SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Feb 22, 2024.
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FY2023 · Filed Feb 22, 2024
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
| Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. |
|---|
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands except per share amounts) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Revenue | $1,456,450 | $1,437,039 | $1,380,264 |
| Cost of products sold | 996,153 | 947,928 | 925,603 |
| Selling and administrative expenses | 305,274 | 292,360 | 284,633 |
| Operating income | 155,023 | 196,751 | 170,028 |
| Interest expense | 25,172 | 14,547 | 12,544 |
| Earnings before income taxes | 129,851 | 182,204 | 157,484 |
| Income taxes | 36,457 | 41,317 | 38,739 |
| Net earnings | $93,394 | $140,887 | $118,745 |
| Earnings per common share: | |||
| Basic | $2.22 | $3.36 | $2.82 |
| Diluted | $2.21 | $3.34 | $2.81 |
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | |||
| Basic | 42,027 | 41,888 | 42,077 |
| Diluted | 42,242 | 42,213 | 42,258 |
Index
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Net earnings | $93,394 | $140,887 | $118,745 |
| Cash flow hedges adjustment, net of tax benefit of $(984), $(471), and $(430), respectively | 1,596 | (805) | (543) |
| Pension adjustment, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(72), $(462), and $577, respectively | (287) | (1,439) | 1,612 |
| Foreign currency translation on net investment hedges | (11,378) | 19,340 | 17,937 |
| Tax effect of current year activity on net investment hedges | 2,826 | (4,804) | (4,455) |
| Foreign currency translation on long-term intercompany loans | (1,813) | (2,468) | 13,798 |
| Tax effect of current year activity on long-term intercompany loans | 1,820 | (2,408) | (3,990) |
| Reclassification of cumulative translation to net earnings | - | - | 10,203 |
| Other foreign currency translation | 35,807 | (33,476) | (50,099) |
| Total comprehensive income | $121,965 | $114,827 | $103,208 |
Index
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| (In thousands except share and per share amounts) | 2023 | 2022 |
| Assets | ||
| Current Assets: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $28,934 | $20,921 |
| Trade accounts receivable | 272,164 | 302,109 |
| Inventories | 598,399 | 564,110 |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 37,119 | 47,640 |
| Total current assets | 936,616 | 934,780 |
| Other assets | 94,873 | 96,609 |
| Deferred tax assets | 41,564 | 32,717 |
| Intangible assets, net | 12,112 | 18,600 |
| Goodwill | 424,065 | 415,715 |
| Property, Plant, and Equipment: | ||
| Land | 31,901 | 31,444 |
| Buildings | 343,594 | 322,268 |
| Machinery and equipment | 781,789 | 722,294 |
| Construction in progress | 59,091 | 65,809 |
| 1,216,375 | 1,141,815 | |
| Less accumulated depreciation | (711,098) | (658,622) |
| 505,277 | 483,193 | |
| Total assets | $2,014,507 | $1,981,614 |
| Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | ||
| Current Liabilities: | ||
| Trade accounts payable | $131,114 | $142,365 |
| Accrued salaries, wages, and withholdings from employees | 26,412 | 43,738 |
| Other accrued expenses | 52,024 | 51,231 |
| Income taxes | 13,296 | 14,446 |
| Short-term borrowings | 13,460 | 20,373 |
| Total current liabilities | 236,306 | 272,153 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 14,260 | 15,977 |
| Other liabilities | 37,817 | 37,191 |
| Accrued employee and retiree benefits | 27,715 | 26,364 |
| Long-term debt | 645,085 | 630,331 |
| Shareholders’ Equity: | ||
| Common stock, par value $0.10 a share, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 53,954,874 shares | 5,396 | 5,396 |
| Additional paid‑in capital | 115,941 | 124,043 |
| Earnings reinvested in the business | 1,726,872 | 1,702,700 |
| Treasury stock, 11,885,398 and 12,058,773 shares, respectively, at cost | (622,768) | (631,853) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (172,117) | (200,688) |
| 1,053,324 | 999,598 | |
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $2,014,507 | $1,981,614 |
Index
| Years ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||
| Net earnings | $93,394 | $140,887 | $118,745 |
| Adjustments to arrive at net cash provided by operating activities: | |||
| Depreciation and amortization | 57,820 | 52,467 | 52,051 |
| Share-based compensation expense | 8,933 | 16,138 | 9,573 |
| Net loss on assets | 541 | 276 | 331 |
| Net (gain) loss on divestitures and other charges | — | (2,532) | 14,021 |
| Portfolio optimization plan costs | 24,089 | — | — |
| Deferred income taxes | (5,100) | (11,010) | (6,071) |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||
| Trade accounts receivable | 35,801 | (46,086) | (34,571) |
| Inventories | (28,193) | (159,014) | (36,323) |
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 5,767 | (5,055) | (6,057) |
| Trade accounts payable and other accrued expenses | (5,978) | 17,489 | 21,326 |
| Accrued salaries, wages, and withholdings from employees | (17,830) | 3,486 | 7,321 |
| Income taxes | (1,175) | 4,422 | 4,275 |
| Other liabilities | 1,628 | 602 | 597 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 169,697 | 12,070 | 145,218 |
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |||
| Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment | (87,868) | (79,322) | (60,788) |
| Proceeds from sale of assets | 156 | 264 | 216 |
| Proceeds from divestiture of businesses | - | 2,532 | 37,790 |
| Acquisition of new businesses | (1,650) | (22,714) | (13,875) |
| Other investing activities | 1,741 | 792 | 1,097 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (87,621) | (98,448) | (35,560) |
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||
| Proceeds from additional borrowings | 351,662 | 328,597 | 112,194 |
| Debt payments | (355,161) | (171,447) | (110,168) |
| Purchase of treasury stock | — | — | (42,511) |
| Dividends paid | (69,222) | (68,915) | (66,694) |
| Other financing activities | (9,278) | (2,056) | (582) |
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (81,999) | 86,179 | (107,761) |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 7,936 | (4,620) | (927) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 8,013 | (4,819) | 970 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 20,921 | 25,740 | 24,770 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $28,934 | $20,921 | $25,740 |
| Cash paid during the year for: | |||
| Interest | $24,443 | $14,716 | $12,593 |
| Income taxes | 39,681 | 48,242 | 29,224 |
| Capitalized interest | 1,984 | 910 | 471 |
Index
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OFSHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
| (In thousands except share and per share · Common · Additional Paid-in · Earnings Reinvested in the · Treasury Stock · Accumulated Other Comprehensive | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| amounts) | Stock | Capital | Business | Shares | Amount | (Loss) Income |
| Balances at December 31, 2020 | $5,396 | $102,909 | $1,578,662 | 11,647,627 | $(593,540) | $(159,091) |
| Net earnings | 118,745 | |||||
| Other comprehensive loss | (15,537) | |||||
| Cash dividends paid – $1.58 per share | (66,694) | |||||
| Share-based compensation | 9,573 | |||||
| Non-vested stock issued upon vesting | (1,264) | (24,711) | 1,264 | |||
| Benefit plans | 338 | (14,791) | 756 | |||
| Purchase of treasury stock | 492,045 | (42,511) | ||||
| Other | (204) | 7,379 | (377) | |||
| Balances at December 31, 2021 | 5,396 | 111,352 | 1,630,713 | 12,107,549 | (634,408) | (174,628) |
| Net earnings | 140,887 | |||||
| Other comprehensive loss | (26,060) | |||||
| Cash dividends paid – $1.64 per share | (68,915) | |||||
| Share-based compensation | 16,138 | |||||
| Non-vested stock issued upon vesting | (3,239) | (61,821) | 3,239 | |||
| Benefit plans | 560 | (11,786) | 618 | |||
| Other | (768) | 15 | 24,831 | (1,302) | ||
| Balances at December 31, 2022 | 5,396 | 124,043 | 1,702,700 | 12,058,773 | (631,853) | (200,688) |
| Net earnings | 93,394 | |||||
| Other comprehensive income | 28,571 | |||||
| Cash dividends paid – $1.64 per share | (69,222) | |||||
| Share-based compensation | 8,933 | |||||
| Non-vested stock issued upon vesting | (14,987) | (286,019) | 14,987 | |||
| Benefit plans | 375 | (18,172) | 952 | |||
| Other | (2,423) | 130,816 | (6,854) | |||
| Balances at December 31, 2023 | $5,396 | $115,941 | $1,726,872 | 11,885,398 | $(622,768) | $(172,117) |
Index
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
Sensient Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries (the Company or Sensient), is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and other specialty ingredients. The Company uses advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems; personal care, essential oils, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical systems; specialty colors; and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company’sthree reportable segments are the Flavors & Extracts Group and the Color Group, which are managed on a product line basis, and the Asia Pacific Group, which is managed on a geographic basis. The Company’s corporate expenses, divestiture & other related costs and income, share-based compensation, restructuring and other charges, including operational improvement plan costs and income and portfolio optimization plan costs, and other costs are included in the “Corporate & Other” category. In the second quarter of 2021, the Company divested its fragrances (excluding essential oils) product line.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of management’s estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses during the reporting period and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue at the transfer of control of its products to the Company’s customers in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. In order to achieve this core principle, the Company applies the following five-step approach:
| • | Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer |
| • | Identification of the performance obligations in the contract |
| • | Determination of the transaction price |
| • | Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract |
| • | Recognition of revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies the performance obligations |
The Company considers customer purchase orders, which in some cases are governed by master sales agreements, coupled with the Company’s purchase order acceptances, to be the contracts with the customer. For each contract, the Company considers the identified performance obligation to be the promise to transfer products. In determining the transaction price, the Company evaluates whether the price is subject to refund or adjustment and then determines the net consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. In addition, the Company assesses the customer’s ability to pay as part of its evaluation of the contract. As the Company’s standard payment terms are less than one year, the Company elected the practical expedient under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606-10-32-18, and determined that its contracts do not have a significant financing component. The Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct product based on the relative standalone selling price. Revenue is recognized when control of the product is transferred to the customer, the customer is obligated to pay the Company, and the Company has no remaining obligations, which is typically at shipment. In certain locations, primarily outside the United States, product delivery terms may vary. Thus, in such locations, the point at which control of the product transfers to the customer and revenue recognition occurs will vary accordingly.
