BRUNSWICK CORP (BC)
SIC breadcrumb: Manufacturing > Industrial And Commercial Machinery And Computer Equipment > SIC 3510 Engines & Turbines
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=14930. Latest filing source: 0000014930-26-000027.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read BC's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read BC's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 5,362,800,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-13 |
| Net income | -137,300,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-13 |
| Assets | 5,312,200,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-13 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-13. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000014930.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 4,488,500,000 | 3,802,200,000 | 4,120,900,000 | 4,108,400,000 | 4,347,500,000 | 5,846,200,000 | 6,812,200,000 | 6,401,400,000 | 5,237,100,000 | 5,362,800,000 |
| Net income | 276,000,000 | 146,400,000 | 265,300,000 | -131,000,000 | 372,700,000 | 593,300,000 | 677,000,000 | 420,400,000 | 130,100,000 | -137,300,000 |
| Operating income | 479,500,000 | 330,300,000 | 355,500,000 | 471,000,000 | 539,300,000 | 812,900,000 | 947,800,000 | 734,900,000 | 311,600,000 | -40,700,000 |
| Diluted EPS | 3.00 | 1.62 | 3.01 | -1.53 | 4.68 | 7.57 | 9.00 | 5.96 | 1.93 | -2.08 |
| Operating cash flow | 435,300,000 | 400,300,000 | 337,000,000 | 434,200,000 | 798,300,000 | 574,000,000 | 586,100,000 | 733,600,000 | 431,400,000 | 562,100,000 |
| Capital expenditures | 193,900,000 | 178,000,000 | 180,200,000 | 232,600,000 | 182,400,000 | 267,100,000 | 388,300,000 | 289,300,000 | 167,400,000 | 165,800,000 |
| Dividends paid | 55,400,000 | 60,600,000 | 67,800,000 | 73,400,000 | 78,300,000 | 98,900,000 | 108,600,000 | 112,000,000 | 112,300,000 | 112,600,000 |
| Share buybacks | 120,300,000 | 130,000,000 | 75,000,000 | 400,000,000 | 118,300,000 | 120,100,000 | 450,000,000 | 275,000,000 | 200,000,000 | 80,000,000 |
| Assets | 3,284,700,000 | 3,358,200,000 | 4,291,500,000 | 3,564,400,000 | 3,770,600,000 | 5,425,000,000 | 6,321,300,000 | 6,230,500,000 | 5,677,700,000 | 5,312,200,000 |
| Stockholders' equity | 1,440,100,000 | 1,482,900,000 | 1,582,600,000 | 1,300,900,000 | 1,510,000,000 | 1,914,200,000 | 2,042,300,000 | 2,087,400,000 | 1,892,300,000 | 1,625,600,000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 422,400,000 | 448,800,000 | 294,400,000 | 320,300,000 | 519,600,000 | 354,500,000 | 595,600,000 | 467,800,000 | 269,000,000 | 256,800,000 |
| Free cash flow | 241,400,000 | 222,300,000 | 156,800,000 | 201,600,000 | 615,900,000 | 306,900,000 | 197,800,000 | 444,300,000 | 264,000,000 | 396,300,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 6.15% | 3.85% | 6.44% | -3.19% | 8.57% | 10.15% | 9.94% | 6.57% | 2.48% | -2.56% |
| Operating margin | 10.68% | 8.69% | 8.63% | 11.46% | 12.40% | 13.90% | 13.91% | 11.48% | 5.95% | -0.76% |
| Return on equity | 19.17% | 9.87% | 16.76% | -10.07% | 24.68% | 30.99% | 33.15% | 20.14% | 6.88% | -8.45% |
| Return on assets | 8.40% | 4.36% | 6.18% | -3.68% | 9.88% | 10.94% | 10.71% | 6.75% | 2.29% | -2.58% |
| Current ratio | 1.75 | 1.78 | 1.50 | 1.62 | 1.55 | 1.47 | 1.81 | 1.43 | 1.65 | 1.44 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
Operating margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0000014930-26-000027; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0000014930-26-000027; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0000014930-26-000027; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0000014930-26-000027; filed 2026-02-13. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-07. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000014930.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q1 | 2022-07-02 | 2.59 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-10-01 | 2.20 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-04-01 | 1.56 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-04-01 | 112,300,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-07-01 | 1,702,300,000 | 1.90 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-07-01 | 134,700,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 1,593,600,000 | 1.61 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 1,361,900,000 | 60,900,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-30 | 1,365,000,000 | 68,000,000 | 0.99 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-03-30 | 68,000,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-29 | 1,443,900,000 | 1.48 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-06-29 | 100,000,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-28 | 1,273,300,000 | 0.67 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 1,154,900,000 | -82,500,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-29 | 1,221,800,000 | 20,200,000 | 0.30 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-03-29 | 20,200,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-28 | 1,447,000,000 | 0.89 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-06-28 | 59,300,000 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-27 | 1,360,200,000 | -3.59 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 1,333,800,000 | 18,700,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-04-04 | 1,378,100,000 | 21,000,000 | 0.32 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-04-04; accession 0000014930-26-000070; filed 2026-05-07. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-04-04; accession 0000014930-26-000070; filed 2026-05-07. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-04-04; accession 0000014930-26-000070; filed 2026-05-07. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0000014930-26-000070.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Brunswick Corporation (the Company, we, us, our) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our business and by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from expectations and projections as of the date of this filing due to various risks and uncertainties. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, refer to Forward-Looking Statements below.
Certain statements in Management's Discussion and Analysis are based on non-GAAP financial measures. GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. A "non-GAAP financial measure" is a numerical measure of a registrant’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets or statements of cash flows of the issuer; or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. For example, the discussion of our cash flows includes an analysis of free cash flows and total liquidity; the discussion of our net sales includes net sales on a constant currency basis; and the discussion of our earnings includes a presentation of operating earnings and operating margin excluding restructuring, exit and impairment charges, purchase accounting amortization, acquisition, integration, and IT related costs, supplier bankruptcy expenses and other applicable charges, and of diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted. Supplier bankruptcy expenses include additional expenses incurred, in excess of normal inventory costs, to purchase inventory from a key supplier that filed for bankruptcy. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and statistical measures.
We include non-GAAP financial measures in Management's Discussion and Analysis as management believes these measures and the information they provide are useful to investors because they permit investors to view our performance using the same tools that management uses to evaluate our ongoing business performance. In order to better align our reported results with the internal metrics management uses to evaluate business performance as well as to provide better comparisons to prior periods and peer data, non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of purchase accounting amortization related to acquisitions, among other adjustments.
