Net Earnings for 2011 were $32.7 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, compared to $34.8 million, or $1.80 per diluted share for 2010. Net Earnings were impacted by:
Net Earnings for 2010 were $34.8 million, or $1.80 per diluted share, compared to a Net Loss of $26.2 million, or $1.42 loss per diluted share for 2009. Net Earnings were impacted by:
In 2011, consolidated Net Sales were $754.0 million, an increase of 12.9% as compared to 2010. Consolidated Net Sales were $667.7 million in 2010, an increase of 12.0% as compared to 2009.
The components of the consolidated Net Sales change for 2011 as compared to 2010, and 2010 as compared to 2009, were as follows:
The 12.9% increase in consolidated Net Sales for 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily driven by an increase in equipment unit sales volume.
The 12.0% increase in consolidated Net Sales for 2010 as compared to 2009 was primarily driven by an increase in equipment unit sales volume.
The following table sets forth annual Net Sales by operating segment and the related percent change from the prior year (in thousands, except percentages):
| | | 2011 | | | % | | | 2010 | | | % | | | 2009 | | | % | |
| Americas | | $ | 481,426 | | | | 13.4 | | | $ | 424,462 | | | | 16.0 | | | $ | 366,034 | | | | (15.2 | ) |
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | | | 188,338 | | | | 9.1 | | | | 172,619 | | | | (2.9 | ) | | | 177,829 | | | | (18.3 | ) |
| Asia Pacific | | | 84,234 | | | | 19.3 | | | | 70,586 | | | | 35.7 | | | | 52,012 | | | | (0.5 | ) |
| Total | | $ | 753,998 | | | | 12.9 | | | $ | 667,667 | | | | 12.0 | | | $ | 595,875 | | | | (15.0 | ) |
Americas – In 2011, Americas Net Sales increased 13.4% to $481.4 million as compared with $424.5 million in 2010. The primary driver of the increase in Net Sales was attributable to sales unit volume increases with continued growth of scrubbers equipped with our ec-H2O technology in North America and growth of industrial equipment in Latin America. Favorable direct foreign currency translation exchange effects increased Net Sales by approximately 0.5%.
In 2010, Americas Net Sales increased 16.0% to $424.5 million as compared with $366.0 million in 2009. The primary driver of the increase in Net Sales is attributable to sales unit volume increases, primarily from industrial equipment and scrubbers equipped with our ec-H2O technology. Favorable direct foreign currency translation exchange effects increased Net Sales by approximately 1%.
Europe, Middle East and Africa – Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) Net Sales in 2011 increased 9.1% to $188.3 million as compared to 2010 Net Sales of $172.6 million. Favorable direct foreign currency exchange effects increased EMEA Net Sales by approximately 4.5% in 2011. An organic sales increase of approximately 4.6% was primarily due to growth of indoor equipment, in particular increased sales of scrubbers equipped with our ec-H2O technology, which was somewhat offset by lower sales of outdoor equipment.
EMEA Net Sales in 2010 decreased 2.9% to $172.6 million as compared to 2009 Net Sales of $177.8 million. Unfavorable direct foreign currency exchange effects decreased EMEA Net Sales by approximately 4.5% in 2010. An organic sales increase of approximately 1.6% was primarily due to increased unit volume in our service, parts and consumables business, partially offset by lower equipment unit volume.
Asia Pacific – Asia Pacific Net Sales in 2011 increased 19.3% to $84.2 million over 2010 Net Sales of $70.6 million. An organic sales increase of approximately 10.3% was primarily due to strong growth of industrial scrubbers, especially in China, which was somewhat offset by selling price decreases in some mature markets related to movements in foreign exchange rates. Favorable direct foreign currency exchange effects increased Net Sales by approximately 9.0% in 2011.
Asia Pacific Net Sales in 2010 increased 35.7% to $70.6 million over 2009 Net Sales of $52.0 million. An organic sales increase of approximately 25.2% was primarily due to equipment unit volume increases in both Australia and China. Favorable direct foreign currency exchange effects increased Net Sales by approximately 10.5% in 2010.
