Simpson Manufacturing Co Inc

Previous wording

We design, manufacture and sell building construction products that are of high quality and performance, easy to use and cost-effective for customers. We operate in three business segments determined by geographic region: North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

Current wording

We design, manufacture and sell building construction products that are of high quality and performance, easy to use and cost-effective for customers. We operate in three business segments determined by geographic region: North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. Within the North America segment, our sales efforts are aligned to customer market teams dedicated to serving the following markets:

Previous wording

In order to grow in these markets, we aspire to be among the leaders in engineered load-rated construction building products and systems and digital product offerings while leveraging our engineering expertise, deep-rooted relationships with top builders, engineers, contractors, code officials and distributors, along with our ongoing commitment to testing, research and innovation. Importantly, we currently have existing products, testing results, distribution and manufacturing capabilities to support our growth ambitions. This will ultimately be a function of expanding our sales and/or marketing functions to promote our products to different end users and distribution channels, expanding our customer base, and potentially introducing new products in the future.

Current wording

In order to grow in these markets, we aspire to be among the leaders in engineered load-rated construction building products and systems and digital product offerings. We also aspire to leverage our engineering expertise, deep-rooted relationships with top builders, engineers, contractors, code officials and distributors, along with our ongoing commitment to testing, research and innovation. Importantly, we currently have existing products, testing results, distribution and manufacturing capabilities to support our ambitions. This will ultimately be a function of expanding our sales and/or marketing functions to promote our products to different end users and distribution channels, expanding our customer base, and introducing new products in the future.

Previous wording

Our commitment to continuous improvement has fostered our core Company ambitions, which we continue to pursue including:

Current wording

Our commitment to continuous improvement has fostered our core Company ambitions, which we will pursue including:

Previous wording

•Above market growth relative to the United States housing starts;

Current wording

•Above market growth relative to the U.S. housing starts (exceeding our historical average volume performance in North America of approximately 250 basis points above the housing starts market);

Previous wording

We have made progress towards our key growth initiatives since they were first announced in 2021. A few recent examples include:

Current wording

Since announced in 2021, we made great progress on our key growth initiatives. Examples include:

Previous wording

We believe this progress is the result of our high service levels, increasingly diverse portfolio of products and software as well as our commitment to innovation and developing complete solutions for the markets we serve. As we continue to make progress on our growth initiatives, we believe we can continue to achieve above market growth in the United States relative to United States housing starts for fiscal 2024 and beyond. These examples further emulate our Founder, Barclay Simpson’s, nine principles of doing business, and more specifically the focus and obsession on customers and users.

Current wording

As a result, we are now in an even stronger market position in connectors with significant gains in both fasteners and anchors. In addition, due to our high service levels, increasingly diverse portfolio of products and software as well as our commitment to innovation and developing complete solutions for the markets we serve, we believe we can continue to achieve above market growth in the North America relative to U.S. housing starts for fiscal 2025 and beyond. These examples further emulate our Founder, Barclay Simpson’s, nine principles of doing business, and more specifically the focus and obsession on customers and users.

Previous wording

The Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations depends in large part on the level of United States housing starts and residential construction activity. Both single-family and multi-family housing starts decreased during 2023 compared to the prior two years, primarily due to interest rate increases and inflation. Lower housing starts could result in lower demand, which would affect the Company's sales and possibly operating profit,

Current wording

The Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations depend in large part on the level of U.S. housing starts and residential construction activity. Overall housing starts decreased 3.9% over the trailing twelve months ending December 31, 2024 compared to the trailing twelve months ending December 31, 2023. Lower housing starts in the U.S. could result in lower demand, which would affect the Company's sales and possibly operating profit.

Previous wording

Unlike lumber or other products that have a more direct correlation to United States housing starts, our products are used to a greater extent in areas that are subject to natural forces, such as seismic or wind events. Our products are generally used in a sequential progression that follows the construction process. Residential and commercial construction begins with the foundation, followed by the wall and the roof systems, and then the installation of our products, which flow into a project or a house according to these schedules.