Customer returns of non-conforming products are estimated at the time revenue is recognized. In certain customer relationships, volume rebates exist, which are recognized according to the terms and conditions of the contractual relationship. Customer returns, rebates, and discounts are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company has elected to recognize the revenue and cost for freight and shipping when control over the products has transferred to the customer. The Company has elected to immediately expense contract costs related to obtaining a contract as the amortization period of the asset the Company otherwise would have recognized would have been less than a year.
In addition to evaluating the Company’s performance based on the segments above, revenue is also disaggregated and analyzed by product line and geographic market (See Note 12, Segment and Geographic Information, for further information).
Index
Cost of Products Sold
Cost of products sold includes materials, labor, and overhead expenses incurred in the manufacture of our products. Cost of products sold also includes charges for obsolete and slow-moving inventories as well as costs for quality control, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, other costs of our internal distribution network, and costs incurred for shipping and handling. The Company records fees billed to customers for shipping and handling as revenue.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses primarily include the salaries and related costs for executive, finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, research and development, and legal personnel as well as salaries and related costs of salespersons and commissions paid to external sales agents.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition as cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
Receivables are recorded at their face amount, less an allowance for losses on doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on customer-specific analysis and general matters such as current assessments of past due balances and economic conditions. Specific accounts are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is deemed that the receivable is no longer collectible.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is determined on the basis of estimated realizable values. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories include finished and in-process products totaling $437.1 million and $385.2 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and raw materials and supplies of $161.3 million and $178.9 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company recorded a non-cash charge of $3.1 millionin Cost of Products Sold related to the portfolio optimization plan in 2023. The non-cash charge reduced the carrying value of certain inventories, as they were determined to be excess. See Note 16, Portfolio Optimization Plan, for additional information.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost reduced by accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful life of the related asset using the straight-line method for financial reporting. The estimated useful lives for buildings and leasehold improvements range from 5 to 40 years. Machinery and equipment have estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 20 years. Interest costs on significant projects constructed or developed for the Company’s own use are capitalized as part of the asset.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying value of goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when an indicator of impairment occurs. The impairment assessment includes comparing the carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, of each reporting unit to its respective fair value as of the date of the assessment. Fair value was estimated based upon an evaluation of the reporting unit’s estimated future discounted cash flows as well as the public trading and private transaction valuation multiples for comparable companies. The Company performed such a quantitative analysis in 2022, which indicated a substantial premium compared to the carrying value of net assets, including goodwill, at the reporting unit level. In 2023 and 2021, the Company completed a qualitative assessment noting no indicators of impairment. The Company didnot record impairment charges for any of its reporting units in 2023, 2022, or 2021.
The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized on a straight-line basis to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed, ranging from 5 to 25 years. These assets include technological know-how, customer relationships, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and non-compete agreements, among others.
Index
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company performs undiscounted cash flow analyses to determine if potential impairment exists. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on the difference between fair value and carrying value. Impairment losses were recorded as a result of the Company’s divestiture of its fragrances product line (excluding its essential oils product line) in 2021 and the Company’s portfolio optimization plan in 2023. See Note 14, Divestitures, and Note 16, Portfolio Optimization Plan, for additional information.
Leases
The Company enters into lease agreements for certain office space, warehouses, land, and equipment in the ordinary course of business. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and evaluates the lease classification (i.e., operating lease or financing lease) at that time. Lease arrangements with an initial term of 12 months or less are considered short-term leases and are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Operating leases are included in Other Assets, Other Accrued Expenses, and Other Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Operating lease right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.
The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate on the commencement date for determining the present value of lease payments. The Company considers the likelihood of exercising options to extend or terminate the lease when determining the lease term.
The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. The Company has elected the practical expedient of accounting for the lease and non-lease components of each lease as a single lease component.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments to reduce market risk associated with changes in foreign currency and interest rate exposures, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. All derivative transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to the Company’s risk management policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
The primary objectives of the foreign exchange risk management activities are to understand and mitigate the impact of potential foreign exchange fluctuations on the Company’s financial results and its economic well-being. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, along with the gain or loss on the hedged item, are recorded in current period earnings. These risk management transactions may involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to protect against exposure resulting from recorded accounts receivable and payable. The Company may utilize forward exchange contracts, generally with maturities of less than 18 months, which qualify as cash flow hedges. Generally, these foreign exchange contracts are intended to offset the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on non-functional currency denominated sales and purchases. For derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges, gains and losses are deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) until the underlying transaction is recognized in earnings.
For hedges designated as cash flow hedges, the Company elects critical terms that match at the onset of the hedge transaction. Hedge accounting is permitted only if the hedge meets the critical terms match requirements. The Company reviews the critical terms at each effectiveness testing date to ensure the respective terms match; therefore, achieving a highly effective hedge.
Interest Rate Hedging
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through its corporate borrowing activities. The objective of the Company’s interest rate risk management activities is to manage the levels of the Company’s fixed and floating interest rate exposure to be consistent with the Company’s preferred mix. The interest rate risk management program may include entering into interest rate swaps, which qualify as fair value hedges, when there is a desire to modify the Company’s exposure to interest rates. Gains or losses on fair value hedges are recognized in earnings, net of gains and losses on the fair value of the hedged instruments.
Net Investments Hedging
The Company is exposed to risk related to its net investments in foreign subsidiaries. As part of its risk management activities, the Company may enter into foreign-denominated debt to be used as a non-derivative instrument to hedge the Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries. The change in the fair value of debt designated as a net investment hedge is recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI.
Commodity Purchases
The Company purchases certain commodities in the normal course of business that result in physical delivery of the goods and, hence, are excluded from ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging.
Index
Translation of Foreign Currencies
For all significant foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Adjustments resulting from the translation of foreign accounts into U.S. dollars are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI. Transaction gains and losses that occur as a result of transactions denominated in non-functional currencies are included in earnings and were not significant during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of each award based on the fair value of the instrument at the time of grant as summarized in Note 8, Share-Based Compensation.
The Company recognizes a current tax liability or asset for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards. The measurement of current and deferred tax liabilities and assets is based on provisions of enacted tax law. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits for which the utilization of the asset is not considered likely.