Gross Profit
Gross Profit margin was 42.3% in 2011, a decrease of 30 basis points as compared to 2010. Gross Profit margin in 2011 was adversely impacted by 30 basis points due to an unfavorable net adjustment to LIFO inventory resulting from an increase in inventories and higher cost indices. Raw material cost inflation in 2011 was mitigated by selling price increases, productivity improvements, tight cost controls and leverage from higher production levels.
Gross Profit margin was 42.6% in 2010, an increase of 130 basis points as compared to 2009. Gross Profit margin was favorably impacted by manufacturing efficiencies from increased sales volume, somewhat offset by higher commodity costs.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development Expense – Research and Development Expense (“R&D Expense”) increased $2.0 million, or 7.5%, in 2011 as compared to 2010. As a percentage of Net Sales, 2011 R&D Expense decreased 20 basis points to 3.7% in 2011 from 3.9% in the prior year. R&D Expense increased in 2011 as we made additional investments in our chemical-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies as well as our core business.
R&D Expense increased $3.0 million, or 13.0%, in 2010 as compared to 2009 and remained consistent with the prior year at 3.9% as a percentage of Net Sales. Higher sales and improved profitability in 2010 allowed increased investment levels in key research and development projects, primarily for our chemical-free technologies.
Selling and Administrative Expense – Selling and Administrative Expense (“S&A Expense”) increased by $20.4 million, or 9.2%, in 2011 compared to 2010 due to higher variable costs related to the increased sales volume, $4.0 million related to the Hofmans product obsolescence and international executive severance, and investments in our sustainable cleaning business. As a percentage of Net Sales, 2011 S&A Expense decreased 110 basis points to 32.0% due to continued tight cost controls and improved operating efficiencies.
S&A Expense increased by $19.0 million, or 9.4%, in 2010 as compared to 2009 due primarily to higher variable selling expenses and incentives. As a percentage of Net Sales, 2010 S&A Expense decreased 80 basis points to 33.1%. S&A Expense benefited from tight spending controls and leveraging our existing resources as we have kept our employee headcount consistent with 2009 year end levels.
Goodwill Impairment Charge – During the first quarter of 2009, we recorded a non-cash pretax goodwill impairment charge of $43.4 million related to our EMEA reporting unit. Only $3.8 million of this charge was tax deductible.
Total Other Income (Expense), Net
Interest Income – Interest Income was $0.8 million in 2011, an increase of $0.6 million from 2010. The increase between 2011 and 2010 is due to higher interest rates on higher cash investments.
Interest Income was $0.1 million in 2010, a decrease of $0.3 million from 2009. The decrease between 2010 and 2009 mainly reflects the impact of no ESOP interest income in 2010 as the ESOP loan matured on December 31, 2009.
Interest Expense – Interest Expense was $2.2 million in 2011 as compared to $1.6 million in 2010. This increase is primarily due to a higher level of debt with a higher interest rate related to long-term fixed rate borrowings initiated in 2011.
Interest Expense was $1.6 million in 2010 as compared to $2.8 million in 2009. This decline is primarily due to a lower level of borrowings against our revolving credit facility in 2010 as compared to 2009.
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gains (Losses) – Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gains were $0.6 million in 2011 as compared to Losses of $0.9 million in 2010. The favorable increase from the prior year was due to fluctuations in foreign currency rates in the normal course of business.
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Losses were $0.9 million in 2010 as compared to $0.4 million in 2009. The decrease from the prior year was due to fluctuations in foreign currency rates in the normal course of business.
ESOP Income – There was no ESOP Income during 2011 and 2010. On December 31, 2009, the term for this ESOP program expired.
Other (Expense) Income, Net – There was no significant change in Other (Expense) Income, Net in 2011 as compared to 2010 or in 2010 as compared to 2009.
Income Taxes
The overall effective income tax rate was 32.9%, (0.2%) and 7.9% in 2011, 2010 and 2009 respectively. The tax expense for 2011 includes only a $0.5 million tax benefit in the second quarter associated with the $5.5 million pre-tax charges related to Hofmans product obsolescence and international executive severance which contributed to an increased overall effective rate. Excluding these charges, the overall effective tax rate would have been 30.4%. The decrease in the 2011 overall effective tax rate as compared to the prior year, excluding the effect of these one-time charges, was primarily related to changes in our full year taxable earnings by country, and a decrease in the statutory tax rates in various foreign jurisdictions.