Current wording

Unlike lumber or other products that have a more direct correlation to U.S. housing starts, our products are used to a greater extent in areas that are subject to natural forces, such as seismic or wind events. Our products are generally used in a sequential progression that follows the construction process. Residential and commercial construction begins with the foundation, followed by the wall and the roof systems, and then the installation of our products, which flow into a project or a house according to these schedules.

Previous wording

In prior years, our sales were heavily seasonal with operating results varying from quarter to quarter depending on weather conditions that could delay construction starts. Our sales and income have historically been lower in the first and fourth quarters than in the second and third quarters of a fiscal year. Due to efforts in diversifying our global footprint with the acquisition of ETANCO and changing our path to market in the United States, sales from our product line, customer base and customer purchases are becoming less seasonal. Political and economic events such as rising energy costs, volatility in the steel market, stressed product transportation systems and increasing interest rates can also have an effect on our gross and operating profits as well. Changes in raw material cost could impact the amount of inventory on-hand, and negatively affect our gross profit and operating margins depending on the timing of raw material purchases or how much sales prices can be increased to offset any increases in raw material costs.

Current wording

In prior years, our sales were heavily seasonal with operating results varying from quarter to quarter depending on weather conditions that could delay construction starts. Our sales and income have historically been lower in the first and fourth quarters than in the second and third quarters of a fiscal year. Increasing interest rates, tariffs, political uncertainty due to rising energy costs, volatility in the steel market and stressed product transportation systems, can also have an effect on our gross and operating profits as well. Due to efforts in diversifying our geographic footprint, product offerings, and changing our path to market in the U.S., sales from our product lines, customer base and customer purchases are becoming less seasonal. Changes in raw material cost could impact the amount of inventory on-hand, and negatively affect our gross profit and operating margins depending on the timing of raw material purchases or how much sales prices can be increased to offset any increases in raw material costs. Changes in labor, freight and warehousing costs, could also negatively impact gross profit depending on timing and amount of sales price can be increased to offset the higher costs.

Previous wording

Historically, our North America segment has generated more revenues from wood construction products compared to concrete construction products. North America sales increased 0.9% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. Our wood construction product sales decreased 0.9% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, primarily due to product price decreases implemented during the first quarter of 2023, partly offset by increased sales volumes. Our concrete construction product sales increased 9.9% over the same periods due to product price increases to offset rising raw material costs and higher sales volumes. Over the last several years, our historical average volume growth in North America has exceeded the housing starts market growth by approximately 250 basis points. We believe 2024 North America sales volumes will continue to outpace the housing starts market with 2024 housing starts projected to grow in the low single digits relative to fiscal year 2023 housing starts.

Current wording

Historically, our North America segment has generated more revenues from wood construction products compared to concrete construction products. North America net sales increased 1.1% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023. Our wood construction product net sales increased 0.5% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023, primarily due to increased sales volumes, partly offset by product price decreases implemented during the first quarter of 2023. Our concrete construction product sales increased 5.0% over the same periods. For 2025, U.S. housing starts could improve in the low-single digit range from 2024 levels, with growth weighted towards the second half of the year. With the investments we have made, we believe we will be able to continue to grow net sales above the US housing starts market, one of our company ambitions.

Previous wording

During 2023, work continued on the Columbus facility expansion and work commenced on replacing our Gallatin facility. We expect the expansion and replacement facility will improve our overall service, production efficiencies and safety in the workplace, as well as reduce our reliance on certain outsourced finished goods and component products and continue to ensure we have ample capacity to meet our customer needs. These investments reinforce our core business model differentiators to remain the partner of choice as we continue to produce products locally and ensure superior levels of customer service.

Current wording

During 2024, work continued on our Columbus, Ohio facility expansion as well as the construction of our new Gallatin, Tennessee facility. We expect the expansion and operation of these facilities to be completed and commence in 2025. The expanded and new facilities will improve our overall service, production efficiencies and safety in the workplace, as well as reduce our reliance on certain outsourced finished goods and component products and continue to ensure we have ample capacity to meet our customer needs. These investments reinforce our core business model differentiators to remain the partner of choice as we continue to produce products locally and ensure superior levels of customer service.

Previous wording

•Operating margin is estimated to be in the range of 20.0% to 21.5%, including $86.1 million in depreciation and amortization expense.