We do not provide forward-looking guidance for certain financial measures on a GAAP basis because we are unable to predict certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. These items may include restructuring, exit and impairment costs, special tax items, acquisition-related costs, and certain other unusual adjustments.
Known Trends or Uncertainties
We continue to monitor macroeconomic trends and uncertainties such as recently implemented tariffs along with the potential for new or modified tariffs, and related impacts to consumers, any or all of which could have a material impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ("IEEPA") were not authorized by the statute. The Company was previously subject to such tariffs under IEEPA. Because the process, timing, and amount of any IEEPA tariff recovery are uncertain, we have not recorded any benefit from a potential refund at this time.
19
Table of Contents
Overview
Net sales increased 12.8% during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the first quarter of 2025. This increase reflected improved wholesale and retail trends, continued market share gains in propulsion and several boat categories, strong OEM demand for propulsion, components and electronics, favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, pricing actions commencing in the second half of 2025, and solid boating participation driving aftermarket performance. For the third consecutive quarter, year-over-year net sales increased across all segments. The Propulsion segment delivered significant sales growth resulting primarily from an improved market, strong OEM orders, wholesale acceleration, and continued global share gains. The Engine P&A segment benefited from healthy boater participation and continued distribution share gains, which led to sales improvement compared to the prior year. Navico Group reported sales growth over the prior year quarter as growth across all business lines was supported by improving OEM demand, steady aftermarket performance, and operational efficiency. Finally, the Boat segment sales grew over prior year driven by higher wholesale shipments and stabilized retail conditions, favorable mix, and continued momentum in the Business Acceleration portfolio. Freedom Boat Club added four new locations, increased trips and improved same store sales. Our international net sales increased 20 percent on a GAAP basis and increased 11 percent on a constant currency basis in the first quarter compared with the prior year.
Operating earnings in the first quarter of 2026 were $50.3 million and $82.6 million on a GAAP and as adjusted basis, respectively. This compares to operating earnings during the first quarter of 2025 of $56.3 million and $72.1 million on a GAAP and As Adjusted basis, respectively. Adjusted operating earnings increased due to increased sales, favorable mix, pricing, improved absorption and disciplined cost management more than offsetting the impact of incremental tariffs implemented after the first quarter of 2025.
Matters Affecting Comparability
Changes in Foreign Currency Rates. Percentage changes in net sales expressed in constant currency reflect the impact that changes in currency exchange rates had on comparisons of net sales. To determine this information, net sales transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates that were in effect during the comparative period. The percentage change in net sales expressed on a constant currency basis better reflects the changes in the underlying business trends, excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Approximately 24 percent of our annual net sales are transacted in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. Our most material exposures include sales in Euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, and Brazilian real.
The table below summarizes the impact of changes in currency exchange rates on our net sales:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Sales | 2026 vs. 2025 | ||||||||||||
| (in millions) | April 4, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | GAAP | Currency Impact | |||||||||
| Propulsion | $ | 571.3 | $ | 487.0 | 17.3 | % | 3.6 | % | |||||
| Engine P&A | 289.8 | 255.3 | 13.5 | % | 2.5 | % | |||||||
| Navico Group | 223.5 | 208.2 | 7.3 | % | 3.9 | % | |||||||
| Boat | 394.7 | 372.1 | 6.1 | % | 1.3 | % | |||||||
| Segment Eliminations | (101.2) | (100.8) | (0.4) | % | 0.8 | % | |||||||
| Total | $ | 1,378.1 | $ | 1,221.8 | 12.8 | % | 3.0 | % |
20
Table of Contents
Results of Operations
Consolidated
The following table sets forth certain amounts, ratios, and relationships calculated from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended:
| Three Months Ended | 2026 vs. 2025 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | April 4, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | $ | % | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,378.1 | $ | 1,221.8 | $ | 156.3 | 12.8% | |||
| Cost of sales | 1,034.5 | 917.9 | 116.6 | 12.7% | ||||||
| Gross margin(A) | 343.6 | 303.9 | 39.7 | 13.1% | ||||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expense | 242.2 | 208.0 | 34.2 | 16.4% | ||||||
| Research and development expense | 46.3 | 38.5 | 7.8 | 20.3% | ||||||
| Restructuring, exit, and impairment charges | 4.8 | 1.1 | 3.7 | NM | ||||||
| Operating earnings | 50.3 | 56.3 | (6.0) | (10.7)% | ||||||
| Equity earnings | 1.6 | 2.2 | (0.6) | (27.3)% | ||||||
| Other (expense) income, net | (1.6) | 1.3 | (2.9) | NM | ||||||
| Earnings before interest and income taxes | 50.3 | 59.8 | (9.5) | (15.9)% | ||||||
| Interest expense | (24.6) | (29.7) | 5.1 | 17.2% | ||||||
| Interest income | 1.2 | 1.7 | (0.5) | (29.4)% | ||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | (3.7) | 3.7 | NM | ||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 26.9 | 28.1 | (1.2) | (4.3)% | ||||||
| Income tax provision | 5.9 | 7.9 | (2.0) | (25.3)% | ||||||
| Net earnings | 21.0 | 20.2 | 0.8 | 4.0% | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.02 | 6.7% | |||
| Expressed as a percentage of Net sales: | ||||||||||
| Gross margin (A) | 24.9 | % | 24.9 | % | - bps | |||||
| Selling, general, and administrative expense | 17.6 | % | 17.0 | % | 60 bps | |||||
| Research and development expense | 3.4 | % | 3.2 | % | 20 bps | |||||
| Restructuring, exit, and impairment charges | 0.3 | % | 0.1 | % | 20 bps | |||||
| Operating margin | 3.6 | % | 4.6 | % | (100) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
(A)Gross margin is defined as Net sales less Cost of sales as presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
21
Table of Contents
The following is a reconciliation of our non-GAAP measures, adjusted operating earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations for the three months ended April 4, 2026 compared with the same prior year comparative period:
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Earnings | Diluted Earnings Per Share | |||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share data) | April 4, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | April 4, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||
| GAAP | $ | 50.3 | $ | 56.3 | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.30 | ||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 14.5 | 14.6 | 0.18 | 0.18 | ||||||||
| Supplier bankruptcy expense | 10.4 | — | 0.13 | — | ||||||||
| Restructuring, exit, and impairment charges | 4.8 | 1.1 | 0.05 | 0.01 | ||||||||
| Loss on sale of assets | 2.2 | — | 0.03 | — | ||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 0.4 | 0.1 | — | — | ||||||||
| Special tax items | — | — | (0.01) | 0.03 | ||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | — | — | 0.04 | ||||||||
| As Adjusted | $ | 82.6 | $ | 72.1 | $ | 0.70 | $ | 0.56 | ||||
| GAAP operating margin | 3.6 | % | 4.6 | % | ||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 6.0 | % | 5.9 | % |
Net sales increased 12.8% during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same prior year period. The components of the consolidated net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior comparative period | ||
|---|---|---|
| April 4, 2026 | ||
| Three Months Ended | ||
| Volume | 6.6 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 3.2 | % |
| Currency | 3.0 | % |
| 12.8 | % |
Gross margin remained relatively consistent in the first quarter of 2026 when compared to the same prior year period, driven by increased sales (380 bps) and favorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations (60 bps) offset by impact of in
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Brunswick Corporation (the Company, we, us, our) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our business and by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from expectations and projections as of the date of this filing due to various risks and uncertainties. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, refer to Forward-Looking Statements above.