Earnings Per Share
The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) is the dilutive effect of non-vested stock. Diluted EPS assumes that non-vested stock has vested.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands except per share amounts) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Numerator: | |||
| Net earnings | $93,394 | $140,887 | $118,745 |
| Denominator: | |||
| Denominator for basic EPS - weighted average common shares | 42,027 | 41,888 | 42,077 |
| Effect of dilutive securities | 215 | 325 | 181 |
| Denominator for diluted EPS - diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 42,242 | 42,213 | 42,258 |
| Earnings per Common Share: | |||
| Basic | $2.22 | $3.36 | $2.82 |
| Diluted | $2.21 | $3.34 | $2.81 |
The Company has a share-based compensation plan under which employees may be granted share-based awards in which non-forfeitable dividends are paid on non-vested shares for certain awards. As such, these shares are considered participating securities under the two-class method of calculating EPS as described in ASC 260, Earnings per Share. The two-class method of calculating EPS did not have a material impact on the Company’s EPS calculations as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
All EPS amounts are presented on a diluted basis unless otherwise noted.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated OCI is composed primarily of foreign currency translation, pension liability, and unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges. See Note 10, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, for additional information.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are recorded in Selling and Administrative Expensesin the year they are incurred. Research and development costs were $48.1 million, $42.2 million, and $34.3 million, during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Advertising
Advertising costs are recorded in Selling and Administrative Expenses as they are incurred. Advertising costs were $2.5 million, $1.9 million, and $2.4 million, during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Environmental Liabilities
The Company records liabilities related to environmental remediation obligations when estimated future expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Such accruals are adjusted as further information becomes available or as circumstances change. Estimated future expenditures are discounted to their present value when the timing and amount of future cash flows are fixed and readily determinable. Recoveries of remediation costs from other parties, if any, are recognized as assets when their receipt is realizable.
Index
Subsequent Events
The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued. See Note 18, Subsequent Event, for additional information.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires public entities to provide disclosures of significant segment expenses and other segment items. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and its related disclosures.
Other recently issued accounting pronouncements are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
- Acquisitions
On July 15, 2021, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Flavor Solutions, Inc., a flavors business located in New Jersey. The purchase price for this acquisition was $14.9 million in cash. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. The Company acquired net assets of $0.4 million and identified intangible assets, principally customer relationships, of $5.0 million. The remaining $9.5 million was allocated to goodwill. This business is part of the Flavors & Extracts segment.
On October 3, 2022, the Company acquired Endemix Doğal Maddeler A.Ş. and Teknoloji Yatırımları ve Danışmanlık Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (collectively, Endemix), a natural colors business located in Turkey. The Company paid $23.3 million in cash for this acquisition, which is net of $1.3 million in debt assumed. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. The Company acquired net assets of $9.0 million and identified intangible assets, principally technological know-how and customer relationships, of $4.9 million. The remaining $9.4 million was allocated to goodwill. This business is part of the Color segment.
- Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivables are recorded at their face amount, less an allowance for expected losses on doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated based on customer-specific analysis and an aging methodology using historical loss information. The Company believes historical loss information is a reasonable basis for expected credit losses as the Company’s historical credit loss experience correlates with its customer delinquency status. This information is also adjusted for any known current economic conditions. Forecasted economic conditions have not had a significant impact on the current credit loss estimate due to the short-term nature of the Company’s customer receivables; however, the Company will continue to monitor and evaluate the rapidly changing economic conditions. Additionally, as the Company only hasone portfolio segment, there are not different risks between portfolios. Specific accounts are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when the receivable is deemed no longer collectible.
The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| (In thousands) | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
|---|---|
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $4,877 |
| Provision for expected credit losses | 944 |
| Accounts written off | (1,305) |
| Translation and other activity | (80) |
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $4,436 |
| Provision for expected credit losses | 1,020 |
| Accounts written off | (1,279) |
| Translation and other activity | 196 |
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $4,373 |
Index
- Goodwill and Intangible Assets
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, goodwill is the only intangible asset that is not subject to amortization. The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| 2023 · 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands except weighted average amortization years) | Weighted Average Amortization Years | Cost | Accumulated Amortization | Cost | Accumulated Amortization |
| Technological know-how | 12.6 | $7,452 | $(4,412) | $12,005 | $(3,383) |
| Customer relationships | 19.0 | 9,689 | (3,242) | 9,697 | (2,691) |
| Patents, trademarks, non-compete agreements, and other | 15.4 | 12,147 | (9,522) | 11,596 | (8,624) |
| Total finite-lived intangibles | 15.9 | $29,288 | $(17,176) | $33,298 | $(14,698) |
Amortization of intangible assets was $2.3 million in 2023, $2.0 million in 2022, and $1.8 million in 2021. Estimated amortization expense, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2023, is $1.9 million in 2024; $1.9 million in 2025; $1.7 million in 2026; $1.3 million in 2027; and $1.2 million in 2028.
The changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, by reportable business segment, were as follows:
| (In thousands) | Flavors & Extracts | Color | Asia Pacific | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of December 31, 2021 | $103,716 | $311,264 | $5,054 | $420,034 |
| Currency translation impact | (2,796) | (10,625) | (338) | (13,759) |
| Acquisitions(1) | — | 9,440 | — | 9,440 |
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $100,920 | $310,079 | $4,716 | $415,715 |
| Currency translation impact | 2,393 | 6,102 | (145) | 8,350 |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | $103,313 | $316,181 | $4,571 | $424,065 |
| (1) | In 2022, the Company acquired Endemix. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for additional information. |
- Leases
The Company leases certain office space, warehouses, land, and equipment under operating lease arrangements. Some of the Company’s leases include options to extend the leases for up to an additional five years. Some of the Company’s lease agreements also include rental payments that are adjusted periodically for inflation (i.e., CPI index).
The Company recorded operating lease expense, which includes short-term lease expense and variable lease costs, of $11.9 million,$11.3 million, and $9.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company paid $10.3 million, $9.3 million, and $8.2 million, respectively, in cash for operating leases, not including short-term lease expense or variable lease costs. The Company entered into operating leases that resulted in $9.0 million, $17.2 million, and $9.8 million of right-of-use assets in exchange for operating lease obligations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
The Company included $36.3 million of right-of-use assets in Other Assets and $28.0 million of operating lease liabilities in Other Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company included $8.6 million and $8.2 million of operating lease liabilities in Other Accrued Expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company’s weighted average remaining operating lease term was 7.6 years as of December 31, 2023. The Company’s weighted average discount rate for operating leases was 4.17% as of December 31, 2023.
Index
As of December 31, 2023, maturities of operating lease liabilities for future annual periods are as follows:
| (In thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Year ending December 31, | |
| 2024 | $10,023 |
| 2025 | 6,207 |
| 2026 | 4,801 |
| 2027 | 4,151 |
| 2028 | 3,236 |
| Thereafter | 14,932 |
| Total lease payments | 43,350 |
| Less imputed interest | (6,762) |
| Present value of lease liabilities | $36,588 |
- Debt
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following unsecured obligations at December 31:
| (In thousands) · 2023 · 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.66% senior notes due November 2023 | $ | - | $75,000 |
| 3.65% senior notes due May 2024 | 27,000 | 27,000 | |
| 4.19% senior notes due November 2025 | 25,000 | 25,000 | |
| 6.08% senior notes due November 2026 | 35,000 | - | |
| 6.14% senior notes due November 2027 | 35,000 | - | |
| 4.94% senior notes due May 2028 | 75,000 | - | |
| 6.34% senior notes due November 2029 | 35,000 | - | |
| 3.06% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2023 | - | 40,945 | |
| 1.27% Euro-denominated senior notes due May 2024 | 55,194 | 53,527 | |
| 1.71% Euro-denominated senior notes due May 2027 | 44,155 | 42,822 | |
| 4.15% Euro-denominated senior notes due May 2028 | 44,155 | - | |
| 4.62% Euro-denominated senior notes due November 2029 | 44,155 | - | |
| 2.53% British Pound-denominated notes due November 2023 | - | 30,208 | |
| 2.76% British Pound-denominated notes due November 2025 | 31,827 | 30,208 | |
| Euro-denominated term loan | 82,790 | 80,291 | |
| Revolving Credit Facilities | 111,039 | 225,469 | |
| Various other notes | 117 | 622 | |
| Total debt | 645,432 | 631,092 | |
| Less debt fees | (230) | (260) | |
| Less current portion | (117) | (501) | |
| Total long-term debt | $645,085 | $630,331 | |
In November 2022, the Company entered into a €75 million unsecured term loan (Term Loan) with PNC Bank, N.A (PNC Bank) that matures in November 2024. The Company immediately borrowed the full amount of the Term Loan and used the proceeds to repay the€66.9 million 1.85% senior note that came due in November 2022 and a portion of outstanding borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility. The term loan will act as a partial hedge of the Company’s net asset position in Euros. See Note 7, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity, for additional information. Borrowings on the Term Loan bear interest at a variable rate, based upon the Eurocurrency Rate and including a margin percentage dependent upon the Company’s leverage ratio, as described below. The average interest rate on the Term Loan was 4.49% for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In December 2022, the Company amended the amended and restated credit agreement (Credit Agreement) to, among other things, transition from the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate to: (i) the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as the benchmark rate under the Credit Agreement for borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars and (ii) the Euro Interbank Offered Rate for borrowings denominated in Euros. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate, based upon the applicable reference rate and including a margin percentage dependent upon the Company’s leverage ratio, as described below.