Current wording

•Given the uncertainty regarding 2025 U.S. housing starts compared to prior year housing starts, consolidated operating margin is estimated to be in the range of 18.5% to 20.5% with the low end of the range based on flat to declining 2025 housing starts compared to prior year. The operating margin range includes a projected gain between $10.0 million to $12.0 million from the sale of the old Gallatin facility based on a $19.0 million contracted sale price.

Previous wording

•The effective tax rate is estimated to be in the range of 25.0% to 26.0%, including both federal and state income tax rates as well as international income tax rates, and assuming no tax law changes are enacted.

Current wording

•The effective tax rate is estimated to be in the range of 25.5% to 26.5%, including both federal and state income tax rates as well as international income tax rates, and assuming no tax law changes are enacted.

Previous wording

•Capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $200.0 million, which includes $120.0 million for the Columbus, Ohio facility expansion and the new Gallatin, Tennessee fastener facility construction, some of which may carry over to fiscal year 2025.

Current wording

•Capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $150.0 million to $170.0 million, which includes $75.0 million for the Columbus, Ohio facility expansion and construction of the new Gallatin, Tennessee facility.

Previous wording

Unless otherwise stated, the results announced below results, when providing comparisons (which are generally indicated by words such as “increased,” “decreased,” “unchanged” or “compared to”), compare the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, against the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 and include the results of the acquisition of FIXCO Invest S.A.S ("ETANCO") on April 1, 2022. 2023 full year comparisons include twelve months of ETANCO operating results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 compared to nine months for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. Unless otherwise stated, the results announced below, when referencing “both years,” refer to the year ended December 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Unless otherwise stated, the results announced below, when providing comparisons (which are generally indicated by words such as “increased,” “decreased,” “unchanged” or “compared to”), compare the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024, against the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Previous wording

Net Sales increased 4.6% to $2,213.8 million from $2,116.1 million primarily due tothe acquisition and integration of ETANCOas well as the positive effect of $12.7 million in foreign currency translation related mostly to Europe's currencies weakening against the United States dollar. Wood construction product net sales, including sales of connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, represented 85% and 87% of the Company’s total net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Concrete construction product net sales, including sales of adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials, represented 15% and 13% of the Company’s total net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Current wording

Net Sales increased approximately 0.8% to $2.2 billion from prior year, primarily due to higher sales volumes, incremental sales from the Company's 2024 acquisitions, and the positive effect of $3.7 million in foreign currency translation related mostly to Europe's currencies weakening against the United States dollar. Wood construction product net sales, including sales of connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, represented 85.1% and 85.4% of the Company’s total net sales for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Concrete construction product net sales, including sales of adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials, represented 14.8% and 14.5% of the Company’s total net sales for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

Gross profit increased to $1,043.8 million from $941.3 million, primarily due to the acquisition and integration of ETANCO. Gross margins increased to 47.1% from 44.5%, primarily due to lower material costs. Cost of sales in the prior year period included a $13.6 million inventory fair-value adjustment as a result of purchase accounting with respect to the acquisition of ETANCO. Gross margins, including some inter-segment expenses, which were eliminated upon consolidation, and excluding certain expenses that are allocated according to product group, increased from 44.4% to 47.2% for wood construction products and increased from 43.9% to 46.0% for concrete construction products.

Current wording

Gross profit decreased approximately 1.7% to $1.0 billion from prior year, primarily due to lower gross margins. Gross margins decreased to 46.0% from 47.1%, primarily due to higher factory and overhead as well as warehouse and freight costs, partly offset by lower material costs, as a percentage of net sales. Gross margins, including some inter-segment expenses, which were eliminated upon consolidation, and excluding certain expenses that are allocated according to product group, decreased from 47.2% to 45.6% for wood construction products and increased from 46.0% to 47.5% for concrete construction products.

Previous wording

Oureffective income tax rate increased to 25.7% from 25.5%.

Current wording

Oureffective income tax rate increased to 25.8% from 25.7%.

Previous wording

Net incomewas $354.0 million compared to $334.0 million. Diluted net income per share of common stock was $8.26 compared to $7.76.