Certain statements in Management's Discussion and Analysis are based on non-GAAP financial measures. GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. A "non-GAAP financial measure" is a numerical measure of a registrant’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets or statements of cash flows of the issuer; or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. For example, the discussion of our cash flows includes an analysis of free cash flows and total liquidity; the discussion of our net sales includes net sales on a constant currency basis; the discussion of our net sales includes net sales excluding acquisitions; and the discussion of our earnings includes a presentation of operating earnings and operating margin excluding restructuring, exit and impairment charges, purchase accounting amortization, acquisition, integration, and IT related costs, IT security incident costs and other applicable charges and of diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and statistical measures.
We include non-GAAP financial measures in Management's Discussion and Analysis as management believes these measures and the information they provide are useful to investors because they permit investors to view our performance using the same tools that management uses to evaluate our ongoing business performance. In order to better align our reported results with the internal metrics management uses to evaluate business performance as well as to provide better comparisons to prior periods and peer data, non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of purchase accounting amortization related to acquisitions, among other adjustments.
We do not provide forward-looking guidance for certain financial measures on a GAAP basis because we are unable to predict certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable effort. These items may include restructuring, exit and impairment costs, special tax items, acquisition-related costs, and certain other unusual adjustments.
For a discussion of Brunswick's consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, refer to Part II, Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2025.
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IT Security Incident
In June 2023, the Company experienced an IT security incident that impacted some of its systems and global facilities. Please refer to Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Acquisitions
On September 12, 2024, we acquired additional Freedom Boat Club franchise operations and territories in Southeast Florida for net cash consideration of $31.3 million. Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Matters Affecting Comparability
Changes in Foreign Currency Rates. Percentage changes in net sales expressed in constant currency reflect the impact that changes in currency exchange rates had on comparisons of net sales. To determine this information, net sales transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates that were in effect during the comparative period. The percentage change in net sales expressed on a constant currency basis better reflects the changes in the underlying business trends, excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Approximately 26 percent of our annual net sales are transacted in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. Our most material exposures include sales in Euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars and Brazilian real.
The table below summarizes the impact of changes in currency exchange rates and also the impact of acquisitions on our net sales:
| Net Sales | 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | GAAP | Currency Impact | Acquisition Impact | ||||||||||||
| Propulsion | $ | 2,177.2 | $ | 2,074.2 | 5.0% | 0.3% | —% | ||||||||||
| Engine P&A | 1,217.5 | 1,160.8 | 4.9% | 0.1% | —% | ||||||||||||
| Navico Group | 800.4 | 800.2 | —% | 0.9% | —% | ||||||||||||
| Boat | 1,525.2 | 1,553.5 | (1.8)% | 0.2% | 0.5% | ||||||||||||
| Segment Eliminations | (357.5) | (351.6) | (1.7)% | —% | —% | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 5,362.8 | $ | 5,237.1 | 2.4% | 0.3% | 0.2% |
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Results of Operations
Consolidated
The following table sets forth certain amounts, ratios and relationships calculated from the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2025 | 2024 | $ | % | ||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,362.8 | $ | 5,237.1 | $ | 125.7 | 2.4% | |||||
| Cost of sales | 4,030.6 | 3,886.3 | 144.3 | 3.7% | ||||||||
| Gross margin (A) | 1,332.2 | 1,350.8 | (18.6) | (1.4)% | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 851.1 | 747.9 | 103.2 | 13.8% | ||||||||
| Research and development expense | 168.7 | 169.6 | (0.9) | (0.5)% | ||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 353.1 | 121.7 | 231.4 | NM | ||||||||
| Operating (loss) earnings | (40.7) | 311.6 | (352.3) | NM | ||||||||
| Equity earnings | 7.0 | 8.6 | (1.6) | (18.6)% | ||||||||
| Other (expense) income, net | (1.6) | 9.0 | (10.6) | NM | ||||||||
| (Loss) earnings before interest and income taxes | (35.3) | 329.2 | (364.5) | NM | ||||||||
| Interest expense | (111.7) | (126.6) | 14.9 | 11.8% | ||||||||
| Interest income | 7.2 | 13.4 | (6.2) | (46.3)% | ||||||||
| Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt | 4.1 | (12.7) | 16.8 | NM | ||||||||
| (Loss) earnings before income taxes | (135.7) | 203.3 | (339.0) | NM | ||||||||
| Income tax provision | 0.2 | 54.0 | (53.8) | (99.6)% | ||||||||
| Net (loss) earnings from continuing operations | (135.9) | 149.3 | (285.2) | NM | ||||||||
| Net (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (1.4) | (19.2) | 17.8 | (92.7)% | ||||||||
| Net (loss) earnings | (137.3) | 130.1 | (267.4) | NM | ||||||||
| Diluted (loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations | $ | (2.06) | $ | 2.21 | $ | (4.27) | NM | |||||
| Expressed as a percentage of Net sales: | ||||||||||||
| Gross margin (A) | 24.8 | % | 25.8 | % | (100) bps | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 15.9 | % | 14.3 | % | 160 bps | |||||||
| Research and development expense | 3.1 | % | 3.2 | % | (10) bps | |||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 6.6 | % | 2.3 | % | 430 bps | |||||||
| Operating margin | (0.8) | % | 5.9 | % | (670) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
(A)Gross margin is defined as Net sales less Cost of sales as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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The following is a reconciliation of our non-GAAP measures, adjusted operating earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations for 2025 and 2024:
| Operating (loss) Earnings | Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Share | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| GAAP | $ | (40.7) | $ | 311.6 | $ | (2.06) | $ | 2.21 | ||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 353.1 | 121.7 | 5.03 | 1.41 | ||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 58.6 | 58.5 | 0.84 | 0.68 | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 0.1 | 3.6 | — | 0.04 | ||||||||||||
| Special tax items (A) | — | — | (0.48) | 0.19 | ||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | — | (0.06) | 0.15 | ||||||||||||
| Release of dissolved entity foreign currency translation | — | — | — | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | — | — | — | (0.12) | ||||||||||||
| As Adjusted | $ | 371.1 | $ | 495.4 | $ | 3.27 | $ | 4.57 | ||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | (0.8) | % | 5.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 6.9 | % | 9.5 | % |
(A) Special tax items during the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily relates to the discrete income tax benefit associated with goodwill impairment and 2024 tax return to provision adjustments. Special tax items during the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily relate to the discrete income tax expense recorded associated with an increase in the state valuation allowance and the discrete income tax benefit associated with goodwill impairment.
