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MYERS INDUSTRIES INC

For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Mar 5, 2024.

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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2023 · Filed Mar 5, 2024

MYE$28.25+4.8%Stored close · as of Nov 9, 2026

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Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Myers Industries, Inc. and all wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All subsidiaries that are not wholly owned and are not included in the consolidated operating results of the Company are immaterial investments which have been accounted for under the equity or cost method. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the timing and amount of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues, and expenses recorded and disclosed. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures to provide information to better assess how an entity's operations and related tax risks and tax planning and operational opportunities affect its tax rate and prospects for future cash flows. For the Company, this ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments within this ASU should be applied prospectively although retrospective application is also permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. For the Company, this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments within this ASU are required to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

All asset and liability accounts of consolidated foreign subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the accounting period and income statement items are translated monthly at an average currency exchange rate for the period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is the price to hypothetically sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly manner in the principal market for that asset or liability. Accounting standards prioritize the use of observable inputs in measuring fair value. The level of a fair value measurement is determined entirely by the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement. The three levels are (from highest to lowest):

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data or which reflect the entity’s own assumptions.

The Company has financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates carrying value due to the nature and relative short maturity of these assets and liabilities.

The fair value of debt under the Company’s Loan Agreement, as defined in Note 10, approximates carrying value due to the floating rates and relative short maturity (less than 90 days) of the revolving borrowings under this agreement. The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate senior unsecured notes was estimated using market observable inputs for the Company’s comparable peers with public debt, including quoted prices in active markets and interest rate measurements, which are considered Level 2 inputs. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate fair value of the Company’s outstanding fixed rate senior unsecured notes was estimated at$37.8 million and$37.4 million, respectively.

The purchase price allocations associated with the May 31, 2022 acquisition of Mohawk Rubber Sales of New England Inc. ("Mohawk"), as described in Note 3, required fair value measurements using unobservable inputs which are considered Level 3 inputs. The fair value of the acquired intangible assets was determined using an income approach. Similarly, impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as described in Note 4 involves determination of fair value using unobservable inputs, which are considered Level 3 inputs. The fair values of the reporting units in accordance with the goodwill impairment test were determined using the income and/or market approaches.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk primarily consist of trade accounts receivable. The concentration of accounts receivable credit risk is generally limited based on the Company’s diversified operations, with customers spread across many industries and countries. In 2023, there were no customers that accounted for more thanten percent of net sales. The Company does not have a material concentration of sales in any country outside of the United States.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Management has established certain requirements that customers must meet before credit is extended. The financial condition of customers is continually monitored and collateral is usually not required. The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. The Company reviews historical trends for credit loss as well as current economic conditions in determining an estimate for its allowance for credit losses. Additionally, in circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance for credit losses is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably expects will be collected. Expense related to bad debts was approximately$1.8 million,$0.5 million and$0.7 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and is recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Deductions from the allowance for doubtful accounts, net of recoveries, were approximately$1.1 million,$0.4 million and$0.9 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31,2023 and 2022 were as follows:

20232022
Balance at January 1$2,273$2,173
Provision for expected credit loss, net of recoveries1,808540
Write-offs and other(1,092)(440)
Balance at December 31$2,989$2,273

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market for last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) inventory and lower of cost or net realizable value for first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) inventory. Approximately 35 percent of our inventories are valued using the LIFO method of determining cost. All other inventories are valued at the FIFO method of determining cost.

Inventories at December 31 consist of the following:

December 31,December 31,
20232022
Finished and in-process products$53,382$54,991
Raw materials and supplies37,46238,360
$90,844$93,351

If the FIFO method of inventory cost valuation had been used exclusively by the Company, inventories would have been$8.6 million and$8.6 million higher than reported at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cost of sales decreased by$0.2 million,$0.8 million and$0.1 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as a result of the liquidation of LIFO inventories.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization on the basis of the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

Buildings20 to 40 years
Machinery and equipment3 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements5 to 10 years

The Company’s property, plant and equipment by major asset class at December 31 consists of:

December 31,December 31,
20232022
Land$6,546$6,907
Buildings and leasehold improvements63,87160,982
Machinery and equipment326,650311,822
397,067379,711
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization(289,134)(278,145)
$107,933$101,566

Depreciation expense was$16.2 million,$15.0 million and$15.2 million in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Determination of potential impairment related to assets to be held and used is based upon undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset and related asset group. For assets held for sale, the amount of potential impairment may be based upon appraisal of the asset, estimated market value of similar assets or estimated cash flow from the disposition of the asset.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

ForeignCurrencyDefined BenefitPension PlansTotal
Balance at January 1, 2021$(13,974)$(1,799)$(15,773)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications39269308
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of ($21) (1)—6464
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)39333372
Balance at December 31, 2021(13,935)(1,466)(15,401)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(2,475)33(2,442)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of ($17) (1)—5050
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)(2,475)83(2,392)
Balance at December 31, 2022(16,410)(1,383)(17,793)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications85966925
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of ($18) (1)—5353
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)859119978
Balance at December 31, 2023$(15,551)$(1,264)$(16,815)

(1)

The accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components related to defined benefit pension plans are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12, Retirement Plans for additional details.

Stock Based Compensation

The Company has stock incentive plans that provide for the granting of stock-based compensation to employees and directors. Shares issued for option exercises, restricted stock units and performance units may be either from authorized, but unissued shares or treasury shares. For equity-classified awards, the fair value is determined on the date of the grant and not remeasured. The fair value of restricted stock units without a relative Total Shareholder Return ("rTSR") modifier are determined using the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date (Level 1 measurement). The fair value of performance units with a rTSR modifier is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation, which determines the probability of satisfying the market condition included in the award using market-based inputs (Level 2 measurement). For these awards, the performance-based vesting requirements determine the number of shares that ultimately vest, which can vary from 0% to 250% of target depending on the level of achievement of established performance and market criteria, where applicable. The fair value of options is determined using a binomial lattice option pricing model which uses market-based inputs (Level 2 measurement). When awards contain a required holding period after vesting, the fair value is discounted to reflect the lack of marketability. Expense for restricted stock units and stock options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally equivalent to the vesting term. Compensation expense for performance units is recognized over the requisite service period subject to adjustment based on the probable number of shares expected to vest under the performance condition. Forfeitures result in reversal of previously recognized expenses for unvested shares and are recognized in the period in which the forfeiture occurs.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be received or settled. Any effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period the change is enacted.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on all available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company evaluates the recovery of its deferred tax assets by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income inherently rely heavily on estimates.