Current wording

Consolidated net incomewas $322.2 million compared to $354.0 million. Diluted net income per share of common stock was $7.60 compared to $8.26.

Previous wording

•Research and development and engineering expense increased $21.9 million, primarily due increased personnel costs of $7.0 million and professional fees of $5.8 million associated with our strategic growth initiatives and to further our Building Technologies offering, $3.1 million in variable compensation, and $1.0 million in depreciation and amortization.

Current wording

•Research and development and engineering expense decreased $0.3 million.

Previous wording

•General and administrative expense increased $4.4 million, primarily due to increases of $1.2 million in variable compensation, $1.0 million in personnel costs, and $1.0 million professional and legal fees.

Current wording

•General and administrative expense increased $7.7 million, primarily due to increases of $7.3 million in personnel costs and $4.6 million in professional and legal fees, partially offset by a decrease of $5.7 million in variable compensation costs.

Previous wording

•Raw materials and purchased finished goods — principally valued at cost determined on a weighted average basis; and

Current wording

•Raw materials and purchased finished goods — principally valued at a cost determined on a weighted average basis; and

Previous wording

•In-process products and finished goods — cost of direct materials and labor plus attributable overhead based on a normal level of activity.

Current wording

•In-process products and finished goods — the cost of direct materials and labor plus attributable overhead based on a normal level of activity.

Previous wording

The Company applies net realizable value and makes estimates for obsolescence to the gross value of inventory. The Company estimates net realizable value based on estimated selling price less further costs through completion and disposal. The Company impairs slow-moving products by comparing inventories on hand to projected demand. If on-hand supply of a product exceeds projected demand or if the Company believes the product is no longer marketable, the product is considered obsolete inventory. The Company revalues obsolete inventory to its net realizable value and has consistently applied this methodology. The Company believes that this approach is suitable for impairments of slow-moving and obsolete inventory. When impairments are established, a new cost basis of the inventory is created. Unexpected changes in market demand, building codes or buyer preferences could reduce the rate of inventory turnover and require the Company to recognize more obsolete inventory.

Current wording

The Company applies net realizable value and makes estimates for obsolescence to the gross value of inventory. The Company estimates net realizable value is based on estimated selling price less further costs expected to be incurred through completion and disposal. The Company impairs slow-moving products by comparing inventories on hand to projected demand. If on-hand supply of a product exceeds projected demand or if the Company believes the product is no longer marketable, the product is considered obsolete inventory. The Company revalues obsolete inventory to its net realizable value and has consistently applied this methodology. The Company believes that this approach is suitable for impairments of slow-moving and obsolete inventory. When impairments are established, a new cost basis of the inventory is created. Unexpected changes in market demand, building codes or buyer preferences could reduce the rate of inventory turnover and require the Company to recognize more obsolete inventory.

Previous wording

We completed our annual impairment assessment by performing a qualitative assessment during the annual impairment assessment performed in the fourth quarter of 2022. For this qualitative assessment, we assessed various assumptions, events and circumstances that would have affected the estimated fair value of the reporting units. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, the Company concluded that there was no evidence of events or circumstances that would indicate a material change from the Company’s prior year quantitative assessment by reporting unit and therefore, it was more likely than not that the estimated fair value of reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values

Current wording

We applied the ("Step 0") approach in the fourth quarter of 2024 to assess qualitative factors related to the goodwill of the reporting units to determine whether it is necessary to perform an impairment test. For this qualitative assessment, we assessed various assumptions, events and circumstances that could have affected the estimated fair value of the reporting units. Based on the qualitative assessment performed, the Company concluded that there was no evidence of events or circumstances that would indicate a material change from the Company’s prior year quantitative assessment by reporting unit and therefore, it was more likely than not that the estimated fair value of reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. The annual testing of goodwill for impairment did not result in impairment charges.

Previous wording

The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product to a customer at a point in time. The Company's general shipping terms are Incoterm C.P.T. (F.O.B. shipping point), where the title, and risk and rewards of ownership transfer at the point when the products are no longer on the Company's premises. Other Incoterms are allowed as exceptions depending on the product or service being sold and the nature of the sale. The Company recognizes revenue based on the consideration specified in the invoice with a customer, excluding any sales incentives, discounts, and amounts collected on behalf of third parties (i.e., governmental tax authorities).

