SPX Technologies Inc

December 31, 2023

(All currency and share amounts are in millions, except per share and par value data)

(1)Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are described below, as well as in other Notes that follow. Unless otherwise indicated, amounts provided in these Notes pertain to continuing operations only (see Note 4 for information on discontinued operations).

Merger and Consummation of Holding Company Reorganization — As of August 15, 2022, SPX Technologies, Inc. (“SPX”, “our”, “we”, or the “Company”) is the successor registrant pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to SPX Corporation (“Legacy SPX”) as a result of the completion on August 15, 2022 of a holding company reorganization (the “Holding Company Reorganization”) effected as a merger of Legacy SPX with and into SPX Merger, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company. Each share of Legacy SPX’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of the Holding Company Reorganization was automatically converted into an equivalent corresponding share of the Company's common stock having the same designations, rights, powers and preferences and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions as the corresponding share of Legacy SPX common stock being converted. Accordingly, upon consummation of the Holding Company Reorganization, Legacy SPX stockholders became stockholders of the Company. The terms “SPX,” “we” and “our” include Legacy SPX for periods prior to the consummation of the Holding Company Reorganization as the context requires.

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include our accounts prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) after the elimination of intercompany transactions. Investments in unconsolidated companies where we exercise significant influence but do not have control are accounted for using the equity method. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”), we perform a qualitative analysis that considers the design of the VIE, the nature of our involvement and the variable interests held by other parties to determine which party has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and which party has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. All of our VIEs are immaterial, individually and in aggregate, to our consolidated financial statements.

Shift Away from the Power Generation Markets— On September 26, 2015, we completed the spin-off to our stockholders (the “Spin-Off”) of all the outstanding shares of SPX FLOW, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPX prior to the Spin-Off, which at the time of the Spin-Off held the businesses comprising our Flow Technology reportable segment, our Hydraulic Technologies business, and certain of our corporate subsidiaries. Prior to the Spin-Off, our businesses serving the power generation markets had a major impact on the consolidated financial results of SPX. In the years leading up to the Spin-Off, these businesses experienced significant declines in revenues and profitability associated with weak demand and increased competition within the global power generation markets. Based on a review of our post-spin portfolio and the belief that a recovery within the power generation markets was unlikely in the foreseeable future, we decided coming out of the Spin-Off that our strategic focus would be on our (i) scalable growth businesses that serve the heating, ventilation and cooling (“HVAC”) and detection and measurement markets and (ii) power transformers and process cooling systems businesses. As a result, we have significantly reduced our exposure to the power generation markets as indicated by the activities summarized below:

•Sale of Dry Cooling Business – On March 30, 2016, we completed the sale of our dry cooling business, a business that provides dry cooling systems to the global power generation markets.

•Sale of Balcke Dürr Business – On December 30, 2016, we completed the sale of Balcke Dürr, a business that provides heat exchangers and other related components to the European and Asian power generation markets. Balcke Dürr historically had been the most significant of our power generation businesses. As we considered the disposition of Balcke Dürr to be the cornerstone of our strategic shift away from the power generation markets, and given the significance of Balcke Dürr’s financial results to our overall operations prior to its disposition, we began classifying Balcke Dürr as a discontinued operation at the time of its disposition.

•Wind-Down of the SPX Heat Transfer Business – After an unsuccessful attempt to sell the SPX Heat Transfer (“Heat Transfer”) business, and as a continuation of our strategic shift away from power generation markets, we initiated a wind-down plan for the business in 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2020, we completed the plan, which included providing all products and services on the business’s remaining contracts with customers. As a result, we are reporting Heat Transfer as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 for additional details.

•Wind-Down of DBT Technologies Business – As a culmination of our strategic shift away from power generation markets, in 2021 we substantially ceased all operations of, and have ceased accepting new businesses in, our South African subsidiary, DBT Technologies (PTY) LTD (“DBT”). As a result, we are reporting DBT as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Since that time, DBT has been involved in various dispute resolution matters related to two large power projects. See Notes 4 and 15 for additional details regarding DBT's presentation as a discontinued operation and dispute resolution matters.