In the ordinary course of business, there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying certain income tax positions. The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluations of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the reporting date to be recognized. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Capital expenditures in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows excludes accrued, but unpaid, capital expenditures. Changes in the amount accrued increased (reduced) cash used for capital expenditures by$0.7 million,$(0.6) million and$(0.2) million 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Investments

In 2013, the Company invested in a joint venture to distribute tools, supplies and equipment to the Indian auto aftermarket. The Company's minority ownership interest has been accounted for under ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities, as the Company cannot exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the joint venture. Under ASC 321, for each reporting period, a qualitative assessment is completed to evaluate whether the investment is impaired. During the fourth quarter of 2022, impairment triggers were identified and the investment in the joint venture was fully impaired, resulting in a $0.6 million pre-tax impairment lossin Other (income) expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

  1. Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue by major market is as follows:

MaterialHandlingDistributionInter-companyConsolidated
Consumer$92,380$—$—$92,380
Vehicle123,155——123,155
Food and beverage118,063——118,063
Industrial221,661—(67)221,594
Auto aftermarket—257,875—257,875
Total net sales$555,259$257,875$(67)$813,067
MaterialHandlingDistributionInter-companyConsolidated
Consumer$113,339$—$—$113,339
Vehicle165,139——165,139
Food and beverage125,111——125,111
Industrial244,030—(38)243,992
Auto aftermarket—251,966—251,966
Total net sales$647,619$251,966$(38)$899,547
MaterialHandlingDistributionInter-companyConsolidated
Consumer$116,707$—$—$116,707
Vehicle170,322——170,322
Food and beverage83,817——83,817
Industrial193,222—(60)193,162
Auto aftermarket—197,427—197,427
Total net sales$564,068$197,427$(60)$761,435

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with customers are satisfied. In both the Distribution and Material Handling segments, this generally occurs with the transfer of control of the Company’s products. This transfer of control may occur at either the time of shipment from a Company facility, or at the time of delivery to a designated customer location. Obligations under contracts with customers are typically fulfilled within 90 days of receiving a purchase order from a customer, and generally no other future obligations are required to be performed. The Company generally does not enter into contracts with customers for longer than one year. Based on the nature of the Company’s products and customer contracts, no deferred revenue has been recorded with the exception of cash advances or deposits received from customers prior to transfer of control of the product. These advances are typically fulfilled within the 90 day time frame mentioned above.

Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring the products. Certain contracts with customers include variable consideration, such as rebates or discounts. The Company recognizes estimates of this variable consideration each period, primarily based on the most likely level of consideration to be paid to the customer under the specific terms of the underlying programs. While the Company’s contracts with customers do not generally include explicit rights to return product, the Company will in practice allow returns in the normal course of business and as part of the customer relationship. Thus, the Company estimates the expected returns each period based on an analysis of historical experience. For certain businesses where physical recovery of the product from returns occurs, the Company records an estimated right to return asset from such recovery, based on the approximate cost of the product.

Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position related to revenue recognition include:

December 31,December 31,Statement of FinancialPosition
20232022Classification
Returns, discounts and other allowances$(1,200)$(986)Trade accounts receivable
Right of return asset$432$350Inventories, net
Customer deposits$(2,017)$(5,896)Other current liabilities
Accrued rebates$(4,441)$(4,711)Other current liabilities

Sales, value added, and other taxes the Company collects concurrently with revenue from customers are excluded from net sales. The Company has elected to recognize the cost for shipments to customers when control over products has transferred to the customer. Costs for shipments to customers are classified as Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s manufacturing businesses and as Cost of sales for the Company’s distribution business in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company incurred costs for shipments to customers of approximately$10.8 million,$13.1 million and$10.4 million in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and$13.0 million,$10.5 million and$7.3 million in Cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Based on the short term nature of contracts described above, the Company does not incur significant contract acquisition costs. These costs, as well as other incidental items that are immaterial in the context of the contract, are recognized as expense as incurred.

  1. Acquisitions

Mohawk

On May 31, 2022, the Company acquired the assets of Mohawk, a leading auto aftermarket distributor, which is included in the Distribution Segment. The Mohawk acquisition aligns with the Company's long-term objective to optimize and grow its Distribution business. Cash consideration was $27.8 million, net of $1.1 million of cash acquired. Total cash consideration also includes a $3.5 million working capital adjustment, of which $3.3 million was settled in November 2022 and $0.2 million was settled in February 2023. The Company funded the acquisition with proceeds from the Loan Agreement described in Note 10.

The acquisition of Mohawk was accounted for using the acquisition method, whereby all of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recognized at their fair value on the acquisition date, with any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value recorded as goodwill. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including measurement period adjustments and the finalized allocation of purchase price.

Initial Allocation of ConsiderationMeasurement Period Adjustments(1)Final Allocation
Assets acquired:
Accounts receivable$10,137$458$10,595
Inventories8,209(16)8,193
Prepaid expenses104—104
Other assets - long term30—30
Property, plant and equipment1,432(261)1,171
Right of use asset - operating leases1,367—1,367
Intangible assets7,720907,810
Goodwill7,485(403)7,082
Assets acquired$36,484$(132)$36,352
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable$5,996$(191)$5,805
Accrued expenses1,414(70)1,344
Operating lease liability - short term399—399
Operating lease liability - long term968—968
Total liabilities assumed8,777(261)8,516
Net acquisition cost$27,707$129$27,836

(1)The Company's preliminary purchase price allocation changed due to additional information and further analysis.

The goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually and separately recognized, and the Company expects that the goodwill recognized for the acquisition will be deductible for tax purposes.

The intangible assets included above consist of the following:

Fair ValueWeighted AverageEstimatedUseful Life
Customer relationships$5,50012.0 years
Trade name2,0005.0 years
Non-competition agreements3105.0 years
Total amortizable intangible assets$7,810

Trilogy Plastics

On July 30, 2021, the Company acquired the assets of Trilogy, a custom rotational molder specializing in high quality parts and assemblies, which is included in the Company's Material Handling Segment. The Trilogy acquisition aligns with the Company’s long-term strategic plan to transform the Company into a high-growth, customer-centric innovator of value-added engineered plastic solutions. The purchase price for the acquisition was $34.5 million, including a working capital adjustment of $0.3 million which was settled in November 2021. The Company funded the acquisition with proceeds from the Loan Agreement described in Note 10.

Elkhart Plastics

On November 10, 2020, the Company acquired the assets of Elkhart Plastics, a manufacturer of engineered products for the RV, marine, agricultural, construction, truck and other industries, which is included in the Company’s Material Handling Segment. The Elkhart Plastics acquisition aligns with the Company’s long-term strategic plan to transform the Company into a high-growth, customer-centric innovator of value-added engineered plastic solutions. The purchase price for the acquisition was $63.8 million, including a working capital adjustment of $1.2 million, which was settled in 2021. The Company funded the acquisition using available cash.

