plan, an additional 10,000,000 shares were reserved for issuance in connection with the vesting of equity-based awards to be granted to our officers, other employees and directors. If awards under our 2013 Plan are forfeited, cancelled, expired or otherwise terminated, the number of shares available under the 2024 Plan will be increased by that amount.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For 2024, 2023 and 2022, compensation expense associated with the Company's long-term compensation plans was as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| RSUs | | $ | 14.8 | | | $ | 9.3 | | | $ | 17.4 | |
| | | | | | |
| Stock options | | — | | | 0.1 | | | 0.3 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 14.8 | | | $ | 9.4 | | | $ | 17.7 | |
| | | | | | |
| Unrecognized compensation expense for awards expected to vest | | $ | 19.4 | | | | | |
| Weighted average remaining vesting period (months) | | 19 | | | | |
At December 31, 2024, a total of 9,767,258 shares of common stock had been issued, and 4,307,288 RSUs and stock options were outstanding. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total | | RSUs | | | | Stock Options |
| | | | | | | | |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | | 4,256,974 | | | 3,872,289 | | | | | 384,685 | |
| Granted | | 1,041,581 | | | 1,041,581 | | | | | — | |
| Exercised/Issued | | (909,066) | | | (892,085) | | | | | (16,981) | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Forfeited | | (82,201) | | | (82,201) | | | | | — | |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2024 | | 4,307,288 | | | 3,939,584 | | | | | 367,704 | |
The total fair value of RSUs which vested during 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $20.9 million, $21.2 million and $70.8 million respectively, based on the stock price on the date of vest.
RSUs
The Company granted the following equity classified RSUs: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year of Issuance: | | RSUs | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | | Weighted Average Vesting Period (months) |
| 2024 | | 1,041,581 | | | $ | 22.54 | | | 28 |
| 2023 | | 1,185,157 | | | $ | 19.75 | | | 27 |
| 2022 | | 2,847,135 | | | $ | 23.23 | | | 51 |
Certain of the RSUs granted during the period contain performance vesting conditions in addition to a service vesting condition. RSUs granted with service or performance vesting conditions were valued at the grant date stock price. Certain RSUs with performance vesting conditions also contain provisions for additional share awards in the event certain performance conditions are met at the end of the applicable measurement periods. These conditions are generally based on Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per share and cash return on investment.
In February 2022, certain key executives were granted 1.95 million performance-based RSUs with an aggregate fair value of $45.4 million. The vesting of these shares is subject to the achievement by the Company of a performance target of adjusted earnings per share of $2.72 by December 31, 2026, and continuous service. If the performance target is achieved, the actual number of shares vested will be determined by applying a total shareholder return (TSR) multiplier based on the Company's TSR relative to a benchmark index for the performance period. The TSR multiplier will range from 0.85 to 1.15. The Company has not recognized compensation expense for these awards as the achievement of the performance target was not probable at December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 respectively.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At December 31, 2024, the following equity classified RSUs were outstanding:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, 2024 | | |
| Vesting Conditions: | | Outstanding | | | | Weighted Average Remaining Vesting Period (months) | | Potential Additional Awards | | | | | | |
| Service-based | | 616,477 | | | | | 10 | | — | | | | | | | |
| Performance-based | | 1,373,107 | | | | | 15 | | 1,373,107 | | | | | | | |
| Performance-based awards deemed not probable | | 1,950,000 | | | | | 26 | | 292,500 | | | | | | | |
| Total | | 3,939,584 | | | | | 16 | | 1,665,607 | | | | | | | |
Stock Options
At December 31, 2024, there were 367,704 outstanding stock options, which were vested and in-the-money, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $5.1 million. There were no unvested outstanding stock options.
10. PENSION, POST-RETIREMENT AND POST-EMPLOYMENT PLANS
For 2024, 2023 and 2022, the net periodic benefit for all plans totaled $1.8 million, $1.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
Domestic Defined Benefit Pension Plan
The domestic non-contributory defined benefit pension plan is closed to new participants. Pursuant to this plan, retirement benefits are provided based upon years of service and compensation levels. An investment committee, appointed by the Board, manages the plan and its assets in accordance with the plan’s investment policies. These investment policies incorporate an asset allocation strategy that emphasizes the long-term growth of capital and acceptable asset volatility as long as it is consistent with the volatility of the relevant market indexes. The investment policies attempt to achieve a mix of approximately 95% of plan investments for liability-matching, 3% for long-term growth and 2% for near-term benefit payments. The Company believes this strategy is consistent with the long-term nature of plan liabilities and ultimate cash needs of the plan. Plan assets consist primarily of listed stocks, equity security funds, short-term treasury bond mutual funds, long-credit funds and derivatives. The weighted average asset allocation of the plan was 95% fixed income holdings, 3% equity securities and derivatives and 2% cash at December 31, 2024.
Actual pension expense and future contributions required to fund this pension plan will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates, the level of Company contributions and various other factors related to the populations participating in this pension plan. The Company evaluates the plan's actuarial assumptions on an annual basis, including the expected long-term rate of return on assets and discount rate, and adjusts the assumptions, as necessary, to ensure proper funding levels are maintained so that the plan can meet obligations as they become due.
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the projected benefit obligation for this pension plan totaled $157 million and $171 million, respectively.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans
The Company sponsors SERPs that entitle certain employees to the difference between the benefits actually paid to them and the benefits they would have received under the pension plan described above were it not for certain restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Service Code. Covered compensation under the SERPs includes an employee’s annual salary and bonus. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the projected benefit obligation for the SERPs totaled $5.0 million and $5.8 million, respectively.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Foreign Pension Plans
The Company's international benefit plans are included in the tables presented below. These plans are not significant, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the projected benefit obligation for these foreign pension plans totaled $18.1 million and $19.8 million, respectively.
Certain foreign subsidiaries maintain other benefit plans that are consistent with statutory practices, but do not meet the criteria for pension or post-retirement accounting and have therefore been excluded from the tables presented below. These benefit plans had obligation balances of $2.2 million and $3.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and were recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" and "Pension and post-retirement benefits."
Domestic Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Medical and Dental Plan
The Company sponsors defined benefit post-retirement medical and dental plans that covers all of its MacDermid, Incorporated, domestic full-time employees, hired prior to April 1, 1997, who retire after age 55, with at least ten to twenty years of service (depending upon the date of hire). Eligible employees receive a subsidy from the Company towards the purchase of their retiree medical benefits based on the date of retirement. The annual increase in the Company’s costs for post-retirement medical benefits is subject to a limit of 5%. Retirees are required to contribute to the plan costs in excess of their respective Company limits in addition to their other required contributions. The projected benefit obligation for the post-retirement plan at December 31, 2024 was comprised of 40% retirees, 28% fully eligible active participants and 32% other participants. The actuarial determination of the Company's accumulated benefit obligation associated with the plan for post-retirement medical benefits assumes annual cost increases of 2% or 4% based on the date of retirement.