Sale of Transformer Solutions Business — On October 1, 2021, we completed the sale of SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc. (“Transformer Solutions”) pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 8, 2021 with GE-Prolec Transformers, Inc. (the “Purchaser”) and Prolec GE Internacional, S. de R.L. de C.V. We transferred all of the outstanding common stock of Transformer Solutions to the Purchaser for an aggregate cash purchase price of $645.0 (the “Transaction”). The purchase price was subject to potential adjustment based on Transformer Solutions’ cash, debt and working capital on the date the Transaction was consummated, as well as for specified transaction expenses and other specified items. In connection with the sale, we received cash proceeds of$620.6 and recorded a gain of$382.2 to “Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax” within our 2021 consolidated statement of operations. During 2022, we agreed to the final adjustment of the purchase price which resulted in a payment to the Purchaser of $13.9 with an increase to the gain on sale of $0.2. Historically, Transformer Solutions’ operations had a significant impact on our consolidated financial results, with revenues totaling approximately 25% of our consolidated revenues. As we no longer have a consequential presence in the power transmission and distribution markets, and given Transformer Solutions' significance to our historical consolidated financial results, we concluded that the sale of Transformer Solutions represents a strategic shift. Accordingly, we have classified the business as a discontinued operation in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 for additional details.

Divestiture of Asbestos Liabilities and Certain Assets — On November 1, 2022, we divested three wholly-owned subsidiaries that hold asbestos liabilities and certain assets, including related insurance assets, to Canvas Holdco LLC (“Canvas”), an entity formed by a joint venture of Global Risk Capital LLC and an affiliate of Premia Holdings Ltd. In connection with the divestiture (the “Asbestos Portfolio Sale”), we contributed $138.8 in cash to the divested subsidiaries, financed with cash on hand; while Canvas made a capital contribution to the divested subsidiaries of $8.0. The divestiture resulted in a loss of $73.9, recorded to “Other operating (income) expense, net,” which includes the write-off of certain deferred income tax assets recorded by the divested subsidiaries. The divested subsidiaries have agreed to indemnify us and our affiliates for their asbestos-related liabilities, which encompassed all of our consolidated asbestos-related liabilities and contingent liabilities immediately prior to the divestiture. These indemnification obligations are not subject to any cap or time limitation. As a result of this transaction, all asbestos obligations and liabilities and related insurance assets have been removed from our consolidated balance sheets effective November 12, 2022. The board of managers of the divested subsidiaries each received a solvency opinion from an independent advisory firm that the divested subsidiaries were solvent after giving effect to the Asbestos Portfolio Sale.

The agreement for the Asbestos Portfolio Sale contains customary representations and warranties with respect to the divested subsidiaries, the Company, and Canvas. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company and Canvas will each indemnify the other for breaches of representation and warranties or breaches of covenants, subject to certain limitations as set forth in the agreement. Refer to Note 4 for additional details.

Acquisitions in 2023:

•TAMCO - On April 3, 2023, we completed the acquisition of T. A. Morrison & Co. Inc. (“TAMCO”), a market leader in motorized and non-motorized dampers that control airflow in large-scale specialty applications in commercial, industrial, and institutional markets. We purchased TAMCO for cash consideration of $125.5, inclusive of an adjustment to the purchase price of $0.2 paid during 2023 related to acquired working capital, and net of cash acquired of $1.0. The post-acquisition operating results of TAMCO are reflected within our HVAC reportable segment.

•ASPEQ - On June 2, 2023, we completed the acquisition of ASPEQ Heating Group (“ASPEQ”), a leading provider of electrical heating solutions to customers in industrial and commercial markets. We purchased ASPEQ for cash consideration of $421.5, net of (i) an adjustment to the purchase price of $0.3 received during 2023 related to acquired working capital and (ii) cash acquired of $0.9. The post-acquisition operating results of ASPEQ are reflected within our HVAC reportable segment.

The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the TAMCO and ASPEQ transactions have been recorded at estimates of fair value as determined by management, based on information available and assump tions as to future operations and are subject to change, primarily for the final assessment and valuation of certain income tax amounts.

Acquisitions in 2022:

•ITL - On March 31, 2022, we completed the acquisition of International Tower Lighting, LLC (“ITL”), a leader in the design and manufacture of highly-engineered aids to navigation systems, including obstruction lighting for telecommunications towers, wind turbines and numerous other terrestrial obstructions. We purchased ITL for cash proceeds of $40.4, net of (i) an adjustment to the purchase price received during 2022 of $1.4 related to acquired working capital and (ii) cash acquired of $1.1. The post-acquisition operating results of ITL are reflected within our Detection and Measurement reportable segment.

Acquisitions in 2021:

•Sealite - On April 19, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Sealite Pty Ltd and affiliated entities, including Sealite USA, LLC (doing business as Avlite Systems) and Star2M Pty Ltd (collectively,“Sealite”). Sealite is a leader in the design and manufacture of marine and aviation aids to navigation products. We purchased Sealite for cash proceeds of $80.3, net of cash acquired of $2.3. The post-acquisition operating results of Sealite are reflected within our Detection and Measurement reportable segment.