  1. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually and between annual tests if impairment indicators are present. Such indicators may include, but are not limited to, significant changes in economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on the Company’s customer base or its businesses, or a material negative change in its relationships with significant customers.

The Company’s annual goodwill impairment assessment as of October 1 for all of its reporting units foundno impairment in 2023, 2022 or 2021. During 2023, management performed a qualitative assessment for five of itssix reporting units, with the exception of the Rotational Molding reporting unit for which a quantitative assessment was performed. Based on the five qualitative analyses, we determined that it was more-likely-than-not that the fair values of the reporting units were greater than their carrying amounts and no impairment was indicated. Based on the quantitative analysis of the Rotational Molding reporting unit, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was in excess of its carrying value and no impairment was identified.

The fair value of the Company's Rotational Molding reporting unit in accordance with the goodwill impairment test was determined using the income and/or market approaches. The income approach employs the discounted cash flow method reflecting projected cash flows expected to be generated by market participants and then adjusted for time value of money factors and requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), and discount rates. The market approach utilizes an analysis of comparable publicly traded companies and requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the forecasts of future revenues, EBITDA, and multiples that are applied to management’s forecasted revenues and EBITDA estimates.

The techniques used in the Company's impairment test have incorporated a number of assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable and to reflect known market conditions at the measurement date. The variables and assumptions used, all of which are Level 3 fair value inputs, include the projections of future revenues and expenses, working capital, terminal values, discount rates and long term growth rates. The estimate of the fair values of these reporting units, and the related goodwill, could change over time based on a variety of factors, including the aggregate market value of the Company’s common stock, actual operating performance of the underlying businesses or the impact of future events on the cost of capital and the related discount rates used.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31,2023 and 2022 were as follows:

DistributionMaterialHandlingTotal
January 1, 2022$7,648$81,130$88,778
Acquisition7,485—7,485
Purchase accounting adjustment(403)—(403)
Foreign currency translation—(703)(703)
December 31, 2022$14,730$80,427$95,157
Foreign currency translation—235235
December 31, 2023$14,730$80,662$95,392

Intangible assets were established in connection with acquisitions. These intangible assets, other than goodwill and certain indefinite lived trade names, are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company performed a quantitative annual impairment assessment for the indefinite lived trade names as of October 1, 2023, 2022 and 2021. In performing these assessments, the Company determined the estimated fair value of the trade name exceeded the carrying value and accordingly, no impairment was indicated. An impairment charge would be recorded if the carrying value of the trade name exceeds the estimated fair value at the date of assessment. Refer to Note 3 for the intangible assets acquired through the Mohawk acquisition during 2022.

Intangible assets at December 31,2023 and 2022 consisted of the following:

2023 · 2022
Weighted AverageRemaining UsefulLife (years) · Gross · AccumulatedAmortization · Net · Gross · AccumulatedAmortization · Net
Trade names - indefinite lived$9,782$—$9,782$9,782$—$9,782
Trade names6.010,267(3,417)6,85010,267(2,142)8,125
Customer relationships12.075,505(48,790)26,71575,110(45,621)29,489
Technology0.624,980(23,713)1,26724,980(21,441)3,539
Non-competition agreements1.71,510(995)5151,510(693)817
Patents—11,730(11,730)—11,730(11,730)—
$133,774$(88,645)$45,129$133,379$(81,627)$51,752

Intangible amortization expense was$6.6 million,$6.2 million and$5.2 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets with finite lives for the next five years is:$5.4 million in 2024;$3.9 million in 2025;$3.2 million in 2026;$2.9 million in 2027 and$2.7 million in 2028.

  1. Net Income Per Common Share

Net income per common share, as shown on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, is determined on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods as follows:

For the Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Weighted average common shares outstanding basic36,744,56036,411,38936,138,571
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock351,008379,450220,398
Weighted average common shares outstanding diluted37,095,56836,790,83936,358,969

The dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock was computed using the treasury stock method. Options to purchase 101,406,114,540 and 26,814 shares of common stock that were outstanding at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise prices of these options was greater than the average market price of common shares and were therefore anti-dilutive.

  1. Restructuring

Ameri-Kart Plan

In March 2019, the Company committed to implementing a restructuring plan involving its Ameri-Kart Corp. subsidiary (“Ameri-Kart”), a rotational molding business within the Material Handling Segment. The Company is consolidating certain manufacturing operations into a new facility in Bristol, Indiana (the “Ameri-Kart Plan”). In December 2019, as amended in March 2021, Ameri-Kart entered into a lease agreement for a newly constructed manufacturing and distribution facility in Bristol, Indiana. The building became substantially complete in March 2021 as defined in the lease agreement, and the 15-year finance lease of the new Bristol facility commenced. In connection with the lease agreement, Ameri-Kart agreed to sell its original Bristol facility and lease it back for a period of 5 years. During the second quarter of 2021, the sale of the original facility for net proceeds of $2.8 million was completed, which resulted in a gain of $1.0 million, and the lease back commenced. The new Bristol facility is in service and the original facility has been closed. Remaining costs to complete this consolidation are expected to be approximately $2.2 million to be incurred through 2026 related to remaining lease and maintenance costs for the idled facility.

The Company incurred $1.0 million of restructuring charges during the year ended December 31, 2023, which were recorded within both Cost of salesand Selling, general and administrative. The Company also incurred $0.7 million of restructuring charges during the year ended December 31, 2022, which were recorded within Cost of salesand$0.3 million related to loss on disposal of fixed assets during the year ended December 31, 2022. No restructuring charges were accrued at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The Company incurred $0.9 million of restructuring charges classified as Cost of sales during the year ended December 31, 2021, including $0.1 million of non-cash inventory write-offs.

Other Initiatives

Severance charges from other restructuring initiatives to reduce and streamline overhead costs during the year ended December 31, 2023 totaled $1.5 million, which were recorded within Selling, general and administrative. No restructuring charges were accrued at December 31, 2023 and remaining costs associated with these other restructuring initiatives are not expected to be meaningful.

  1. Other Liabilities

The balance of Other current liabilities is comprised of the following:

December 31,December 31,
20232022
Customer deposits and accrued rebates$6,458$10,607
Dividends payable5,9005,722
Accrued litigation, claims and professional fees2,868596
Current portion of environmental reserves8,2053,284
Other accrued expenses5,0416,171
$28,472$26,380

The balance of Other liabilities(long-term) is comprised of the following:

December 31,December 31,
20232022
Environmental reserves$9,357$13,078
Supplemental executive retirement plan liability548824
Pension liability135184
Other long-term liabilities2,0681,184
$12,108$15,270
  1. Stock Compensation

The Company’s Amended and Restated 2017 Incentive Stock Plan (the “2017 Plan”) authorizes the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) to issue up to 5,126,950 shares of various stock awards including stock options, performance stock units, restricted stock units and other forms of equity-based awards to key employees and directors. No new awards were permitted to be issued under the 2017 Plan after April 29, 2021. Options granted and outstanding vest over the requisite service period and expireten years from the date of grant.

