SPX Technologies Inc

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The accounting policies that we believe are most critical to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations, and that require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments in estimating the effect of inherent uncertainties, are listed below. This section should be read in conjunction with Notes 1 and 2 to our consolidated financial statements, which include a detailed discussion of these and other accounting policies.

Acquisition Accounting

From time to time, we may make acquisitions that do not significantly impact our financial position or operations. These acquisitions primarily complement our existing business operations or strategic initiatives with no significant impact to our financial outlook and end markets, or requiring a significant investment of resources. Such acquisitions are not separately identified within this report on Form 10-K. We regularly review and negotiate potential acquisitions in the ordinary course of business, some of which are or may be material. The acquired assets and liabilities are recorded at estimates of fair value as determined by management, based on information available and assumptions as to future operations and are subject to change upon completion of the acquisition method of accounting. Final determination of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities are completed within the measurement period of up to one year from the acquisition date, as permitted under GAAP.

These fair market value assessments require judgments and estimates that can be affected by various factors over time, which may cause final amounts to be materially adjusted from original estimates in subsequent periods. The significant judgments include (i) the estimation of future cash flows, which are dependent on forecasts, (ii) the estimation of a long-term rate of growth, (iii) the estimation of the useful life of the assets, and (iv) the determination of a risk-adjusted weighted-average cost of capital. When appropriate, our estimates of the acquired fair values include assistance from an independent third-party.

Inventories, long-lived assets (primarily property, plant and equipment), goodwill, and intangible assets generally represent the largest components of our acquisitions. In addition, we also acquire other categories of assets and liabilities which can include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other working capital. Due to their short-term nature, the fair values of these assets and liabilities generally approximate the carrying values reflected on the acquired balance sheet. However, when appropriate, we adjust these carrying values for factors such as collectability, existence, and consistency with Company accounting policies. We record the excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired as goodwill.

The primary identifiable intangible assets that we acquire typically consist of customer relationships, indefinite-lived and definite-lived trademarks, technology, and backlog. We record trademarks at a fair value equal to the present value of the hypothetical or potential royalty income attributable to it. The royalty income attributable to a trademark represents the hypothetical cost savings that are derived from owning the trademark instead of paying royalties to license the trademark. Inventories acquired in the transaction are recorded at fair value, which approximates a market participant’s estimated selling price adjusted for (i) costs to complete, (ii) costs to sell, and (iii) a reasonable profit allowance to the seller for costs incurred.

Impairment of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are subject to annual impairment testing. We review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter and continually assess whether a triggering event has occurred that indicates the carrying value may exceed the implied fair value. We monitor the results of each of our reporting units as a means of identifying trends and/or matters that may impact their financial results and, thus, be an indicator of a potential impairment. The trends and/or matters that we specifically monitor for each of our reporting units are as follows:

•Significant variances in financial performance (e.g., revenues, earnings and cash flows) in relation to expectations and historical performance;

•Significant changes in end markets or other economic factors;

•Significant changes or planned changes in our use of a reporting unit’s assets; and

•Significant changes in customer relationships and competitive conditions.

The identification and measurement of goodwill impairment involves the estimation of the fair value of reporting units. We have the option to assess impairment through a qualitative assessment, which includes factors such as general economic conditions, negative developments in equity and credit markets, adverse changes in the markets in which a reporting unit operates, increases in input costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows, or a trend of negative or declining cash flows over multiple periods, among others. When a potential impairment is indicated, we perform quantitative testing by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of the reported net assets. Under our quantitative testing, fair value is generally based on discounted projected cash flows, but we also consider factors such as comparable industry price multiples. The revenue growth rates included in the financial projections are our best estimates based on current and forecasted market conditions, and the profit margin assumptions are projected by each reporting unit based on current cost structure and, when applicable, anticipated net cost increases/reductions.

The calculation of fair value for our reporting units incorporates many assumptions including future growth rates, profit margin and discount factors. Changes in economic and operating conditions impacting these assumptions could result in impairment charges in future periods.