•ECS -On August 2, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Enterprise Control Systems Ltd (“ECS”), a leader in the design and manufacture of highly-engineered tactical datalinks and radio frequency (“RF”) countermeasures, including counter-drone and counter-improvised explosive device RF jammers. We purchased ECS for cash proceeds of $39.4, net of cash acquired of $5.1. Under the terms of the purchase and sales agreement, the seller was eligible for additional cash consideration of up to$16.0, with payment to be made in 2022 upon successful achievement of certain financial performance milestones. The estimated fair value of such contingent consideration as of the date of acquisition was $8.2. During the fourth quarter of 2021, we concluded that the probability of achieving the above financial performance milestones had lessened due to a delay in the execution of a large order, resulting in a reduction of the estimated liability of $6.7, with such amount recorded within “Other operating (income) expense, net” in the 2021 consolidated statement of operations. During the first and second quarters of 2022, we further reduced the estimated liability by $0.9 and $0.4, respectively, with such amount recorded within “Other operating (income) expense, net” in the 2022 consolidated statement of operations. The estimated fair value of such contingent consideration was $0.0 at December 31, 2023 and 2022 as the financial performance milestones were not met. The post-acquisition operating results of ECS are reflected within our Detection and Measurement reportable segment.

•Cincinnati Fan - On December 15, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Cincinnati Fan & Ventilator Co., Inc. (“Cincinnati Fan”), a leader in engineered air movement solutions, including blowers and critical exhaust systems. We purchased Cincinnati Fan for cash proceeds of $145.2, net of (i) an adjustment to the purchase price received during 2022 of $0.4 related to acquired working capital and (ii) cash acquired of $2.5. The post-acquisition operating results of Cincinnati Fan are reflected within our HVAC reportable segment.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions — The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with the Foreign Currency Matters Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Codification (“Codification”). Gains and losses on foreign currency translations are reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity and other comprehensive income/loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, as well as gains and losses related to foreign currency forward contracts, are included in “Other income (expense), net,” with the related net losses totaling $0.9, $1.1 and $0.9 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Cash Equivalents — We consider highly liquid money market investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606. See Note 5 for our policy for recognizing revenue under, as well as the various other disclosures required by, ASC 606.

Research and Development Costs — We expense research and development costs as incurred. We charge costs incurred in the research and development of new software included in products to expense until technological feasibility is established. After technological feasibility is established, additional eligible costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release. We amortize these costs over the economic lives of the related products and include the amortization in cost of products sold. We perform periodic reviews of the recoverability of these capitalized software costs. If, and at the time, we determine that capitalized amounts are not recoverable based on the estimated cash flows to be generated from the applicable software, we write off any unrecoverable capitalized amounts. Capitalized software, net of amortization, totaled $3.1 and $1.2 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Capitalized software amortization expense totaled $0.1, $0.1, and $1.3 in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. We expensed research activities relating to the development and improvement of our products of $43.2,$39.1 and $30.7 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We use the straight-line method for computing depreciation expense over the useful lives of PP&E, which do not exceed 40 years for buildings and range from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. Depreciation expense, including amortization of finance leases, was $19.2, $17.8 and $19.4 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related asset or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Interest is capitalized on significant construction or installation projects. No interest was capitalized during 2023, 2022 or 2021.

Pension and Postretirement — We recognize changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial gains and losses in earnings during the fourth quarter of each year, unless earlier remeasurement is required, as a component of net periodic benefit expense/income and, accordingly, recognize the effects of plan investment performance, interest rate changes, and changes in actuarial assumptions as a component of earnings in the year in which they occur. The remaining components of pension/postretirement expense/income, primarily interest costs and expected return on plan assets, are recorded on a quarterly basis.

Company-owned Life Insurance Policies — The Company has investments in company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies, which are recorded at their cash surrender value at each balance sheet date. Changes in the cash surrender value during the period are recorded as a gain or loss within “Other income (expense), net” within our consolidated statements of operations. The value of the company’s investments in COLI assets was $76.7 and $77.0 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, recorded in “Other assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has the ability to monetize its investment in the COLI policies as an additional source of liquidity. At December 31, 2023, the Company had not monetized any of its existing COLI policies' cash surrender value.

Income Taxes — We account for income taxes based on the requirements of the Income Taxes Topic of the Codification, which includes an estimate of the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. We periodically assess the realizability of deferred tax assets and the adequacy of deferred tax liabilities, including the results of local, state, federal or foreign statutory tax audits or estimates and judgments used.