Current wording

Generally, the Company's revenue contract with a customer exists when (1) the goods are shipped, services are rendered, and the related invoice is generated, (2) the duration of the contract does not extend beyond the promised goods or services already transferred and (3) the transaction price of each distinct promised product or service specified in the invoice is based on its relative stated standalone selling price. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product to a customer at a point in time. The Company's shipping terms provide the primary indicator of the transfer of control. The general shipping terms are Incoterm C.P.T. (F.O.B. shipping point), where the title, and risk and rewards of ownership transfer at the point when the products are no longer on the Company's premises. Other Incoterms are allowed as exceptions depending on the product or service being sold and the nature of the sale. The Company recognizes revenue based on the consideration specified in the invoice with a customer, excluding any sales incentives, discounts, and amounts collected on behalf of third parties (i.e., governmental tax authorities).

Previous wording

On March 30, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for a 5-year revolving credit facility of $450.0 million, which includes a letter of credit-sub-facility up to $50.0 million, and for a 5-year term loan facility of $450.0 million. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had borrowings of $75.0 million under the revolving credit facility and $410.6 million under the term loan facility, and has $375.0 million available to borrow under the revolving credit facility.

Current wording

On March 30, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for a 5-year revolving credit facility of $450.0 million, which includes a letter of credit-sub-facility up to $50.0 million, and for a 5-year term loan facility of $450.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility and $388.1 million under the term loan facility, and has $450.0 million available to borrow under the revolving credit facility.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents consisted of deposits and money market funds held with established national financial institutions, and includes $106.4 million held in the local currencies of our foreign operations and could be subject to additional taxation if repatriated to the U.S. The Company is maintaining a permanent reinvestment assertion on its foreign earnings relative to remaining cash held outside the United States.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents consisted of deposits and money market funds held with established national financial institutions, and includes $111.6 million held in the local currencies of our foreign operations and could be subject to additional taxation if repatriated to the U.S. The Company is maintaining a permanent reinvestment assertion on its foreign earnings relative to remaining cash held outside the United States.

Previous wording

Cash flows from operating activities result primarily from our earnings, and are also affected by changes in operating assets and liabilities which consist primarily of working capital balances. Our revenues are derived from manufacturing and sales of building construction materials. Our operating cash flows are subject to seasonality and are cyclically associated with the volume and timing of construction project starts. For example, trade accounts receivable is generally at its lowest at the end of the fourth quarter and increases during the first, second and third quarters.

Current wording

Cash flows from operating activities result primarily from our earnings before non-cash items such as depreciation, amortization, and stock based compensation, and are affected by changes in operating assets and liabilities which consist primarily of working capital balances. Our revenues are derived from manufacturing and sales of building construction materials. Our operating cash flows are impacted by prevailing macro-economic conditions and subject to seasonality, which is cyclically associated with the volume and timing of construction project starts. For example, as a result of seasonality, our trade accounts receivable is generally at its lowest at the end of the fourth quarter and increases during the first, second and third quarters as construction activity ramps up in markets we serve.

Previous wording

In 2023, operating activities provided $427.0 million in cash and cash equivalents as a result of $354.0 million from net income and adding back $101.8 million for non-cash adjustments from net income which includes depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and non-cash lease expense, partially offset by a decrease of $28.8 million for the net change in operating assets and liabilities.

Current wording

In 2024, cash provided by operating activities of $338.2 million in cash and cash equivalents as a result of $322.2 million from net income and adding back $113.4 million for non-cash adjustments from net income which includes depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and non-cash lease expense, partially offset by a decrease of $97.5 million for the net change in operating assets and liabilities. The net change in operating assets and liabilities included increases of $50.4 million in inventory and $12.7 million in other current assets as well as a $17.0 million net change in other non-current assets and liabilities.