The 2010 net tax benefit included a $10.9 million tax benefit associated with a restructuring and realignment of international operations recorded in the fourth quarter, materially impacting the overall effective rate. Excluding the tax benefit associated with the fourth quarter restructuring and realignment of international operations, the 2010 overall rate would have been 31.3%.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity – Cash and Cash Equivalents totaled $52.3 million at December 31, 2011, as compared to $39.5 million of Cash and Cash Equivalents as of December 31, 2010. Cash and Cash Equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $11.3 million as of December 31, 2011 as compared to $10.6 million of Cash and Cash Equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010. Wherever possible, cash management is centralized and intercompany financing is used to provide working capital to subsidiaries as needed. Our current ratio was 2.2 and 2.1 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, based on working capital of $148.1 million and $132.1 million, respectively.
Our Debt-to-Capital ratio was 14.2% as of December 31, 2011, compared with 12.5% as of December 31, 2010. Our capital structure was comprised of $36.5 million of Long-Term Debt and $220.9 million of Shareholders’ Equity as of December 31, 2011.
Cash Flow Summary – Cash provided by (used in) our operating, investing and financing activities is summarized as follows (in thousands):
| | | 2011 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| Operating Activities | | $ | 56,909 | | | $ | 42,530 | | | $ | 75,185 | |
| Investing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Disposals | | | (13,301 | ) | | | (9,934 | ) | | | (11,172 | ) |
| Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired | | | (2,917 | ) | | | (86 | ) | | | (2,162 | ) |
| Restricted Cash | | | (3,279 | ) | | | - | | | | - | |
| Financing Activities | | | (24,247 | ) | | | (10,342 | ) | | | (74,068 | ) |
| Effect of Exchange Reate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | (355 | ) | | | (701 | ) | | | 994 | |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | | $ | 12,810 | | | $ | 21,467 | | | $ | (11,223 | ) |
Operating Activities – Cash provided by operating activities was $56.9 million in 2011, $42.5 million in 2010 and $75.2 million in 2009. In 2011, cash provided by operating activities was driven by $32.7 million of Net Earnings and increased Accounts Payable, somewhat offset by increases in Inventories and Receivables. The increase in Inventories is due to sales and service initiatives. The increases in Accounts Payable and Receivables is due to higher levels of sales. Cash provided by operating activities was $14.4 million higher in 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily due to the smaller increase in Deferred Income Taxes in 2011 as compared to 2010 which was impacted by the international entity restructuring that occurred in the 2010 fourth quarter.
In 2010, cash provided by operating activities was driven by $34.8 million of Net Earnings as well as increased Accrued Expenses, primarily from sales and management incentives, somewhat offset by increases in Receivables and Inventories, both increasing at year end due to strong fourth quarter Net Sales. Cash provided by operating activities was $32.7 million lower in 2010 as compared to 2009. This decrease was primarily driven by higher working capital related to higher sales levels as of year end 2010 as compared to year end 2009.
For 2011, we used operating profit and working capital as key indicators of financial performance and the primary metrics for performance-based incentives.
Two metrics used by management to evaluate how effectively we utilize our net assets are “Accounts Receivable Days Sales Outstanding” (“DSO”) and “Days Inventory on Hand” (“DIOH”), on a FIFO basis. The metrics are calculated on a rolling three month basis in order to more readily reflect changing trends in the business. These metrics for the quarters ended December 31 were as follows (in days):
| | | 2011 | | 2010 | | 2009 |
| DSO | | 58 | | 59 | | 67 |
| DIOH | | 88 | | 83 | | 87 |
DSO decreased 1 day in 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily due to increased Net Sales as well as our continued focus on proactively managing Accounts Receivable by enforcing tighter credit limits and collecting past due balances.
DIOH increased 5 days in 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily due to higher levels of inventories to support fourth quarter 2011 sales and service initiatives.