The Company’s 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors on March 4, 2021, amended by the Board of Directors on April 20, 2021, and approved by shareholders in the annual shareholder meeting on April 29, 2021. The 2021 Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to issue up to 2,000,000 additional various stock awards including stock options, performance stock units, restricted stock units and other forms of equity-based awards.

Stock compensation expense was approximately$6.7 million,$7.4 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements at December 31, 2023 was approximately$7.4 million, which will be recognized over the next three years, as such compensation is earned.

There wereno options granted in 2023, 2022 and 2021. Options exercised in 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

YearOptions ExercisedExercisedPrice
202362,551$11.62 to $18.69
202283,102$12.96 to $21.30
2021192,504$11.62 to $21.30

In addition, options totaling 43,729,588 and 30,094 expired or were forfeited during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

YearOutstandingRange of ExercisePricesExercisableWeighted AverageExercise Price
2023118,602$11.62 to $21.30118,602$20.35
2022224,882$11.62 to $21.30224,882$18.82
2021308,572$11.62 to $21.30297,295$18.64

The following table provides a summary of stock option activity for the period ended December 31,2023:

SharesAverageExercisePriceWeightedAverageLife (in Years)
Outstanding at December 31, 2022224,882$18.82
Options granted——
Options exercised(62,551)16.99
Canceled or forfeited(43,729)17.30
Expired——
Outstanding at December 31, 2023118,60220.351.03
Exercisable at December 31, 2023118,602$20.351.03

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised in 2023, 2022 and 2021 was$0.4 million,$0.3 million and$1.0 million, respectively. There is no intrinsic value of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2023 as the closing stock price at the end of 2023 was below the weighted average exercise price of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2023.

The following table provides a summary of restricted stock units, including performance-based restricted stock units, and restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31,2023:

SharesAverageGrant-DateFair Value
Unvested shares at December 31, 2022705,734
Granted503,327$19.79
Vested(293,153)$14.57
Canceled or forfeited(70,197)$19.93
Unvested shares at December 31, 2023845,711

Restricted stock units are rights to receive shares of common stock, subject to forfeiture and other restrictions, which vest over aone orthree year period. Restricted stock units are considered to be non-vested shares under the accounting guidance for share-based payment and are not reflected as issued and outstanding shares until the restrictions lapse. At that time, the shares are released to the grantee and the Company records the issuance of the shares. At December 31,2023, restricted stock awards had vesting periods through December 2026. Included in the December 31, 2023 unvested shares are 504,871 performance-based restricted stock units.

  1. Contingencies

The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits and a party to various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered in whole or in part by insurance. When a loss arising from these matters is probable and can reasonably be estimated, the most likely amount of the estimated probable loss is recorded, or if a range of probable loss can be estimated and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the range is recorded. As additional information becomes available, any potential liability related to these matters is assessed and the estimates are revised, if necessary.

Based on current available information, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters, including those described below, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows or overall trends in our results of operations. However, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the financial position and results of operations of the period in which the ruling occurs, or in future periods.

New Idria Mercury Mine

In September 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) informed a subsidiary of the Company, Buckhorn, Inc. (“Buckhorn”) via a notice letter and related documents (the “Notice Letter”) that it considers Buckhorn to be a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) in connection with the New Idria Mercury Mine site (“New Idria Mine”). New Idria Mining & Chemical Company (“NIMCC”), which owned and/or operated the New Idria Mine through 1976, was merged into Buckhorn Metal Products Inc. in 1981, which was subsequently acquired by Myers Industries, Inc. in 1987. As a result of the EPA Notice Letter, Buckhorn and the Company engaged in negotiations with the EPA with respect to a draft Administrative Order of Consent (“AOC”) proposed by the EPA for the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (“RI/FS”) to determine the extent of remediation necessary and the screening of alternatives. Buckhorn and the EPA finalized the AOC and related Statement of Work (“SOW”) with regards to the New Idria Mine, effective as of November 27, 2018, the date that it was executed by the EPA. The AOC requires a $2 million letter of credit to be provided for the duration of the RI/FS as assurance of Buckhorn's performance obligations.

All reasonably estimable costs related to the environmental remediation are accrued. These costs are comprised primarily of estimates to perform the RI/FS, negotiation of the AOC, identification of possible other PRPs, EPA oversight fees, past cost claims made by the EPA, periodic monitoring, and responses to demands issued by the EPA under the AOC. It is possible that adjustments to the aforementioned reserves will be necessary as new information is obtained, including after finalization and EPA approval of the work plan for the RI/FS. Estimates of Buckhorn’s liability are based on current facts, laws, regulations and technology. Estimates of Buckhorn’s environmental liabilities are further subject to uncertainties regarding the nature and extent of site contamination, the range of remediation alternatives available, evolving remediation standards, imprecise engineering evaluation and cost estimates, the extent of remedial actions that may be required, the extent of oversight by the EPA and the number and financial condition of other PRPs that may be named, as well as the extent of their responsibility for the remediation. Beginning in late 2021 and continuing through the current period, Buckhorn and the EPA continue to actively discuss the scope of the activities in the work plan for the RI/FS, resulting in changes to the estimated costs to perform the RI/FS work plan from time to time. Cost estimates will continue to be refined as the work plans for the RI/FS and the ultimate remediation are finalized and as the activities are performed over a period expected to last several years.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, Buckhorn reached an agreement with respect to certain insurance coverage related to defense costs, which is expected to apply to a substantial portion of the estimated RI/FS costs. Recovery of accrued costs are recorded as a receivable to the extent such recovery is determined to be probable under this agreement. Estimates of cost recoveries will continue to be refined as the RI/FS work plan is finalized and the activities are performed over a period expected to last several years. Buckhorn may also have opportunity for cost recovery under other insurance policies.

Since October 2011, when the New Idria Mine was added to the Superfund National Priorities List by the EPA, Buckhorn has recognized$22.0 million of cumulative charges, made cumulative payments of $10.8 million and received insurance recoveries of $4.0 million through December 31, 2023. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the following activity was recorded in connection with the New Idria Mercury Mine:

For the Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Beginning reserve balance$11,855$8,213$7,186
Changes in estimated environmental liability6,5004,400700
Payments made(1) (4)(5,173)(758)327
Ending reserve balance(2)$13,182$11,855$8,213
Beginning receivable balance$6,000$—$—
Changes in estimated insurance recovery3,3006,000—
Insurance recovery reimbursements(2,055)——
Ending receivable balance(3)$7,245$6,000$—

(1)Payments made in the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were offset by insurance refunds of $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Buckhorn reached an agreement with respect to certain insurance coverage related to defense costs for which recovery of accrued costs are recorded as a receivable to the extent such recovery is determined to be probable under this agreement.

