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BELDEN INC

For the period ended Mar 30, 2025. Filed May 1, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Mar 30, 2025 · Filed May 1, 2025

BDC$97.83+1.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-09-29; filed 2024-10-31.

0000913142-24-000039

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-03-30; filed 2025-05-01.

0000913142-25-000013

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 78 previous paragraphs and 73 current paragraphs.

42 unchanged; 21 reworded; 9 added; 14 removed; 1 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 7 previous and 7 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (9)

Current report

Belden is a leading global supplier of complete connection solutions that unlock untold possibilities for our customers, their customers and the world. We advance ideas and technologies that enable a safer, smarter and more prosperous future. Throughout our 120-plus year history we have evolved as a company, but making connections remains our purpose. Our long-term business goals are to:

Current report

During 2025, there has been significant volatility in previously stable global trade agreements. Sharp and sudden increases in tariff rates have the potential to increase the input costs for our products and impact our ability to compete in certain jurisdictions. We closely monitor the global trade landscape and take appropriate measures in our supply chain and pricing strategies to mitigate the impact of increased tariffs.

Current report

•Higher sales volume contributed $59.8 million in revenues.

Current report

Research and development expenses remained relatively flat increasing $1.4 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024.

Current report

Adjusted EBITDA increased $19.2 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024 primarily due to the increases in revenues discussed above and favorable mix, partially offset by an increase in incentive compensation and strategic investments. Accordingly, adjusted EBITDA margins expanded 80 basis points to 16.6%.

Current report

Smart Infrastructure Solutions EBITDA increased $5.3 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024 primarily due to the the increase in revenues discussed above and favorable mix, partially offset by an increase in incentive compensation and strategic investments. Accordingly, adjusted EBITDA margins expanded 40 basis points to 11.4%.

Current report

Automation Solutions revenues increased $49.2 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024. The increase in revenues in the three months ended March 30, 2025 was primarily due to increases in volume, higher copper pass-through pricing, and acquisitions of $46.6 million, $6.6 million, and $0.5 million, respectively, partially offset by unfavorable currency translation of $4.5 million.
Removed paragraphs (14)

Previous report

Belden is moving beyond connectivity, from what we make to what we make possible through a performance-driven portfolio, forward-thinking expertise and purpose-built solutions. We are aligned with attractive secular growth markets, positioned to provide comprehensive solutions that drive customer outcomes, focused on new product innovation and technology leadership, and committed to sustainable ESG practices. Our current business goals are to:

Previous report

On September 16, 2024, we acquired Voleatech for €5.0 million ($5.6 million), net of cash acquired. The acquisition includes a potential earn-out up to €3.0 million based upon certain targets over three years, which will be accounted for as compensation cost. Voleatech, based in Germany, is known for their VT AIR Next Gen Firewall andexpands Belden's Firewall product portfolio and overall planning of security in OT networking. Voleatechis reported within the Automation Solutions segment. See Note 3.

Previous report

On June 30, 2024, we acquired Precision for $289.6 million, net of cash acquired. Precision, based in New York, is a leading supplier of value-added optical transceivers with proprietary software, firmware configurations, and related components. Precisionis reported within the Enterprise Solutions segment. See Note 3.

Previous report

•Acquisitions contributed $34.5 million and $42.1 million in revenues, respectively.

Previous report

•Lower sales volume resulted in a $15.2 million and $218.9 million decline in revenues, respectively.

Previous report

•Divestitures had a $0.0 million and $0.4 million unfavorable impact on revenues, respectively.

Previous report

Research and development expenses decreased $2.2 million and $7.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively, from the comparable periods of 2023 primarily due to the timing of projects.

Previous report

The $12.1 million pre-tax gain on sale of assets during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023 represents the gain on certain real estate sold in Canada for $13.8 million. See Note 9.

Previous report

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $2.7 million in the three months ended September 29, 2024 from the comparable period of 2023 primarily due to an increase in incentive compensation, partially offset by earnings from acquisitions and benefits realized from our productivity improvement initiatives. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $53.1 million in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 from the comparable period of 2023 primarily due to the decline in revenues as discussed above, partially offset by favorable mix and benefits realized from our productivity improvement initiatives.