As indicated in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, in connection with our annual impairment analyses of ULC’s goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles during the fourth quarter of 2022, we determined that the carrying value of ULC’s net assets exceeded the implied fair value of the business. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $12.9 ($12.0 related to goodwill, which represented all of ULC’s goodwill prior to impairment, and $0.9 related to trademarks) during the fourth quarter of 2022.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, we performed our analyses on the goodwill of our reporting units. The fair value of the assets related to the Ingénia acquisition approximate their carrying value. If Ingénia is unable to achieve its current financial forecast or there is a change in assumptions used in Ingénia’s analysis (e.g. project revenues and profit growth rates, discount rates, industry price multiples, etc.), we may be required to record an impairment charge in a future period related to its goodwill. As of December 31, 2024, Ingénia’s goodwill totaled $133.6.

We perform our annual trademarks impairment testing during the fourth quarter, or on a more frequent basis if there are indications of potential impairment. The fair values of our trademarks are determined by applying estimated royalty rates to projected revenues, with resulting cash flows discounted at a rate of return that reflects current market conditions. The basis for these projected revenues is the annual operating plan for each of the related businesses, which is prepared in the fourth quarter of each year. In connection with the annual impairment testing of our trademarks during the fourth quarters of 2024, 2023, and 2022, we recorded impairment charges of $0.0, $0.0, and $1.4 (including $0.9 related to ULC as noted above), respectively. In connection with the 2024 annual trademark impairment analyses, we determined that the implied value of ASPEQ’s trademarks approximated their carrying value. If ASPEQ is unable to achieve its current revenue forecast, or there is a change in assumptions used in ASPEQ’s analysis (e.g., projected revenues and discount rates, etc.), we may be required to record an impairment charge in a future period related to its trademarks. As of December 31, 2024, ASPEQ’s trademarks totaled $51.5.

See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details.

Contingent Liabilities

Numerous claims, complaints and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business have been asserted or are pending against us or certain of our subsidiaries (collectively, “claims”). These claims relate to litigation matters (e.g., class actions, derivative lawsuits and contracts, intellectual property and competitive claims), environmental matters, claims for contingent consideration on prior acquisitions, product liability matters, and other risk management matters (e.g., general liability, automobile, and workers’ compensation claims). Additionally, we may become subject to other claims of which we are currently unaware, which may be significant, or the claims of which we are aware may result in our incurring significantly greater loss than we anticipate. While we (and our subsidiaries) maintain property, cargo, auto, product, general liability, environmental, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, among other lines of coverage, and have acquired rights under similar policies in connection with acquisitions that we believe cover a significant portion of these claims, this insurance may be insufficient or unavailable (e.g., in the case of insurer insolvency) to protect us against potential loss exposures. Also, while we believe we are entitled to indemnification from third parties for some of these claims, these rights may be insufficient or unavailable to protect us against potential loss exposures.

Our recorded liabilities related to these matters, primarily associated with environmental matters, totaled $39.9 and $37.9 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Of these amounts, $32.0 and $29.4 are included in “Other long-term liabilities” within our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, with the remainder included in “Accrued expenses.” The liabilities we record for these matters are based on a number of assumptions, including historical claims and payment experience. While we base our assumptions on facts currently known to us, they entail inherently subjective judgments and uncertainties. As a result, our current assumptions for estimating these liabilities may not prove accurate, and we may be required to adjust these liabilities in the future, which could result in charges to earnings. These variances relative to current expectations could have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations in future periods.

Claim for Contingent Consideration Related to ULC Acquisition

In connection with our acquisition of ULC in September 2020, the seller of ULC was eligible for additional cash consideration of up to $45.0 under an earn-out provision. During the third quarter of 2021, we concluded that none of the milestones for the payment of any of the contingent consideration were achieved.