(2)As of December 31, 2023, Buckhorn has a total ending reserve balance of $13.2 million related to the New Idria Mine, of which $7.9 million is classified in Other current liabilities and $5.3 million in Other liabilities (long-term).

(3)As of December 31, 2023, Buckhorn has a total receivable balance related to the probable insurance recovery of $7.2 million, of which $3.6 million is classified in Other accounts receivableand $3.6 million is classified in Other (long-term).

(4)Payments made for the year ended December 31, 2023 include a $1.9 million payment related to a settlement agreement with the EPA to resolve the past costs claim, which Buckhorn paid in the first quarter of 2023.

Given the circumstances referred to above, including the fact that the final remediation strategy has not yet been determined, Buckhorn has not accrued for remediation costs in connection with this site as it is unable to estimate the range of a reasonably possible liability for remediation costs.

New Almaden Mine

A number of parties, including the Company and its subsidiary, Buckhorn (as successor to NIMCC), were alleged by trustee agencies of the United States and the State of California to be responsible for natural resource damages due to environmental contamination of areas comprising the historical New Almaden mercury mines located in the Guadalupe River Watershed region in Santa Clara County, California (“County”). In 2005, Buckhorn and the Company, without admitting liability or chain of ownership of NIMCC, resolved the trustees’ claim against them through a consent decree that required them to contribute financially to the implementation by the County of an environmentally beneficial project within the impacted area. Buckhorn and the Company negotiated an agreement with the County ("Cost Sharing Agreement"), whereby Buckhorn and the Company agreed to reimburse one-half of the County’s costs of implementing the project. Adetailed estimate was received from the County in 2016, and estimated costs for implementing the project to range between $3.3 million and $4.4 million. In 2022, the County informed the Company that it may begin implementation of the project in 2023 and that costs were expected to be higher. In January 2023, the County informed Buckhorn that the project will commence in 2023 and that it had accepted a bid to complete the project for approximately $9.0 million. The Company and Buckhorn intend to vigorously challenge, under the terms of the Cost Sharing Agreement, their responsibility to share in the entirety of the project cost increases. In the year ended December 31, 2022, expense of $3.0 million was recordedin Selling, general and administrative expenses based on the updated information received from the County. No additional costs were incurred related to New Almaden in the year ended December 31, 2023 and payments of $0.1 million were made for the year ended December 31, 2023. No costs were incurred related to New Almaden in the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2023, Buckhorn has a total reserve of $4.4 million related to the New Almaden Mine, of which $0.3 million is classified in Other current liabilities and $4.1 million is classified in Other liabilities (long-term) on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

As work on the project occurs and dispute resolution proceeds, it is possible that adjustments to the aforementioned reserves will be necessary to reflect new information. In addition, the Company may have claims against and defenses to claims by the County under the 2005 agreement that could reduce or offset its obligation for reimbursement of some of these potential additional costs. With the assistance of environmental consultants, the Company will closely monitor this matter and will continue to assess its reserves as additional information becomes available.

No Spill Matter

On December 11, 2018, No Spill Inc. ("No Spill") filed suit against Scepter Manufacturing LLC in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas asserting infringement of two patents, breach of contract, and trade dress claims in relation to plastic gasoline containers Scepter manufactures and sells in the United States. Scepter Canada, Inc. was later added in a second amended complaint. On January 6, 2022, the District Court bifurcated the patent infringement and invalidity issues from the antitrust and other issues in the case. The trial on patent infringement and invalidity was held in early March 2023, resulting in a unanimous jury verdict on March 14, 2023 in favor of the defendant Scepter entities on each of the alleged claims of infringement. On April 24, 2023, the Court issued an Order dismissing all remaining claims in the case with prejudice and entered final Judgment of the jury verdict in favor of Scepter. On April 24, 2023, the parties dismissed the remaining claims and phase two of the bifurcated trial will not proceed.

Both parties filed post-trial motions with the District Court to preserve the issues for appeal. The District Court denied No Spill's motion for judgment as a matter of law and for a new trial. No Spill did not file an appeal. The underlying case is now concluded.

To date, Scepter has incurred $13.3 million of defense costs in this matter, of which $3.6 million, $3.1 million and $3.2 million were incurred for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company reached a settlement agreement with one of its insurers, with respect to certain insurance coverage related to defense costs for $10 million, which was recorded as a reduction to legal costs within Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, Scepter has received insurance recoveries of $3.2 million and has established a receivable related to the remaining expected insurance recovery of these costs of $6.8 million, which is classified in Other accounts receivable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The remaining receivable of $6.8 million was receivedin February 2024.

Other Matters

On February 14, 2023, a lawsuit was filed by Nan Morgan McCartney in the Circuit Court of Escambia County, Florida against the Company, Scepter US Holding Company, Scepter Manufacturing, LLC, Scepter Canada Inc., Walmart Inc., and Wal-Mart Stores East, LP. The complaint seeks compensatory damages and court costs for harm caused to Ms. McCartney allegedly arising from use of a 5-gallon portable fuel container manufactured by a Scepter company and alleges amounts in controversy in excess of $30 thousand exclusive of costs. The case has been removed to the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division. The Myers' defendants filed their Answer to the Complaint on April 25, 2023. On May 19, 2023 the Court filed a Final Scheduling Order. Defendants have served written discovery on Plaintiff. Plaintiff was deposed on September 6, 2023. We are scheduling depositions for other fact witnesses. No other proceedings have occurred in this litigation matter as of the date of this filing and the Company cannot assess with any meaningful probability the outcome or the potential damages. The Company has maintained insurance policies, which it believes may cover a substantial portion of the defense costs incurred in this matter.

  1. Long-Term Debt and Loan Agreements

Long-term debt at December 31,2023 and 2022 consisted of the following:

December 31,December 31,
20232022
Loan Agreement$20,000$56,000
5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due January 15, 202411,00011,000
5.30% Senior Unsecured Notes due January 15, 202415,00015,000
5.45% Senior Unsecured Notes due January 15, 202612,00012,000
58,00094,000
Less unamortized deferred financing costs1338
57,98793,962
Less current portion long-term debt25,998—
Long-term debt$31,989$93,962

See Note 15, Subsequent Events, for information regarding refinancing and repayment activity that occurred after December 31, 2023

On September 29, 2022, the Company entered into a Seventh Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the “Seventh Amendment”), which amended the Sixth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the "Sixth Amendment"), dated March 12, 2021. The Seventh Amendment, among other things, extended the maturity date to September 2027 from March 2024. The Seventh Amendment did not change the senior revolving credit facility's $250 million borrowing limit, which includes a letter of credit subfacility and swingline subfacility, or the outstanding letters of credit. In connection with the Seventh Amendment, the Company incurred $0.9 million of deferred financing fees, which are included in Other Assets (long-term). Together with unamortized fees from the Sixth Amendment remaining deferred financing fees under the Company's Loan Agreement were $1.1 million and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which will be amortized to Interest expense over the term of the Loan Agreement (defined below).