Previous report

Smart Infrastructure Solutions EBITDA increased $2.8 million in the three months ended September 29, 2024 from the comparable period of 2023 primarily due to the the increase in revenues discussed above, partially offset by an increase in incentive compensation. Smart Infrastructure Solutions EBITDA decreased $21.2 million in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 from the comparable period of 2023 primarily due to the decline in revenues discussed above, partially offset by benefits realized from our productivity improvement initiatives.

Previous report

Automation Solutions revenues decreased $7.6 million and $118.3 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024 from the comparable periods of 2023. The decrease in revenues in the three months ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to decreases in volume and unfavorable currency translation of $11.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, partially offset by higher copper pass-through pricing and acquisitions of $5.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The decrease in revenues in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to decreases in volume, unfavorable currency translation, and divestitures of $123.4 million, $5.1 million, and $0.4 million, respectively, partially offset by higher copper pass-through pricing and acquisitions of $10.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Reworded paragraphs (21)

Previous wording

Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is a leading global supplier of network infrastructure and digitization solutions built around 2 global businesses - Smart Infrastructure Solutions and Automation Solutions. As Belden continues to advance forward with solutions focused on data infrastructure, we renamed our two reportable segments during the three months ended September 29, 2024 from Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions to Smart Infrastructure Solutions and Automation Solutions, respectively. The composition of the segments did not change as a result of these name changes. Our mission is to build the foundation for a digital world that makes the digital journey simpler, smarter and secure.

Current wording

Belden Inc. (the Company, us, we, or our) is a leading global supplier of complete connection solutions built around two global businesses - Smart Infrastructure Solutions and Automation Solutions.

Previous wording

•Drive Adjusted EPS to at least $8.00 by 2025 with annual growth of 10% to 12% thereafter.

Previous wording

During the three months ended September 29, 2024, we repurchased 0.2 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $20.1 million at an average price per share of $110.84. During the nine months ended September 29, 2024, we repurchased 0.9 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $78.0 million at an average price per share of $90.98. See Note 15.

Current wording

During the three months ended March 30, 2025, we repurchased 0.8 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $84.5 million at an average price per share of $104.28. See Note 15.

Previous wording

Revenues increased $28.1 million and decreased $165.9 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively, from the comparable periods of 2023 due to the following factors:

Current wording

Revenues increased $89.2 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025, respectively, from the comparable period of 2024 due to the following factors:

Previous wording

•Copper pass-through pricing had an $10.2 million and $17.1 million favorable impact on revenues, respectively.

Current wording

•Copper pass-through pricing had a $9.6 million favorable impact on revenues.

Previous wording

•Currency translation had a $1.4 million and $5.8 million unfavorable impact on revenues, respectively.

Current wording

•Currency translation had a $6.9 million unfavorable impact on revenues.

Previous wording

Gross profit increased $2.8 million and decreased $76.2 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively, from the comparable periods of 2023 primarily due to the changes in revenues discussed above.

Current wording

Gross profit increased $44.2 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024 primarily due to the changes in revenues discussed above. Gross profit margins were robust, expanding 170 basis points from 37.6% to 39.3%.

Previous wording

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $8.9 million and decreased $9.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively, from the comparable periods of 2023. The increase in the three months ended September 29, 2024 was primarily attributable to expenses from the operations of companies acquired in 2024. The decrease in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 was primarily attributable to the benefits realized from our productivity initiatives.

Current wording

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $20.8 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024. The increase in the three months ended March 30, 2025 was primarily attributable to expenses from the operations of companies acquired in 2024 and higher incentive compensation.

Previous wording

Amortization of intangibles increased $4.2 million in both the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024 from the comparable periods of 2023 primarily due to acquisitions.

Current wording

Amortization of intangibles increased $2.5 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024 primarily due to acquisitions.

Previous wording

Operating income decreased $20.1 million and $76.3 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively, from the comparable periods of 2023 primarily due to the fluctuations in revenues; selling, general and administrative expenses; and the pre-tax gain on sale of assets discussed above.

Current wording

Operating income increased $19.6 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024 primarily due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses discussed above.