The components of net periodic (benefit) cost of the Domestic and Foreign Pension Plans and Domestic Post-Retirement Medical Benefits were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
(dollars in millions) | | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | Foreign |
| Pension and SERP Benefits | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Service cost | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.8 | |
| Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation | | 8.4 | | | 0.6 | | | 8.7 | | | 0.7 | | | 6.3 | | | 0.3 | |
| Expected return on plan assets | | (11.3) | | | (0.2) | | | (10.7) | | | (0.2) | | | (10.1) | | | (0.2) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amortization of actuarial net gain | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (0.1) | | | — | | | (0.1) | |
| Plan curtailment | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (0.4) | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net periodic (benefit) cost | | $ | (2.9) | | | $ | 1.0 | | | $ | (2.0) | | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | (3.8) | | | $ | 0.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Post-retirement Medical Benefits | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation | | $ | 0.3 | | | | | $ | 0.3 | | | | | $ | 0.2 | | | |
| Amortization of actuarial net gain | | (0.2) | | | | | (0.4) | | | | | — | | | |
| Net periodic cost | | $ | 0.1 | | | | | $ | (0.1) | | | | | $ | 0.2 | | | |
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The weighted average key assumptions used to determine the net periodic (benefit) cost of the Domestic and Foreign Pension Plans and Domestic Post-Retirement Medical Benefits were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | Foreign |
| Pension and SERP Benefits | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Discount rate | | 5.0% | | 3.1% | | 5.2% | | 3.5% | | 2.8% | | 1.2% |
| Rate of compensation increase | | 3.0% | | 3.4% | | 3.0% | | 3.2% | | 3.0% | | 2.9% |
| Interest crediting rate | | 5.3% | | 3.3% | | 5.3% | | 3.4% | | 5.3% | | 3.1% |
| Long-term rate of return on assets | | 7.0% | | 3.1% | | 7.0% | | 3.6% | | 4.8% | | 3.1% |
| Post-retirement Medical Benefits | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Discount rate | | 5.0% | | | | 5.1% | | | | 2.9% | | |
The expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption is developed with reference to historical returns, forward-looking return expectations, the Domestic and Foreign Pension Plans' investment allocations and peer comparisons.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following tables summarize changes in benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status of the Company’s plans: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension and SERP Benefits | | Post-Retirement Medical Benefits |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
(dollars in millions) | | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | | | Domestic | | |
| Change in Projected Benefit Obligation: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period balance | | $ | 176.6 | | | $ | 19.8 | | | $ | 175.2 | | | $ | 19.4 | | | $ | 5.4 | | | | | $ | 5.9 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Service cost | | — | | | 0.6 | | | — | | | 0.6 | | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interest cost | | 8.4 | | | 0.6 | | | 8.7 | | | 0.7 | | | 0.3 | | | | | 0.3 | | | |
| Plan curtailment | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (0.4) | | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| Actuarial (gain) loss due to assumption change | | (9.3) | | | (0.2) | | | 3.0 | | | 0.8 | | | (0.2) | | | | | 0.1 | | | |
| Actuarial (gain) loss due to plan experience | | (1.7) | | | 0.1 | | | 1.3 | | | 0.2 | | | 0.1 | | | | | (0.5) | | | |
| Benefits and expenses paid | | (12.3) | | | (1.0) | | | (11.6) | | | (0.8) | | | (0.4) | | | | | (0.4) | | | |
| Settlement | | — | | | (0.4) | | | — | | | (1.0) | | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| Foreign currency translation | | — | | | (1.4) | | | — | | | 0.3 | | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| End of period balance | | $ | 161.7 | | | $ | 18.1 | | | $ | 176.6 | | | $ | 19.8 | | | $ | 5.2 | | | | | $ | 5.4 | | | |
| Change in Plan Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period balance | | $ | 168.4 | | | $ | 5.0 | | | $ | 158.7 | | | $ | 4.9 | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Actual return on plan assets, net of expenses | | 7.1 | | | 0.4 | | | 20.8 | | | 0.1 | | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| Employer contributions | | 0.8 | | | 1.6 | | | 0.5 | | | 1.7 | | | 0.4 | | | | | 0.4 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Benefits paid | | (12.3) | | | (1.0) | | | (11.6) | | | (0.8) | | | (0.4) | | | | | (0.4) | | | |
| Settlement | | — | | | (0.4) | | | — | | | (1.0) | | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| Foreign currency translation | | — | | | (0.4) | | | — | | | 0.1 | | | — | | | | | — | | | |
| End of period balance | | $ | 164.0 | | | $ | 5.2 | | | $ | 168.4 | | | $ | 5.0 | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | |
| Funded Status | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Funded status of plan | | $ | 2.3 | | | $ | (12.9) | | | $ | (8.2) | | | $ | (14.8) | | | $ | (5.2) | | | | | $ | (5.4) | | | |
| Supplemental Information: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accumulated benefit obligation | | $ | 161.7 | | | $ | 16.3 | | | $ | 176.6 | | | $ | 17.4 | | | $ | 5.2 | | | | | $ | 5.4 | | | |
| Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in excess of Plan Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accumulated benefit obligation | | $ | 5.0 | | | $ | 14.5 | | | $ | 176.6 | | | $ | 15.5 | | | $ | 5.2 | | | | | $ | 5.4 | | | |
| Fair value plan assets | | $ | — | | | $ | 2.6 | | | $ | 168.4 | | | $ | 2.5 | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | |
| Plans with Projected Benefit Obligation in excess of Plan Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Projected benefit obligation | | $ | 5.0 | | | $ | 15.9 | | | $ | 176.6 | | | $ | 19.6 | | | $ | 5.2 | | | | | $ | 5.4 | | | |
| Fair value plan assets | | $ | — | | | $ | 2.6 | | | $ | 168.4 | | | $ | 4.6 | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | |
Weighted average key assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations in the actuarial valuations of the pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Pension and SERP Benefits | | Post-Retirement Medical Benefits |
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| | | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | | | Domestic | | |
| Discount rate | | 5.6% | | 3.1% | | 5.0% | | 3.1% | | 5.6% | | | | 5.0% | | |
| Rate of compensation increase | | 3.0% | | 3.3% | | 3.0% | | 3.4% | | N/A | | | | N/A | | |
| Interest crediting rate | | 5.3% | | 2.9% | | 5.3% | | 3.3% | | N/A | | | | N/A | | |
(N/A) Not applicable.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" consist of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pension and SERP Benefits | | Post-Retirement Medical Benefits |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
(dollars in millions) | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | Foreign | | Domestic | | | | Domestic | | |
| Balance Sheet | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other assets | $ | 7.4 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 0.7 | | | 0.8 | | | 0.9 | | | 0.8 | | | 0.5 | | | | | 0.5 | | | |
| Pension and post-retirement benefits | 4.4 | | | 12.1 | | | 7.3 | | | 14.0 | | | 4.7 | | | | | 4.9 | | | |
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net actuarial (loss) gain | $ | (0.6) | | | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | (7.4) | | | $ | 1.4 | | | $ | 2.0 | | | | | $ | 2.1 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table presents the fair value of plan assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | Classification | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Asset Category | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Derivatives | | Level 2 | | $ | 4.6 | | | $ | 7.7 | |
| | | | | | |
| Exchange-traded funds holding domestic securities | | Level 1 | | — | | | 9.6 | |
| Foreign bonds | | Level 2 | | 2.0 | | | 2.0 | |
| | | | | | |
| Mutual funds holding fixed income securities | | Level 1 | | 43.2 | | | 35.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| U.S. Treasury bonds | | Level 2 | | 38.3 | | | 30.8 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | Level 1 | | 6.9 | | | 5.2 | |
| Sub-Total | | | | 95.0 | | | 90.5 | |
| Assets using net asset value (NAV) as a practical expedient | | | | 74.2 | | | 82.9 | |
| Total | | | | $ | 169.2 | | | $ | 173.4 | |
Assets using NAV as a practical expedient include commingled funds that are not actively traded or whose underlying investments are valued using observable marketplace inputs.