In March 2021, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment, which amended the Fifth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (collectively with the Sixth and Seventh Amendments, the “Loan Agreement”) dated March 2017. The Sixth Amendment increased the senior revolving credit facility’s borrowing limit to $250 million from $200 million, extended the maturity date to March 2024 from March 2022, and increased flexibility of the financial and other covenants and provisions. Amounts borrowed under the credit facility are secured by pledges of stock of certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and guaranties of certain of its domestic subsidiaries. In connection with the Sixth Amendment, the Company incurred $1.1 million of deferred financing fees, which are included in Other Assets(long-term) and being amortized to Interest expense over the term of the Loan Agreement.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had$224.3 million available under the Loan Agreement, which is available for the ongoing working capital requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries and for general corporate purposes. The Company had$5.7 million of letters of credit issued related to insurance and other contracts requiring financial assurance in the ordinary course of business. Borrowings under the Loan Agreement bear interest atthe Term SOFR, RFR, EURIBOR and CDOR-based borrowing rates. Amounts borrowed under the credit facility are secured by pledges of stock of certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and guaranties of certain of its domestic subsidiaries.

The Company also holds Senior Unsecured Notes ("Notes") which range in face values from$11.0 million to$15.0 million, with interest rates ranging from 5.25% to 5.45%, payable semiannually, and maturing between January 2024 and January 2026. At December 31, 2023, $38.0 million of the Notes were outstanding. The $11.0 million note and $15.0 million note of these Senior Unsecured Notes matured and on January 12, 2024 the Company repaid these notes using cash on hand and borrowings under the Loan Agreement. The remaining $12.0 million of the Senior Unsecured Notes mature on January 15, 2026.

Amortization expense of the deferred financing costs was $0.3 million, $0.4 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and is included in Interest expense.

The weighted average interest rate on borrowings under the Company’s long-term debt was 6.86% for 2023,4.87% for 2022, and 4.56% for 2021, which includes a quarterly facility fee on the used and unused portion, as well as amortization of deferred financing costs.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants associated with its Loan Agreement and Notes. The most restrictive financial covenants for all of the Company’s debt are an interest coverage ratio (defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted, divided by interest expense) and a leverage ratio (defined as total debt divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted). The ratios as of December 31, 2023 are shown in the following table:

Required LevelActual Level
Interest Coverage Ratio3.00 to 1 (minimum)16.17
Leverage Ratio3.25 to 1 (maximum)0.70
  1. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate from continuing operations was 26.0%,22.9% and 25.6% in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

Percent of Income beforeIncome Taxes
202320222021
Statutory federal income tax rate21.0%21.0%21.0%
State income taxes - net of federal tax benefit2.82.03.1
Foreign tax rate differential1.50.61.3
Non-deductible expenses0.40.40.4
Tax carryforward expiration—2.5—
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits—(1.0)—
Valuation allowances—(2.3)—
Other0.3(0.3)(0.2)
Effective tax rate for the year26.0%22.9%25.6%

Income before income taxes was attributable to the following sources:

202320222021
United States$55,553$66,646$36,203
Foreign10,50311,5648,890
Totals$66,056$78,210$45,093

Income tax expense consisted of the following:

Year ended December 31,
202320222021
Current:
Federal$11,296$11,583$4,901
State and local2,2371,7391,439
Foreign2,6172,5492,389
Total current provision16,15015,8718,729
Deferred:
Federal6171,6752,534
State and local62230345
Foreign360167(53)
Total deferred provision1,0392,0722,826
Provision for income taxes$17,189$17,943$11,555

During 2018, the Company recorded a provision and related deferred tax liability of $0.6 million related primarily to the earnings of the Company’s subsidiary in Guatemala, which were deemed by management to no longer be permanently reinvested. The earnings and profits for all foreign subsidiaries had been previously included in the calculation of the one-time deemed repatriation transition tax, and thus, should there be a repatriation of earnings from any other foreign subsidiaries in future periods, the Company expects to be subject to only foreign withholding tax. Management does not currently anticipate a repatriation of earnings from any other foreign subsidiaries, except as provided above, as these earnings are deemed to be permanently reinvested.

Significant components of the Company’s deferred taxes as of December 31,2023 and 2022 are as follows:

20232022
Deferred income tax assets
Compensation accruals$2,487$2,449
Inventory valuation2,5151,553
Allowance for uncollectible accounts672510
Non-deductible accruals4,0404,137
Operating lease liability6,0255,932
Finance lease liability1,9341,981
Other deductible non-goodwill intangibles5,4735,369
State deferred taxes—32
Capital loss carryforwards127127
Net operating loss carryforwards7321
23,34622,111
Valuation allowance(127)(127)
23,21921,984
Deferred income tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment12,20810,508
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles10,2549,438
Right of use asset - operating leases5,8785,832
Finance lease assets1,8201,906
State deferred taxes18—
Other1,4921,679
31,67029,363
Net deferred income tax liability$(8,451)$(7,379)

In 2022, the Company impaired its investment in a joint venture, as described in Note 1, incurring a capital loss for which a deferred tax asset of $0.1 million was recorded. As of December 31, 2022 a valuation allowance of $0.1 million was recorded against this capital loss deferred tax asset, as the recovery is not more likely than not.

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:

202320222021
Balance at January 1$—$774$774
Increases related to previous year tax positions———
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations—(774)—
Balance at December 31$—$—$774

The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate was$0.0 million,$0.0 million and$0.8 million at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S. Federal, state and local, and non-U.S. income tax returns. As of December 31, 2023, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal examinations by tax authorities for tax years before 2020. In addition, the Company is subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations for tax years of 2018 through 2022.

  1. Retirement Plans

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have pension and profit sharing plans covering substantially all of their employees. The Company’s defined benefit pension plan, The Pension Agreement between Akro-Mils and United Steelworkers of America Local No. 1761-02, (the “Plan”) provides benefits primarily based upon a fixed amount for each year of service. The Plan was frozen in 2007, and no benefits for service have accumulated after this date.