Index
The borrowings under the revolving credit facility, excluding borrowings on the accounts receivable securitization program, had an average interest rate of 5.74% and 3.01% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
In May 2023, the Company entered into an agreement to issue $75 million and€40 million infive-year, fixed-rate, senior notes at coupon rates of 4.94% and 4.15%, respectively. The notes were issued in May 2023, and the proceeds were used to repay a portion of existing indebtedness under the Company’s Credit Agreement. The notes will mature in May 2028.
In August 2023, the Company amended its accounts receivable securitization program with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. (Wells Fargo) to extend the termination date from August 2023 to August 2024. Under the amended program, Wells Fargo has extended a secured loan (Secured Loan) of up to $85 millionto the Company secured by Wells Fargo’s undivided interests in certain of the Company’s trade accounts receivables. The interest rate on the Secured Loan is the SOFR as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York plus a 10 basis point Term SOFR Adjustment plus an Applicable Margin of 70 basis points. The Company has the intent and ability either to refinance the Secured Loan with available funds from the Company’s existing long-term revolving credit facility or to extend its accounts receivable program with Wells Fargo when it matures. Accordingly, the Secured Loan has been classified as long-term debt on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and is included with the Revolving Credit Facilities above. As of December 31, 2023, the amount was fully drawn.
In November 2023, the Company entered into a fixed rate, senior note purchase agreement with the purchasers named therein pursuant to which the Company issued $105 million of U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes and€40 million of Euro-denominated senior notes. Thethree U.S. dollar-denominated notes were issued for $35 million each, maturing in November 2026, November 2027, and November 2029, and bearing interest rates of 6.08%,6.14%, and 6.34%, respectively. The Euro-denominated note was issued for €40 million, maturing in November 2029 and bearing an interest rate of 4.62%. The proceeds were used to refinance the $75 million 3.66% senior notes due in November 2023 and the €38.2 million 3.06% senior notes due in November 2023, and to repay a portion of the Company’s revolving credit borrowings, including the borrowings previously used to repay the existing balance due on the Company’s 25 million Great British Pound 2.53% senior notes due in November 2023.
The aggregate amounts of contractual maturities on long-term debt subsequent to December 31, 2023, are as follows:
| (In thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Year ending December 31, | |
| 2024 | $249,849 |
| 2025 | 56,795 |
| 2026 | 61,013 |
| 2027 | 79,135 |
| 2028 | 119,144 |
| Thereafter | 79,149 |
| Total long-term debt maturities | $645,085 |
The Company had $317.8 million available under the revolving credit facility and $32.2 million available under other lines of credit from several banks at December 31, 2023.
Substantially all of the senior financing obligations contain restrictions concerning interest coverage, borrowings, and investments. The most restrictive loan covenants require a Leverage Ratio less than 3.5 and an Interest Coverage Ratio greater than 3.0, in each case, as defined in the Company’s Credit Agreement. The Company is in compliance with all of these restrictions at December 31, 2023.
The Company had stand-by and trade letters of credit outstanding of $6.2 million and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Short-term Borrowings
The Company’s short-term borrowings consisted of the following items at December 31:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. credit facilities | $13,343 | $19,872 |
| Current maturities of long-term debt | 117 | 501 |
| Total | $13,460 | $20,373 |
The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings were 6.58% and 5.47% at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Index
- Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity
The Company may use derivative instruments for the purpose of hedging currency, commodity, and interest rate exposures, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. As a policy, the Company does not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions nor does the Company hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged transaction. Hedge accounting, which generally results in the deferral of derivative gains and losses until such time as the underlying transaction is recognized in net earnings, is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the transaction and on an ongoing basis.
The Company manages its exposure to foreign exchange risk by the use of forward exchange contracts to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies on non-functional currency sales, purchases, and other known foreign currency exposures. These forward exchange contracts generally have maturities of less than 18 months. The Company also uses certain debt denominated in foreign currencies to manage the net asset positions of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s primary hedging activities and their accounting treatment are summarized below.
Forward Exchange Contracts
Certain forward exchange contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. The Company had $58.4 million and $70.1 million of forward exchange contracts, designated as cash flow hedges, outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, gains of $2.2 million, $1.0 million, and $1.3 million, respectively, were reclassified into net earnings in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings that offset the earnings impact of the related non-functional asset or liability hedged in the same period. In addition, the Company utilizes forward exchange contracts that are not designated as cash flow hedges and the results of these transactions are not material to the financial statements.
Net Investment Hedges
The Company has designated certain foreign currency denominated long-term borrowings as partial hedges of the Company’s foreign currency net asset positions. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the total value of the Company’s net investment hedges was $313.3 million and $315.5 million, respectively. These net investment hedges include Euro and British Pound denominated long-term debt. Changes in the fair value of this debt attributable to changes in the spot foreign exchange rate are recorded in foreign currency translation in OCI. The impact of foreign exchange rates on these debt instruments increased debt by $11.4 million and decreased debt by $19.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are recorded as foreign currency translation in OCI. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was no reclassification of OCI with respect to net investment hedges into net earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2021, losses of $4.2 million were reclassified into net earnings in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings that offset the underlying transactions’ impact on earnings in the same period. In 2021, the losses were primarily associated with the partial termination of the net investment hedge related to the Euro debt in connection with the sale of the fragrances product line, including the Spanish legal entity. See Note 14, Divestitures, for additional information.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Counterparties to forward exchange contracts consist of large international financial institutions. While these counterparties may expose the Company to potential losses due to the credit risk of non-performance, losses are not anticipated. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited by the large number of customers, generally short payment terms, and their dispersion across geographic areas.
- Share-Based Compensation
The Company has traditionally maintained separate stock plans for non-employee directors, the 2012 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, and employees, the 2017 Stock Plan, under which directors and employees may be granted non-vested stock that vests over a specific time-period. In April 2017, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2017 Stock Plan authorizing 1.8 million shares for issuance as non-vested stock in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units, non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, and stock appreciation rights. In April 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved an Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Plan. The Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Plan incorporates substantially all of the key terms of the Company’s 2012 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan into the Company’s existing 2017 Stock Plan, creating one omnibus plan covering the Company’s non-employee directors, officers, and key employees. The total number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Plan increased by 350 thousand shares (from 1.8 million to 2.15 million in aggregate), plus any cancellations of shares issued under the Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Plan. As of December 31, 2023, there were 1.0 million shares available to issue as non-vested stock under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2017 Stock Plan. The Company may also issue up to 0.2 million shares of stock pursuant to its 1999 Amended and Restated Directors Deferred Compensation Plan.
Index
The Company recognizes expense for shares of non-vested stock over athree-year vesting period with a pro-rata vesting upon retirement. During the period of restriction, the holder of non-vested stock has voting rights and is entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock. The holders of the performance stock units are not entitled to vote or receive dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the stock, until the units have vested and shares of stock issued.
Grants issued after December 2013 and before December 2020 to elected officers consist of 100% performance stock unit awards. These awards are based on athree-year performance period and athree-year vesting period with a pro-rata vesting upon retirement. Three-year performance that exceeds the stated performance metrics would result in an award up to 200% of the original grant. Starting with the December 2020 grant, grants issued to elected officers consist of 60% performance stock unit awards (as described above) and 40% non-vested restricted stock awards. The non-vested restricted stock awards granted are based on athree-year vesting period with a pro-rata vesting upon retirement.