At December 31, 2024, expected future benefit payments related to the Company’s defined benefit plans were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension and SERP Benefits | | Post-Retirement Medical Benefits | | Total |
(dollars in millions) | | Domestic | | Foreign |
| 2025 | | $ | 13.4 | | | $ | 1.3 | | | $ | 0.5 | | | $ | 15.2 | |
| 2026 | | 13.2 | | | 1.2 | | | 0.5 | | | 14.9 | |
| 2027 | | 13.3 | | | 1.1 | | | 0.4 | | | 14.8 | |
| 2028 | | 13.5 | | | 1.0 | | | 0.4 | | | 14.9 | |
| 2029 | | 13.2 | | | 1.0 | | | 0.4 | | | 14.6 | |
| Subsequent five years | | 62.8 | | | 9.7 | | | 1.9 | | | 74.4 | |
| Total | | $ | 129.4 | | | $ | 15.3 | | | $ | 4.1 | | | $ | 148.8 | |
The measurement date used to determine pension and other post-retirement medical benefits was December 31, 2024, at which time the minimum contribution level for the following year was determined. The Company is not required to make any plan contributions in 2025.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
11. INCOME TAXES
Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests was as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Domestic | | $ | 48.7 | | | $ | 2.6 | | | $ | 125.0 | |
| Foreign | | 239.0 | | | 126.5 | | | 147.0 | |
| Total | | $ | 287.7 | | | $ | 129.1 | | | $ | 272.0 | |
Income tax expense consisted of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Current: | | | | | | |
| U.S.: | | | | | | |
| Federal | | $ | (1.6) | | | $ | 7.9 | | | $ | 0.6 | |
| State and local | | 2.5 | | | 2.7 | | | 1.8 | |
| Foreign | | 83.1 | | | 72.3 | | | 68.3 | |
| Total current | | 84.0 | | | 82.9 | | | 70.7 | |
| Deferred: | | | | | | |
| U.S.: | | | | | | |
| Federal | | 1.9 | | | (57.2) | | | 17.5 | |
| State and local | | 1.5 | | | (0.6) | | | 8.3 | |
| Foreign | | (42.6) | | | (12.1) | | | (10.7) | |
| Total deferred | | (39.2) | | | (69.9) | | | 15.1 | |
| Income tax expense | | $ | 44.8 | | | $ | 13.0 | | | $ | 85.8 | |
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to pre-tax income, as a result of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| U.S. federal statutory tax rate | | 21 | % | | 21 | % | | 21 | % |
| | | | | | |
| Taxes computed at U.S. statutory rate | | $ | 60.4 | | | $ | 27.1 | | | $ | 57.1 | |
| State income taxes, net of federal benefit | | 3.5 | | | 1.8 | | | 4.6 | |
| U.S. tax on foreign operations | | 4.2 | | | 1.8 | | | 3.2 | |
| Section 250 deduction | | (10.5) | | | (10.8) | | | — | |
| Foreign tax credits | | (13.2) | | | (8.2) | | | — | |
| Foreign tax on foreign operations | | 20.8 | | | 13.0 | | | 13.0 | |
| Change in valuation allowances | | (67.3) | | | (0.1) | | | 6.4 | |
| Tax on undistributed foreign earnings | | 0.8 | | | 5.1 | | | 5.9 | |
| Changes in uncertain tax positions | | 6.5 | | | 1.9 | | | 0.2 | |
| Non-deductible goodwill impairment and Kuprion Acquisition research and development charge | | 0.9 | | | 20.6 | | | — | |
| Impact of amended U.S. tax returns | | 12.1 | | | (37.3) | | | — | |
| Outside basis difference - Graphics business | | (22.5) | | | — | | | — | |
| Gain on Graphics restructuring | | 43.6 | | | — | | | — | |
| Rate changes | | 6.3 | | | — | | | — | |
| Other, net | | (0.8) | | | (1.9) | | | (4.6) | |
| Income tax expense | | $ | 44.8 | | | $ | 13.0 | | | $ | 85.8 | |
| | | | | | |
| Effective tax rate | | 16 | % | | 10 | % | | 32 | % |
The income tax expense of $44.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, is below the statutory U.S. rate primarily driven by a continued U.S. benefit related to claiming foreign tax credits consistent with our election in the fourth quarter of 2023, release of valuation allowances and deductions for FDII, with offsets from withholding taxes, tax attribute expirations and the impact of changes to the geographical mix of earnings.
The rate for 2024 also includes a benefit associated with the release of valuation allowances of $40.8 million previously recorded against certain U.K. tax attribute carryforwards, primarily consisting of net operating loss carryforwards and interest carryforwards. The valuation allowances were released as the Company expects improved profitability in its U.K. business and a shift to a three-year cumulative income position. The Company determined there was sufficient positive, objectively verifiable evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that, as of December 31, 2024, select U.K. net deferred tax assets will be realized. These expectations are based on actual results, management's assessment of projected future taxable income, and expected utilization of net operating losses and tax carryforwards.
During the third quarter of 2024, an internal restructuring of the Graphics business was completed which resulted in the recognition of a capital gain of $208 million. This gain was offset by capital losses generated in 2024 totaling $10.1 million and capital loss carryforwards of $198 million. The capital gain provided income of the appropriate character to support the release of a valuation allowance on the amount of the capital loss carryforward utilized. The remaining unused capital loss carryforward with a full valuation allowance expired at the close of 2024. The capital gain also resulted in a higher interest expense deduction and consequentially a lower deduction for FDII and lower utilization of certain foreign tax credits carryforwards before expiration. In addition, the gain resulted in a step-up in tax basis and the Company recorded a deferred tax asset of $22.5 million on the excess of stock tax basis over book basis due to the subsequent held for sale classification. As of the balance sheet date, there is not sufficient objectively verifiable evidence supporting income of the appropriate character to realize this tax benefit; therefore, a valuation allowance has been recorded against this deferred tax asset. Due to status of the MGS Transaction it is reasonably possible the status of this deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance are subject to change due to one or more future confirming events.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During 2024, the Company finalized the 2023 consolidated U.S. federal income tax return along with prior years amended federal corporate income tax returns related to crediting foreign taxes including the return-to-provision true-up of foreign tax credits, valuation allowances and prior year one-time benefit.