Net periodic pension cost of the Plan for the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

For the Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Interest cost$233$162$151
Expected return on assets(144)(156)(193)
Amortization of net loss706785
Net periodic pension cost$159$73$43

The reconciliation of changes in the Plan’s projected benefit obligations and assets are as follows:

December 31,
20232022
Change in benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$4,783$6,298
Interest cost233162
Actuarial (gain) loss84(1,347)
Benefits paid(334)(330)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year$4,766$4,783
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$4,599$5,877
Actual return on plan assets316(1,148)
Company contributions50200
Benefits paid(334)(330)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year$4,631$4,599
Funded status$(135)$(184)

The Plan’s funded status shown above is included in Other liabilities (long term) in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company is not required to make contributions in 2024. In 2024 the Company began the process to terminate the Plan and does not plan to make voluntary contributions other than as required in the termination process. Because the Plan has been frozen, the accumulated benefit obligation is equal to the projected benefit obligation. The actuarial loss incurred during the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to a decrease in the discount rate whereas the actuarial gain incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022 was due to an increase in the discount rate for benefit obligations.

The assumptions used to determine the Plan’s net periodic benefit cost and benefit obligations are as follows:

December 31,
202320222021
Discount rate for net periodic pension cost5.05%2.65%2.30%
Discount rate for benefit obligations4.85%5.05%2.65%
Expected long-term return of plan assets5.25%4.50%5.25%

The expected long-term rate of return is based on the long-term expected returns for the investment mix consistent with the Plan’s current asset allocation and investment policy. The Plan’s asset allocation and investment policy increases the allocation of fixed income investments that are managed to match the duration of the underlying pension liability as the funding status improves. The assumed discount rates represent long-term high-quality corporate bond rates commensurate with the liability duration of the Plan.

The fair value of Plan assets at December 31, 2023 and 2022 consist of mutual funds valued at $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and pooled separate accounts valued at $4.1 million and $3.6 million. Fair values of all Plan assets are categorized as Level 1. Mutual fund values are determined based on period end, closing quoted prices in active markets. The pooled separate accounts are measured at net asset value, which is made readily available to investors. Each of the pooled separate accounts invest in multiple fixed securities and provide for daily redemptions by the plan with no advance notice requirements and have redemption prices that are also determined by the fund’s net asset value per unit withno redemption fees.

The weighted average asset allocations for the Plan at December 31,2023 and 2022 were as follows:

December 31,
20232022
U.S. equities securities11%22%
U.S. debt securities89%78%
100%100%

Benefit payments projected for the Plan are as follows:

2024$370
2025370
2026370
2027370
2028360
2029-20331,770

The Company maintains defined contribution plans for its U.S.-based employees, who are not covered under defined benefit plans and have met eligibility service requirements. The Company recognized expense related to the 401(k) employer matching contribution in the amount of,$4.5 million,$4.2 million and$3.4 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

In addition, the Company has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) to provide certain former senior executives with retirement benefits in addition to amounts payable under the 401(k) plan. Net expense (benefit) related to the SERP was not meaningful for the years ended December 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The SERP liability was based on the discounted present value of expected future benefit payments using a discount rate of 4.9% at December 31, 2023 and 5.1% at December 31, 2022. The SERP liability was approximately$0.9 million and$1.2 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is included in Accrued employee compensation andother liabilities (long term) on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The SERP is unfunded.

  1. Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company has leases for manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, warehouses, office space and equipment, with remaining lease terms ofoneto twelve years. Certain of these leases include options to extend the lease for up tofive years, and some include options to terminate the lease early. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position; the Company recognizes lease expense for these short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating leases with an initial term greater than 12 months are included in Right of use asset – operating leases (“ROU assets”), Operating lease liability – short term, and Operating lease liability – long term and finance leases are included in Property, plant and equipment, Finance lease liability – short term, and Finance lease liability – long termin the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

The ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and the lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. When leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate is used, which is then applied at the portfolio level, based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company has also elected not to separate lease and non-lease components. The lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain the option will be exercised. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position related to leases were:

December 31, · December 31,
Classification20232022
Assets:
Operating lease assetsRight of use asset - operating leases$27,989$28,908
Finance lease assetsProperty, plant and equipment, net8,6689,075
Total lease assets$36,657$37,983
Liabilities:
CurrentOperating lease liability - short-term$5,943$6,177
Long-termOperating lease liability - long-term22,35222,786
Total operating lease liabilities28,29528,963
CurrentFinance lease liability - short-term593518
Long-termFinance lease liability - long-term8,6158,919
Total finance lease liabilities9,2089,437
Total lease liabilities$37,503$38,400

The components of lease expense include:

For the Year Ended December 31,
Lease CostClassification202320222021
Operating lease cost (1)Cost of sales$6,193$5,673$5,095
Operating lease cost (1)Selling, general and administrative expenses3,3542,8842,328
Finance lease cost
Amortization expenseCost of sales720689574
Interest expense on lease liabilitiesInterest expense, net337340298
Total lease cost$10,604$9,586$8,295

(1) Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are immaterial

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

For the Year Ended December 31,
Supplemental Cash Flow Information202320222021
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$7,580$6,941$5,952
Operating cash flows from finance leases$337$340$298
Financing cash flows from finance leases$542$500$402
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities:
Operating leases$6,143$4,371$7,438
Finance leases$313$—$10,339
Lease Term and Discount RateDecember 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases5.676.44
Finance leases11.9913.17
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases4.7%3.6%
Finance leases3.7%3.5%
Maturity of Lease Liabilities - As of December 31, 2023Operating LeasesFinance LeasesTotal
2024$7,117$920$8,037
20256,1639247,087
20265,2219246,145
20274,3889455,333
20283,3989504,348
After 20285,7496,70812,457
Total lease payments32,03611,37143,407
Less: interest(3,741)(2,163)(5,904)
Present value of lease liabilities$28,295$9,208$37,503
  1. Segments

The Company manages its business undertwo operating segments, Material Handling and Distribution, consistent with the manner in which the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") evaluates performance and makes resource allocation decisions. None of the reportable segments include operating segments that have been aggregated. These segments contain individual business components that have been combined on the basis of common management, customers, products, production processes and other economic characteristics. Intersegment sales are recorded with a reasonable margin and are eliminated in consolidation.

The Material Handling Segment manufactures a broad selection of durable plastic reusable containers that are used repeatedly during the course of their service life. At the end of their service life, these highly sustainable products can be recovered, recycled, and reprocessed into new products. The Material Handling Segment’s products include pallets, small parts bins, bulk shipping containers, storage and organization products, OEM parts, custom plastic products, consumer fuel containers and tanks for water, fuel and waste handling. Products in the Material Handling Segment are primarily injection molded, rotationally molded or blow molded. This segment conducts its primary operations in the United States and Canada. Markets served include industrial manufacturing, food processing, retail/wholesale products distribution, agriculture, automotive, recreational vehicles, marine vehicles, healthcare, appliance, bakery, electronics, textiles and consumer, among others. Products are sold both directly to end-users and through distributors.