Previous wording

Cash used in investing activities of $103.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, was mostly for capital spending of $88.8 million, which was primarily used for machinery and equipment purchases and facility expansion projects including a land purchase. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $200.0 million for 2024 including the expected spend of $120.0 million on our previously announced Columbus, Ohio facility expansion and replacement of Gallatin, Tennessee facility, with some spend potentially may carrying over to 2025. The remaining $80.0 million in capital expenditures will be primarily focused on purchases of new equipment to support increased productivity and efficiencies, enhancements to our existing facilities to expand our manufacturing footprint in-line with increasing customer needs, as well as investments for adjacencies and key growth initiatives.

Current wording

Cash used in investing activities of $259.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, was primarily for capital spending of $180.4 million for facility expansion projects, and machinery and equipment purchases as well as $79.2 million for the acquisitions of Calculated Structured Designs, Inc.; Monet DeSauw, Inc. and certain properties of Callaway Properties, LLC ("Monet"); and QuickFrames USA, LLC. In which Monet was acquired for$48.7 million net of cash received. Based on current forecasts, capital expenditures are estimated to range between $150.0 million to $170.0 million for 2025 including the expected spend of $75.0 million to complete the Columbus, Ohio facility expansion and replacement of Gallatin, Tennessee facility. The remaining $75.0 million to $95.0 million in capital expenditures will be primarily focused on purchases of new equipment to support increased productivity and efficiencies, the timing of which is subject to future events and circumstances.

Previous wording

Cash used in financing activities of $199.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, consisted primarily of $98.7 million in loan principal payments, $50.0 million for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock and $45.2 million used to pay cash dividends. During 2023, we purchased and received approximately 361 thousand shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market at an average price of $138.60 per share, for a total of $50.0 million under a previously announced $100.0 million share repurchase authorization (which expired at the end of 2023).

Current wording

Cash used in financing activities of $261.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, consisted primarily of $100.8 million in loan principal payments, $100.0 million for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock and $46.5 million used to pay cash dividends. The Company purchased and received approximately 559 thousand shares of it’s common stock on the open market at an average price of $178.83 per share.

Previous wording

On October 19, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized the Company to repurchase up to $100.0 million of the Company's common stock, effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Further, on January 19, 2024, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share payable on April 25, 2024 to stockholders of record on April 4, 2024, and estimated to be $11.5 million in total.

Current wording

On October 23, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized the Company to repurchase up to $100.0 million of the Company's common stock, effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. From February 1, 2025 to February 28, 2025, the Company repurchased 146,640 shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market at an average price of $170.48 per share for a total of approximately $25.0 million. Further, on January 31, 2025, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.28 per share payable on April 23, 2025 to stockholders of record on April 3, 2025, and estimated to be $11.8 million in total.

Previous wording

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Company returned $95.2 million to the Company's stockholders, which represents 28.1% of our free cash flow from operations during the same period. Since the beginning of 2021 to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, we have returned $283.5 million to stockholders, which represents 36.2% of our free cash flow and over the same period the Company has repurchased over $1.4 million shares of the Company's common stock, which represents approximately 3.2% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock.

Current wording

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Company returned $146.5 million to the Company's shareholders, which represents 92.8% of our free cash flow from operations during the same period. Since the beginning of 2021 to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Company has returned $430.0 million to shareholders, which represents 45.7% of our free cash flow. During the same period the Company has repurchased approximately 2.0 million shares of the Company's common stock, which represents approximately 4.5% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock.

Previous wording

Inflation rates increased during fiscal year 2023, which have negatively affected labor costs and other costs of doing business, and as such may adversely affect our operating profits if we cannot recover the higher costs through price increases. Our main raw material is steel, and as such, increases in steel prices may adversely affect our gross margin if we cannot recover the higher costs through price increases. See “Item 1 — Raw Materials” and “Item 1A — Risk Factors.”

Current wording

Inflation rates continued to increase during fiscal year 2024, which negatively affected labor costs and other costs of doing business, and as such may adversely affect our operating profits if we cannot recover the higher costs through price increases. Our main raw material is steel, and as such, increases in steel prices may adversely affect our gross margin if we cannot recover the higher costs through price increases. See “Item 1 — Raw Materials” and “Item 1A — Risk Factors.”