The Company expenses awards for non-vested stock, including time-vesting stock and performance stock units, based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant.
The December 2019 performance stock unit awards, which were based on thethree-year performance period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022, exceeded the stated performance metrics, which resulted in an award payout of 200% of the original grant upon vesting in February 2023.
The following table summarizes the non-vested stock and performance stock unit activity:
| (In thousands except fair value) | Shares | Grant Date Weighted Average Fair Value | Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | 451 | $63.28 | $33,283 |
| Granted | 129 | 90.10 | |
| Vested | (25) | 61.91 | |
| Cancelled | (73) | 72.37 | |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2021 | 482 | 69.15 | 48,271 |
| Granted | 168 | 73.52 | |
| Vested | (62) | 58.81 | |
| Cancelled | (69) | 58.62 | |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | 519 | 73.19 | 37,883 |
| Granted | 201 | 61.61 | |
| Vested, net | (179) | 63.02 | |
| Cancelled | (5) | 72.45 | |
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 536 | $72.26 | $35,383 |
The total intrinsic values of shares vested during 2023, 2022, and 2021, was $20.3 million, $5.1 million, and $1.9 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023, total remaining unearned compensation, net of expected forfeitures, related to non-vested stock and performance stock units was $20.9 million, which will be amortized over the weighted average remaining service period of 2.2 years.
Total pre-tax share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings was $8.9 million, $16.1 million, and $9.6 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The Company also recognized tax related benefits of $1.1 million, $1.2 million, and $1.0 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
- Retirement Plans
The Company provides benefits under defined contribution plans including a savings plan and an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). The savings plan covers substantially all domestic salaried and certain non-union hourly employees and provides for matching contributions up to 4% of each employee’s salary. The ESOP covers substantially all domestic employees and provides for contributions based on a percentage of each employee’s compensation as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. Total expense for the Company’s defined contribution plans was $8.2 million in 2023, $7.8 million in 2022, and $6.7 million in 2021.
Index
Although the Company intends for these defined contribution plans to be the primary retirement benefit for most employees, the Company also has several defined benefit plans. The funded status of the defined benefit plans was as follows at December 31:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit obligation at beginning of year | $32,367 | $41,780 |
| Service cost | 1,741 | 1,622 |
| Interest cost | 1,886 | 953 |
| Foreign currency exchange rate changes | 999 | (1,488) |
| Benefits and settlements paid | (2,737) | (1,724) |
| Actuarial loss (gain) | 2,157 | (8,776) |
| Benefit obligation at end of year | 36,413 | 32,367 |
| Plan assets at beginning of year | 19,929 | 32,982 |
| Company contributions | 1,598 | 1,027 |
| Foreign currency exchange rate changes | 920 | (2,430) |
| Benefits paid | (2,737) | (1,724) |
| Actual gain (loss) on plan assets | 1,560 | (9,926) |
| Plan assets at end of year | 21,270 | 19,929 |
| Funded status | $(15,143) | $(12,438) |
| Accumulated benefit obligation | $34,786 | $31,472 |
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued employee and retiree benefits | $(19,165) | $(16,822) |
| Other accrued expenses | (726) | (745) |
| Other assets | 4,748 | 5,129 |
| Net liability | $(15,143) | $(12,438) |
Components of annual benefit cost:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service cost | $1,741 | $1,622 | $1,740 |
| Interest cost | 1,886 | 953 | 851 |
| Expected return on plan assets | (1,007) | (785) | (728) |
| Recognized actuarial (gain) loss | (656) | 32 | 267 |
| Settlement income | - | - | (151) |
| Defined benefit expense | $1,964 | $1,822 | $1,979 |
The Company’s non-service cost portion of defined benefit expense is recorded in Interest Expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The Company’s service cost portion of defined benefit expense is recorded in Selling and Administrative Expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Weighted average liability assumptions as of December 31:
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Discount rate | 5.15% | 5.12% |
| Expected return on plan assets | 4.91% | 4.89% |
| Rate of compensation increase | 1.14% | 0.90% |
Index
Weighted average cost assumptions for the year ended December 31:
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discount rate | 5.12% | 2.35% | 1.87% |
| Expected return on plan assets | 4.89% | 2.54% | 2.17% |
| Rate of compensation increase | 0.90% | 1.02% | 1.07% |
The aggregate amounts of benefits expected to be paid from defined benefit plans in each of the next five years subsequent to December 31, 2023, which include employees’ expected future service, are as follows: 2024, $2.0 million; 2025, $9.2 million; 2026, $2.0 million; 2027, $2.0 million; 2028, $2.1 million; and $13.2 million in total for the years 2029 through 2033.
The Company expects to contribute $0.7 million to defined benefit plans in 2024.
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31 were as follows:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Unrecognized net actuarial loss | $2,936 | $2,210 |
| Prior service cost | 155 | 153 |
| Total before tax effects | $3,091 | $2,363 |
The pension adjustments, net of tax, recognized in OCI, were as follows:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period | $192 | $(1,466) | $1,528 |
| Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss, included in defined benefit expense | (479) | 27 | 84 |
| Pension adjustment, net of tax | $(287) | $(1,439) | $1,612 |
The investment objectives and target allocations for the Company’s pension plans related to the assets of the plans are reviewed on a regular basis. The investment objectives for the pension assets are to maximize the return on assets while maintaining an overall level of risk appropriate for a retirement fund and ensuring the availability of funds for the payment of retirement benefits. The levels of risk assumed by the pension plans are determined by market conditions, the rate of return expectations, and the liquidity requirements of each pension plan. The actual asset allocations of each pension plan are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they are in line with the target allocations.
The following table presents the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Fair Value as of December 31, · Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023 Using Fair Value Hierarchy · Fair Value as of December 31, · Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022 Using Fair Value Hierarchy | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | 2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Equity Funds | ||||||||
| Domestic | $5,623 | $5,623 | $— | $— | $5,208 | $5,208 | $— | $— |
| International | 47 | — | 47 | — | 55 | — | 55 | — |
| International Fixed Income Funds | 14,486 | 1,574 | 12,912 | — | 14,551 | 1,060 | 13,491 | — |
| Other investments | 1,114 | 1,097 | 17 | — | 115 | 84 | 31 | — |
| Total assets at fair value | $21,270 | $8,294 | $12,976 | $— | $19,929 | $6,352 | $13,577 | $— |
The Company is required to categorize pension plan assets based on the following fair value hierarchy:
| Level 1: | Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. |
| Level 2: | Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data. |
| Level 3: | Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions. |
Index
- Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table summarizes the changes in OCI for 2023, 2022, and 2021:
| (In thousands) | Cash Flow Hedges (1) | Pension Items (1) | Foreign Currency Items | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of December 31, 2020 | $749 | $(1,965) | $(157,875) | $(159,091) |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 775 | 1,528 | (26,809) | (24,506) |
| Amounts reclassified from OCI | (1,318) | 84 | 10,203 | 8,969 |
| Balance as of December 31, 2021 | $206 | $(353) | $(174,481) | $(174,628) |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 215 | (1,466) | (23,816) | (25,067) |
| Amounts reclassified from OCI | (1,020) | 27 | - | (993) |
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $(599) | $(1,792) | $(198,297) | $(200,688) |
| Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 3,833 | 192 | 27,262 | 31,287 |
| Amounts reclassified from OCI | (2,237) | (479) | - | (2,716) |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | $997 | $(2,079) | $(171,035) | $(172,117) |
| (1) | Cash Flow Hedges and Pension Items are net of tax. |
- Income Taxes
Earnings before income taxes were as follows:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $45,900 | $73,192 | $71,764 |
| Foreign | 83,951 | 109,012 | 85,720 |
| Total | $129,851 | $182,204 | $157,484 |
The provision for income taxes was as follows:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current income tax expense: | |||
| Federal | $11,153 | $21,640 | $16,807 |
| State | 2,814 | 5,138 | 5,128 |
| Foreign | 27,590 | 25,549 | 22,875 |
| 41,557 | 52,327 | 44,810 | |
| Deferred benefit: | |||
| Federal | (4,656) | (8,520) | (4,159) |
| State | (813) | (1,353) | (1,189) |
| Foreign | 369 | (1,137) | (723) |
| (5,100) | (11,010) | (6,071) | |
| Income taxes | $36,457 | $41,317 | $38,739 |
The reconciliation between the U.S. Federal tax rate and the actual effective tax rate was as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxes at statutory rate | 21.0% | 21.0% | 21.0% |
| State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit | 1.1 | 1.7 | 3.0 |
| Tax credits | (1.9) | (1.3) | (1.4) |
| Taxes on foreign earnings | 4.8 | 2.9 | 4.7 |
| Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| Foreign Derived Intangible Income | (1.3) | (1.0) | (0.9) |
| Loss on balance sheet hedge | - | - | 0.7 |
| Resolution of prior years’ tax matters | 0.3 | (0.1) | (0.4) |
| Valuation allowance adjustments | 2.8 | (2.7) | (2.9) |
| Nondeductible compensation | 1.2 | 1.9 | 1.1 |
| Other, net | (0.5) | (0.1) | (1.0) |
| Effective tax rate | 28.1% | 22.7% | 24.6% |
Index
Taxes on foreign earnings include the difference between the tax rates applied to foreign earnings relative to the U.S. statutory tax rate, accruals for foreign unrecognized tax benefits, and the impact of the U.S. foreign tax credit, not including the impact from Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI). The impact on the Company’s effective tax rate varies from year to year based on the finalization of prior year foreign and domestic tax items, audit settlements, and mix of foreign earnings. The effective tax rates in 2023, 2022, and 2021 were all impacted by the release of valuation allowances related to the foreign tax credit carryover and net operating losses. The effective tax rate in 2023 was impacted by the limited tax deductibility of costs related to the portfolio optimization plan, and the effective tax rates in 2022 and 2021 were impacted by tax costs related to the divestitures. See Note 14, Divestitures, and Note 16, Portfolio Optimization Plan.