Investing Activities – Net cash used for investing activities was $19.5 million in 2011, $10.0 million in 2010 and $13.3 million in 2009. Net capital expenditures were $13.3 million during 2011 as compared to $9.9 million in 2010. Net capital expenditures were $11.2 million in 2009. Our 2011 capital expenditures included tooling related to new product development, investments in our facilities including the new plant in China, technology upgrades, and manufacturing and lab equipment.
Capital expenditures in 2010 included technology upgrades and tooling related to new product development and manufacturing equipment. Capital expenditures in 2009 included technology upgrades, tooling related to new product development and investments in our Minnesota facilities to complete the Global Innovation Center to support new product innovation efforts.
Financing Activities – Net cash used for financing activities was $24.2 million in 2011 and $10.3 million in 2010. Net cash used for financing activities was $74.1 million in 2009. In 2011, payments of floating rate Long-Term Debt used $19.3 million, which was more than offset by $20.0 million issuance of fixed rate Long-Term Debt, and payments of dividends used $12.9 million. In 2010, payments of dividends used $11.2 million and payments of Long-Term Debt used $4.2 million. In 2009, payments of Long-Term Debt used $67.2 million and dividend payments used $9.9 million. Our annual cash dividend payout increased for the 40th consecutive year to $0.68 per share in 2011, an increase of $0.09 per share over 2010.
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock generated $4.2 million in 2011, $6.5 million in 2010 and $0.9 million in 2009.
On May 3, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 shares of our Common Stock. On February 21, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 1,000,000 shares of our common stock. At December 31, 2011, there were 719,570 remaining shares authorized for repurchase.
There were 469,304 shares repurchased in 2011, 100,000 shares repurchased during 2010 and no shares repurchased in 2009, at average repurchase prices of $37.51 during 2011 and $31.53 during 2010. Our Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank limits the payment of dividends and repurchases of stock to amounts ranging from $50.0 million to $75.0 million per fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments for the life of the agreement.
Indebtedness – As of December 31, 2011, we had committed lines of credit totaling approximately $125.0 million and uncommitted lines of credit totaling $82.6 million. There was $10.0 million in outstanding borrowings under our JPMorgan facility and $20.0 million in outstanding borrowings under our Prudential facility as of December 31, 2011. In addition, we had stand alone letters of credit of approximately $1.8 million outstanding and bank guarantees in the amount of approximately $1.0 million. Commitment fees on unused lines of credit for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $0.3 million.
Our most restrictive covenants are part of our Credit Agreement with JPMorgan, which are the same covenants in the Shelf Agreement with Prudential, and require us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio of not greater than 3.00 to 1 and to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio of no less than 3.50 to 1 as of the end of each quarter. As of December 31, 2011, our indebtedness to EBITDA ratio was 0.54 to 1 and our EBITDA to interest expense ratio was 32.82 to 1.
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
On May 5, 2011, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “2011 Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N. A. (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as syndication agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and RBS Citizens, N.A., as co-documentation agents, and the Lenders (including JPMorgan) from time to time party thereto. Upon entry into the 2011 Credit Agreement, we repaid and terminated our June 19, 2007 Credit Agreement. The 2011 Credit Agreement provides us and certain of our foreign subsidiaries access to a senior unsecured credit facility until May 5, 2016, in the amount of $125.0 million, with an option to expand by up to $62.5 million to a total of $187.5 million. Borrowings may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or certain other currencies. The 2011 Credit Agreement contains a $100.0 million sublimit on borrowings by foreign subsidiaries.
The fee for committed funds under the 2011 Credit Agreement ranges from an annual rate of 0.25% to 0.40%, depending on our leverage ratio. Borrowings under the 2011 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (c) the adjusted LIBOR rate for a one month period plus 1.0%, plus, in any such case, an additional spread of 0.50% to 1.10%, depending on our leverage ratio.
The 2011 Credit Agreement gives the lenders a pledge of 65% of the stock of certain first tier foreign subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement are also guaranteed by our first tier domestic subsidiaries.