2025 vs. 2024
Net sales increased 2.4 percent during 2025 when compared with 2024. The components of the consolidated net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Volume | (0.8) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 2.7 | % |
| Acquisitions | 0.3 | % |
| Currency | 0.2 | % |
| 2.4 | % |
Sales in 2025 increased compared to the prior year resulting from improved second-half market conditions and resulting stronger wholesale orders together with strong P&A and after market performance that helped overcome the impacts of the challenging first-half retail environment. Refer to the Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group and Boat segments for further details on the drivers of net sales changes.
Gross margin decreased 100 basis points in 2025 when compared with 2024 driven by material inflation including tariffs (250 bps), partially offset by an increase in sales (120 bps), favorable currency exchange-rate fluctuations (20 bps), and higher absorption (10 bps).
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 160 basis points during 2025 when compared with the same prior year period, primarily due to the reinstatement of variable compensation (194 bps), which was partially offset by higher sales (34 bps). Research and development expense remained flat during 2025 versus 2024.
During 2025, we recorded restructuring, exit and impairment charges of $353.1 million compared with $121.7 million in 2024. Restructuring, exit and impairment charges include $322.5 million and $85.0 million of Navico Group impairments in 2025 and 2024 respectively. We estimate that the restructuring actions executed in 2025 will result in approximately $16.0 million of annualized cost savings. See Note 3 – Restructuring, Exit and Impairment Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
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We recognized Equity earnings (loss) of $7.0 million and $8.6 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively, which were mainly related to our marine and technology-related joint ventures. Refer to Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
We recognized $(1.6) million and $9.0 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively, in Other (loss) income, net. Other (loss) income, net primarily includes remeasurement gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency rates and other postretirement benefit costs as well as the gain on sale of one of our businesses in 2024.
Net interest expense decreased in 2025 compared with 2024 due to a decrease in average daily debt outstanding, which was driven by early extinguishment of debt. We recognized a gain on early extinguishment of debt related to the tender offer slightly offset by a loss on early extinguishment of debt related to 2048 Notes and 2049 Notes. Refer to Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We recognized an income tax provision of $0.2 million and $54.0 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2025 the effective income tax rate differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21%, primarily due to the impact of the goodwill and intangible asset impairments. The effective tax rate, which is calculated as the income tax provision as a percentage of earnings before income taxes, was (0.2) percent and 26.6 percent for 2025 and 2024, respectively. See Note 10 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of our effective tax rate and statutory Federal income tax rate.
Due to the factors described in the preceding paragraphs, Operating (loss) earnings, Net (loss) earnings from continuing operations, and Diluted (loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations decreased during 2025. Diluted (loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations benefited from common stock repurchases in both years.
Segments
We have four reportable segments: Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group, and Boat. Refer to Note 5 – Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the segment operations.
Propulsion Segment
The following table sets forth Propulsion segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,177.2 | $ | 2,074.2 | $ | 103.0 | 5.0 | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 193.0 | $ | 242.6 | $ | (49.6) | (20.4) | % | ||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 1.2 | 9.6 | (8.4) | (87.5) | % | |||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 1.2 | 1.5 | (0.3) | (20.0) | % | |||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 0.1 | 1.5 | (1.4) | (93.3) | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 195.5 | $ | 255.2 | $ | (59.7) | (23.4) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 8.9 | % | 11.7 | % | (280) bps | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 9.0 | % | 12.3 | % | (330) bps |
bps = basis points
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2025 vs. 2024
Propulsion segment's net sales increased 5 percent in 2025 versus prior year due to pricing actions and strong OEM orders. The components of the Propulsion segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Volume | 0.3 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 4.4 | % |
| Currency | 0.3 | % |
| 5.0 | % |
International sales were 37 percent of the Propulsion segment's net sales in 2025. International sales increased 8 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 8 percent on a constant currency basis.
Propulsion segment's operating earnings decreased versus the prior year, primarily due to the impact of incremental tariffs and reinstatement of variable compensation slightly offset by increased sales and higher absorption.
Engine P&A Segment
The following table sets forth Engine P&A segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,217.5 | $ | 1,160.8 | $ | 56.7 | 4.9 | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 220.3 | $ | 219.9 | $ | 0.4 | 0.2 | % | ||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 0.4 | 4.8 | (4.4) | (91.7) | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 220.7 | $ | 224.7 | $ | (4.0) | (1.8) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 18.1 | % | 18.9 | % | (80) bps | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 18.1 | % | 19.4 | % | (130) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2025 vs. 2024
Engine P&A segment's net sales increased 4.9 percent in 2025 versus the prior year reflecting strong boater participation and continued share gains in our distribution business line. The components of the Engine P&A segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Volume | 4.3 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 0.5 | % |
| Currency | 0.1 | % |
| 4.9 | % |
International sales were 29 percent of the Engine P&A segment's net sales in 2025. International sales increased 2 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and increased 1 percent on a constant currency basis.
Engine P&A segment's operating earnings increased slightly versus prior year primarily due to increased sales, which were partially offset by the reinstatement of variable compensation and tariffs.
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Navico Group Segment
The following table sets forth Navico Group segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 800.4 | $ | 800.2 | $ | 0.2 | 0.0 | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating loss | $ | (339.6) | $ | (100.6) | $ | (239.0) | NM | |||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 334.5 | 98.6 | 235.9 | NM | ||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 53.0 | 53.0 | — | NM | ||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | — | 1.7 | (1.7) | NM | ||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 47.9 | $ | 52.7 | $ | (4.8) | (9.1) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating margin | (42.4) | % | (12.6) | % | NM | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 6.0 | % | 6.6 | % | (60) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2025 vs. 2024
Navico Group segment's net sales were flat in 2025 versus the prior year. The components of the Navico Group segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Volume | (3.3) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 2.4 | % |
| Currency | 0.9 | % |
| — | % |
International sales were 42 percent of the Navico Group segment's net sales in 2025. International sales increased 2 percent year-over-year on a GAAP and slight decrease on a constant currency basis.