Derivative Financial Instruments — We use foreign currency forward contracts to manage our exposures to fluctuating currency exchange rates and interest rate protection agreements to manage our exposures to fluctuating interest rate risk on variable rate debt. In addition, prior to the sale of Transformers Solutions, we used forward contracts to manage the exposure on forecasted purchases of commodity raw materials (“commodity contracts”). Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. For derivatives designated as hedges of the fair value of assets or liabilities, the changes in fair values of both the derivatives and the hedged items are recorded in current earnings. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the change in fair value of the derivatives is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and subsequently recognized in earnings when the forecasted transaction impacts earnings. We do not enter into financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

For those transactions that are designated as cash flow hedges, on the date the derivative contract is entered into, we document our hedge relationship, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. We also assess, both at inception and quarterly thereafter, whether such derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item. See Notes 14 and 17 for further information.

Cash flows from hedging activities are included in the same category as the items being hedged, which are primarily operating activities.

(2)Use of Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on experience, current and expected future conditions, third-party evaluations and various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in the consolidated financial statements and related notes.

Listed below are certain significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Certain other estimates and assumptions are further explained in the related notes.

Accounts Receivable Allowances — We provide allowances for estimated losses on uncollectible accounts based on our historical experience, current and future economic and market conditions, and the evaluation of the likelihood of success in collecting specific customer receivables. In addition, we maintain allowances for customer returns, discounts and invoice pricing discrepancies, with such allowances primarily based on historical experience. Summarized below is the activity for these allowance accounts.

Inventory — We estimate losses for excess and/or obsolete inventory and the net realizable value of inventory based on the aging and historical utilization of the inventory and the evaluation of the likelihood of recovering the inventory costs based on anticipated demand and selling price.

Acquisitions — We record acquisitions that meet the definition of a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. We include the operating results of acquired entities from their respective dates of acquisition and recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration as of the acquisition date, at fair value. The excess, if any, of total consideration transferred in a business combination over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Costs incurred as a result of a business combination, other than costs related to the issuance of debt or equity securities, are recorded in the period the costs are incurred. Additionally, at each reporting period, contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value, with changes recorded in “Other operating (income) expense, net” within our consolidated statements of operations.

Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization — We continually review whether events and circumstances subsequent to the acquisition of any long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of those assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of those assets may not be fully recoverable. If events and circumstances indicate that the long-lived assets should be reviewed for possible impairment, we use projections to assess whether future cash flows on an undiscounted basis related to the assets are likely to exceed the related carrying amount. We will record an impairment charge to the extent that the carrying value of the assets exceed their fair values as determined by valuation techniques appropriate in the circumstances, which could include the use of similar projections on a discounted basis.

In determining the estimated useful lives of definite-lived intangible assets, we consider the nature, competitive position, life cycle position, and historical and expected future cash flows of each acquired asset, as well as our commitment to support these assets through continued investment and legal infringement protection. Definite-lived intangible assets such as customer relationships, technology and other intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives. The weighted-average remaining useful lives approximate the following as of December 31, 2023.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets — We review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter and continually assess whether a triggering event has occurred to determine whether the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value. In reviewing goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that an impairment is more likely than not, we then perform a quantitative impairment test (described below). Otherwise, no further analysis is required. Our qualitative evaluation is an assessment of factors, including reporting unit-specific operating results, as well as industry, market, and general economic conditions. Our quantitative analysis of the fair value of reporting units is based generally on discounted projected cash flows, but we also consider factors such as comparable industry price multiples. We employ cash flow projections that we believe to be reasonable under current and forecasted circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of the reported net assets of our reporting units. Many of our businesses closely follow changes in the industries and end markets that they serve. Accordingly, we consider estimates and judgments that affect the future cash flow projections, including principal methods of competition, such as volume, price, service, product performance and technical innovations, as well as estimates associated with cost reduction initiatives, capacity utilization and assumptions for inflation and foreign currency changes.

Accrued Expenses — We make estimates and judgments in establishing accruals as required under GAAP. Summarized in the table below are the components of accrued expenses at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

(1)Other consists of various items including, among other items, the current portion of our liabilities related to risk management matters, environmental remediation costs, and operating leases, as well as, accrued rebates, legal, interest and restructuring costs, none of which is individually material.

Legal — It is our policy to accrue for estimated losses from legal actions or claims when events exist that make the realization of the losses probable and they can be reasonably estimated. We do not discount legal obligations or reduce them by anticipated insurance recoveries. See Note 15 for additional details.