Previous wording

Net interest expense increased $2.3 million and $1.9 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively, from the comparable periods of 2023 due to fluctuations in interest income and foreign currency translation.

Current wording

Net interest expense increased $2.5 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024 due to fluctuations in interest income and foreign currency translation.

Previous wording

Income before taxes decreased $22.4 million and $78.9 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, respectively, from the comparable periods of 2023 primarily due to the changes in operating income discussed above.

Current wording

Income before taxes increased $16.4 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024 primarily due to the changes in operating income discussed above.

Previous wording

For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024, we recognized income tax expense of $11.1 million and$30.5 million representing effective tax rates of 17.1% and 17.9%, respectively. The effective tax rates were primarily impacted by the effect of our foreign operations, including statutory tax rates differences and foreign tax credits. See Note 12.

Current wording

For the three months ended March 30, 2025, we recognized income tax expense of $10.1 million representing an effective tax rate of 16.3%. The effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the effect of our foreign operations, including statutory tax rate differences and foreign tax credits. See Note 12.

Previous wording

Smart Infrastructure Solutions revenues increased $35.7 million and decreased $47.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024 from the comparable periods of 2023. The increase in revenues in the three months ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to acquisitions, higher copper pass-through pricing, and favorable currency translation of $34.4 million, $4.4 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in volume of $3.4 million. The decrease in revenues in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 was primarily due to decreases in volume and unfavorable currency translation of $95.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, partially offset by acquisitions and higher copper pass-through pricing of $41.8 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

Current wording

Smart Infrastructure Solutions revenues increased $40.0 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024. The increase in revenues in the three months ended March 30, 2025 was primarily due to acquisitions, increases in volume, and higher copper pass-through pricing of $26.2 million, $13.2 million, and $3.0 million, respectively, partially offset by unfavorable currency translation of $2.4 million.

Previous wording

Automation Solutions EBITDA decreased $5.4 million and $31.4 million in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2024 from the comparable periods of 2023 primarily as a result of the decrease in revenues discussed above, partially offset by benefits realized from our productivity improvement initiatives.

Current wording

Automation Solutions EBITDA increased $14.6 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 from the comparable period of 2024 primarily as a result of the increase in revenues discussed above and favorable mix, partially offset by an increase in incentive compensation and strategic investments. Accordingly, adjusted EBITDA margins expanded 140 basis points to 20.9%.

Previous wording

Significant factors affecting our cash liquidity include (1) cash from operating activities, (2) disposals of businesses and tangible assets, (3) cash used for acquisitions, restructuring actions, capital expenditures, share repurchases, dividends, and senior subordinated note repurchases, and (4) our available credit facilities and other borrowing arrangements. We expect our operating activities to generate cash in 2024 and believe our sources of liquidity are sufficient to fund current working capital requirements, capital expenditures, contributions to our retirement plans, share repurchases, senior subordinated note repurchases, quarterly dividend payments, and our short-term operating strategies. However, we may require external financing in the event we complete a significant acquisition. Our ability to continue to fund our future needs from business operations could be affected by many factors, including, but not limited to: economic conditions worldwide, customer demand, competitive market forces, customer acceptance of our product mix, and commodities pricing.

Current wording

Significant factors affecting our cash liquidity include (1) cash from operating activities, (2) disposals of businesses and tangible assets, (3) cash used for acquisitions, restructuring actions, capital expenditures, share repurchases, dividends, and senior subordinated note repurchases, and (4) our available credit facilities and other borrowing arrangements. We expect our operating activities to generate cash in 2025 and believe our sources of liquidity are sufficient to fund current working capital requirements, capital expenditures, contributions to our retirement plans, share repurchases, senior subordinated note repurchases, quarterly dividend payments, and our short-term operating strategies. However, we may require external financing in the event we complete a significant acquisition. Our ability to continue to fund our future needs from business operations could be affected by many factors, including, but not limited to: economic conditions worldwide, customer demand, competitive market forces, customer acceptance of our product offerings, and commodities pricing. The following table is derived from our Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statements:

Previous wording

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $177.4 million in the nine months ended September 29, 2024 compared to $160.0 million in the year ago period. Despite a decrease in net income, operating cash flows increased $17.4 million compared to the prior year due to a $52.0 million improvement in operating assets and liabilities that was primarily driven by favorable changes in receivables. During the first nine months of 2023, receivables were a use of cash of $48.9 million compared to a source of cash of $3.2 million in 2024.