On May 20, 2024, we entered into a settlement agreement with the seller of ULC to resolve a lawsuit that commenced in August 2022 seeking contingent consideration of $15.0, prejudgment interest on that amount, and attorney's fees. The settlement agreement required a payment by us to the seller of ULC of $8.4, which was paid during the second quarter of 2024, with a corresponding charge recorded within “Other operating expense, net” within the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024. We expect this payment to be tax deductible in future periods.

Resolution of Dispute with Former Representative

On January 18, 2024, a jury ruled that one of our businesses within the Detection and Measurement reportable segment had breached its contract and implied duties of good faith and fair dealing in connection with an agreement entered into with a former representative. On January 26, 2024, we negotiated a settlement requiring a payment to the former representative of $9.0 to resolve all claims related to the matter. This amount was recorded to “Other operating expense, net” within the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 and paid during the first quarter of 2024.

Asbestos Matters

As indicated in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, we completed the Asbestos Portfolio Sale on November 1, 2022, which resulted in the divestiture of three wholly-owned subsidiaries that hold asbestos liabilities and certain assets, including related insurance assets. 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. During the year ended December 31, 2022, our payments for asbestos-related claims, net of respective insurance recoveries of $31.6, were $20.1.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded charges of $24.2 as a result of changes in estimates associated with the liabilities and assets related to asbestos-related claims. Of these charges, $18.8 were reflected in “Income from continuing operations before income taxes” and $5.4 were reflected in “Loss on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax.”

Large Power Projects in South Africa

Overview - Since 2008, DBT had been executing on two large power projects in South Africa (Kusile and Medupi), on which it has completed its scope of work. During that time, the business environment surrounding these projects was difficult, as DBT, along with many other contractors on the projects, experienced delays, cost over-runs, and various other challenges associated with a complex set of contractual relationships among the end customer, prime contractors, various subcontractors (including DBT and its subcontractors), and various suppliers. DBT had asserted claims against the remaining prime contractor, MHI, and MHI had asserted, or issued letters of intent to claim for, alleged damages against DBT. On September 5, 2023, DBT and SPX entered into the Settlement Agreement to resolve all claims between the parties with respect to the two large power projects. The Settlement Agreement provides for full and final settlement and the mutual release of all claims between the parties with respect to the projects, including any claim against SPX Technologies, Inc. as guarantor of DBT’s performance on the projects. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.

Prior to the Settlement Agreement, DBT had experienced success in enforcing its rights through dispute resolution processes, including a favorable arbitration ruling during the first quarter of 2023 related to awards for costs incurred in connection with delays on the Kusile project of South African Rand 126.6 (or $7.0) with such amount recorded to “Loss on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax” during the first quarter of 2023. Further, in June 2023, the arbitration tribunal ruled DBT was entitled to recover $1.3 of legal costs incurred related to the arbitration. Additionally, in May 2023, a separate arbitration tribunal ruled DBT was entitled to recover $5.5 of legal costs incurred related to another prior arbitration. Such amounts were recorded within “Loss on disposition of discontinued operations, net of tax” during the second quarter of 2023 with the cash payments received in 2023.

Claim against Surety - On February 5, 2021, DBT received payment of $6.7 on bonds issued in support of performance by one of DBT’s subcontractors that is currently in liquidation. The subcontractor or liquidator maintain rights to seek recovery of such amount and, thus, the amount received by DBT has not been reflected in our consolidated statements of operations.

We believe that we are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental requirements. We are currently involved in various investigatory and remedial actions at our facilities and at third-party waste disposal sites. It is our policy to accrue for estimated losses from legal actions or claims when events exist that make the realization of the losses or expenses probable and they can be reasonably estimated. Our environmental accruals cover anticipated costs, including investigation, remediation, and operation and maintenance of clean-up sites. Accordingly, our estimates may change based on future developments, including new or changes in existing environmental laws or policies, differences in costs required to complete anticipated actions from estimates provided, future findings of investigation or remediation actions, changes in our allocation of shared remediation costs, or alteration to the expected remediation plans. 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 estimates are based primarily on investigations and remediation plans established by independent consultants, regulatory agencies and potentially responsible third parties. It is our policy to realize a change in estimates once it becomes probable and can be reasonably estimated. In determining our accruals, we do not discount our environmental accruals and do not reduce them by anticipated insurance, litigation or other recoveries. We take into account third-party indemnification from financially viable parties in determining our accruals where there is no dispute regarding the right to indemnification.