Navico Group segment's operating loss increased versus the prior year primarily due to the impact of non-cash, intangible asset impairment charges along with the impact of tariffs and reinstatement of variable compensation.
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Boat Segment
The following table sets forth Boat segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,525.2 | $ | 1,553.5 | $ | (28.3) | (1.8) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 32.2 | $ | 63.3 | $ | (31.1) | (49.1) | % | ||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 16.4 | 6.3 | 10.1 | NM | ||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 4.4 | 4.0 | 0.4 | 10.0 | % | |||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | — | 0.4 | (0.4) | (100.0) | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 53.0 | $ | 74.0 | $ | (21.0) | (28.4) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 2.1 | % | 4.1 | % | (200) bps | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 3.5 | % | 4.8 | % | (130) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2025 vs. 2024
Boat segment's net sales slightly decreased in 2025 versus the prior year as second half growth only partially offset first half cautious wholesale ordering patterns. The components of the Boat segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| Volume | (4.6) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 2.1 | % |
| Acquisitions | 0.5 | % |
| Currency | 0.2 | % |
| (1.8) | % |
International sales were 20 percent of the Boat segment's net sales in 2025. International sales decreased 2 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 3 percent on a constant currency basis.
Boat segment operating earnings decreased versus the prior year due to the lower volume, impact of tariffs, and reinstatement of variable compensation.
Corporate/Other
The following table sets forth Corporate/Other results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating loss for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 vs. 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| GAAP operating loss | $ | (146.6) | $ | (113.6) | $ | (33.0) | (29.0) | % | ||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 0.6 | 2.4 | (1.8) | (75.0) | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted operating loss | $ | (146.0) | $ | (111.2) | $ | (34.8) | 31.3 | % |
Corporate operating loss increased compared with 2024 driven by higher variable compensation costs slightly offset by lower restructuring charges compared to prior year.
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Cash Flow, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table sets forth data from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 562.1 | $ | 431.4 | ||
| Net cash used for investing activities | (141.6) | (168.9) | ||||
| Net cash used for financing activities | (441.2) | (442.7) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes | 9.7 | (12.8) | ||||
| Net decrease in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash | (11.0) | (193.0) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at beginning of period | 285.9 | 478.9 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at end of period | $ | 274.9 | $ | 285.9 |
The following table sets forth an analysis of free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | $ | 585.7 | $ | 449.5 | ||
| Net cash (used for) provided by: | ||||||
| Plus: Capital expenditures | (165.8) | (167.4) | ||||
| Plus: Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment | 12.6 | 15.0 | ||||
| Plus: Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 9.7 | (12.8) | ||||
| Total free cash flow (A) | $ | 442.2 | $ | 284.3 |
(A) We define "Free cash flow" as cash flow from operating and investing activities of continuing operations (excluding cash provided by or used for acquisitions, investments, purchases or sales/maturities of marketable securities and other investing activities, net of tax) and the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents. Free cash flow is not intended as an alternative measure of cash flow from operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. We believe that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same tool that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Free cash flow" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund investments in future growth initiatives.
Our major sources of funds for capital investments, acquisitions, share repurchase programs and dividend payments are cash generated from operating activities, available cash and marketable securities balances, divestitures and borrowings. We evaluate potential acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures in the ordinary course of business.
2025 Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2025 totaled $585.7 million versus $449.5 million in 2024. The primary drivers of Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2025 were net earnings, net of non-cash items, and working capital. Net inventory decreased $114.3 million primarily due to lower production. Accounts and notes receivable increased $73.4 million primarily due to increased sales and timing of collections. Accounts payable decreased $26.1 million, primarily due to lower purchasing resulting from reduced production. Accrued expenses increased $96.8 million, primarily driven by an increase in accrued variable compensation.
Net cash used for investing activities was $141.6 million, which included $165.8 million of capital expenditures, and $12.6 million of proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment. Our capital spending was focused on investments in new products and technologies.
Net cash used for financing activities was $441.2 million, which included $412.6 million of payments of long-term debt including current maturities, $80.0 million of common stock repurchases, $112.6 million of cash dividends paid to common shareholders, partially offset by $173.1 million of proceeds from issuances of short-term debt. Refer to Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our debt activity during the year ended December 31, 2025.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We view our highly liquid assets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 as:
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents, at cost, which approximates fair value | $ | 256.8 | $ | 269.0 | ||
| Short-term investments in marketable securities | 0.8 | 0.8 | ||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 257.6 | $ | 269.8 |
The following table sets forth an analysis of Total liquidity as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 257.6 | $ | 269.8 | ||
| Amounts available under lending facilities(A) | 994.0 | 997.0 | ||||
| Total liquidity (B) | $ | 1,251.6 | $ | 1,266.8 |
(A) See Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our lending facilities.
(B) We define Total liquidity as Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, plus amounts available for borrowing under our lending facilities. Total liquidity is not intended as an alternative measure to Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting our results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. We believe that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same metric that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Total liquidity" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of our available highly liquid assets and immediate sources of financing.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $257.6 million as of December 31, 2025, a decrease of $12.2 million from $269.8 million as of December 31, 2024. Total debt as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was $2,102.2 million and $2,340.6 million, respectively. Our debt-to-capitalization ratio was 56 percent and 55 percent as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
There were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement (Credit Facility) during 2025. Available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2025 totaled $994.0 million, net of $6.0 million of letters of credit outstanding. During 2025, the maximum amount utilized under our unsecured commercial paper program (CP Program) was $445.5 and as of December 31, 2025, we had $290.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the CP Program.
There were no borrowings under the Credit Facility during 2024. Available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2024 totaled $997.0 million, net of $3.0 million of letters of credit outstanding. During 2024, the maximum amount utilized under our CP Program was $280.0 million.
The level of borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility and CP Program is limited by both a leverage and interest coverage test. These covenants also pertain to termination provisions included in our wholesale financing joint venture arrangements with Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance. Based on our anticipated earnings generation throughout the year, we expect to maintain sufficient cushion against the existing debt covenants. As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Facility and CP Program.
We believe that we have adequate sources of liquidity to meet our short-term and long-term needs.
2026 Capital Strategy
We anticipate executing a thoughtful capital strategy in 2026 with planned debt reductions of approximately $160 million, capital expenditures of approximately $200 million, and $50 million of share repurchases, which could increase in the event cash generation outpaces initial expectations.
Financial Services
Refer to Note 8 – Financing Joint Venture in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our financial services.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Guarantees. We have reserves to cover potential losses associated with guarantees and repurchase obligations based on historical experience and current facts and circumstances. Historical cash requirements and losses associated with these obligations have not been significant. See Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of these arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth a summary of our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2025:
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | ||||||||||||||||||
| Debt (A) | $ | 2,120.8 | $ | 295.4 | $ | 7.7 | $ | 402.7 | $ | 1,415.0 | ||||||||
| Interest payments on long-term debt | 886.0 | 80.3 | 160.6 | 124.2 | 520.9 | |||||||||||||
| Operating leases (B) | 239.8 | 38.8 | 61.4 | 44.2 | 95.4 | |||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations (C) | 107.9 | 107.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | — | |||||||||||||
| Deferred management compensation (D) | 38.5 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 21.5 | |||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities (E) | 139.8 | 1.7 | 82.2 | 45.7 | 10.2 | |||||||||||||
| Total contractual obligations | $ | 3,532.8 | $ | 528.8 | $ | 318.1 | $ | 622.9 | $ | 2,063.0 |
(A) See Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our debt. "Debt" refers to future cash principal payments. Debt also includes our finance leases as discussed in Note 20 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(B) See Note 20 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(C) Purchase obligations represent agreements with suppliers and vendors as part of the normal course of business.
(D) Amounts primarily represent long-term deferred compensation plans.
(E) Other long-term liabilities primarily include long-term warranty contracts, future projected payments related to our nonqualified pension plans.
Legal Proceedings
See Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results may differ from those estimates. If current estimates for the cost of resolving any specific matters are later determined to be inadequate, results of operations could be adversely affected in the period in which additional provisions are required. We have discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting policies with the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and believe the following are the most critical accounting policies that could have an effect on our reported results.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Incentives. Revenue is recognized as performance obligations under the terms of contracts with customers are satisfied; this occurs when control of promised goods (engines, parts and accessories, and boats) is transferred to the customer. We exercise judgment and consider the timing of right to payment, transfer of risk and rewards, transfer of title, transfer of physical possession, and customer acceptance when determining when control transfers to the customer. We recognize revenue related to the sale of extended warranty contracts that extend the coverage period beyond the standard warranty period over the life of the extended warranty period.
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Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. We have excluded sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities from the determination of the transaction price for all contracts. We exercise judgment when determining the transaction price, including the estimate of discounts, which is partly based on estimates of customer sales volumes. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as historical discount experience and sales volumes may not be consistent with future activity. We have elected to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as a fulfillment activity. For all contracts with customers, we have not adjusted the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as the period between the transfer of the promised goods and the customer's payment is expected to be one year or less.
See Note 2 – Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Warranty Reserves. We record an estimated liability for product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The liability is estimated using historical warranty experience, projected claim rates and expected costs per claim. We exercise judgment when determining the appropriate historical periods to project claim rates and expected costs per claim. Further, these estimates are subject to uncertainty as historical warranty experience may not be consistent with future warranty claims. We adjust our liability for specific warranty matters when they become known and the exposure can be estimated. Our warranty liabilities are affected by product failure rates as well as material usage and labor costs incurred in correcting a product failure. If actual costs differ from estimated costs, we must make a revision to the warranty liability, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows.
Goodwill. Goodwill results from the excess of purchase price over the net assets of businesses acquired. We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. As part of the annual test, we may perform a qualitative, rather than quantitative, assessment to determine whether the fair values of our reporting units are "more likely than not" to exceed their carrying values. In performing this qualitative analysis, we consider various factors, including the effect of market or industry changes and the reporting units' actual results compared with projected results. We exercise judgment when evaluating the impact of market and industry changes and when comparing actual results to projected results.
If the fair value of a reporting unit does not meet the "more likely than not" criteria discussed above, we perform a quantitative assessment which begins by measuring the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a goodwill impairment is recorded equal to the carrying value of the reporting unit less its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.
We calculate the fair value of our reporting units considering both the income approach and the guideline public company method, a form of the market approach. The income approach calculates the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow approach utilizing a Gordon Growth model. Internally forecasted future cash flows, which we believe reasonably approximates market participant assumptions, are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital (Discount Rate) developed for each reporting unit. The Discount Rate is developed using market observable inputs, as well as considering whether or not there is a measure of risk related to the specific reporting unit’s forecasted performance. We exercise judgment when forecasting future cash flows including the performance of the underlying market in which the reporting unit operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. We exercise judgment when determining the level of risk associated with achieving the forecasted future cash flows. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Fair value under the guideline public company method is determined for each reporting unit by applying market multiples for comparable public companies to the unit’s current and forecasted financial results. We exercise judgment when determining the comparable public companies and market multiples. The key uncertainties in these calculations are the assumptions used in determining the reporting unit’s forecasted future performance, including revenue growth and operating margins, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the Discount Rate, along with selecting representative market multiples.
We recorded a $305.8 million and $80.0 million impairment of the Navico Group reporting unit's goodwill in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
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Other Intangible Assets. Our primary other intangible assets are customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology acquired in business combinations. Intangible assets are initially valued using a methodology commensurate with the intended use of the asset. Customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology are valued using the income approach. The fair value of customer relationships is measured using the multi-period excess earnings method (MPEEM). The fair value of trade names and developed technology are measured using a relief-from-royalty (RFR) approach, which assumes the value of the trade name or technology is the discounted amount of cash flows that would be paid to third parties had we not owned the trade name or technology and instead licensed the trade name or technology from another company. Higher royalty rates are assigned to premium brands within the marketplace based on name recognition and profitability, while other brands receive lower royalty rates. We exercise judgment when selecting the royalty rates and evaluating profitability. The basis for future sales projections for both the RFR and MPEEM are internal revenue forecasts which we believe represent reasonable market participant assumptions. We exercise judgment when forecasting revenue including the performance of the underlying market in which the intangible asset operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. The future cash flows are discounted using an applicable Discount Rate as well as any potential risk premium to reflect the inherent risk of holding a standalone intangible asset. We exercise judgment when determining the level of risk associated with achieving the forecasted revenue. For MPEEM calculations, we exercise judgment in determining the customer attrition rate, which is generally based on historical experience. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast including higher than anticipated customer attrition, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The key uncertainties in the RFR and MPEEM calculations, as applicable, are: the selection of an appropriate royalty rate, assumptions used in developing internal revenue growth and expense forecasts, assumed customer attrition rates, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the Discount Rate and risk premium.
The costs of amortizable intangible assets are recognized over their expected useful lives, typically between three and fifteen years, using the straight-line method. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate long-lived assets. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an asset may be impaired. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. We recorded impairment charges of $16.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2025 related to various Navico trade names. We recorded impairment charges of $5.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 related to the Navico trade name. We recorded impairment charges of $16.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, including a $13.0 million impairment of the Navico trade name.
Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions and Note 9 – Goodwill and Other Intangibles in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the recent accounting pronouncements that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2025, or will be adopted in future periods.
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000014930-25-000025.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Brunswick Corporation (the Company, we, us, our) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our business and by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from expectations and projections as of the date of this filing due to various risks and uncertainties. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, refer to Forward-Looking Statements above.
Certain statements in Management's Discussion and Analysis are based on non-GAAP financial measures. GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. A "non-GAAP financial measure" is a numerical measure of a registrant’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets or statements of cash flows of the issuer; or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. For example, the discussion of our cash flows includes an analysis of free cash flows and total liquidity; the discussion of our net sales includes net sales on a constant currency basis; the discussion of our net sales includes net sales excluding acquisitions; and the discussion of our earnings includes a presentation of operating earnings and operating margin excluding restructuring, exit and impairment charges, purchase accounting amortization, acquisition, integration, and IT related costs, IT security incident costs and other applicable charges and of diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and statistical measures.
We include non-GAAP financial measures in Management's Discussion and Analysis as management believes these measures and the information they provide are useful to investors because they permit investors to view our performance using the same tools that management uses to evaluate our ongoing business performance. In order to better align our reported results with the internal metrics management uses to evaluate business performance as well as to provide better comparisons to prior periods and peer data, non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of purchase accounting amortization related to acquisitions, among other adjustments.
We do not provide forward-looking guidance for certain financial measures on a GAAP basis because we are unable to predict certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. These items may include restructuring, exit and impairment costs, special tax items, acquisition-related costs, and certain other unusual adjustments.
For a discussion of Brunswick's consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, refer to Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 16, 2024.
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IT Security Incident
In June 2023, the Company experienced an IT security incident that impacted some of its systems and global facilities. Please refer to Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Change in Reportable Segments
Effective January 1, 2023, the Company changed its management reporting and updated its reportable segments to Propulsion, Engine Parts and Accessories (Engine P&A), Navico Group and Boat to align with its internal operating structure. For further information, refer to Note 5 – Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Acquisitions
On September 12, 2024, we acquired additional Freedom Boat Club franchise operations and territories in Southeast Florida for net cash consideration of $31.2 million. Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we acquired additional Freedom Boat Club franchise operations and territory rights as well as certain marine assets in the Southeast United States for net cash consideration of $16.0 million.
On September 1, 2023, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Fliteboard Pty Ltd for $88.3 million net cash consideration. Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Matters Affecting Comparability
Changes in Foreign Currency Rates. Percentage changes in net sales expressed in constant currency reflect the impact that changes in currency exchange rates had on comparisons of net sales. To determine this information, net sales transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates that were in effect during the comparative period. The percentage change in net sales expressed on a constant currency basis better reflects the changes in the underlying business trends, excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Approximately 25 percent of our annual net sales are transacted in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. Our most material exposures include sales in Euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars and Brazilian real.
The table below summarizes the impact of changes in currency exchange rates and also the impact of acquisitions on our net sales:
| Net Sales | 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | GAAP | Currency Impact | Acquisitions Impact | ||||||||||||
| Propulsion | $ | 2,074.2 | $ | 2,763.8 | (25.0)% | (0.4)% | 1.2% | ||||||||||
| Engine P&A | 1,160.8 | 1,199.8 | (3.3)% | (0.3)% | —% | ||||||||||||
| Navico Group | 800.2 | 914.7 | (12.5)% | 0.1% | —% | ||||||||||||
| Boat | 1,553.5 | 1,989.4 | (21.9)% | —% | 0.6% | ||||||||||||
| Segment Eliminations | (351.6) | (466.3) | (24.6)% | —% | —% | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 5,237.1 | $ | 6,401.4 | (18.2)% | (0.2)% | 0.7% |
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Results of Operations
Consolidated
The following table sets forth certain amounts, ratios and relationships calculated from the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2024 and 2023:
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | ||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,237.1 | $ | 6,401.4 | $ | (1,164.3) | (18.2)% | |||||
| Gross margin (A) | 1,350.8 | 1,787.0 | (436.2) | (24.4)% | ||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 121.7 | 54.7 | 67.0 | NM | ||||||||
| Operating earnings | 311.6 | 734.9 | (423.3) | (57.6)% | ||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | (12.7) | — | (12.7) | NM | ||||||||
| Net earnings from continuing operations | 149.3 | 432.6 | (283.3) | (65.5)% | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations | $ | 2.21 | $ | 6.13 | $ | (3.92) | (63.9)% | |||||
| Expressed as a percentage of Net sales: | ||||||||||||
| Gross margin (A) | 25.8 | % | 27.9 | % | (210) bps | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 14.3 | % | 12.7 | % | 160 bps | |||||||
| Research and development expense | 3.2 | % | 2.9 | % | 30 bps | |||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 2.3 | % | 0.9 | % | 140 bps | |||||||
| Operating margin | 5.9 | % | 11.5 | % | (560) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
(A)Gross margin is defined as Net sales less Cost of sales as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following is a reconciliation of our non-GAAP measures, adjusted operating earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations for 2024 and 2023:
| Operating Earnings | Diluted Earnings Per Share | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| GAAP | $ | 311.6 | $ | 734.9 | $ | 2.21 | $ | 6.13 | ||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 121.7 | 54.7 | 1.41 | 0.61 | ||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 58.5 | 57.5 | 0.68 | 0.64 | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 3.6 | 12.1 | 0.04 | 0.14 | ||||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | — | 10.1 | — | 0.12 | ||||||||||||
| Special tax items (A) | — | — | 0.19 | 0.95 | ||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | — | 0.15 | — | ||||||||||||
| Release of dissolved entity foreign currency translation | — | — | 0.01 | — | ||||||||||||
| TN-BC Holdings LLC joint venture impairment | — | — | — | 0.21 | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | — | — | (0.12) | — | ||||||||||||
| As Adjusted | $ | 495.4 | $ | 869.3 | $ | 4.57 | $ | 8.80 | ||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 5.9 | % | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 9.5 | % | 13.6 | % |
(A) Special tax items during the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily relate to the discrete income tax expense recorded associated with an increase in the state valuation allowance.
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2024 vs. 2023
Net sales decreased 18.2 percent during 2024 when compared with 2023. The components of the consolidated net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||
| Volume | (21.9) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 3.2 | % |
| Acquisitions | 0.7 | % |
| Currency | (0.2) | % |
| (18.2) | % |
Sales in 2024 were below the prior year as the impact of lower wholesale ordering patterns by dealers, OEMs and retailers, coupled with higher discounts in select segments, and unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, were only partially offset by annual price increases and well received new products. Refer to the Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group and Boat segments for further details on the drivers of net sales changes.