The Distribution Segment is engaged in the distribution of equipment, tools, and supplies used for tire servicing and automotive under-vehicle repair and the manufacture of tire repair and retreading products. The product line includes categories such as tire valves and accessories, tire changing and balancing equipment, lifts and alignment equipment, service equipment and tools, and tire repair/retread supplies. The Distribution Segment also manufactures and sells certain traffic markings, including reflective highway marking tape. The Distribution Segment operates domestically through its sales offices and eight regional distribution centers in the United States, and in certain foreign countries through export sales. In addition, the Distribution Segment operates directly in certain foreign markets, principally Central America, through foreign branch operations. Markets served include retail and truck tire dealers, commercial auto and truck fleets, truck stop operations, auto dealers, general service and repair centers, tire retreaders, and government agencies. The acquisition of Mohawk, described in Note 3, is included in the Distribution Segment.

Total sales from foreign business units were approximately$46.1 million,$54.2 million, and$48.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Export sales from the Company's U.S. operations were approximately$30.0 million,$31.7 million, and $29.9 million for the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Sales made to customers in Canada accounted for approximately 4.4%,4.3% and 4.6% of total net sales in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. There are no other individual foreign countries for which sales are material. Long-lived assets in foreign countries, primarily in Canada, consisted of property, plant and equipment, and were approximately$10.3 million and$10.4 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

202320222021
Net Sales
Material Handling$555,259$647,619$564,068
Distribution257,875251,966197,427
Inter-company sales(67)(38)(60)
Total net sales$813,067$899,547$761,435
Operating income
Material Handling (5)$100,088$104,079$62,187
Distribution (2) (3)10,96715,86215,428
Corporate (1) (3) (4)(38,650)(36,000)(28,314)
Total operating income72,40583,94149,301
Interest expense, net(6,349)(5,731)(4,208)
Income before income taxes$66,056$78,210$45,093
Total Assets
Material Handling$383,734$385,722$370,499
Distribution112,323119,65288,757
Corporate45,57437,26025,293
Total assets$541,631$542,634$484,549
Capital Additions, Net
Material Handling$20,452$22,528$17,173
Distribution1,666705402
Corporate7371,059292
Total capital additions, net$22,855$24,292$17,867
Depreciation and Amortization
Material Handling$18,917$17,814$17,803
Distribution3,1972,8892,208
Corporate (6)985954874
Total depreciation and amortization$23,099$21,657$20,885

(1)The Company recognized $3.2 million, $1.4 million and $0.7 million of expense to the estimated environmental reserve, net of expected insurance recoveries in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as described in Note 9. Environmental charges are not included in segment results and are shown with Corporate.

(2) In the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized a $0.6 million impairment loss on an investment in a legacy joint venture within the Distribution Segment as described in Note 1.

(3)In the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized $0.7 million of executive severance, of which $0.4 million was recognized in the Distribution Segment related to severance and $0.3 million was recognized in Corporate related to charges for acceleration of stock compensation.

(4)Corporate includes $1.3 million of consulting costs to improve the Company's capabilities to screen and execute large acquisitions in addition to $2.6 million of acquisition related costs associated with the Signature acquisition, as described in Note 15, for the year ended December 31, 2023.

(5)In the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a $10 million recovery of legal costs within the Material Handling Segment related to a settlement agreement with one of its insurers, as described in Note 9. $6.7 million of these recovered costs were originally incurred prior to 2023.

(6)Corporate depreciation and amortization includes amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

  1. Subsequent Events

Acquisition of Signature Systems

On February 8, 2024, the Company acquired Signature Systems, a manufacturer and distributor of composite matting ground protection for industrial applications, stadium turf protection and temporary event flooring, for $350 million plus customary working capital and other adjustments in an all-cash transaction, funded through an amendment and restatement of Myers’ existing loan agreement discussed below. The acquisition was completed by acquiring the stock of Signature CR Intermediate Holdco, Inc. Goodwill acquired in this transaction will not be tax deductible. In 2023, Signature System’s revenue was approximately $110 million. Signature will be included in the Material Handling segment.

Repayment and termination of Senior Unsecured Notes

On January 12, 2024, the Company repaid $26.0 million of Senior Unsecured Notes upon maturity using cash on hand and availability under the Loan Agreement. On February 6, 2024, in connection with the subsequent amendment and restatement to the Loan Agreement described below, the Company prepaid the remaining $12.0 million face value of Senior Unsecured Notes, which were due January 15, 2026, using availability under the revolving credit facility under the Loan Agreement. After giving effect to the payment in full of all outstanding Senior Unsecured Notes under the Note Purchase Agreement, the Note Purchase Agreement has been terminated.

First Amendment to Loan Agreement

On February 8, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Seventh Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”), which amended the Seventh Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the "Loan Agreement” – see also Note 10) dated September 29, 2022 (collectively, the “Amended Loan Agreement”). Amendment No. 1, among other things, permits the acquisition of Signature Systems and provides for a new 5-year $400 million term loan facility (“Term Loan A”). Term Loan A will amortize in quarterly installment payments in aggregate annual amounts equal to $20 million in years 1 and 2 and $40 million in years 3 through 5. Term Loan A may be voluntarily prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without penalty or premium, however, all amounts repaid or prepaid in respect of Term Loan A may not be reborrowed.

Amendment No. 1 did not change the existing revolving credit facility’s maturity date or $250 million borrowing limit, which includes a letter of credit subfacility and swingline subfacility. In connection with Amendment No. 1, the Company incurred deferred financing fees of approximately $9 million.

The Amended Loan Agreement is on substantially the same terms as the Loan Agreement, except Amendment No. 1 has amended, among other items, (i) to permit the Signature Systems acquisition, (ii) to modify the maximum leverage ratio to not exceed (x)4.00 to 1:00 on a “net” basis for an initial “net” leverage ratio holiday period for the immediate fiscal quarter end after the Signature Systems acquisition is consummated and for the three immediately following fiscal quarter ends thereafter and (y)3.25 to 1.00 on a “net” basis after such “net” leverage ratio holiday period (subject to additional “net” leverage ratio holiday periods at the election of the Company for such periods that are more fully described in the Amended Loan Agreement), (iii) to modify certain negative covenants (including the restricted payment covenant) so that the applicable incurrence tests for such negative covenants is now based on the new “net” leverage ratio level, (iv) to increase the applicable margins for the loans under the Amended Loan Agreement to range between 1.775% to 2.35% for Term SOFR, RFR, SONIA, EURIBOR and CORRA based loans and between 0.775% and 1.35% for base rate loans, in each case based from time to time on the determination of the Company’s then net leverage ratio, (v) to replace the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate (CDOR) as the applicable reference rate with respect to loans denominated in Canadian Dollars to the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA), and (vi) to amend the scope of collateral securing the obligations under the Amended Loan Agreement to be an “all asset” lien (subject to customary provisions of excluded collateral not subject to the liens).

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