Self-Insured Risk Management Matters

We are self-insured for certain of our workers’ compensation, automobile, product and general liability, disability and health costs, and we believe that we maintain adequate accruals to cover our retained liability. Our accruals for risk management matters are determined by us, are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not yet reported, and 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 things, 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 versus when it is reported.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 606, which requires revenue to be recognized over-time or at a point in time.

Most of our businesses recognize revenue at a point in time as satisfaction of the related performance obligations occur at the time of shipment or delivery, while certain of our businesses recognize revenue and costs for certain complex long-term and subscription or service contracts over-time.

The revenue for these complex long-term contracts is recorded based on the percentage of costs incurred to date for each contract to the estimated total costs for such a contract at completion. The revenue for subscription or service contracts are typically recorded based on the period of subscription delivered or service progress made. In 2024, 2023, and 2022 we recognized $213.4, $173.2 and $167.8, respectively, of revenues under such methods. We record any provision for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts in the period which the losses are determined.

Our complex long-term contracts may include unapproved change orders and claims. We include in our contract estimates additional revenue for unapproved change orders or claims when we believe we have an enforceable right to the unapproved change order or claim and the amount can be reliably estimated. In evaluating these criteria, we consider the contractual/legal basis for the claim, the cause of any additional costs incurred, the reasonableness of those costs, and the objective evidence available to support the claim. These estimates are also based on historical award experience. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate revenues and completion costs on our complex long-term contracts, including those arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements, will be revised during the duration of the contract. These revised revenues and costs are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.

Our estimation process for determining revenues and costs for our complex long-term contracts is based upon (i) our historical experience, (ii) the professional judgment and knowledge of our engineers, project managers, operations, and financial professionals, and (iii) an assessment of the key underlying factors (see below).

As our complex long-term contracts generally range from six to eighteen months in duration, we typically reassess the estimated revenues and costs of these contracts on a quarterly basis, but may reassess more often as situations warrant. We record changes in estimates of revenues and costs when identified using the cumulative catch-up method.

We believe the underlying factors used to estimate our complex long-term contracts costs to complete and percentage-of-completion are sufficiently reliable to provide a reasonable estimate of revenue and profit; however, due to the length of time over which revenues are generated and costs are incurred, along with the judgment required in developing the underlying factors, the variability of revenue and cost can be significant. Factors that may affect revenue and costs relating to complex long-term contracts include, but are not limited to, the following:

•Cost Recovery for Product Design Changes and Claims — On occasion, design specifications may change during the course of the contract. Any additional costs arising from these changes may be supported by change orders, or we may submit a claim to the customer. Change orders and claims related to design changes are accounted for as described above.

•Material Availability and Costs — Our estimates of material costs generally are based on existing supplier relationships, adequate availability of materials, prevailing market prices for materials, and, in some cases, long-term supplier contracts. Changes in our supplier relationships, delays in obtaining materials, or changes in material prices can have a significant impact on our cost and profitability estimates.

•Use of Subcontractors — Our arrangements with subcontractors are generally based on fixed prices; however, our estimates of the cost and profitability can be impacted by subcontractor delays, customer claims arising from subcontractor performance issues, or a subcontractor’s inability to fulfill its obligations.

•Labor Costs and Anticipated Productivity Levels — Where applicable, we include the impact of labor improvements in our estimation of costs, such as in cases where we expect a favorable learning curve over the duration of the contract. In these cases, if the improvements do not materialize, costs and profitability could be adversely impacted. Additionally, to the extent we are more or less productive than originally anticipated, estimated costs and profitability may also be impacted.