The income tax expense of $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, included a discrete benefit of $34.2 million related to changing an election to credit foreign taxes from our previous position which was to deduct foreign taxes. This is comprised of a $37.3 million impact of amending prior U.S. tax returns offset by $3.1 million from the net increase of valuation allowances on foreign tax credit carryforwards. In addition, the election to credit foreign taxes for the 2023 fiscal year resulted in an incremental $8.2 million of tax expense reduction.
The rate for 2023 also includes an increase for non-deductible GAAP expenses related to a goodwill impairment charge of $80.0 million recognized in the third quarter of 2023 (see Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information), as well as $15.7 million of research and development expenses related to the Kuprion transaction (see Note 4, Acquisitions, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information). Other activity in the 2023 tax rate includes a benefit from a U.S. tax deduction related to FDII, offset by current and deferred taxes based on jurisdictional mix of earnings and withholding taxes.
The income tax expense of $85.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, included current and deferred taxes based on jurisdictional earnings, withholding taxes, and the impact of GILTI and subpart F income regimes.
The components of deferred income taxes at December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Deferred tax assets: | | | | |
| Net operating losses | | $ | 79.5 | | | $ | 87.8 | |
| Interest carryforward | | 74.9 | | | 81.4 | |
| Capital loss carryforward | | 4.2 | | | 53.5 | |
| Tax credits | | 47.3 | | | 64.6 | |
| Employee benefits | | 14.4 | | | 17.9 | |
| Research and development costs | | 30.5 | | | 33.2 | |
| | | | |
| Accrued liabilities | | 5.3 | | | 6.4 | |
| | | | |
| Outside basis difference - Graphics business | | 22.5 | | | — | |
| | | | |
| Other | | 32.7 | | | 40.0 | |
| Total gross deferred tax assets | | 311.3 | | | 384.8 | |
| Valuation allowances | | (69.5) | | | (143.6) | |
| Total deferred tax assets | | 241.8 | | | 241.2 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | | | | |
| Intangible assets | | 130.6 | | | 154.5 | |
| Property, plant and equipment | | 26.7 | | | 33.2 | |
| Undistributed foreign earnings | | 32.9 | | | 32.3 | |
| Goodwill | | 12.2 | | | 9.6 | |
| | | | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | | 202.4 | | | 229.6 | |
| Net deferred tax asset (liability) | | $ | 39.4 | | | $ | 11.6 | |
The Company provides for income and withholding taxes on previously unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries. At December 31, 2024, the Company had accrued a deferred tax liability of $32.9 million of income and withholding taxes that would be due upon the distribution of such earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries to the U.S.
During 2022, the Company’s plans and expectations around the use of cash in subsidiaries and indefinitely reinvested amounts changed and, as a result, the prior assertion was modified, and the Company is no longer asserting any of its available foreign earnings are permanently reinvested.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At December 31, 2024, the Company had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $2.4 million, $511 million and $216 million, respectively. The U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards expire between 2027 and 2037 or may be carried forward indefinitely. The majority of the state net operating loss carryforwards expire between 2025 and 2042. The foreign tax net operating loss carryforwards expire between 2025 through 2037 or may be carried forward indefinitely. In addition, at December 31, 2024, the Company had capital loss carryforwards, foreign tax credits, and other tax credits of approximately $16.9 million, $38.8 million and $7.7 million, respectively, available for carryforward. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the U.S. capital loss carryforwards of $226 million had a full valuation. However, due to the Graphics business restructuring, the Company was able to use $198 million and release the valuation allowance on such amount. The remainder of the capital loss with its full valuation allowance expired at the close of the year. The carryforward periods of the remaining tax credits range from ten years to an unlimited period of time. If certain changes in the Company's ownership occur, there could be an annual limitation on the amounts of utilizable carryforwards.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
(dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period | | $ | 111.6 | | | $ | 99.8 | | | $ | 106.6 | |
| Additions based upon prior year tax positions | | 14.9 | | | 19.6 | | | 1.0 | |
| Additions based on current year tax positions | | 13.8 | | | 9.6 | | | 5.3 | |
| Reductions for prior period positions | | (3.4) | | | (15.1) | | | (5.7) | |
| Reductions for settlements and payments | | (3.3) | | | (1.6) | | | (1.7) | |
| Reductions due to closed statutes | | (8.4) | | | (1.3) | | | (1.9) | |
| Currency translation adjustment | | (2.7) | | | 0.6 | | | (3.8) | |
| Total unrecognized tax benefits at end of period | | $ | 122.5 | | | $ | 111.6 | | | $ | 99.8 | |
At December 31, 2024, the Company had $123 million of total unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. Due to expected settlements and statute of limitations expirations, the Company estimates that $8.9 million of the total unrecognized benefits will reverse within the next twelve months.
The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters as part of income tax expense, which totaled $2.6 million, $3.7 million and $1.1 million, for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company's liability for interest and penalties totaled $11.2 million and $13.0 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
At December 31, 2024, the following tax years remained subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions indicated below: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Major Jurisdictions | | Open Years |
| China | | 2018 | | through current |
| Germany | | 2018 | | through current |
| Taiwan | | 2023 | | through current |
| United Kingdom | | 2008, 2021 | | through current |
| United States | | 2021 | | through current |
The Company is currently undergoing tax examinations in several jurisdictions. Although the Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of uncertain tax matters and made reasonable provisions for taxes ultimately expected to be paid, tax liabilities may need to be adjusted as tax examinations continue to progress.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12. DEBT
The Company’s debt obligations consisted of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | | Maturity Date | | Interest Rate | | December 31, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
Term Loans (1) | | 2030 | | SOFR plus 1.75% | | $ | 1,030.0 | | | $ | 1,140.2 | |
Senior Notes - $800 million (2) | | 2028 | | 3.875% | | 794.0 | | | 792.3 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Total debt | | 1,824.0 | | | 1,932.5 | |
| Less: current installments of long-term debt | | 10.4 | | | 11.5 | |
| Total long-term debt | | $ | 1,813.6 | | | $ | 1,921.0 | |
(1) Term loans, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs of $8.8 million and $9.8 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The effective interest rate was 3.0% and 3.3% at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, including the effects of interest rate swaps and net investment hedges. See Note 13, Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps and net investment hedges.
(2) Senior notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $6.0 million and $7.7 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The effective interest rate was 4.1% at both December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Minimum future principal payments on long-term debt were as follows: | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | | | | | |
| 2025 | $ | 10.4 | | | | | |
| 2026 | 10.4 | | | | | |
| 2027 | 10.4 | | | | | |
| 2028 | 810.4 | | | | | |
| 2029 | 10.4 | | | | | |
| Thereafter | 986.8 | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 1,838.8 | | | | | |
Credit Agreement
The Company is a party to the Credit Agreement, which provides for senior secured credit facilities in an initial aggregate principal amount of $1.42 billion, consisting of a tranche of term loans B-3 of $1.04 billion, maturing in 2030, and a revolving credit facility of $375 million, maturing in 2027.