The Company’s valuation allowance at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was$34.1 million and$28.1 million, respectively. In 2023, the valuation allowance related to foreign tax credits was reduced, and the valuation allowance related to state and foreign NOLs was increased. In 2022, the valuation allowance related to foreign tax credits and state and foreign NOLs was reduced. During 2021, the Company completed tax planning strategies and Federal tax regulations were finalized that resulted in the partial release of this valuation allowance.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Benefit plans | $8,976 | $8,601 |
| Liabilities and reserves | 20,960 | 18,623 |
| Operating loss and credit carryovers | 59,615 | 60,070 |
| Capitalized research and development costs | 13,148 | 7,882 |
| Other | 14,680 | 4,414 |
| Gross deferred tax assets | 117,379 | 99,590 |
| Valuation allowance | (34,122) | (28,073) |
| Deferred tax assets | 83,257 | 71,517 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Property, plant, and equipment | (33,654) | (34,174) |
| Goodwill | (22,299) | (20,603) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | (55,953) | (54,777) |
| Net deferred tax assets | $27,304 | $16,740 |
At December 31, 2023, foreign tax credit carryovers were$31.7 million, all of which expire before 2035. At December 31, 2023, foreign operating loss carryovers were $76.7 million. Included in the foreign operating loss carryovers are losses of $13.5 million that expire through 2036 and $63.2 million that expire after 2036 or do not have an expiration date. At December 31, 2023, state operating loss carryovers were $115.1 million, which expire prior to 2036.
The Company is electing to recognize GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has issued Pillar Two model rules imposing a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%. Many countries have implemented laws based on these model rules, with expected effective dates beginning in fiscal year 2024. As currently designed, Pillar Two will ultimately apply to our worldwide operations. These rules are not expected to materially increase our global tax costs as we do not have material operations in jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the Pillar Two minimum. We will continue to monitor U.S. and global legislative action related to Pillar Two for potential impacts.
Index
Federal and state income taxes are provided on international subsidiary income distributed to or taxable in the U.S. during the year. At December 31, 2023, no additional income or withholding taxes have been provided for the $720.8 million of undistributed earnings or any additional outside basis differences inherent in these entities, as these amounts are considered to be invested indefinitely. If the undistributed earnings were repatriated, the Company estimates it would have a withholding tax liability of $37.1 million. The determination of the tax liability for any outside basis differences is not practicable.
A reconciliation of the change in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for 2023 and 2022 is as follows:
| (In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Balance at beginning of year | $3,939 | $3,761 |
| Increases for tax positions taken in the current year | 876 | 800 |
| Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities | (175) | (209) |
| Decreases as a result of lapse of the applicable statutes of limitations | (610) | (338) |
| Foreign currency exchange rate changes | 221 | (75) |
| Balance at the end of year | $4,251 | $3,939 |
The amount of the unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was approximately $4.3 million. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. $0.4 million of accrued interest and penalties were reported as an income tax liability as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits relates to multiple jurisdictions and is reported in Other Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2023.
The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2023, will decrease by approximately $0.9 million during 2024, of which $0.8 million is estimated to impact the effective tax rate. The potential decrease relates to various tax matters for which the statute of limitations may expire or will be otherwise settled in 2024. The amount that is ultimately recognized in the financial statements will be dependent upon various factors including potential increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of examinations, settlements, and other unanticipated items that may occur during the year. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state, and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019.
- Segment and Geographic Information
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income before divestiture & other related costs and income, share-based compensation, restructuring and other charges, including operational improvement plan costs and income and portfolio optimization plan costs, interest expense, and income taxes (segment operating income). Total revenue and segment operating income by business segment and geographic region include both sales to customers, as reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and intersegment sales, which are accounted for at prices that approximate market prices and are eliminated in consolidation.
Assets by business segment and geographic region are those assets used in the Company’s operations in each segment and geographic region. Segment assets reflect the allocation of goodwill to each segment. Corporate & Other assets consist primarily of accounts receivables from the securitization program, investments, deferred tax assets, and fixed assets.
Segment Information
The Company determines its operating segments based on information utilized by its chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. Segment performance is evaluated on operating income of the respective business units before divestiture & other related costs and income, share-based compensation, and restructuring and other charges, including operational improvement plan costs and income and portfolio optimization plan costs, which are reported in Corporate & Other.
The Company’sthree reportable segments are Flavors &Extractsand Color segments, which are both managed on a product line basis, and the Asia Pacific segment, which is managed on a geographic basis. The Company’s Flavors & Extracts segment produces flavor, extracts, and essential oils products that impart a desired taste, texture, aroma, or other characteristic to a broad range of consumer and other products. The Color segment produces natural and synthetic color systems for foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals; colors, ingredients, and systems for personal care; and technical colors for industrial applications. The Asia Pacific segment is managed on a geographic basis and produces and distributes color, flavor, and essential oils products for the Asia Pacific countries. The Company’s corporate expenses, divestiture & other related costs and income, share-based compensation, restructuring and other charges, including operational improvement plan costs and income and portfolio optimization plan costs, and certain other costs are included in the “Corporate & Other” category.
Index
Divestiture & other related costs and income and restructuring and other costs, including the operational improvement plan costs and income and portfolio optimization plan costs, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, are further described in Note 14, Divestitures, Note 15, Operational Improvement Plan, and Note 16, Portfolio Optimization Plan, and are included in the operating income (loss) results in Corporate & Other below. In addition, the Company’s corporate expenses and share-based compensation are included in Corporate & Other.