The 2011 Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including but not limited to covenants restricting our ability to incur indebtedness and liens and merge or consolidate with another entity. Further, the 2011 Credit Agreement contains the following covenants:
| · | a covenant requiring us to maintain an indebtedness to EBITDA ratio as of the end of each quarter of not greater than 3.00 to 1; |
| · | a covenant requiring us to maintain an EBITDA to interest expense ratio as of the end of each quarter of no less than 3.50 to 1; |
| · | a covenant restricting us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50.0 million to $75.0 million during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and |
| · | a covenant restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1, in such case limiting acquisitions to $25.0 million. |
As of December 31, 2011 we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. There was $10.0 million in outstanding borrowings under this facility at December 31, 2011, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.75%.
Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
On May 5, 2011, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to our Private Shelf Agreement (the “Amendment”), which amends the Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2009, with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (“Prudential”) and Prudential affiliates from time to time party thereto (the “Shelf Agreement”).
The Amendment principally provides the following changes to the Shelf Agreement:
| · | elimination of the security interest in our personal property and subsidiaries; |
| · | an amendment to the maximum leverage ratio to not greater than 3.00 to 1 for any period ending on or after March 31, 2011; |
| · | an amendment to our restriction regarding the payment of dividends or repurchase of stock to restrict us from paying dividends or repurchasing stock if, after giving effect to such payments, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.00 to 1, in such case limiting such payments to an amount ranging from $50.0 million to $75.0 million during any fiscal year based on our leverage ratio after giving effect to such payments; and |
| · | an amendment to Permitted Acquisitions restricting our ability to make acquisitions, if, after giving pro-forma effect to such acquisition, our leverage ratio is greater than 2.75 to 1, in such case limiting acquisitions to $25.0 million. |
As of December 31, 2011, there was $20.0 million in outstanding borrowings under this facility; the $10.0 million Series A notes issued in March 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.00% and a 7 year term serially maturing from 2014 to 2018 and the $10.0 million Series B notes issued in June 2011 with a fixed interest rate of 4.10% and a 10 year term serially maturing from 2015 to 2021. We were in compliance with all covenants of the Shelf Agreement as of December 31, 2011.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Citizens, N.A.
On September 14, 2010, we entered into an overdraft facility with The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. in the amount of 2.0 million Euros or approximately $2.6 million. There was no balance outstanding on this facility as of December 31, 2011.
Notes Payable
On May 31, 2011, we incurred $1.5 million in debt related to installment payments due to the former owners of Water Star in connection with our acquisition of Water Star, which remains outstanding as of December 31, 2011.
Contractual Obligations – Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011, are summarized by period due in the following table (in thousands):
| | | Total | | | Less Than 1 Year | | | 1 - 3 Years | | | 3 - 5 Years | | | More Than 5 Years | |
Long-term debt (1) | | $ | 31,549 | | | $ | 775 | | | $ | 2,774 | | | $ | 16,857 | | | $ | 11,143 | |
Interest payments on long-term debt (1) | | | 5,162 | | | | 995 | | | | 1,927 | | | | 1,388 | | | | 852 | |
| Capital leases | | | 4,779 | | | | 3,321 | | | | 1,458 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| Interest payments on capital leases | | | 285 | | | | 194 | | | | 91 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Retirement benefit plans(2) | | | 1,008 | | | | 1,008 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Deferred compensation arrangements(3) | | | 6,713 | | | | 537 | | | | 944 | | | | 450 | | | | 4,782 | |
Operating leases (4) | | | 18,629 | | | | 7,937 | | | | 7,439 | | | | 2,396 | | | | 857 | |
Purchase obligations (5) | | | 46,867 | | | | 46,867 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Other (6) | | | 1,021 | | | | 731 | | | | 290 | | | | - | | | | | |
| Total contractual obligations | | $ | 116,013 | | | $ | 62,365 | | | $ | 14,923 | | | $ | 21,091 | | | $ | 17,634 | |
(1) Long-term debt represents bank borrowings and borrowings through our Credit Agreement with JPMorgan and our Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential. Our Credit Agreement with JPMorgan does not have specified repayment terms; therefore, repayment is due upon expiration of the agreement on May 5, 2016. Interest payments on our Credit Agreement were calculated using the December 31, 2011 LIBOR rate based on the assumption that the principal would be repaid in full upon the expiration of the agreement. Our borrowings under our Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential have 7 and 10 year terms, serially maturing from 2014 to 2021 with fixed interest rates of 4.00% and 4.10%, respectively.