The proceeds from the term loans B-3, together with cash on hand, were used to fully prepay the Company's prior $1.14 billion term loans B-2 pursuant to the terms of an amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated October 15, 2024. Except for their annual interest rate based on an adjusted one-month SOFR (as described in the Credit Agreement) plus a spread of 1.75%, the term loans B-3 have substantially the same terms as the former term loans B-2, including their maturity date. The Company recorded expense of $1.0 million to "Selling, technical, general and administrative" and a gain of $0.2 million to "Other (expense) income, net" (which includes $1.2 million of cash proceeds from the termination of interest rate swaps) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of this transaction.
Guarantees, Covenants and Events of Default
The obligations of the borrowers (the Company and its subsidiary, MacDermid, Incorporated) under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed, jointly and severally, by certain of their domestic subsidiaries and secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of their assets and the assets of the guarantors, including mortgages on material real property, subject to certain exceptions.
The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on additional indebtedness, dividends, and other distributions, entry into new lines of business, use of loan proceeds, capital expenditures, restricted payments, restrictions on liens on the assets of the borrowers or any guarantor, transactions with affiliates, amendments to organizational documents, accounting changes, sale and leaseback transactions and dispositions. Subject to certain exceptions, to the extent the borrowers have total outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
greater than 30% of the commitment amount under the revolving credit facility, the Company's first lien net leverage ratio should not exceed 5.0 to 1.0, subject to a right to cure.
The borrowers are required to make mandatory prepayments of borrowings, subject to certain exceptions, as described in the Credit Agreement. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains customary events of default that include, among others, non-payment of principal, interest or fees, violation of covenants, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, failure to make payment on, or defaults with respect to, certain other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency events, material judgments and change of control provisions. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, and after the expiration of any applicable grace period, payment of any outstanding loans under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated and the lenders could foreclose on their security interests in the assets of the borrowers and the guarantors.
At December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with the debt covenants contained in the Credit Agreement and had full availability of its unused borrowing capacity of $368 million, net of letters of credit, under the revolving credit facility. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee on any undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility which is not material.
Senior Notes
3.875% USD Notes due 2028
The indenture governing the 3.875% USD Notes due 2028 provides for, among other things, customary affirmative and negative covenants, events of default and other customary provisions. The notes accrue interest at a rate of 3.875% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears, on March 1 and September 1 of each year, and will mature on September 1, 2028, unless earlier repurchased or redeemed. Pursuant to the indenture, the Company has the option to redeem the 3.875% USD Notes due 2028 prior to their maturity, subject to, in certain cases, the payment of an applicable make-whole premium, or to repurchase them by any means other than a redemption, including by tender offer, open market purchases or negotiated transactions. The 3.875% USD Notes due 2028 are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by generally all of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations of the borrowers under the Credit Agreement.
Lines of Credit and Other Debt Facilities
The Company has access to various revolving lines of credit, short-term debt facilities and overdraft facilities worldwide which are used to fund short-term cash needs. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, there were no material amounts outstanding under such facilities. The Company had letters of credit outstanding of $7.0 million and $6.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which reduced the borrowings available under the various facilities. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the availability under these facilities totaled approximately $390 million and $392 million, respectively, net of outstanding letters of credit.
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivatives and Hedging
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to risks relating to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, net investment hedges, foreign currency exchange forward contracts and commodities derivative contracts are used to manage the risks associated with changes in the conditions of those markets. The counterparties to the Company’s derivative agreements are primarily major international financial institutions. The Company regularly monitors its derivative positions and the credit ratings of its counterparties and does not anticipate nonperformance on their part.
All derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Realized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts, commodity derivative contracts and the net periodic payments from interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps are reflected as "Cash flows from operating activities" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Interest Rate and Cross-Currency Swaps
The Company uses interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company has designated its interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and its cross-currency swaps as net investment
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a portion of its net investment in euro functional subsidiaries. These swaps effectively convert the Company’s outstanding term loans, which are U.S. dollar denominated debt obligations, into fixed-rate euro-denominated debt through their respective expiration dates.
In October 2024, in connection with the funding of the term loans B-3, the Company terminated and monetized $100 million notional of the interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps related to its term loans that would have matured in January 2025. The Company received cash proceeds of $1.2 million upon the termination of the applicable interest rate swaps and recorded the benefit to "Other (expense) income, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the Company received cash proceeds of $4.8 million upon the termination of the applicable cross-currency swaps which will remain in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" until the hedged net investment is sold or liquidated.
In December 2023, in connection with the funding of the term loans B-2, the Company terminated and monetized $865 million notional of the interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps related to its term loans which were scheduled to mature in 2024 and 2026. The Company received cash proceeds of $7.8 million upon the termination of the applicable interest rate swaps with the benefit being subsequently amortized as a reduction to “Interest expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the Company received cash proceeds of $18.6 million upon the termination of the applicable cross-currency swaps which will remain in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” until the hedged net investment is sold or liquidated.
In December 2023, simultaneously with the funding of the term loans B-2, the Company entered into interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps to effectively convert $760 million of its term loans, U.S. dollar denominated debt obligations, into fixed-rate euro-denominated debt through December 2028 while the balance of the term loans remained subject to existing swaps scheduled to mature in 2025.
The total notional value of the interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps was $1.04 billion and $1.15 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, approximately $286 million in notional value matures in January 2025 and the remaining balance of approximately $753 million in December 2028. The net result of these hedges is an interest rate of approximately 3.0% at December 31, 2024 on the term loans B-3, which could vary in the future due to changes in the euro and the U.S. dollar exchange rate. Changes in the estimated fair value of interest rate swaps are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" and reclassified to "Interest expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. The fair value of the interest rate swaps was a net asset of $8.9 million and $11.9 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Changes in the estimated fair value of cross-currency swaps are recorded in "Foreign currency translation" in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss." The fair value of the cross-currency swaps was a net asset of $54.0 million and $4.8 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
During 2024 and 2023, these interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps were deemed highly effective. The Company expects to reclassify a $4.0 million benefit from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" to "Interest expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations within the next twelve months.
Subsequent Event
In January 2025, upon maturity of $286 million in notional value of its cross-currency swaps, the Company received cash proceeds of $25.5 million which will remain in Accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged net investment is sold or liquidated. Subsequently, the Company entered into new interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps to effectively convert $135 million of the term loans B-3, a U.S. dollar denominated debt obligation, into fixed-rate euro-denominated debt through December 2029. When combined with the $753 million notional value of existing swaps, the result is an interest rate of approximately 4.0% on the hedged portion of the term loans B-3, which could vary in the future due to changes in the euro and the U.S. dollar exchange rate.