Current wording

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $7.4 million in the three months ended March 30, 2025 compared to $2.7 million in the year ago period due to an increase in earnings, partially offset by unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities. While receivables were a use of cash in 2025 as compared to a source of cash in 2024, days sales outstanding remained constant at about 60 days during each of Q1 2025 and Q1 2024.

Previous wording

Net cash used for investing activities totaled $366.2 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 compared to $145.5 million in the year ago period. Investing activities for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 included $295.6 million primarily for the acquisitions of Precision and Voleatech, capital expenditures of $70.8 million, and asset sales of $0.1 million. Investing activities for the nine months ended October 1, 2023 included $106.7 million primarily for the acquisitions of Sichert and Cloudrail, capital expenditures of $61.9 million, proceeds from asset sales of $13.8 million, and $9.3 million received from escrow for the disposal of a business.

Current wording

Net cash used for investing activities totaled $24.2 million for both the three months ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024. Investing activities for the three months ended March 30, 2025 included capital expenditures of $32.2 million, partially offset by cash from business acquisitions and asset sales of $7.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 included $24.3 million for capital expenditures, partially offset by $0.1 million for asset sales.

Previous wording

Net cash used for financing activities totaled $84.8 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 compared to $167.4 million in the year ago period. Financing activities for the nine months ended September 29, 2024 included payments under our share repurchase program of $77.9 million, payments related to share based compensation activities of $8.9 million, cash dividend payments of $6.2 million, financing lease payments of $0.7 million, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $8.9 million. Financing activities for the nine months ended October 1, 2023 included payments under our share repurchase program of $150.0 million, payments related to share based compensation activities of $17.3 million, cash dividend payments of $6.4 million, financing lease payments of $0.3 million, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $6.6 million.

Current wording

Net cash used for financing activities totaled $96.8 million for the three months ended March 30, 2025 compared to $64.9 million in the year ago period. Financing activities for the three months ended March 30, 2025 included payments under our share repurchase program of $84.5 million, payments related to share based compensation activities of $13.7 million, cash dividend payments of $2.0 million, financing lease payments of $0.4 million, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $3.8 million. Financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 included payments under our share repurchase program of $57.9 million, payments related to share based compensation activities of $7.9 million, cash dividend payments of $2.1 million, financing lease payments of $0.2 million, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $3.1 million.

Previous wording

Our cash and cash equivalents balance was $323.0 million as of September 29, 2024. Of the total cash balance, $200.5 million was held outside of the U.S. in our foreign operations. Substantially all of the foreign cash and cash equivalents are readily convertible into U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies. Our strategic plan does not require the repatriation of foreign cash in order to fund our operations in the U.S., and it is our current intention to permanently reinvest the foreign cash outside of the U.S. If we were to repatriate the foreign cash to the U.S., we may be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes in accordance with applicable U.S. tax rules and regulations as a result of the repatriation.

Current wording

Our cash and cash equivalents balance was $259.0 million as of March 30, 2025. Of the total cash balance, $181.0 million was held outside of the U.S. in our foreign operations. Substantially all of the foreign cash and cash equivalents are readily convertible into U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies. Our strategic plan does not require the repatriation of foreign cash in order to fund our operations in the U.S., and it is our current intention to permanently reinvest the foreign cash outside of the U.S. If we were to repatriate the foreign cash to the U.S., we may be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes in accordance with applicable U.S. tax rules and regulations as a result of the repatriation.

Previous wording

Our outstanding debt obligations as of September 29, 2024 consisted of $1,228.0 million of senior subordinated notes. Additional discussion regarding our various borrowing arrangements is included in Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Current wording

Our outstanding debt obligations as of March 30, 2025 consisted of $1,186.6 million of senior subordinated notes. Additional discussion regarding our various borrowing arrangements is included in Notes 10 and 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

During the three months ended March 30, 2025:
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

The following table is derived from our Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statements: