Gates Industrial Corp plc
For the period ended Mar 30, 2024. Filed May 1, 2024.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 30, 2024 · Filed May 1, 2024
Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.
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Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Net sales | $862.6 | $897.7 |
| Cost of sales | 532.6 | 572.6 |
| Gross profit | 330.0 | 325.1 |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 211.7 | 232.1 |
| Transaction-related expenses | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Restructuring expenses | 1.2 | 5.5 |
| Operating income from continuing operations | 116.7 | 87.3 |
| Interest expense | 37.5 | 40.8 |
| Other (income) expenses | (1.5) | 0.3 |
| Income from continuing operations before taxes | 80.7 | 46.2 |
| Income tax expense | 34.5 | 15.3 |
| Net income from continuing operations | 46.2 | 30.9 |
| Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax, respectively, of $0 and $0 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| Net income | 46.1 | 30.6 |
| Less: non-controlling interests | 6.1 | 4.2 |
| Net income attributable to shareholders | $40.0 | $26.4 |
| Earnings per share | ||
| Basic | ||
| Earnings per share from continuing operations | $0.15 | $0.09 |
| Earnings per share from discontinued operations | — | — |
| Earnings per share | $0.15 | $0.09 |
| Diluted | ||
| Earnings per share from continuing operations | $0.15 | $0.09 |
| Earnings per share from discontinued operations | — | — |
| Earnings per share | $0.15 | $0.09 |
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Net income | $46.1 | $30.6 |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | ||
| Foreign currency translation: | ||
| —Net translation (loss) gain on foreign operations, net of tax benefit (expense), respectively, of $3.1 and $(2.0) | (69.4) | 82.1 |
| —Gain (loss) on net investment hedges, net of tax (expense) benefit, respectively, of $(3.0) and $1.7 | 16.0 | (10.5) |
| Total foreign currency translation movements | (53.4) | 71.6 |
| Cash flow hedges (interest rate derivatives): | ||
| —Gain (loss) arising in the period, net of tax (expense) benefit, respectively, of $(3.4) and $2.5 | 10.2 | (7.5) |
| —Reclassification to net income, net of tax benefit, respectively, of $2.2 and $0.6 | (6.8) | (1.8) |
| Total cash flow hedges movements | 3.4 | (9.3) |
| Post-retirement benefits: | ||
| —Reclassification of prior year actuarial movements to net income, net of tax benefit, respectively, of $0.2 and $0.2 | (0.4) | (0.7) |
| Total post-retirement benefits movements | (0.4) | (0.7) |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | (50.4) | 61.6 |
| Comprehensive (loss) income for the period | $(4.3) | $92.2 |
| Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders: | ||
| —Income arising from continuing operations | $2.7 | $87.5 |
| —Loss arising from discontinued operations | (0.1) | (0.3) |
| 2.6 | 87.2 | |
| Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests | (6.9) | 5.0 |
| $(4.3) | $92.2 | |
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
| (dollars in millions, except share numbers and per share amounts) | As ofMarch 30, 2024 | As ofDecember 30, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Assets | ||
| Current assets | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $522.2 | $720.6 |
| Trade accounts receivable, net | 797.7 | 768.2 |
| Inventories | 677.2 | 647.2 |
| Taxes receivable | 44.2 | 30.4 |
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 245.8 | 234.9 |
| Total current assets | 2,287.1 | 2,401.3 |
| Non-current assets | ||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 619.2 | 630.0 |
| Goodwill | 2,012.5 | 2,038.7 |
| Pension surplus | 8.4 | 8.6 |
| Intangible assets, net | 1,347.0 | 1,386.1 |
| Right-of-use assets | 120.9 | 120.1 |
| Taxes receivable | 18.3 | 18.5 |
| Deferred income taxes | 607.4 | 622.4 |
| Other non-current assets | 25.1 | 28.8 |
| Total assets | $7,045.9 | $7,254.5 |
| Liabilities and equity | ||
| Current liabilities | ||
| Debt, current portion | $27.9 | $36.5 |
| Trade accounts payable | 451.4 | 457.7 |
| Taxes payable | 44.9 | 36.6 |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 223.7 | 248.5 |
| Total current liabilities | 747.9 | 779.3 |
| Non-current liabilities | ||
| Debt, less current portion | 2,313.1 | 2,415.0 |
| Post-retirement benefit obligations | 81.6 | 83.8 |
| Lease liabilities | 112.0 | 110.6 |
| Taxes payable | 83.3 | 79.4 |
| Deferred income taxes | 114.3 | 119.4 |
| Other non-current liabilities | 98.3 | 123.1 |
| Total liabilities | 3,550.5 | 3,710.6 |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) | ||
| Shareholders’ equity | ||
| —Shares, par value of $0.01 each - authorized shares: 3,000,000,000; outstanding shares: 261,244,776 (December 30, 2023: authorized shares: 3,000,000,000; outstanding shares: 264,259,788) | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| —Additional paid-in capital | 2,590.1 | 2,583.8 |
| —Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (865.9) | (828.5) |
| —Retained earnings | 1,451.8 | 1,462.3 |
| Total shareholders’ equity | 3,178.6 | 3,220.2 |
| Non-controlling interests | 316.8 | 323.7 |
| Total equity | 3,495.4 | 3,543.9 |
| Total liabilities and equity | $7,045.9 | $7,254.5 |
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||
| Net income | $46.1 | $30.6 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||
| Depreciation and amortization | 54.6 | 54.5 |
| Foreign exchange and other non-cash financing (income) expenses | (11.1) | 9.7 |
| Share-based compensation expense | 8.6 | 9.5 |
| Decrease in post-employment benefit obligations, net | (2.2) | (3.0) |
| Deferred income taxes | (1.1) | (3.1) |
| Other operating activities | (4.8) | 1.0 |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||
| —Accounts receivable | (38.7) | (27.7) |
| —Inventories | (36.9) | 6.5 |
| —Accounts payable | (0.4) | (22.6) |
| —Prepaid expenses and other assets | 3.7 | 4.8 |
| —Taxes payable | (2.3) | (9.2) |
| —Other liabilities | (36.5) | 1.5 |
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (21.0) | 52.5 |
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||
| Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (16.0) | (11.8) |
| Purchases of intangible assets | (2.1) | (2.8) |
| Cash paid under company-owned life insurance policies | (4.1) | (17.0) |
| Cash received under company-owned life insurance policies | 2.7 | 1.5 |
| Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment | — | 0.2 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (19.5) | (29.9) |
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||
| Issuance of shares | 2.5 | 11.3 |
| Repurchase of shares | (50.3) | — |
| Payments of long-term debt | (104.9) | (4.9) |
| Debt issuance costs paid | — | (0.3) |
| Other financing activities | 3.8 | (8.2) |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (148.9) | (2.1) |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | (8.9) | (4.1) |
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | (198.3) | 16.4 |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period | 724.0 | 581.4 |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period | $525.7 | $597.8 |
| Supplemental schedule of cash flow information | ||
| Interest paid | $45.5 | $45.9 |
| Income taxes paid | $36.5 | $27.3 |
| Accrued capital expenditures | $1.6 | $2.0 |
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
| Three Months Ended March 30, 2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | Share capital | Additionalpaid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Retained earnings | Total shareholders’ equity | Non- controlling interests | Total equity |
| As of December 30, 2023 | $2.6 | $2,583.8 | $(828.5) | $1,462.3 | $3,220.2 | $323.7 | $3,543.9 |
| Net income | — | — | — | 40.0 | 40.0 | 6.1 | 46.1 |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | (37.4) | — | (37.4) | (13.0) | (50.4) |
| Total comprehensive (loss) income | — | — | (37.4) | 40.0 | 2.6 | (6.9) | (4.3) |
| Other changes in equity: | |||||||
| —Issuance of shares | — | 2.5 | — | — | 2.5 | — | 2.5 |
| —Shares withheld for employee taxes | — | (2.4) | — | — | (2.4) | — | (2.4) |
| —Repurchase and cancellation of shares | — | — | — | (50.5) | (50.5) | — | (50.5) |
| —Share-based compensation | — | 6.2 | — | — | 6.2 | — | 6.2 |
| As of March 30, 2024 | $2.6 | $2,590.1 | $(865.9) | $1,451.8 | $3,178.6 | $316.8 | $3,495.4 |
| Three Months Ended April 1, 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | Share capital | Additionalpaid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Retained earnings | Total shareholders’ equity | Non- controlling interests | Total equity |
| As of December 31, 2022 | $2.8 | $2,542.1 | $(917.8) | $1,482.9 | $3,110.0 | $333.6 | $3,443.6 |
| Net income | — | — | — | 26.4 | 26.4 | 4.2 | 30.6 |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | 60.8 | — | 60.8 | 0.8 | 61.6 |
| Total comprehensive income | — | — | 60.8 | 26.4 | 87.2 | 5.0 | 92.2 |
| Other changes in equity: | |||||||
| —Issuance of shares | — | 11.3 | — | — | 11.3 | — | 11.3 |
| —Shares withheld for employee taxes | — | (1.6) | — | — | (1.6) | — | (1.6) |
| —Share-based compensation | — | 8.1 | — | — | 8.1 | — | 8.1 |
| As of April 1, 2023 | $2.8 | $2,559.9 | $(857.0) | $1,509.3 | $3,215.0 | $338.6 | $3,553.6 |
Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
- Introduction
A. Background
Gates Industrial Corporation plc (the “Company”) is a public limited company that was registered in England and Wales on September 25, 2017.
In these condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes, all references to “Gates,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer, unless the context requires otherwise, to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
B. Accounting periods
The Company prepares its annual consolidated financial statements for the period ending on the Saturday nearest December 31. Accordingly, the condensed consolidated balance sheet is presented as of March 30, 2024 and December 30, 2023 and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity are presented, where relevant, for the 91 day period from December 31, 2023 to March 30, 2024, with comparative information for the 91 day period from January 1, 2023 to April 1, 2023.
C. Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and are presented in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. The condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 30, 2024 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods ended March 30, 2024 and April 1, 2023. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP requires us to make assumptions and estimates concerning the future that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Estimates and assumptions are particularly important in accounting for items such as revenue, rebates, impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, inventory valuation, financial instruments, expected credit losses, product warranties, income taxes and post-retirement benefits. Estimates and assumptions used are based on factors such as historical experience, observance of trends in the industries in which we operate and information available from our customers and other outside sources.
These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared on substantially the same basis as Gates’ audited annual consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 30, 2023. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2023 has been derived from those audited financial statements.
During 2021, the Company implemented a program with an unrelated third party under which we may periodically sell trade accounts receivable from one of our aftermarket customers with whom we have extended payment terms as part of a commercial agreement. The purpose of using this program is to generally offset the working capital impact resulting from this terms extension. All eligible accounts receivable from this customer are covered by the program, and any factoring is solely at our option. Following the factoring of a qualifying receivable, because we maintain no continuing involvement in the underlying receivable, and collectability risk is fully transferred to the unrelated third party, we account for these transactions as a sale of a financial asset and derecognize the asset. Cash received under the program is classified as operating cash inflows in the consolidated statement of cash flows. As of March 30, 2024, the collection of $119.3 million of our trade accounts receivable had been accelerated under this program, compared to the accelerated collection of $112.4 million as of December 30, 2023. During the three months ended March 30, 2024, we incurred costs in respect of this program of $3.2 million, which are recorded under other (income) expenses. During the three months ended April 1, 2023 we incurred costs in respect of this program of $1.4 million.
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited annual consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 30, 2023 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The accounting policies used in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied in the prior year.
- Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
None.
- Segment information
A. Background
The segment information provided in these condensed consolidated financial statements reflects the information that is used by the chief operating decision maker for the purposes of making decisions about allocating resources and in assessing the performance of each segment. The chief executive officer (“CEO”) of Gates serves as the chief operating decision maker. These decisions are based principally on net sales and Adjusted EBITDA (defined below).
B. Operating segments and segment assets
Gates manufactures a wide range of power transmission and fluid power products and components for a large variety of industrial and automotive applications, both in the aftermarket and first-fit channels, throughout the world.
Our reportable segments are identified on the basis of our primary product lines, as this is the basis on which information is provided to the CEO for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing the performance of Gates’ businesses. Our operating and reporting segments are therefore Power Transmission and Fluid Power.
Segment asset information is not provided to the chief operating decision maker and therefore segment asset information has not been presented. Due to the nature of Gates’ operations, cash generation and profitability are viewed as the key measures rather than an asset-based measure.
C. Segment net sales and disaggregated net sales
Sales between reporting segments and the impact of such sales on Adjusted EBITDA for each segment are not included in internal reports presented to the CEO and have therefore not been included below.
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30, 2024 | April 1, 2023 |
| Power Transmission | $532.8 | $548.1 |
| Fluid Power | 329.8 | 349.6 |
| Continuing operations | $862.6 | $897.7 |
Our commercial function is organized by region and therefore, in addition to reviewing net sales by our reporting segments, the CEO also reviews net sales information disaggregated by region, including between emerging and developed markets.
The following table summarizes our net sales by key geographic region of origin:
| Three months ended March 30, 2024 | Three months ended April 1, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | Power Transmission | Fluid Power | Power Transmission | Fluid Power |
| U.S. | $141.0 | $172.0 | $144.8 | $181.8 |
| North America, excluding U.S. | 63.1 | 50.5 | 54.8 | 51.8 |
| United Kingdom (“U.K.”) | 10.6 | 15.8 | 10.5 | 20.4 |
| EMEA(1), excluding U.K. | 153.0 | 52.0 | 167.7 | 53.9 |
| East Asia and India | 68.6 | 19.9 | 74.0 | 19.8 |
| Greater China | 68.7 | 10.4 | 70.0 | 11.3 |
| South America | 27.8 | 9.2 | 26.3 | 10.6 |
| Net sales | $532.8 | $329.8 | $548.1 | $349.6 |
(1) Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”).
The following table summarizes our net sales into emerging and developed markets:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30, 2024 | April 1, 2023 |
| Developed | $557.0 | $581.2 |
| Emerging | 305.6 | 316.5 |
| Net sales | $862.6 | $897.7 |
D. Measure of segment profit or loss
The CEO uses Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below, to measure the profitability of each segment. Adjusted EBITDA is, therefore, the measure of segment profit or loss presented in Gates’ segment disclosures.
“EBITDA” represents net income from continuing operations for the period before net interest and other (income) expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA before certain items that are considered to hinder comparison of the performance of our businesses on a period-over-period basis or with other businesses. During the periods presented, the items excluded from EBITDA in computing Adjusted EBITDA primarily included:
non-cash charges in relation to share-based compensation;
transaction-related expenses incurred in relation to major corporate transactions, including the acquisition of businesses and related integration activities, and equity and debt transactions;
restructuring expenses, including severance-related expenses;
credit loss related to a customer bankruptcy;
cybersecurity incident expenses; and
inventory adjustments related to certain inventories accounted for on a Last-in First-out (“LIFO”) basis.
Adjusted EBITDA by segment was as follows:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30, 2024 | April 1, 2023 |
| Power Transmission | $119.0 | $107.7 |
| Fluid Power | 76.6 | 66.8 |
| Continuing operations | $195.6 | $174.5 |
Reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30, 2024 | April 1, 2023 |
| Net income from continuing operations | $46.2 | $30.9 |
| Income tax expense | 34.5 | 15.3 |
| Income from continuing operations before taxes | 80.7 | 46.2 |
| Interest expense | 37.5 | 40.8 |
| Other (income) expenses | (1.5) | 0.3 |
| Operating income from continuing operations | 116.7 | 87.3 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 54.6 | 54.5 |
| Transaction-related expenses (1) | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Restructuring expenses | 1.2 | 5.5 |
| Share-based compensation expense | 8.6 | 9.5 |
| Inventory impairments and adjustments (included in cost of sales) (2) | 13.9 | 0.6 |
| Severance expenses (included in cost of sales) | — | 0.5 |
| Severance expenses (included in SG&A) | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| Credit loss related to customer bankruptcy (included in SG&A) (3) | 0.1 | 10.7 |
| Cybersecurity incident expenses (4) | — | 5.1 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $195.6 | $174.5 |
(1) Transaction-related expenses relate primarily to advisory fees and other costs recognized in respect of major corporate transactions, including the acquisition of businesses, and equity and debt transactions.
(2) Inventory impairments and adjustments include the reversal of the adjustment to remeasure certain inventories on a LIFO basis.
(3) On January 31, 2023, one of our customers filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In connection with the bankruptcy proceedings, we preliminarily evaluated our potential risk and exposure relating to our outstanding pre-petition accounts receivable balance from the customer and recorded an initial pre-tax charge to reflect our estimated recovery. Based on further developments in the bankruptcy proceedings, we recorded an additional $0.1 million pre-tax charge during the three months ended March 30, 2024. We will continue to monitor the circumstances surrounding the bankruptcy in determining whether adjustments to this recovery estimate are necessary.
(4) On February 11, 2023, Gates determined that it was the target of a malware attack. Cybersecurity incident expenses include legal, consulting, and other costs incurred as a direct result of this incident, some of which may be partially offset by insurance recoveries.
- Restructuring and other strategic initiatives
Gates continues to undertake various restructuring and other strategic initiatives to drive increased productivity in all aspects of our operations. These actions include efforts to consolidate our manufacturing and distribution footprint, scale operations to current demand levels, streamline our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) back-office functions and relocate certain operations to lower cost locations.
Overall costs associated with our restructuring and other strategic initiatives have been recognized in the condensed consolidated statements as set forth below. Expenses incurred in relation to certain of these actions qualify as restructuring expenses under U.S. GAAP.
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Restructuring expenses: | ||
| —Severance (income) expense | $(0.6) | $4.1 |
| —Non-severance labor and benefit expenses | — | 0.3 |
| —Consulting expenses | 1.0 | 0.5 |
| —Other net restructuring expenses | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Total restructuring expenses | $1.2 | $5.5 |
| Expenses related to other strategic initiatives: | ||
| —Severance expenses included in cost of sales | $— | $0.5 |
| —Severance expenses included in SG&A | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| Total expenses related to other strategic initiatives | $0.1 | $1.1 |
Restructuring and other strategic initiatives during the three months ended March 30, 2024 related to legal and consulting expenses, relocation of certain production activities in Mexico, and other restructuring costs associated with prior period facility closures or relocations in several countries.
Restructuring and other strategic initiatives during the three months ended April 1, 2023 related primarily to severance and other non-labor costs related to relocating certain production activities in China, Mexico and Europe.
Restructuring activities
As indicated above, restructuring expenses, as defined under U.S. GAAP, form a subset of our total expenses related to restructuring and other strategic initiatives. These expenses include the impairment of inventory, which is recognized in cost of sales. Analyzed by segment, our restructuring expenses were as follows:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Power Transmission | $0.3 | $4.7 |
| Fluid Power | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Continuing operations | $1.2 | $5.5 |
The following summarizes the reserve for restructuring expenses for the three months ended March 30, 2024 and April 1, 2023, respectively:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Balance as of the beginning of the period | $5.1 | $7.5 |
| Utilized during the period | (2.7) | (6.7) |
| Charge for the period | 1.9 | 5.6 |
| Released during the period | (0.7) | (0.1) |
| Foreign currency translation | (0.1) | — |
| Balance as of the end of the period | $3.5 | $6.3 |
Restructuring reserves, which are expected to be utilized during 2024, are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet within the accrued expenses and other current liabilities line.
- Income taxes
We compute the year-to-date income tax provision by applying our estimated annual effective tax rate to our year-to-date pre-tax income and adjust for discrete tax items in the period in which they occur.
For the three months ended March 30, 2024, we had an income tax expense of $34.5 million on pre-tax income of $80.7 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 42.8%, compared to an income tax expense of $15.3 million on pre-tax income of $46.2 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 33.1% for the three months ended April 1, 2023.
For the three months ended March 30, 2024, the effective tax rate was driven primarily by the jurisdictional mix of earnings and by discrete tax expenses of $11.7 million, of which $9.1 million related to changes in the realizability of certain deferred tax assets, $1.4 million related to net unrecognized tax benefits, and $1.2 million related to other net discrete expenses. For the three months ended April 1, 2023, the effective tax rate was driven primarily by discrete tax expenses of $6.4 million, of which $2.6 million related to the impacts of tax law changes primarily in Turkey and Belgium, $1.9 million related to undistributed foreign earnings, and $2.9 million related to other net discrete expenses, partially offset by $1.0 million of net unrecognized tax benefits.
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences arising from differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities under U.S. GAAP and their respective tax bases, and for net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, weighing all positive and negative evidence, and are required to establish or maintain a valuation allowance for these assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
As of each reporting date, we consider new evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact our view with regard to the future realization of deferred tax assets. We maintain our positions with regard to future realization of deferred tax assets, including those with respect to which we continue maintaining valuation allowances, until there is sufficient new evidence to support a change in expectations. Such a change in expectations could arise due to many factors, including those impacting our forecasts of future earnings, as well as changes in the international tax laws under which we operate and tax planning. It is not reasonably possible to forecast any such changes at the present time, but it is possible that, should they arise, our view of their effect on the future realization of deferred tax assets may materially impact our financial statements.
After weighing all of the evidence, giving more weight to the evidence that was objectively verifiable, we determined that, as of March 30, 2024, it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets in the U.S, Germany, and China totaling $12.3 million are not realizable. Accordingly, we discretely recognized $9.1 million expense from deferred tax assets that are no longer realizable, while the remaining $3.2 million expense will be recognized during the year through the effective tax rate. As a result of changes in our Sponsor’s ownership in us and estimates of future taxable profits against which net operating losses and foreign tax credits can be utilized, our position and judgment regarding the realizability of these deferred tax assets changed.
- Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share represents net income attributable to shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share considers the dilutive effect of potential shares, unless the inclusion of the potential shares would have an anti-dilutive effect. The treasury stock method is used to determine the potential dilutive shares resulting from assumed exercises of equity-related instruments.
The computation of earnings per share is presented below:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions, except share numbers and per share amounts) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Net income attributable to shareholders | $40.0 | $26.4 |
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding | 262,674,227 | 283,520,302 |
| Dilutive effect of share-based awards | 4,761,304 | 4,358,113 |
| Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 267,435,531 | 287,878,415 |
| Number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation | 4,034,246 | 4,544,378 |
| Basic earnings per share | $0.15 | $0.09 |
| Diluted earnings per share | $0.15 | $0.09 |
- Inventories
| (dollars in millions) | As ofMarch 30, 2024 | As ofDecember 30, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Raw materials and supplies | $187.3 | $168.2 |
| Work in progress | 50.1 | 43.3 |
| Finished goods | 439.8 | 435.7 |
| Total inventories | $677.2 | $647.2 |
- Goodwill
| (dollars in millions) | Power Transmission | Fluid Power | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost and carrying amount | |||
| As of December 30, 2023 | $1,338.5 | $700.2 | $2,038.7 |
| Foreign currency translation | (23.9) | (2.3) | (26.2) |
| As of March 30, 2024 | $1,314.6 | $697.9 | $2,012.5 |
- Intangible assets
| As of March 30, 2024 | As of December 30, 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | Cost | Accumulated amortization and impairment | Net | Cost | Accumulated amortization and impairment | Net |
| Finite-lived: | ||||||
| —Customer relationships | $1,983.8 | $(1,145.9) | $837.9 | $2,003.6 | $(1,127.7) | $875.9 |
| —Technology | 90.5 | (90.4) | 0.1 | 90.6 | (90.3) | 0.3 |
| —Capitalized software | 118.8 | (79.2) | 39.6 | 117.3 | (76.8) | 40.5 |
| 2,193.1 | (1,315.5) | 877.6 | 2,211.5 | (1,294.8) | 916.7 | |
| Indefinite-lived: | ||||||
| —Brands and trade names | 513.4 | (44.0) | 469.4 | 513.4 | (44.0) | 469.4 |
| Total intangible assets | $2,706.5 | $(1,359.5) | $1,347.0 | $2,724.9 | $(1,338.8) | $1,386.1 |
During the three months ended March 30, 2024, the amortization expense recognized in respect of intangible assets was $32.5 million, compared to $32.1 million for the three months ended April 1, 2023. In addition, movements in foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a decrease in the net carrying value of total intangible assets of $8.8 million for the three months ended March 30, 2024, compared to an increase of $9.2 million for the three months ended April 1, 2023.
- Derivative financial instruments
We are exposed to certain financial risks relating to our ongoing business operations. From time to time, we use derivative financial instruments, principally foreign currency swaps, forward foreign currency contracts, interest rate caps (options) and interest rate swaps, to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. We do not hold or issue derivatives for speculative purposes and monitor closely the credit quality of the institutions with which we transact.
We recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. We designate certain of our currency swaps as net investment hedges and designate our interest rate caps and interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. The gain or loss on the designated derivative instrument is recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into net income in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.
Derivative instruments that have not been designated in an effective hedging relationship are considered economic hedges, and their change in fair value is recognized in net income in each period.
The period end fair values of derivative financial instruments were as follows:
| As of March 30, 2024 | As of December 30, 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | Prepaid expenses and other assets | Other non- current assets | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | Other non- current liabilities | Net | Prepaid expenses and other assets | Other non- current assets | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | Other non- current liabilities | Net |
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||
| —Currency swaps | $9.9 | $— | $— | $(60.1) | $(50.2) | $8.5 | $— | $— | $(77.7) | $(69.2) |
| —Interest rate swaps | 32.4 | 8.6 | (10.0) | (5.8) | 25.2 | 29.9 | 11.8 | (9.9) | (13.6) | 18.2 |
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||
| —Currency forward contracts | 2.7 | — | (0.6) | — | 2.1 | 3.9 | — | (1.8) | — | 2.1 |
| $45.0 | $8.6 | $(10.6) | $(65.9) | $(22.9) | $42.3 | $11.8 | $(11.7) | $(91.3) | $(48.9) | |
A. Instruments designated as net investment hedges
We hold cross currency swaps that have been designated as net investment hedges of certain of our European and Chinese operations. In November 2023, we executed a USD to Chinese Yuan fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap with a notional principal amount of ¥1,784.0 million with a contract term from November 30, 2023 to November 30, 2026. This has been designated as a net investment hedge of certain of our Chinese operations. In May 2023, we amended our existing cross currency swaps to transition from a floating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to a floating rate based on a term secured overnight financing rate (“Term SOFR”). During November 2022, we executed additional cross currency swaps that have been designated as net investment hedges of certain of our European operations, with the notional principal amount of €501.6 million and contract term from November 16, 2022 to November 16, 2027. During March 2022, we extended our cross currency swaps existing at that time, which originally matured in March 2022, to now mature on March 31, 2027. Asof both March 30, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the aggregated notional principal amounts of the cross currency swaps were €756.1 million and¥1,784.0 million.
The fair value gain (loss) before tax recognized in OCI in relation to the instruments designated as net investment hedging instruments were as follows:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30, 2024 | April 1, 2023 |
| Net fair value gain (loss) recognized in OCI in relation to: | ||
| —Designated cross currency swaps | $19.0 | $(12.2) |
| Total net fair value gain (loss) | $19.0 | $(12.2) |
During the three months ended March 30, 2024, a net gain of $3.2 million was recognized in interest expense in relation to our cross currency swaps that have been designated as net investment hedges, compared to a net gain of $3.0 million during the three months ended April 1, 2023.
B. Instruments designated as cash flow hedges
We use interest rate swaps and interest rate caps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. These instruments are all designated as cash flow hedges. As of both March 30, 2024 and December 30, 2023, we held pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $1,255.0 million. Interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $870.0 million have a contract term from June 30, 2020 through June 30, 2025, while interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $385.0 million have a contract term from November 16, 2022 to November 16, 2027.
The movements before tax recognized in OCI in relation to our cash flow hedges were as follows:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30, 2024 | April 1, 2023 |
| Movement recognized in OCI in relation to: | ||
| —Fair value gain (loss) on cash flow hedges | $13.6 | $(10.0) |
| —Amortization to net income of prior period fair value losses | — | 4.5 |
| —Reclassification from OCI to net income | (9.0) | (6.9) |
| Total movement | $4.6 | $(12.4) |
C. Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
We do not designate our currency forward contracts, which are used primarily in respect of operational currency exposures related to payables, receivables and material procurement, or the currency swap contracts that are used to manage the currency profile of Gates’ cash, as hedging instruments for the purposes of hedge accounting.
As of March 30, 2024 and December 30, 2023, there wereno outstanding currency swaps.
As of March 30, 2024, the notional amount of outstanding currency forward contracts that are used to manage operational foreign exchange exposures was $164.1 million, compared to $140.8 million as of December 30, 2023.
The fair value gain recognized in net income in relation to derivative instruments that have not been designated as hedging instruments were as follows:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30, 2024 | April 1, 2023 |
| Fair value gain recognized in relation to: | ||
| —Currency forward contracts recognized in SG&A | $2.1 | $1.2 |
| Total | $2.1 | $1.2 |
- Fair value measurement
A. Fair value hierarchy
We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes the following hierarchy for the inputs that are used in fair value measurement:
“Level 1” inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
“Level 2” inputs are those other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and
“Level 3” inputs are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value are categorized in one of the three levels on the basis of the lowest-level input that is significant to its valuation.
B. Financial instruments not held at fair value
Certain financial assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value; however, items such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, drawings under revolving credit facilities and bank overdrafts generally attract interest at floating rates and accordingly their carrying amounts are considered to approximate fair value. Due to their short maturities, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable are also considered to approximate their fair values.
The carrying amount and fair value of our debt are set out below:
| As of March 30, 2024 | As of December 30, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | Carrying amount | Fair value | Carrying amount | Fair value |
| Current | $27.9 | $27.8 | $36.5 | $36.5 |
| Non-current | 2,313.1 | 2,340.0 | 2,415.0 | 2,444.7 |
| $2,341.0 | $2,367.8 | $2,451.5 | $2,481.2 | |
Debt is comprised principally of borrowings under the secured credit facilities and the unsecured senior notes. Thetwo dollar term loans under the secured credit facilities pay interest at floating rates, subject to a 0.75% and 0.50% Term SOFR floor as further described in Note 12. The fair values of the term loans are derived from a market price, discounted for illiquidity. The unsecured senior notes have fixed interest rates, are traded by “Qualified Institutional Buyers” and certain other eligible investors, and their fair value is derived from their quoted market price.
C. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following table categorizes the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
| (dollars in millions) | Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) | Significant observable inputs (Level 2) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derivative assets | $— | $53.6 | $53.6 |
| Derivative liabilities | $— | $(76.5) | $(76.5) |
| Cash equivalents | $21.3 | $34.0 | $55.3 |
| Derivative assets | $— | $54.1 | $54.1 |
| Derivative liabilities | $— | $(103.0) | $(103.0) |
| Cash equivalents | $76.2 | $52.8 | $129.0 |
Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 represent foreign currency exchange forward and swap contracts, and interest rate derivative contracts. Cash equivalents included in Level 1 represent treasury bills and money market funds, while Level 2 represent certificates of deposit and commercial paper.
We value our foreign currency exchange derivatives using models consistent with those used by a market participant that maximize the use of market observable inputs including forward prices for currencies.
We value our interest rate derivative contracts using a widely accepted discounted cash flow valuation methodology that reflects the contractual terms of each derivative, including the period to maturity. The methodology derives the fair values of the derivatives using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future cash payments and the discounted expected receipts. The inputs used in the calculation are based on observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, implied volatilities and credit spreads.
We incorporate credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy
During the periods presented, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2, and Gates had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs.
D. Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
Gates has non-recurring fair value measurements related to certain assets, including goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment. No significant impairment was recognized during the three months ended March 30, 2024.
- Debt
| (dollars in millions) | As ofMarch 30, 2024 | As ofDecember 30, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Secured debt: | ||
| —Dollar Term Loans | $1,799.0 | $1,903.9 |
| Unsecured debt: | ||
| —6.25% Dollar Senior Notes due 2026 | 568.0 | 568.0 |
| Total principal of debt | 2,367.0 | 2,471.9 |
| Deferred issuance costs | (34.4) | (37.4) |
| Accrued interest | 8.4 | 17.0 |
| Total carrying value of debt | 2,341.0 | 2,451.5 |
| Debt, current portion | 27.9 | 36.5 |
| Debt, less current portion | $2,313.1 | $2,415.0 |
Gates’ secured debt is jointly and severally, irrevocably and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries and is secured by liens on substantially all of their assets.
Gates is subject to covenants, representations and warranties under certain of its debt facilities. During the periods covered by these condensed consolidated financial statements, we were in compliance with the applicable financial covenants. Also under the agreements governing our debt facilities, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring certain additional indebtedness, making certain investments and paying certain dividends is dependent, in part, on our ability to satisfy tests based on measures determined under those agreements.
Debt issuances and redemptions
During February 2024, we made a voluntary principal debt repayment of $100.0 million against our Existing Dollar Term Loans (as defined below). As a result of this repayment, we accelerated the recognition of $1.0 million of deferred issuance costs (recognized in interest expense).
During May 2023, we drew $100.0 million under our asset-backed revolving credit facility to partially fund the purchase of shares under our 2023 share repurchase program. During Fiscal 2023, we paid down the borrowings on the asset-backed revolver and had no outstanding borrowings as of March 30, 2024 and December 30, 2023.
Dollar Term Loans
Our secured credit facilities consist oftwo loans (collectively, the “Dollar Term Loans”), one of which was originally drawn on July 3, 2014 and refinanced on February 24, 2021 (the “Existing Dollar Term Loans”), and a new $575.0 million tranche of dollar denominated term loans (the “New Dollar Term Loans”) drawn on November 16, 2022. These term loan facilities bear interest at a floating rate, which for U.S. dollar debt can be either a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus an applicable margin, or at our option, Term SOFR plus an applicable margin. The Existing Dollar Term Loans mature on March 31, 2027, while the New Dollar Term Loans mature on November 16, 2029.
The Existing Dollar Term Loans’ interest rate is currently Adjusted Term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.75%, plus a margin of 2.60%, and as of March 30, 2024, borrowings under this facility bore interest at a rate of 7.93% per annum. On March 1, 2023, Gates amended the Existing Dollar Term Loans’ reference rate from LIBOR to Term SOFR, with a credit spread adjustment of 0.10%. The Existing Dollar Term Loans interest rate is currently re-set on the last business day of each month based on the election of one month interest periods.
The New Dollar Term Loans’ interest rate is currently Term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.50%, plus a margin of 3.00%, and as of March 30, 2024, borrowings under this facility bore interest at a rate of 8.33% per annum. The New Dollar Term Loans’ interest rate is currently re-set on the last business day of each month based on the election of one month interest periods. On October 10, 2023, we amended the New Dollar Term Loans’ interest rate to be, at our option, either Term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.50%, plus a margin of 3.00% per annum, or the base rate, subject to a 1.50% per annum floor, plus 2.00% per annum
Both Dollar Term Loans are subject to quarterly amortization payments of 0.25%, based on the original principal amount less certain repayments with the balance payable on maturity. During the three months ended March 30, 2024, we made amortization payments against the Existing Dollar Term Loans and New Dollar Term Loans of $3.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
Under the terms of the credit agreement, we are obliged to offer annually to the term loan lenders an “excess cash flow” amount as defined under the agreement, based on the preceding year’s final results. Based on our 2023 results, the leverage ratio as defined under the credit agreement was below the threshold above which payments are required, and therefore no excess cash flow payment is required to be made in 2024.
A wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Gates Global LLC is the principal obligor under the Dollar Term Loans for U.S. federal income tax purposes and makes the payments due on this tranche of debt. As a result, interest received by lenders of this tranche of debt is U.S. source income.
Unsecured Senior Notes
As of March 30, 2024, we had $568.0 million of Dollar Senior Notes outstanding that were issued in November 2019. These notes are scheduled to mature on January 15, 2026 and bear interest at an annual fixed rate of 6.25% with semi-annual interest payments.
As of January 15, 2024, we may redeem the Dollar Senior Notes, at our option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a change of control or a certain qualifying asset sale, the holders of the notes will have the right to require us to make an offer to repurchase each holder's notes at a price equal to 101% (in the case of a change of control) or 100% (in the case of an asset sale) of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Revolving credit facility
We have a secured revolving credit facility that provides for multi-currency revolving loans. On November 18, 2021, we amended the credit agreement governing this facility to, among other things, increase the size of the facility from $185.0 million to $250.0 million, extend the maturity date from January 29, 2023 to November 18, 2026 (subject to certain springing maturities related to our Unsecured Senior Notes if more than $500.0 million is outstanding 91 days prior to its maturity), and increase the letter of credit sub-facility from $20.0 million to $75.0 million.
As of both March 30, 2024 and December 30, 2023, there wereno drawings for cash under the revolving credit facility and there wereno letters of credit outstanding.
Debt under the revolving credit facility bears interest at a floating rate, which can be either a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus an applicable margin or, at our option, the reference rate, plus an applicable margin. On March 1, 2023, Gates amended the secured revolving credit facility reference rate for borrowing in dollars from LIBOR to Term SOFR.
Asset-backed revolver
We also have a revolving credit facility backed by certain of our assets in North America. On November 18, 2021, we amended the credit agreement governing this facility to, among other things, reduce the maximum facility size from $325.0 million to $250.0 million ($250.0 million as of March 30, 2024 and December 30, 2023, based on the values of the secured assets on those dates), and extended the maturity date from January 29, 2023 to November 18, 2026 (subject to certain springing maturities related to our Unsecured Senior Notes if more than $500.0 million is outstanding 91 days prior to its maturity). The facility also allows for a letter of credit sub-facility of $150.0 million within the $250.0 million maximum.
As of March 30, 2024, there wereno drawings for cash under this facility. The letters of credit outstanding under this facility were $28.6 million and $29.7 million as of March 30, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively.
Debt under the revolving credit facility bears interest at a floating rate, which can be either a base rate as defined in the credit agreement plus an applicable margin or, at our option, the reference rate, plus an applicable margin. On March 1, 2023, Gates amended our revolving credit facility reference rate for borrowing in dollars from LIBOR to Term SOFR.
- Post-retirement benefits
Gates provides defined benefit pension plans in certain of the countries in which it operates, in particular, in the U.S. and U.K. All of the defined benefit pension plans are closed to new entrants. In addition to the funded defined benefit pension plans, Gates has unfunded defined benefit obligations to certain current and former employees.
Gates also provides other post-retirement benefits, principally health and life insurance coverage, on an unfunded basis to certain of its employees in the U.S. and Canada.
Net periodic benefit cost
The components of the net periodic benefit cost for pensions and other post-retirement benefits were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 30, 2024 | Three Months Ended April 1, 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | Pensions | Other post-retirement benefits | Total | Pensions | Other post-retirement benefits | Total |
| Reported in operating income: | ||||||
| —Employer service cost | $1.0 | $— | $1.0 | $1.0 | $— | $1.0 |
| Reported outside of operating income: | ||||||
| —Interest cost | 6.1 | 0.3 | 6.4 | 6.2 | 0.4 | 6.6 |
| —Expected return on plan assets | (6.5) | — | (6.5) | (6.4) | — | (6.4) |
| —Net amortization of prior period losses (gains) | 0.2 | (0.8) | (0.6) | — | (0.9) | (0.9) |
| Net periodic benefit cost | $0.8 | $(0.5) | $0.3 | $0.8 | $(0.5) | $0.3 |
| Cash Contributions | $1.6 | $1.0 | $2.6 | $2.1 | $1.1 | $3.2 |
The components of the above net periodic benefit cost for pensions and other post-retirement benefits that are reported outside of operating income are all included in the other (income) expense line in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
For 2024 as a whole, we expect to contribute approximately $7.3 million to our defined benefit pension plans and approximately $3.0 million to our other post-retirement benefit plans.
- Share-based compensation
The Company operates a share-based incentive plan over its shares to provide incentives to Gates’ senior executives and other eligible employees. During the three months ended March 30, 2024, we recognized a charge of $8.6 million, compared to $9.5 million in the three months ended April 1, 2023.
Awards issued under the 2014 Omaha Topco Ltd. Stock Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”)
Gates has a number of share-based incentive awards issued under the 2014 Plan, which was assumed by the Company and renamed the Gates Industrial Corporation plc Stock Incentive Plan in connection with our initial public offering in January 2018 (our “IPO”). No new awards have been granted under this plan since 2017. The options granted prior to our IPO were split equally into four tiers, each with specific vesting conditions. Tier I options vest evenly over 5 years from the grant date, subject to the participant continuing to provide service to Gates on the vesting date. Tier II, III and IV options vest on achievement of specified investment returns by certain investment funds affiliated with Blackstone Inc. (“Blackstone” or our “Sponsor”) at the time of a defined liquidity event, which is also subject to the participant’s continued provision of service to Gates on the vesting date. The performance conditions associated with Tiers II, III and IV must have been achieved on or prior to July 3, 2022 in order for vesting to occur. All the options expireten years after the date of grant.
During March 2022, a liquidity event as defined occurred following the sale by Blackstone of a certain portion of their interest in Gates and the Tier II and IV options vested as the specified investment returns related to these options had been met. On July 3, 2022, the performance period for the Tier III options expired and, as the specified investment returns were not achieved, all Tier III awards expired during Fiscal 2022.
Due to Chinese regulatory restrictions on foreign stock ownership, awards granted under this plan to Chinese employees have been issued as stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). The terms of these SARs are identical to those of the options described above with the exception that no share is issued on exercise; instead, cash equivalent to the increase in the value of the shares from the date of grant to the date of exercise is paid to the employee. These awards are therefore treated as liability awards under Topic 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation” and are revalued to their fair value at each period end. The SARs include option awards with the same vesting terms as the Tier II, III and IV option awards described above, and, due to the vesting event described above. All Tier III SARs expired on July 3, 2022 as the specific performance hurdle was not achieved.
Changes in the awards granted under this plan are summarized in the tables below.
Awards issued under the Gates Industrial Corporation plc 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”)
In conjunction with the initial public offering in January 2018, Gates adopted the 2018 Plan, which is a market-based long-term incentive program that allows for the issue of a variety of equity-based and cash-based awards, including stock options, SARs and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).
The SARs issued under this plan take the form of options, except that no share is issued on exercise; instead, cash equivalent to the increase in the value of the shares from the date of grant to the date of exercise is paid to the employee. These awards are therefore treated as liability awards under Topic 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation” and are revalued to their fair value at each period end. The SARs and the majority of the share options issued under this plan vest evenly over either three years orfour years from the grant date. The remainder of the options, the premium-priced options, vest evenly over athree-year period, startingtwo years from the grant date. All options vest subject to the participant’s continued employment by Gates on the vesting date and expireten years after the date of grant.
The RSUs issued under the plan consist of time-vesting RSUs and performance-based RSUs (“PRSUs”). The time-vesting RSUs vest evenly over eitherone orthree years from the date of grant, subject to the participant’s continued provision of service to Gates on the vesting date. The PRSUs issued prior to 2022 provide that 50% of the award will generally vest if Gates achieves a certain level of average annual adjusted return on invested capital as defined in the plan (“Adjusted ROIC”) and the remaining 50% of the PRSUs will generally vest if Gates achieves certain relative total shareholder return (“Relative TSR”) goals, in each case, measured over athree-year performance period and subject to the participant’s continued employment through the end of the performance period. The total number of PRSUs that vest at the end of the performance period will range from 0% to 200% of the target based on actual performance against a pre-established scale. Starting in Fiscal 2022, the terms for PRSUs are identical, except that 75% of the award will generally vest based on the specified Adjusted ROIC achievement and the remaining 25% will generally vest based on Relative TSR goal attainment.
New awards and movements in existing awards granted under this plan are summarized in the tables below.
Summary of movements in options outstanding
| Plan | Number ofoptions | Weighted average exercise price$ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at the beginning of the period: | |||
| —Tier I | 2014 Plan | 1,828,327 | $6.98 |
| —Tier II | 2014 Plan | 1,996,017 | $7.01 |
| —Tier IV | 2014 Plan | 1,986,416 | $10.52 |
| —SARs | Both plans | 735,221 | $10.47 |
| —Share options | 2018 Plan | 2,345,520 | $14.90 |
| —Premium-priced options | 2018 Plan | 835,469 | $18.88 |
| 9,726,970 | $10.90 | ||
| Granted during the period: | |||
| —SARs | 2018 Plan | 22,100 | $14.87 |
| 22,100 | $14.87 | ||
| Forfeited during the period: | |||
| —SARs | 2018 Plan | (3,001) | $13.40 |
| (3,001) | $13.40 | ||
| Expired during the period: | |||
| —Share options | 2018 Plan | (15,000) | $14.99 |
| (15,000) | $14.99 | ||
| Exercised during the period: | |||
| —Tier I | 2014 Plan | (95,237) | $6.80 |
| —Tier II | 2014 Plan | (84,642) | $6.88 |
| —Tier IV | 2014 Plan | (71,783) | $10.32 |
| —SARs | Both Plans | (134,766) | $9.23 |
| —Share options | 2018 Plan | (37,081) | $14.05 |
| (423,509) | $8.82 | ||
| Outstanding at the end of the period: | |||
| —Tier I | 2014 Plan | 1,733,090 | $6.99 |
| —Tier II | 2014 Plan | 1,911,375 | $7.02 |
| —Tier IV | 2014 Plan | 1,914,633 | $10.53 |
| —SARs | Both plans | 619,554 | $10.88 |
| —Share options | 2018 Plan | 2,293,439 | $14.91 |
| —Premium-priced options | 2018 Plan | 835,469 | $18.88 |
| 9,307,560 | $11.00 | ||
| Exercisable at the end of the period | 9,215,590 | $10.96 | |
| Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period | 9,295,189 | $10.99 | |
As of March 30, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of options that were exercisable was $63.3 million, and these options had a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.9 years. As of March 30, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of options that were vested or expected to vest was $63.6 million, and these options had a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.9 years.
As of March 30, 2024, the unrecognized compensation charge relating to the nonvested options was $0.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.
During the three months ended March 30, 2024, cash of $2.5 million was received in relation to the exercise of vested options, respectively, compared to $11.3 million during the three months ended April 1, 2023. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 30, 2024 was $1.8 million, compared to $4.0 million during the three months ended April 1, 2023.
Summary of movements in RSUs and PRSUs outstanding
| Three Months Ended March 30, 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number ofawards | Weighted averagegrant date fair value$ | |
| Outstanding at the beginning of the period: | ||
| —RSUs | 3,032,230 | $13.78 |
| —PRSUs | 917,661 | $16.77 |
| 3,949,891 | $14.47 | |
| Granted during the period: | ||
| —RSUs | 1,151,752 | $14.87 |
| —PRSUs | 426,607 | $16.37 |
| 1,578,359 | $15.27 | |
| Forfeited during the period: | ||
| —RSUs | (15,201) | $14.63 |
| —PRSUs | (86,680) | $15.26 |
| (101,881) | $15.16 | |
| Vested during the period: | ||
| —RSUs | (862,708) | $14.84 |
| —PRSUs | (154,274) | 15.00 |
| (1,016,982) | $14.86 | |
| Outstanding at the end of the period: | ||
| —RSUs | 3,306,073 | $13.88 |
| —PRSUs | 1,103,314 | $16.98 |
| 4,409,387 | $14.66 | |
As of March 30, 2024, the unrecognized compensation charge relating to unvested RSUs and PRSUs was $28.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years, subject, where relevant, to the achievement of the performance conditions described above. The total fair value of RSUs and PRSUs vested during the three months ended March 30, 2024 was $15.1 million, compared to $14.7 million during the three months ended April 1, 2023.
Valuation of awards granted during the period
The grant date fair value of the SARs are measured using a Black-Scholes valuation model. RSUs are valued at the share price on the date of grant. The Relative TSR component of the PRSUs were valued using Monte Carlo simulations. As Gates only has volatility data for its shares for the period since its IPO, this volatility has, where necessary, been weighted with the debt-levered volatility of a peer group of public companies in order to determine the expected volatility over the expected option life. The expected option life represents the period of time for which the options are expected to be outstanding and is based on consideration of the contractual life of the option, option vesting period, and historical exercise patterns. The weighted average fair values and relevant assumptions were as follows:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 | |
| Weighted average grant date fair value: | ||
| —SARs | $6.95 | $6.71 |
| —RSUs | $14.87 | $14.06 |
| —PRSUs | $16.37 | $15.88 |
| Inputs to the model: | ||
| —Expected volatility — SARs | 41.7% | 43.4% |
| —Expected volatility — PRSUs | 31.6% | 37.7% |
| —Expected option life for SARs (years) | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| —Risk-free interest rate: | ||
| SARs | 4.2% | 4.1% |
| PRSUs | 4.4% | 4.6% |
- Equity
Movements in the Company’s number of shares in issue for the three months ended March 30, 2024 and April 1, 2023, respectively, were as follows:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (number of shares) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Balance as of the beginning of the period | 264,259,788 | 282,578,917 |
| Exercise of share options | 288,743 | 1,398,001 |
| Vesting of restricted stock units, net of withholding taxes | 847,345 | 915,083 |
| Shares repurchased and cancelled | (4,151,100) | — |
| Balance as of the end of the period | 261,244,776 | 284,892,001 |
The Company hasone class of authorized and issued shares, with a par value of $0.01, and each share has equal voting rights.
On February 7, 2024, the Company’s Board approved another share repurchase program for up to $100 million in authorized share repurchases, which expires on October 6, 2024. On February 12, 2024, the Company, certain selling shareholders affiliated with Blackstone, and the representatives of the several underwriters entered into an underwriting agreement pursuant to which the selling shareholders agreed to sell to the underwriters 17,500,000 ordinary shares of the Company at a price of $12.045 per ordinary share (the “February 2024 Offering”). The selling shareholders also granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 2,625,000 additional ordinary shares of the Company; this option was exercised in full on February 16, 2024. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of ordinary shares in the February 2024 Offering, which closed on February 16, 2024. In connection with the February 2024 Offering, the Company repurchased 4,151,100 ordinary shares through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. from the same selling shareholders at a price of $12.045 per ordinary share for an aggregate consideration of approximately $50.0 million (the “2024 Repurchase”), plus costs paid directly related to the transaction of $0.3 million. This repurchase was funded by cash on hand. All shares repurchased pursuant to the 2024 Repurchase have been cancelled.
- Analysis of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component, net of tax, were as follows:
| (dollars in millions) | Post- retirement benefits | Cumulative translation adjustment | Cash flow hedges | Accumulated OCI attributable to shareholders | Non-controlling interests | Accumulated OCI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| As of December 30, 2023 | $(15.3) | $(832.3) | $19.1 | $(828.5) | $(78.4) | $(906.9) |
| Foreign currency translation | 0.1 | (40.5) | — | (40.4) | (13.0) | (53.4) |
| Cash flow hedges movements | — | — | 3.4 | 3.4 | — | 3.4 |
| Post-retirement benefit movements | (0.4) | — | — | (0.4) | — | (0.4) |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | (0.3) | (40.5) | 3.4 | (37.4) | (13.0) | (50.4) |
| As of March 30, 2024 | $(15.6) | $(872.8) | $22.5 | $(865.9) | $(91.4) | $(957.3) |
| (dollars in millions) | Post- retirement benefits | Cumulative translation adjustment | Cash flow hedges | Accumulated OCI attributable to shareholders | Non-controlling interests | Accumulated OCI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| As of December 31, 2022 | $0.6 | $(950.0) | $31.6 | $(917.8) | $(64.6) | $(982.4) |
| Foreign currency translation | (1.6) | 72.4 | — | 70.8 | 0.8 | 71.6 |
| Cash flow hedges movements | — | — | (9.3) | (9.3) | — | (9.3) |
| Post-retirement benefit movements | (0.7) | — | — | (0.7) | — | (0.7) |
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | (2.3) | 72.4 | (9.3) | 60.8 | 0.8 | 61.6 |
| As of April 1, 2023 | $(1.7) | $(877.6) | $22.3 | $(857.0) | $(63.8) | $(920.8) |
- Related party transactions
A. Entities affiliated with Blackstone
In connection with the initial public offering of Gates, we entered into a Support and Services Agreement with Blackstone Management Partners L.L.C. (“BMP”) under which the Company and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries reimburse BMP for customary support services provided by Blackstone’s portfolio operations group to the Company at BMP’s direction. BMP will invoice the Company for such services based on the time spent by the relevant personnel providing such services during the applicable period and Blackstone’s allocated costs of such personnel. During the periods presented, no amounts were paid or were outstanding under this agreement. This agreement terminates on the date our Sponsor beneficially owns less than 5% of our ordinary shares and such shares have a fair market value of less than $25.0 million, or such earlier date as may be chosen by Blackstone.
As described in Note 15, in February 2024, the Company repurchased 4,151,100 ordinary shares through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. from certain shareholders affiliated with Blackstone for an aggregate consideration of $50.0 million, plus costs paid directly related to the transaction of $0.3 million.
B. Equity method investees
Purchases from equity method investees were as follows:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Purchases | $(4.0) | $(5.1) |
Amounts outstanding in respect of these transactions were payables of $1.1 million as of March 30, 2024, compared to payables of $0.2 million as of December 30, 2023. No dividends were received from our equity method investees during the periods presented.
C. Non-Gates entities controlled by non-controlling shareholders
Sales to and purchases from non-Gates entities controlled by non-controlling shareholders were as follows:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Sales | $9.6 | $13.3 |
| Purchases | $(3.7) | $(4.4) |
Amounts outstanding in respect of these transactions were as follows:
| (dollars in millions) | As ofMarch 30, 2024 | As ofDecember 30, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Receivables | $3.8 | $3.2 |
| Payables | $(2.8) | $(3.2) |
- Commitments and contingencies
A. Performance bonds, letters of credit and bank guarantees
As of March 30, 2024, letters of credit totaling $28.6 million were outstanding against the asset-backed revolving facility, compared to $29.7 million as of December 30, 2023. Gates had additional outstanding performance bonds, letters of credit and bank guarantees amounting to $8.6 million as of March 30, 2024, compared to $8.4 million as of December 30, 2023.
B. Contingencies
Gates is, from time to time, party to general legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of business. Gates is also, from time to time, party to legal proceedings and claims in respect of environmental obligations, product liability, intellectual property, commercial and contractual disputes, employment matters and other matters which arise in the ordinary course of business and against which management believes Gates has meritorious defenses available. When appropriate, management consults with legal counsel and other appropriate experts to assess claims. If, in management’s opinion, we have incurred a probable loss as set forth by U.S. GAAP, an estimate is made of the loss and the appropriate accrual is reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Currently, there are no material amounts accrued.
While it is not possible to quantify the financial impact or predict the outcome of all pending claims and litigation, management does not anticipate that the outcome of any current proceedings or known claims, either individually or in aggregate, will materially affect Gates’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
C. Warranties
The following summarizes the movements in the warranty liability for the three months ended March 30, 2024 and April 1, 2023, respectively:
| Three months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | March 30,2024 | April 1,2023 |
| Balance as of the beginning of the period | $15.9 | $17.6 |
| Charge for the period | 2.4 | 1.9 |
| Payments made | (2.4) | (2.2) |
| Foreign currency translation | (0.2) | — |
| Balance as of the end of the period | $15.7 | $17.3 |
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.