•Effect of Foreign Currency Fluctuations — Fluctuations between currencies in which our long-term contracts are denominated and the currencies under which contract costs are incurred can have an impact on profitability. When the impact on profitability is potentially significant, we may enter into FX forward contracts or prepay certain vendors for raw materials to manage the potential exposure. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details on our FX forward contracts.

In some cases, the timing of revenue recognition, particularly for revenue recognized over time, differs from when such amounts are invoiced to customers, resulting in a contract asset (revenue recognition precedes the invoicing of the related revenue amount) or a contract liability (payment from the customer precedes recognition of the related revenue amount). Contract assets are recoverable from customers based upon various measures of performance, including achievement of certain milestones, completion of specific units, or completion of the contract.

In contracts where a portion of the price may vary, we estimate the variable consideration at the amount to which we expect to be entitled, which is included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. We analyze the risk of a significant revenue reversal and, if necessary, constrain the amount of variable consideration recognized in order to mitigate this risk.

See Notes 1 and 5 to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our revenue recognition policies.

Employee Benefit Plans

Defined benefit plans cover a portion of our salaried and hourly paid employees, including certain employees in foreign countries. Additionally, domestic postretirement plans provide health and life insurance benefits for certain retirees and their dependents. We recognize changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial gains and losses into 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.

Our pension plans have not experienced any significant impact on liquidity or counterparty exposure due to volatility in the credit markets.

The costs and obligations associated with these plans are determined based on actuarial valuations. The critical assumptions used in determining these related expenses and obligations are discount rates and healthcare cost projections. These critical assumptions are calculated based on company data and appropriate market indicators, and are evaluated at least annually by us in consultation with outside actuaries. Other assumptions involving demographic factors such as retirement patterns and mortality, are evaluated periodically and are updated to reflect our experience and expectations for the future. While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, actual results may differ.

The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at a present value on the measurement date. This rate is the yield on high-quality fixed income investments at the measurement date. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. Including the effects of recognizing actuarial gains and losses into earnings as described above, a 50 basis point decrease in the discount rate for our domestic plans would have increased our 2024 pension expense by approximately $7.0, and a 50 basis point increase in the discount rate would have decreased our 2024 pension expense by appro ximately $6.6.

The trend in healthcare costs is difficult to estimate, and it can significantly impact our postretirement liabilities and costs. The healthcare cost trend rate for 2024, which is the weighted-average annual projected rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits, is 6.5%. This rate is assumed to decrease to 5.0% by 2031 and then remain at that level.

See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Income Taxes

We record our income taxes based on the Income Taxes Topic of the Codification, which includes an estimate of the amount of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities 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.

Realization of deferred tax assets involves estimates regarding (i) the timing and amount of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, (ii) expected future taxable income, and (iii) the impact of tax planning strategies. We believe that it is more likely than not that we will not realize the benefit of certain deferred tax assets and, accordingly, have established a valuation allowance against them. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results, projections of future taxable income and the feasibility of and potential changes to ongoing tax planning strategies. The projections of future taxable income include a number of estimates and assumptions regarding our volume, pricing and costs. Although realization is not assured for the remaining deferred tax assets, we believe it is more likely than not that the remaining deferred tax assets will be realized through future taxable earnings or alternative tax strategies. However, deferred tax assets could be reduced in the near term if our estimates of taxable income are significantly reduced or tax strategies are no longer viable.

The amount of income tax that we pay annually is dependent on various factors, including the timing of certain deductions and ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, which may result in proposed adjustments. We perform reviews of our income tax positions on a quarterly basis and accrue for potential uncertain tax positions. Accruals for these uncertain tax positions are classified as “Income taxes payable” and “Deferred and other income taxes” in our 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. We believe we have adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters.

Our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities due to closure of income tax examinations, statute expirations, new regulatory or judicial pronouncements, changes in tax laws, changes in projected levels of taxable income, future tax planning strategies, or other relevant events. See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding our uncertain tax positions.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.