| (In thousands) | Flavors & Extracts | Color | Asia Pacific | Corporate & Other | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023: | |||||
| Revenue from external customers | $716,049 | $594,316 | $146,085 | $— | $1,456,450 |
| Intersegment revenue | 25,023 | 13,643 | 5 | — | 38,671 |
| Total revenue | 741,072 | 607,959 | 146,090 | — | 1,495,121 |
| Operating income (loss) | 87,773 | 105,370 | 30,800 | (68,920) | 155,023 |
| Interest expense | — | — | — | 25,172 | 25,172 |
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 87,773 | 105,370 | 30,800 | (94,092) | 129,851 |
| Assets | 792,674 | 846,559 | 112,335 | 262,939 | 2,014,507 |
| Capital expenditures | 40,489 | 37,720 | 2,923 | 6,736 | 87,868 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 29,400 | 22,294 | 2,548 | 3,578 | 57,820 |
| 2022: | |||||
| Revenue from external customers | $710,592 | $583,379 | $143,068 | $— | $1,437,039 |
| Intersegment revenue | 27,411 | 20,638 | 513 | — | 48,562 |
| Total revenue | 738,003 | 604,017 | 143,581 | — | 1,485,601 |
| Operating income (loss) | 105,424 | 114,619 | 29,492 | (52,784) | 196,751 |
| Interest expense | — | — | — | 14,547 | 14,547 |
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 105,424 | 114,619 | 29,492 | (67,331) | 182,204 |
| Assets | 738,181 | 849,425 | 115,132 | 278,876 | 1,981,614 |
| Capital expenditures | 40,805 | 30,300 | 2,164 | 6,053 | 79,322 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 26,660 | 20,174 | 2,489 | 3,144 | 52,467 |
| 2021: | |||||
| Revenue from external customers | $717,688 | $527,626 | $134,950 | $— | $1,380,264 |
| Intersegment revenue | 21,739 | 17,644 | 398 | — | 39,781 |
| Total revenue | 739,427 | 545,270 | 135,348 | — | 1,420,045 |
| Operating income (loss) | 98,660 | 103,575 | 26,330 | (58,537) | 170,028 |
| Interest expense | — | — | — | 12,544 | 12,544 |
| Earnings (loss) before income taxes | 98,660 | 103,575 | 26,330 | (71,081) | 157,484 |
| Assets | 639,992 | 738,139 | 108,126 | 259,236 | 1,745,493 |
| Capital expenditures | 35,846 | 16,806 | 2,813 | 5,323 | 60,788 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 26,020 | 20,572 | 2,748 | 2,711 | 52,051 |
Index
Geographic Information
The Company has manufacturing facilities or sales offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa.
The Company’s annual revenue summarized by geographic location is as follows:
| (In thousands) | Flavors & Extracts | Color | Asia Pacific | Corporate & Other | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023: | |||||
| Revenue from external customers: | |||||
| North America | $553,790 | $304,995 | $125 | $— | $858,910 |
| Europe | 113,757 | 162,644 | 236 | — | 276,637 |
| Asia Pacific | 21,382 | 58,003 | 142,281 | — | 221,666 |
| Other | 27,120 | 68,674 | 3,443 | — | 99,237 |
| Total revenue from external customers | $716,049 | $594,316 | $146,085 | $— | $1,456,450 |
| Long-lived assets: | |||||
| North America | $297,615 | $277,730 | $— | $114,995 | $690,340 |
| Europe | 82,938 | 244,587 | — | 24 | 327,549 |
| Asia Pacific | 8 | 4,199 | 30,473 | — | 34,680 |
| Other | 241 | 25,081 | — | — | 25,322 |
| Total long-lived assets | $380,802 | $551,597 | $30,473 | $115,019 | $1,077,891 |
| 2022: | |||||
| Revenue from external customers: | |||||
| North America | $541,120 | $304,778 | $120 | $— | $846,018 |
| Europe | 115,925 | 151,437 | 213 | — | 267,575 |
| Asia Pacific | 29,092 | 61,064 | 139,134 | — | 229,290 |
| Other | 24,455 | 66,100 | 3,601 | — | 94,156 |
| Total revenue from external customers | $710,592 | $583,379 | $143,068 | $— | $1,437,039 |
| Long-lived assets: | |||||
| North America | $286,497 | $271,075 | $— | $107,784 | $665,356 |
| Europe | 86,248 | 236,719 | — | 24 | 322,991 |
| Asia Pacific | 237 | 3,796 | 29,915 | — | 33,948 |
| Other | 389 | 24,150 | — | — | 24,539 |
| Total long-lived assets | $373,371 | $535,740 | $29,915 | $107,808 | $1,046,834 |
| 2021: | |||||
| Revenue from external customers: | |||||
| North America | $523,960 | $263,031 | $116 | $— | $787,107 |
| Europe | 135,348 | 142,741 | 140 | — | 278,229 |
| Asia Pacific | 29,880 | 59,914 | 131,772 | — | 221,566 |
| Other | 28,500 | 61,940 | 2,922 | — | 93,362 |
| Total revenue from external customers | $717,688 | $527,626 | $134,950 | $— | $1,380,264 |
| Long-lived assets: | |||||
| North America | $268,934 | $250,682 | $— | $105,150 | $624,766 |
| Europe | 91,934 | 225,916 | — | 25 | 317,875 |
| Asia Pacific | 275 | 4,513 | 32,901 | — | 37,689 |
| Other | 568 | 23,442 | — | — | 24,010 |
| Total long-lived assets | $361,711 | $504,553 | $32,901 | $105,175 | $1,004,340 |
Sales in the United States, based on the final country of destination of the Company’s products, were$707.1 million,$711.1 million, and$658.0 million, in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. No other country of destination exceeded 10% of consolidated sales. Total long-lived assets in the United States amounted to$603.2 million,$586.8 million, and$550.3 million, at December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Index
Product Information
The Company’s revenue summarized by product portfolio is as follows:
| (In thousands) | Flavors & Extracts | Color | Asia Pacific | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023: | ||||
| Flavors, Extracts & Flavor Ingredients | $496,036 | $— | $— | $496,036 |
| Natural Ingredients | 245,036 | — | — | 245,036 |
| Food & Pharmaceutical Colors | — | 452,204 | — | 452,204 |
| Personal Care | — | 155,755 | — | 155,755 |
| Asia Pacific | — | — | 146,090 | 146,090 |
| Intersegment Revenue | (25,023) | (13,643) | (5) | (38,671) |
| Total revenue from external customers | $716,049 | $594,316 | $146,085 | $1,456,450 |
| 2022: | ||||
| Flavors, Extracts & Flavor Ingredients | $498,055 | $— | $— | $498,055 |
| Natural Ingredients | 239,948 | — | — | 239,948 |
| Food & Pharmaceutical Colors | — | 437,065 | — | 437,065 |
| Personal Care | — | 165,335 | — | 165,335 |
| Inks | — | 1,617 | — | 1,617 |
| Asia Pacific | — | — | 143,581 | 143,581 |
| Intersegment Revenue | (27,411) | (20,638) | (513) | (48,562) |
| Total revenue from external customers | $710,592 | $583,379 | $143,068 | $1,437,039 |
| 2021: | ||||
| Flavors, Extracts & Flavor Ingredients | $455,818 | $— | $— | $455,818 |
| Natural Ingredients | 255,772 | — | — | 255,772 |
| Fragrances | 22,739 | — | — | 22,739 |
| Yogurt Fruit Preparations | 5,098 | — | — | 5,098 |
| Food & Pharmaceutical Colors | — | 385,069 | — | 385,069 |
| Personal Care | — | 158,237 | — | 158,237 |
| Inks | — | 1,964 | — | 1,964 |
| Asia Pacific | — | — | 135,348 | 135,348 |
| Intersegment Revenue | (21,739) | (17,644) | (398) | (39,781) |
| Total revenue from external customers | $717,688 | $527,626 | $134,950 | $1,380,264 |
- Fair Value Measurements
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value for financial assets and liabilities, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s assets and liabilities subject to this standard are forward exchange contracts. The net fair value of the forward exchange contracts based on current pricing obtained for comparable derivative products (Level 2 inputs) was an asset of $1.0 million and a liability of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, accrued expenses, and short-term borrowings were approximately the same as the fair values as of December 31, 2023. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, is estimated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements (Level 2 inputs). The carrying value of the long-term debt at December 31, 2023 and 2022, was $645.2 million and $630.8 million, respectively. The fair value of the long-term debt at December 31, 2023 and 2022, was $653.7 million and $622.2 million, respectively.
Index
- Divestitures
In 2021, the Company received $1.5 million of net cash related to the previously completed sales of its yogurt fruit preparations and inks product lines. In 2022, the Company received $2.5 million of net cash related to the previously completed sale of its yogurt fruit preparations product line.
On April 1, 2021, the Company completed the sale of its fragrances product line (excluding its essential oils product line) for $36.3 million of net cash. As a result of the completion of the sale, the Company recorded a non-cash net loss of $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily related to the reclassification of accumulated foreign currency translation and related items from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Selling and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
The Company reports all costs and income associated with the divestitures in Corporate & Other. There wereno divestiture & other related costs for the year ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a $2.5 million gain in Selling and Administrative Expenses associated with the yogurt fruit preparations product line.