(2) Our retirement benefit plans, as described in Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, require us to make contributions to the plans from time to time. Our plan obligations totaled $30.8 million as of December 31, 2011. Contributions to the various plans are dependent upon a number of factors including the market performance of plan assets, if any, and future changes in interest rates, which impact the actuarial measurement of plan obligations. As a result, we have only included our 2012 expected contribution in the contractual obligations table.
(3) The unfunded deferred compensation arrangements covering certain current and retired management employees totaled $6.7 million as of December 31, 2011. Our estimated distributions in the contractual obligations table are based upon a number of assumptions including termination dates and participant distribution elections.
(4) Operating lease commitments consist primarily of office and warehouse facilities, vehicles and office equipment as discussed in Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(5) Purchase obligations include all known open purchase orders, contractual purchase commitments and contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011.
(6) Other obligations include collateralized borrowings as discussed in Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements and residual value guarantees as discussed in Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Total contractual obligations exclude our gross unrecognized tax benefits of $3.4 million and accrued interest and penalties of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2011. We expect to make cash outlays in the future related to uncertain tax positions. However, due to the uncertainty of the timing of future cash flows, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement, if any, with the respective taxing authorities. For further information related to unrecognized tax benefits, see Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Newly Issued Accounting Guidance
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance for fair value measurements providing common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. While the guidance is largely consistent with existing fair value measurement principles in U.S. GAAP, it expands existing disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and makes other amendments. Key additional disclosures include quantitative disclosures about unobservable inputs in Level 3 measures, qualitative information about sensitivity of Level 3 measures and valuation process, and classification within the fair value hierarchy for instruments where fair value is only disclosed in the footnotes but carrying amount is on some other basis. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
Comprehensive Income
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income that will require us to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. In December 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to this standard which defers the requirement that companies present reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income in both net income and other comprehensive income on the face of the financial statements. This guidance requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. This amended guidance will not impact our results of operations or financial position.
Testing Goodwill for Impairment
In September 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on the periodic testing of goodwill for impairment. This updated accounting guidance permits companies to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If a company determines through this qualitative analysis that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it is not necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011, however early adoption is permitted. We elected to early adopt this guidance for the annual fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities Disclosures
In December 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance on disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. This update adds certain additional disclosure requirements about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are subject to netting arrangements. The new disclosures are required for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are based on the selection and application of accounting principals generally accepted in the United States of America, which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and any such differences may be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe that the following policies may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, the results could be materially different from our reported results.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – We record a reserve for accounts receivable that are potentially uncollectible. A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realization of these receivables including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past-due balances. In order to assess the collectibility of these receivables, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy. The reserve requirements are based on the best facts available to us and are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information becomes available. Our reserves are also based on amounts determined by using percentages applied to trade receivables. These percentages are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, current economic trends, historical payment and bad debt write-off experience. We are not able to predict changes in the financial condition of our customers and if circumstances related to these customers deteriorate, our estimates of the recoverability of accounts receivable could be materially affected and we may be required to record additional allowances. Alternatively, if more allowances are provided than are ultimately required, we may reverse a portion of such provisions in future periods based on the actual collection experience. Bad debt write-offs as a percentage of Net Sales were approximately 0.2% in 2011, 0.3% in 2010 and 0.7% in 2009. As of December 31, 2011, we had $3.7 million reserved against Accounts Receivable for doubtful accounts.
Inventory Reserves – We value our inventory at the lower of the cost of inventory or fair market value through the establishment of a reserve for excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory. In assessing the ultimate realization of inventories, we are required to make judgments as to future demand requirements compared with inventory levels. Reserve requirements are developed by comparing our inventory levels to our projected demand requirements based on historical demand, market conditions and technological and product life cycle changes. It is possible that an increase in our reserve may be required in the future if there are significant declines in demand for certain products. This reserve creates a new cost basis for these products and is considered permanent. As of December 31, 2011, we had $4.2 million reserved against Inventories.
Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired and is allocated to our reporting units at the time of the acquisition. We analyze Goodwill on an annual basis and when an event occurs or circumstances change that may reduce the fair value of one of our reporting units below its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment loss occurs if the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its fair value.