Foreign Currency
The Company conducts a significant portion of its business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and certain subsidiaries conduct business in currencies other than their functional currency, which is typically their local currency. As a result, the Company’s operating results are impacted by foreign currency exchange rate volatility.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
At December 31, 2024, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts to purchase and sell various currencies to mitigate foreign currency exposure, primarily with the U.S. dollar, euro and British pound. The Company has not designated any foreign currency exchange forward contracts as eligible for hedge accounting and, as a result, changes in the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as "Other (expense) income, net." The total notional value of foreign currency exchange forward contracts held at December 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $104 million and $93.9 million, respectively, with settlement dates generally within one year. The fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts was a net current asset of $0.9 million and a net current liability of $0.7 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Commodities
The Company enters into commodity derivative contracts for the purpose of mitigating its exposure to fluctuations in prices of certain metals used in the production of its finished goods. The Company held derivative contracts to purchase and sell various metals, primarily tin and silver, for a notional amount of $55.3 million and $63.8 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The fair value of the metals derivative contracts was a net current asset of $3.2 million and a net current liability of $1.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Substantially all contracts outstanding at December 31, 2024 have delivery dates within one year. The Company has not designated these derivatives as hedging instruments and, accordingly, records changes in their fair values in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as "Other (expense) income, net."
Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | Balance sheet location | | Classification | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Asset Category | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign exchange contracts | | Other current assets | | Level 2 | | $ | 1.7 | | | $ | 0.2 | |
| Metals contracts | | Other current assets | | Level 2 | | 3.3 | | | 0.5 | |
| Interest rate swaps | | Other current assets | | Level 2 | | 4.0 | | | 19.9 | |
| Cross-currency swaps | | Other current assets | | Level 2 | | 39.2 | | | 5.9 | |
| Interest rate swaps | | Other assets | | Level 2 | | 4.9 | | | 4.3 | |
| Cross-currency swaps | | Other assets | | Level 2 | | 14.8 | | | 9.6 | |
| Available-for-sale debt securities | | Other assets | | Level 3 | | — | | | 14.2 | |
| Total | | | | | | $ | 67.9 | | | $ | 54.6 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Liability Category | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign exchange contracts | | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | | Level 2 | | $ | 0.8 | | | $ | 0.9 | |
| Metals contracts | | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | | Level 2 | | 0.1 | | | 1.7 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Cross-currency swaps | | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | | Level 2 | | — | | | 0.9 | |
| Interest rate swaps | | Other liabilities | | Level 2 | | — | | | 12.3 | |
| Cross-currency swaps | | Other liabilities | | Level 2 | | — | | | 9.8 | |
| Total | | | | | | $ | 0.9 | | | $ | 25.6 | |
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fair values of Level 1 and Level 2 derivative assets and liabilities are determined using pricing models based upon observable market inputs, such as market spot and futures prices on over-the-counter derivative instruments, market interest rates and consideration of counterparty credit risk. Level 3 investments are valued using a probability weighted methodology based on possible outcomes of potential liquidity events. Significant assumptions include the enterprise valuation, the timing and type of liquidation events and the risk-free interest rate.
There were no significant transfers of financial instruments between the fair value hierarchy levels during 2024.
The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt totaled $1.82 billion and $1.81 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2023, the carrying value and estimated fair value totaled $1.93 billion and $1.89 billion, respectively. The carrying values noted above include unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs. The estimated fair value of long-term debt is measured using quoted market prices for similar instruments at the reporting date multiplied by the gross carrying amount of the related debt, which excludes unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs. Such instruments are valued using Level 2 inputs.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurement
As a result of the goodwill impairment test conducted in the third quarter of 2023, the Industrial & Specialty segment recorded an impairment charge of $80.0 million to reduce the carrying value of the Graphics Solutions reporting unit to its estimated fair value. This measurement was performed on a non-recurring basis as of August 31, 2023 using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), including the applicable discount rate (WACC) of 10.5% and the short and long-term projected cash flows, such as future growth rates, of the Graphics Solutions reporting unit. See Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
14. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Repurchases of Common Stock
During 2024 and 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. During 2022, as part of its stock repurchase program, the Company repurchased approximately 8.0 million shares of its common stock for approximately $151 million. The repurchases were funded from cash on hand and allocated to treasury shares. The remaining authorization under the Company's stock repurchase program was approximately $581 million at December 31, 2024.
Shares withheld by the Company to satisfy tax withholding requirements related to the vesting of RSUs are not considered share repurchases under the stock repurchase program. During 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Company withheld approximately 0.3 million, 0.4 million and 1.0 million shares, respectively, in connection with vesting events for a value of approximately $7.6 million, $7.7 million and $24.0 million, respectively, which are included in "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as cash outflows from financing activities.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Changes in each component of "Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income," net of tax, during 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(dollars in millions) | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | | Pension and Post-retirement Plans | | Available-for-Sale Debt Securities | | Derivative Financial Instrument Revaluation | | | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | | $ | (169.4) | | | $ | (0.3) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (27.7) | | | | | $ | (197.4) | |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net | | (146.3) | | | (5.2) | | | 1.1 | | | 48.2 | | | | | (102.2) | |
| Reclassifications, pretax | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1.5 | | | | | 1.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | | (315.7) | | | (5.5) | | | 1.1 | | | 22.0 | | | | | (298.1) | |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net | | (25.5) | | | 3.4 | | | (1.1) | | | 2.9 | | | | | (20.3) | |
| Reclassifications, pretax | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (35.9) | | | | | (35.9) | |
| Tax benefit reclassified | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8.4 | | | | | 8.4 | |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | | (341.2) | | | (2.1) | | | — | | | (2.6) | | | | | (345.9) | |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net | | (122.1) | | | 5.2 | | | — | | | 19.9 | | | | | (97.0) | |
| Reclassifications, pretax | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (31.2) | | | | | (31.2) | |
| Tax benefit reclassified | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 6.9 | | | | | 6.9 | |
| Balance at December 31, 2024 | | $ | (463.3) | | | $ | 3.1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (7.0) | | | | | $ | (467.2) | |
16. EARNINGS PER SHARE
A computation of weighted average shares of the Company's common stock outstanding and earnings per share from continuing operations for 2024, 2023 and 2022 is as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net income from continuing operations | | $ | 242.9 | | | $ | 116.1 | | | $ | 186.2 | |
| Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests | | (0.3) | | | (0.1) | | | (0.8) | |