The following table summarizes the divestiture & other related costs for the year ended December 31, 2021:
| (In thousands) · Yogurt Fruit Preparations · Fragrances · Inks · Corporate/ Other · Consolidated | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-cash impairment charges – Selling and administrative expenses | $(1,000) | $1,062 | $ | - | $ | - | $62 |
| Non-cash charges – Cost of products sold | - | 95 | (9) | - | 86 | ||
| Reclassification of foreign currency translation and related items – Selling and administrative expenses | - | 10,201 | 2 | - | 10,203 | ||
| Other costs - Selling and administrative expenses(1) | 917 | 2,553 | (281) | 598 | 3,787 | ||
| Total | $(83) | $13,911 | $(288) | $598 | $14,138 | ||
| (1) | Other costs – Selling and administrative expenses include employee separation costs, bad debt expense, environmental remediation costs, professional services, accelerated depreciation, and other related costs. |
The Company recorded non-cash impairment charges in Selling and Administrative Expenses, primarily related to property, plant, and equipment and allocated goodwill, during the year ended December 31, 2021, when the estimated fair value less costs to sell the product line was lower than its carrying value. The estimated fair values for the inks and fragrances (excluding its essential oils product line) product lines were determined based on indicative bids, which are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value measurement hierarchy. The Company recorded non-cash charges in Cost of Products Sold during the year ended December 31, 2021, to reduce the carrying value of certain inventories, when they were determined to be excess. The Company recorded a non-cash loss during the year ended December 31, 2021, related to the reclassification of foreign currency translation and related items from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Selling and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
In March 2020, the Company was notified by the buyer of the Company’s fragrances product line that environmental sampling conducted at the Company’s Granada, Spain location had identified the presence of contaminants in soil and groundwater in certain areas of the property. The Company records liabilities related to environmental remediation obligations when estimated future expenditures are probable and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. Based upon an environmental investigation and a quantitative risk assessment performed by a consultant hired by the Company, the Company recorded $0.3 million related to these obligations in Selling and Administrative Expenses during the year ended December 31, 2021.
- Operational Improvement Plan
During the third quarter of 2020, the Company approved an operational improvement plan (Operational Improvement Plan) to consolidate manufacturing facilities and improve efficiencies within the Company. As part of the Operational Improvement Plan, the Company combined its New Jersey cosmetics manufacturing facility in the Personal Care product line of the Color segment into its existing Color segment facility in Missouri. In addition, the Company centralized certain Flavors & Extracts segment support functions in Europe into one location. In the Asia Pacific segment, the Company incurred costs in connection with the elimination of certain selling and administrative positions.
During the second quarter of 2021, the Company received cash proceeds, net of associated expenses, in connection with the termination of a New Jersey office and laboratory space lease. The terminated lease was originally executed in November 2020 as part of the Operational Improvement Plan; however, the landlord for the property requested to terminate the lease prior to the end of its term and compensated the Company as part of a negotiated resolution for that termination.
Index
The Company reports all costs and income associated with the Operational Improvement Plan in Corporate & Other. There wereno Operational Improvement Plan costs recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The following table summarizes the Operational Improvement Plan income and expenses recorded in Selling and Administrative Expensesby segment for the year ended December 31, 2021:
| (In thousands) | Flavors & Extracts | Color | Asia Pacific | Consolidated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employee separation | $(123) | $(8) | $(351) | $(482) |
| Other income(1) | - | (3,624) | - | (3,624) |
| Other costs(2) | - | 2,207 | 4 | 2,211 |
| Total | $(123) | $(1,425) | $(347) | $(1,895) |
| (1) | Other income includes cash received for the early termination of a lease less associated expenses. |
| (2) | Other costs include professional services, accelerated depreciation, and other related costs. |
- Portfolio Optimization Plan
During thefourth quarter of 2023, the board of directors of the Company approved a portfolio optimization plan (Portfolio Optimization Plan) to undertake an effort to optimize certain production facilities and improve efficiencies within the Company. As part of the Portfolio Optimization Plan, in the Flavors & Extracts segment, the Company is evaluating the potential closure of its manufacturing facility in Felinfach, Wales, United Kingdom, the potential closure of its sales office in Granada, Spain, and the potential centralization and elimination of certain selling and administrative positions, with such proposals remaining subject to information and consultation processes in certain countries. In addition, in the Color segment, the Company’s proposals include closing a manufacturing facility in Delta, British Columbia, Canada, closing a sales office in Argentina, and centralizing and eliminating certain production positions as well as potentially eliminating some selling and administrative positions, with such proposals remaining subject to information and consultation processes in certain countries. The Company reports all costs associated with the Portfolio Optimization Plan in the Corporate & Other segment.
The Company recorded non-cash impairment charges in Selling and Administrative Expenses, primarily related to certain property, plant, and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2023, when the estimated fair value of these assets was lower than the carrying value. The estimated fair value for property, plant, and equipment was based on an independent market valuation, which is classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value measurement hierarchy. The definite-lived intangible assets relate to a product line to be shut down and were fully impaired as of December 31, 2023. The Company also recorded non-cash charges in Cost of Products Sold during the year ended December 31, 2023, to reduce the carrying value of certain inventories when they were determined to be excess.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $3.7 million of accrued liabilities in Other Accrued Expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet related to this plan. The Company expects this plan would, if executed in full, cost approximately $40 million, primarily related to non-cash impairment charges and proposed employee separation costs, and upon completion would reduce annual operating costs by approximately $8 million to $10 million, with the full benefit expected to be achieved after 2025. The Company proposes to reduce headcount by approximately 130 positions, primarily in the Flavors & Extracts and Color segments, related to certain production and selling and administrative positions.
The following table summarizes the Portfolio Optimization Plan expenses by segment for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| (In thousands) · Flavors & Extracts · Color · Corporate & Other · Consolidated | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-cash impairment charges – Selling and administrative expenses | $11,599 | $9,355 | $ | - | $20,954 |
| Non-cash charges – Cost of products sold | 2,040 | 1,095 | - | 3,135 | |
| Employee separation – Selling and administrative expenses | 2,820 | 288 | 108 | 3,216 | |
| Other costs – Selling and administrative expenses(1) | 39 | 497 | - | 536 | |
| Total | $16,498 | $11,235 | $108 | $27,841 | |
| (1) | Other costs include legal settlements, professional services, and other related costs. |
Index
- Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company establishes reserves for claims and proceedings when it is probable that liabilities exist and reasonable estimates of loss can be made. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of these matters, based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, we do not believe that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position. However, actual outcomes may be different from those expected and could have a material effect on our results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.
See Note 14, Divestitures, for information about estimated environmental remediation costs associated with our former Granada, Spain location.
- Subsequent Event
On January 19, 2024, the Company announced its quarterly dividend of 41 cents per share would be payable on March 1, 2024.
Index
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Sensient Technologies Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sensient Technologies Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 22, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.
Income Taxes--Valuation Allowances for Deferred Tax Assets
| Description of the Matter | As described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, at December 31, 2023, the Company had gross deferred tax assets of $117.4 million, $59.6 million of which relate to net operating losses (NOLs), foreign tax credits and other tax credits reduced by a $34.1 million valuation allowance. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management’s analysis of the realizability of its deferred tax assets related to NOLs, foreign tax credits and other tax credits was significant to our audit because the amounts are material to the financial statements and the assessment process related to the realizability of these deferred tax assets is complex, and involves significant judgments that include projections of income, sources of income and tax planning strategies |
|---|
Index
| How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit | We tested controls relating to the realizability of deferred tax assets, including controls over management’s projections of future taxable income, the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and management’s identification and use of available tax planning strategies. To test management’s assessment of the realizability of its deferred tax assets related to NOLs, foreign and other tax credits, our audit procedures included, among others, evaluation of the assumptions used by the Company to develop tax planning strategies and projections of future taxable income by jurisdiction and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in its projections. We involved our tax professionals to evaluate the application of tax law in the Company’s available tax planning strategies and projections of future taxable income. We assessed the historical accuracy of management’s projections and reconciled the projections of future taxable income with other forecasted financial information prepared by the Company. We also considered the Company’s scheduling of the reversal of existing temporary taxable differences. |
|---|
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006.
February 22, 2024
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.