Beginning in 2011, we performed an analysis of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Prior to 2011, the analysis of qualitative factors was not an option and the two-step impairment testing was performed. The first step is used as an indicator to identify if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the first step indicates there may be an impairment, the second step is performed which measures the amount of the goodwill impairment, if any. We perform our goodwill impairment analysis as of year end and use our judgment to develop assumptions for the discounted cash flow model that we use. Management assumptions include forecasting revenues and margins, estimating capital expenditures, depreciation, amortization and discount rates.
If our goodwill impairment testing resulted in one or more of our reporting units’ carrying amount exceeding its fair value, we would write down our reporting units’ carrying amount to its fair value and would record an impairment charge in our results of operations in the period such determination is made. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment charges is not permitted. During the first quarter of 2009, we recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $43.4 million. Each of our reporting units were analyzed for impairment as of December 31, 2011 and based upon our analysis, the estimated fair values of our reporting units substantially exceeded their carrying amounts. We had Goodwill of $20.3 million as of December 31, 2011.
Warranty Reserves – We record a liability for warranty claims at the time of sale. The amount of the liability is based on the trend in the historical ratio of claims to net sales, the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim, new product introductions and other factors. Future claims experience could be materially different from prior results because of the introduction of new, more complex products, a change in our warranty policy in response to industry trends, competition or other external forces, or manufacturing changes that could impact product quality. In the event we determine that our current or future product repair and replacement costs exceed our estimates, an adjustment to these reserves would be charged to earnings in the period such determination is made. Warranty expense as a percentage of Net Sales was 1.7% in 2011, 1.6% in 2010 and 1.4% in 2009. As of December 31, 2011, we had $8.8 million reserved for future estimated warranty costs.
Income Taxes – We are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current tax obligations based on expected income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions. We also establish reserves for uncertain tax matters that are complex in nature and uncertain as to the ultimate outcome. Although we believe that our tax return positions are fully supportable, we consider our ability to ultimately prevail in defending these matters when establishing these reserves. We adjust our reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit. We believe that our current reserves are adequate. However, the ultimate outcome may differ from our estimates and assumptions and could impact the income tax expense reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Tax law requires certain items to be included in our tax return at different times than the items are reflected in our results of operations. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax returns, and some differences will reverse over time, such as depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in our tax returns in future years but have already been recorded as an expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and, based on management’s judgment, to the extent we believe that recovery is not more likely than not, we establish a valuation reserve against those deferred tax assets. The deferred tax asset valuation allowance could be materially different from actual results because of changes in the mix of future taxable income, the relationship between book and taxable income and our tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2011, a valuation allowance of $3.2 million was recorded against foreign tax loss carryforwards and state credit carryforwards.
Cautionary Factors Relevant to Forward-Looking Information
This annual report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 2, contain certain statements that are considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” or “continue” or similar words or the negative thereof. These statements do not relate to strictly historical or current facts and provide current expectations of forecasts of future events. Any such expectations or forecasts of future events are subject to a variety of factors. Particular risks and uncertainties presently facing us include:
| · | Geopolitical and economic uncertainty throughout the world. |
| · | Competition in our business. |
| · | Ability to effectively manage organizational changes. |
| · | Ability to comply with laws and regulations. |
| · | Ability to effectively maintain and manage the data in our computer systems. |
| · | Unforeseen product liability claims or product quality issues. |
| · | Ability to develop and fund new innovative products and services. |
| · | Ability to attract and retain key personnel. |
| · | Ability to successfully upgrade and evolve the capabilities of our computer systems. |
| · | Occurrence of a significant business interruption. |
| · | Fluctuations in the cost or availability of raw materials and purchased components. |
| · | Ability to acquire, retain and protect proprietary intellectual property rights. |
| · | Relative strength of the U.S. dollar, which affects the cost of our materials and products purchased and sold internationally. |
We caution that forward-looking statements must be considered carefully and that actual results may differ in material ways due to risks and uncertainties both known and unknown. Information about factors that could materially affect our results can be found in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by us in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other written statements on related subjects. It is not possible to anticipate or foresee all risk factors, and investors should not consider any list of such factors to be an exhaustive or complete list of all risks or uncertainties.