| Net income attributable to common stockholders | | $ | 242.6 | | | $ | 116.0 | | | $ | 185.4 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | | 242.1 | | | 241.4 | | | 245.1 | |
| Denominator adjustments for diluted EPS: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Number of stock options and RSUs | | 0.5 | | | 0.4 | | | 0.7 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Denominator adjustments for diluted EPS | | 0.5 | | | 0.4 | | | 0.7 | |
| Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | | 242.6 | | | 241.8 | | | 245.8 | |
| | | | | | |
| Earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders: | | | | | | |
| Basic | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 0.48 | | | $ | 0.75 | |
| Diluted | | $ | 1.00 | | | $ | 0.48 | | | $ | 0.75 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For 2024, 2023 and 2022, the following securities were not included in the computation of diluted shares outstanding because either the effect would be anti-dilutive or the applicable performance targets were not yet met: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| (amounts in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Shares issuable upon vesting of RSUs and exercise of stock options | | 3.4 | | | 3.4 | | | 3.6 | |
| Total shares excluded | | 3.4 | | | 3.4 | | | 3.6 | |
17. LEASES
The Company primarily has operating lease agreements for certain land, office space, warehouse space and equipment. The following table presents the Company’s ROU assets and lease liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | Balance sheet location | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Asset Category | | | | | | |
| ROU assets | | Other assets | | $ | 79.7 | | | $ | 90.3 | |
| Total | | | | $ | 79.7 | | | $ | 90.3 | |
| | | | | | |
| Liability Category | | | | | | |
| Current lease liabilities | | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | | $ | 15.2 | | | $ | 15.0 | |
| Non-current lease liabilities | | Other liabilities | | 66.4 | | | 78.1 | |
| Total | | | | $ | 81.6 | | | $ | 93.1 | |
Operating lease expense totaled $27.9 million, $27.3 million and $26.2 million for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Supplemental Information for Operating Leases | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Operating cash payments | | $ | 20.3 | | | $ | 21.5 | | | $ | 19.8 | |
| ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations | | $ | 12.1 | | | $ | 20.2 | | | $ | 40.3 | |
| Weighted average remaining lease term | | 10 years | | 10 years | | 10 years |
| Weighted average discount rate | | 4.3% | | 4.2% | | 3.5% |
Maturities of operating lease liabilities, including those classified as held for sale, at December 31, 2024 were as follows: | | | | | |
| (dollars in millions) | |
| 2025 | $ | 19.7 | |
| 2026 | 16.9 | |
| 2027 | 12.1 | |
| 2028 | 9.5 | |
| 2029 | 8.0 | |
| Thereafter | 48.9 | |
| Total future minimum lease payments | 115.1 | |
| Less: imputed interest | (21.2) | |
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | 93.9 | |
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
18. CONTINGENCIES, ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEGAL MATTERS
Environmental Matters
The Company is involved in various claims relating to environmental matters at current and former plants and waste management sites. At certain of these sites, the Company engages or participates in remedial and other environmental compliance activities. At other sites, the Company has been named as a potential responsible party pursuant to the federal Superfund Act and/or state Superfund laws comparable to the federal law for site remediation. After analyzing each individual site, considering the number of parties involved, the level of its potential liability or contribution relating to the other parties, the nature and magnitude of the hazardous waste involved, the method and extent of remediation, the potential insurance coverage, the estimated legal and consulting expense with respect to each site and the time period over which any costs would likely be incurred, the Company estimates the clean-up costs and related claims for each site. The estimates are based in part on discussions with other potential responsible parties, governmental agencies and engineering firms.
The Company accrues for environmental matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on current laws and existing technologies. The accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. The Company's environmental liabilities, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" and "Other liabilities," totaled $10.7 million and $11.3 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, primarily driven by environmental remediation, clean-up costs and monitoring of sites that were either closed or disposed of in prior years. While uncertainty exists with respect to the amount and timing of its ultimate environmental liabilities, the Company does not currently anticipate any material losses in excess of the amount recorded. However, new information about the sites, such as results of investigations, could make it necessary for the Company to reassess its potential exposure related to these environmental matters.
As of the date hereof, the Company believes it is not practicable to provide an estimated range of reasonably possible environmental losses in excess of its recorded liabilities. As a result, the Company is unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact that may be associated with these matters.
Legal Matters
From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings, investigations and/or claims in the normal course of its business. Although it cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of these matters, which involve judgments that are inherently subjective, the Company believes that their resolutions, to the extent not covered by insurance, will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company is party to an Advisory Services Agreement with Mariposa Capital, LLC, an affiliate of one of its founder directors, whereby Mariposa Capital, LLC is entitled to receive an annual fee and reimbursement for expenses. This agreement is automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless either party notifies the other in writing of its intention not to renew no later than 90 days prior to the expiration of the applicable term. Effective April 11, 2024, the advisory fee was decreased from $3.0 million to an annualized amount of $2.0 million. Amounts paid under this agreement are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as "Selling, technical, general and administrative" expense.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
20. OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET
"Other (expense) income, net," as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, consisted of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment | | $ | 0.2 | | | $ | (2.3) | | | $ | — | |
| (Losses) gains on derivative contracts | | (13.5) | | | 2.7 | | | (0.2) | |
Highly inflationary accounting (1) | | (2.6) | | | (7.0) | | | (2.9) | |
| Available-for-sale debt security impairment | | (11.4) | | | — | | | — | |
| Other income, net | | 2.3 | | | 3.5 | | | 6.0 | |
| Total | | $ | (25.0) | | | $ | (3.1) | | | $ | 2.9 | |
(1) In the first quarter of 2022, the Company began applying highly inflationary accounting to its operations in Turkey as its cumulative inflation exceeded 100% for the three years preceding the reporting period.
21. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
"Accrued expenses and other current liabilities," as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, consisted of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits | | $ | 79.7 | | | $ | 58.2 | |
| Accrued taxes (income and non-income) | | 68.0 | | | 68.6 | |
| Accrued interest | | 10.6 | | | 10.6 | |
| Derivative liabilities | | 0.9 | | | 3.5 | |
| Lease liabilities | | 15.2 | | | 15.0 | |
| Other current liabilities | | 54.9 | | | 61.4 | |
| Total | | $ | 229.3 | | | $ | 217.3 | |
22. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company's operations are organized into two reportable segments: Electronics and Industrial & Specialty. These segments represent businesses for which separate financial information is utilized by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating performance. The Company's CODM is the President and Chief Executive Officer.
The CODM utilizes net sales and Adjusted EBITDA to allocate resources predominantly in the annual budget and forecasting process. The CODM evaluates the performance of the operating segments by considering budget to actual variances when making decisions about allocating capital and personnel to the segments and determining the compensation of certain employees. Adjusted EBITDA for each segment is defined as EBITDA, as further adjusted for additional items included in earnings which the Company believes are not representative or indicative of each of its segments' ongoing business or are considered to be associated with the Company's capital structure. Adjusted EBITDA for each segment also includes an allocation of corporate costs, such as compensation expense and professional fees.