Environmental Remediation Costs — We expense costs incurred to investigate and remediate environmental issues unless they extend the economic useful lives of related assets. We record liabilities when it is probable that an obligation has been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. Our environmental accruals cover anticipated costs, including investigation, remediation and operation and maintenance of clean-up sites. Our estimates are based primarily on investigations and remediation plans established by independent consultants, regulatory agencies and potentially responsible third parties. We generally do not discount environmental obligations or reduce them by anticipated insurance recoveries.

Risk Management Matters — We are subject to claims associated with risk management matters (e.g., product liability, general liability, automobile, and workers’ compensation claims). The liabilities we record for these claims are based on a number of assumptions, including historical claims and payment experience and, prior to the Asbestos Portfolio Sale, with respect to asbestos claims, actuarial estimates of the future period during which additional claims were reasonably foreseeable. Prior to the Asbestos Portfolio Sale, we also recorded insurance recovery assets associated with the asbestos product liability matters. These assets represented amounts that we believe we were entitled to recover under agreements we had with insurance companies. The assets we recorded for these insurance recoveries were based on a number of assumptions, including the continued solvency of the insurers, and our legal interpretation of our rights for recovery under the agreements we had with the insurers. In addition, we are self-insured for certain of our workers’ compensation, automobile, product, general liability, disability and health costs, and we maintain adequate accruals to cover our retained liabilities. Our accruals for self-insurance liabilities are based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported, and generally are not discounted. We consider a number of factors, including third-party actuarial valuations, when making these determinations. We maintain third-party stop-loss insurance policies to cover certain liability costs in excess of predetermined retained amounts; however, this insurance may be insufficient or unavailable (e.g., because of insurer insolvency) to protect us against potential loss exposures. The key assumptions considered in estimating the ultimate cost to settle reported claims and the estimated costs associated with incurred but not yet reported claims include, among other factors, our historical and industry claims experience, trends in health care and administrative costs, our current and future risk management programs, and historical lag studies with regard to the timing between when a claim is incurred and reported. See Note 15 for additional details.

Warranty — In the normal course of business, we issue product warranties for specific products and provide for the estimated future warranty cost in the period in which the sale is recorded. We provide for the estimate of warranty cost based on contract terms and historical warranty loss experience that is periodically adjusted for recent actual experience. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information, claims costs may differ from amounts provided. In addition, due to the seasonal fluctuations at certain of our businesses, the timing of warranty provisions and the usage of warranty accruals can vary period to period. We make adjustments to initial obligations for warranties as changes in the obligations become reasonably estimable. The following is an analysis of our product warranty accrual for the periods presented:

Income Taxes — We perform reviews of our income tax positions on a continuous basis and accrue for potential uncertain tax positions in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the Codification. Accruals for these uncertain tax positions may be classified as “Income taxes payable” and “Deferred and other income taxes” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets based on an expectation as to the timing of when the matter will be resolved. As events change or resolutions occur, these accruals are adjusted, such as in the case of audit settlements with taxing authorities. For tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we record the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority, assuming such authority has full knowledge of all relevant information. These reviews also entail analyzing the realization of deferred tax assets. When we believe that it is more likely than not that we will not realize a benefit for a deferred tax asset based on all available evidence, we establish a valuation allowance.

Employee Benefit Plans — Defined benefit plans cover a portion of our salaried and hourly employees, including certain employees in foreign countries. As discussed in Note 1, we recognize changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial gains and losses associated with our pension and postretirement benefit plans in earnings during the fourth quarter of each year, unless earlier remeasurement is required, as a component of net periodic benefit expense. The remaining components of pension/postretirement expense, primarily interest costs and expected return on plan assets, are recorded on a quarterly basis. See Note 11 for further discussion of our pension and postretirement benefits.

We derive pension expense from an actuarial calculation based on the defined benefit plans’ provisions and our assumptions regarding discount rate. We primarily determine the discount rate for our plans by matching the expected projected benefit obligation cash flows for each of the plans to a yield curve that is representative of long-term, high-quality (rated AA or higher) fixed income debt instruments as of the measurement date. We also consult with independent actuaries in determining these assumptions.

Parent Guarantees and Bonds Associated with Balcke Dürr — In connection with the sale of Balcke Dürr in 2016, we became contingently obligated under existing parent company guarantees and bank and surety bonds which totaled approximately Euro 79.0 and Euro 79.0, resp ectively, at the time of sale. Since the sale of Balcke Dürr, the guarantees have expired and, as of the third quarter of 2021, all the bonds have been returned. As the guarantees have expired and the bonds have been returned, we no longer have assets or liabilities recorded for this matter. See Note 17 for additional details.