See Note 1, Background and Basis of Presentation, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the transfer of the Company's Films business from the Industrial & Specialty segment to the Electronics segment and the transfer of certain product lines within the Electronics segment in 2023 and 2022.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Disaggregated Net Sales
The following table summarizes disaggregated external net sales by product category: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net Sales: | | | | | | |
| Electronics | | | | | | |
| Assembly Solutions | | $ | 782.8 | | | $ | 726.1 | | | $ | 819.5 | |
| Circuitry Solutions | | 470.7 | | | 424.3 | | | 503.5 | |
| Semiconductor Solutions | | 307.9 | | | 264.3 | | | 288.2 | |
| Total Electronics | | 1,561.4 | | | 1,414.7 | | | 1,611.2 | |
| Industrial & Specialty | | | | | | |
| Industrial Solutions | | 666.4 | | | 699.0 | | | 728.3 | |
| Graphics Solutions | | 146.2 | | | 142.7 | | | 143.0 | |
| Energy Solutions | | 82.9 | | | 76.8 | | | 66.9 | |
| Total Industrial & Specialty | | 895.5 | | | 918.5 | | | 938.2 | |
| Total net sales | | $ | 2,456.9 | | | $ | 2,333.2 | | | $ | 2,549.4 | |
Results of Operations
The following table reconciles "Net income" to Adjusted EBITDA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net income | | $ | 244.5 | | | $ | 118.2 | | | $ | 188.0 | |
| Add (subtract): | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Income from discontinued operations, net of tax | | (1.6) | | | (2.1) | | | (1.8) | |
| Income tax expense | | 44.8 | | | 13.0 | | | 85.8 | |
| Interest expense, net | | 56.3 | | | 49.3 | | | 51.2 | |
| Depreciation expense | | 40.0 | | | 42.6 | | | 41.6 | |
| Amortization expense | | 117.6 | | | 124.1 | | | 119.7 | |
| EBITDA | | 501.6 | | | 345.1 | | | 484.5 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile to Adjusted EBITDA: | | | | | | |
| Restructuring expense | | 7.8 | | | 11.4 | | | 9.5 | |
| Inventory step-up | | — | | | 3.3 | | | 0.5 | |
| Acquisition, divestiture and integration expense | | 21.7 | | | 16.8 | | | 10.6 | |
| Foreign exchange (gains) losses on intercompany loans | | (23.9) | | | (9.7) | | | 7.8 | |
| Debt refinancing costs | | 0.8 | | | 7.8 | | | — | |
| Goodwill impairment | | — | | | 80.0 | | | — | |
| Kuprion Acquisition research and development charge | | 3.9 | | | 15.7 | | | — | |
| Adjustment of stock compensation previously not probable | | — | | | — | | | 1.3 | |
| Other, net | | 22.8 | | | 11.9 | | | 12.4 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | 534.7 | | | $ | 482.3 | | | $ | 526.6 | |
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following tables summarize financial information regarding each reportable segment's results of operations. As noted above, Adjusted EBITDA for each segment excludes certain items that may not be indicative of the Company's core operating results for its reportable segments. As such, the "Segment Total" below may not agree to the corresponding amounts on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
| (dollars in millions) | | Electronics | | Industrial & Specialty | | Segment Total |
| Net sales | | $ | 1,561.4 | | | $ | 895.5 | | | $ | 2,456.9 | |
| Cost of sales | | 910.1 | | | 506.4 | | | 1,416.5 | |
| Selling, technical, general and administrative | | 251.3 | | | 223.2 | | | 474.5 | |
| Research and development | | 45.1 | | | 11.7 | | | 56.8 | |
Other segment items (1) | | 15.3 | | | (0.9) | | | 14.4 | |
| Add: Depreciation expense | | 21.9 | | | 18.1 | | | 40.0 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | 361.5 | | | $ | 173.2 | | | $ | 534.7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
| (dollars in millions) | | Electronics | | Industrial & Specialty | | Segment Total |
| Net sales | | $ | 1,414.7 | | | $ | 918.5 | | | $ | 2,333.2 | |
| Cost of sales | | 854.2 | | | 545.4 | | | 1,399.6 | |
| Selling, technical, general and administrative | | 227.9 | | | 215.1 | | | 443.0 | |
| Research and development | | 37.2 | | | 14.0 | | | 51.2 | |
Other segment items (1) | | 2.1 | | | (2.4) | | | (0.3) | |
| Add: Depreciation expense | | 24.4 | | | 18.2 | | | 42.6 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | 317.7 | | | $ | 164.6 | | | $ | 482.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| (dollars in millions) | | Electronics | | Industrial & Specialty | | Segment Total |
| Net sales | | $ | 1,611.2 | | | $ | 938.2 | | | $ | 2,549.4 | |
| Cost of sales | | 1,021.8 | | | 566.5 | | | 1,588.3 | |
| Selling, technical, general and administrative | | 224.9 | | | 209.6 | | | 434.5 | |
| Research and development | | 32.6 | | | 16.2 | | | 48.8 | |
Other segment items (1) | | (5.3) | | | (1.9) | | | (7.2) | |
| Add: Depreciation expense | | 23.5 | | | 18.1 | | | 41.6 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | 360.7 | | | $ | 165.9 | | | $ | 526.6 | |
(1) Other segment items for the Electronics segment primarily consist of $15.4 million, $1.6 million and $(1.6) million of realized losses (gains) associated with metals derivative contracts for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 13, Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these derivative instruments.
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Net Sales by Major Country
A major country is defined as one in which total net sales represented 10% or more of the Company's total consolidated net sales in any of the years presented. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| United States | | $ | 566.4 | | | $ | 576.2 | | | $ | 645.3 | |
| China | | 479.0 | | | 418.9 | | | 498.1 | |
| Other countries | | 1,411.5 | | | 1,338.1 | | | 1,406.0 | |
| Total | | $ | 2,456.9 | | | $ | 2,333.2 | | | $ | 2,549.4 | |
Long-Lived Assets by Major Country
A major country is defined as one with long-lived assets greater than 10% of the Company's total long-lived assets, net in any of the years presented. Long-lived assets represent property, plant and equipment, net. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, |
| (dollars in millions) | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| United States | | $ | 94.9 | | | $ | 94.7 | |
| China | | 35.7 | | | 39.4 | |
| Other countries | | 146.2 | | | 162.8 | |
| Total | | $ | 276.8 | | | $ | 296.9 | |
Assets by Reportable Segment
Total assets by reportable segment at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are not presented as they are not utilized for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating performance.
Element Solutions Inc
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (dollars in millions) | | Balance at
beginning of
period | | (Charges) Income | | Deductions from (increases to) reserves and other (1) | | Balance at
end of period |
| Reserves against accounts receivable: | | | | | | | | |
| 2024 | | $ | (12.6) | | | $ | (0.8) | | | $ | 3.1 | | | $ | (10.3) | |
| 2023 | | (14.4) | | | (0.1) | | | 1.9 | | | (12.6) | |
| 2022 | | (12.2) | | | (3.2) | | | 1.0 | | | (14.4) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (dollars in millions) | | Balance at
beginning of
period | | (Charges) Income | | Deductions from (increases to) reserves and other (1) | | Balance at
end of period |
| Valuation allowances against deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | |
| 2024 | | $ | (143.6) | | | $ | 78.3 | | | $ | (4.2) | | | $ | (69.5) | |
| 2023 | | (153.2) | | | 21.8 | | | (12.2) | | | (143.6) | |
| 2022 | | (151.4) | | | 5.1 | | | (6.9) | | | (153.2) | |
(1)Other activity consists primarily of currency translation effects. For 2024 other activity included $1.0 million of reserves against accounts receivable transferred to held for sale. See Note 5, Held for Sale, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