Gross margin decreased 210 basis points in 2024 when compared with 2023 driven by lower absorption from decreased production levels (90 bps), material and labor inflation (60 bps), sales-related drivers (60 bps), and foreign currency exchange-rate fluctuations (20 bps), partially offset by acquisitions (20 bps).
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 160 basis points during 2024 when compared with the same prior year period, due to lower sales (280 bps), partially offset by cost control measures across the enterprise, including lower employee compensation costs associated with headcount reductions and lower variable compensation (120 bps). Research and development expense decreased during 2024 versus 2023.
During 2024, we recorded restructuring, exit and impairment charges of $121.7 million compared with $54.7 million in 2023. The Company estimates the restructuring actions executed in 2024 will result in approximately $24.0 million of annualized cost savings. See Note 3 – Restructuring, Exit and Impairment Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We recognized Equity earnings (loss) of $8.6 million and $(11.4) million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The primary driver of the loss in 2023 is the impairment charge taken related to our investment in TN-BC Holdings LLC. Refer to Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
We recognized $9.0 million and $7.6 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, in Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense), net primarily includes remeasurement gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency rates and other postretirement benefit costs as well as the gain on sale of one of our businesses in 2024.
Net interest expense increased in 2024 compared with 2023 due to an increase in average daily debt outstanding, which was influenced by the timing of debt issuances. We also recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the redemption of our 2027 Notes. Refer to Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We recognized an income tax provision of $54.0 million and $196.3 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to lower pretax income and the prior year intercompany sale of certain intellectual property rights. The effective tax rate, which is calculated as the income tax provision as a percentage of earnings before income taxes, was 26.6 percent and 31.2 percent for 2024 and 2023, respectively. We have also evaluated the effects of Pillar Two legislation and concluded that the tax effects are not material to the financial statements. See Note 10 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of our effective tax rate and statutory Federal income tax rate.
Due to the factors described in the preceding paragraphs, Operating earnings, Net earnings from continuing operations, and Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations decreased during 2024. Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations benefited from common stock repurchases in both years.
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Segments
We have four reportable segments: Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group, and Boat. Refer to Note 5 – Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the segment operations.
Propulsion Segment
The following table sets forth Propulsion segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,074.2 | $ | 2,763.8 | $ | (689.6) | (25.0) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 242.6 | $ | 494.7 | $ | (252.1) | (51.0) | % | ||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 9.6 | 2.7 | 6.9 | NM | ||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | — | 3.4 | (3.4) | NM | ||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 1.5 | 2.5 | (1.0) | (40.0) | % | |||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 66.7 | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 255.2 | $ | 504.2 | $ | (249.0) | (49.4) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 11.7 | % | 17.9 | % | (620) bps | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 12.3 | % | 18.2 | % | (590) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2024 vs. 2023
Propulsion segment's net sales decreased in 2024 versus prior year due to softer market conditions resulting in lower OEM production rates and engine orders and unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by the impact of annual pricing and market share gains in outboard engines. The components of the Propulsion segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||
| Volume | (29.4) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 3.6 | % |
| Acquisitions | 1.2 | % |
| Currency | (0.4) | % |
| (25.0) | % |
International sales were 36 percent of the Propulsion segment's net sales in 2024. International sales decreased 15 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 14 percent on a constant currency basis.
Propulsion segment's operating earnings decreased versus the prior year, primarily due to the impact of lower sales and lower absorption from declines in production, partially offset by cost control measures.
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Engine P&A Segment
The following table sets forth Engine P&A segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,160.8 | $ | 1,199.8 | $ | (39.0) | (3.3) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 219.9 | $ | 217.4 | $ | 2.5 | 1.1 | % | ||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 4.8 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 45.5 | % | |||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | — | 0.6 | (0.6) | NM | ||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | — | 0.5 | (0.5) | NM | ||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 224.7 | $ | 221.8 | $ | 2.9 | 1.3 | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 18.9 | % | 18.1 | % | 80 bps | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 19.4 | % | 18.5 | % | 90 bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2024 vs. 2023
Engine P&A segment's net sales decreased in 2024 versus the prior year as a result of softer market conditions. The components of the Engine P&A segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||
| Volume | (3.9) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 0.9 | % |
| Currency | (0.3) | % |
| (3.3) | % |
International sales were 30 percent of the Engine P&A segment's net sales in 2024. International sales increased slightly year-over-year on a GAAP basis and increased 1 percent on a constant currency basis.
Engine P&A segment's operating earnings increased versus the prior year, as the impact of the operational efficiencies resulting from the completed transition to the Brownsburg, Indiana distribution center, annual pricing, and lower operating expenses more than offset lower volumes and higher material inflation.
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Navico Group Segment
The following table sets forth Navico Group segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 800.2 | $ | 914.7 | $ | (114.5) | (12.5) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating (loss) earnings | $ | (100.6) | $ | 5.2 | $ | (105.8) | NM | |||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 98.6 | 30.5 | 68.1 | NM | ||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 53.0 | 53.0 | — | NM | ||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 1.7 | 2.1 | (0.4) | (19.0) | % | |||||||||
| IT security incident costs | — | 0.5 | (0.5) | NM | ||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 52.7 | $ | 91.3 | $ | (38.6) | (42.3) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating margin | (12.6) | % | 0.6 | % | NM | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 6.6 | % | 10.0 | % | (340) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2024 vs. 2023
Navico Group segment's net sales decreased in 2024 versus the prior year due to reduced sales to marine OEMs resulting from lower boat production levels to match retail ordering patterns and a weak RV manufacturing environment, partially offset by strong new product momentum. The components of the Navico Group segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||
| Volume | (12.4) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | (0.2) | % |
| Currency | 0.1 | % |
| (12.5) | % |
International sales were 41 percent of the Navico Group segment's net sales in 2024. International sales decreased 5 percent year-over-year on a GAAP and constant currency basis.
Navico Group segment's operating earnings decreased versus the prior year due to intangible asset impairment charges and the impact from lower sales, partially offset by cost control measures.
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Boat Segment
The following table sets forth Boat segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,553.5 | $ | 1,989.4 | $ | (435.9) | (21.9) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 63.3 | $ | 155.6 | $ | (92.3) | (59.3) | % | ||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 6.3 | 10.5 | (4.2) | (40.0) | % | |||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 0.4 | 5.2 | (4.8) | (92.3) | % | |||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 4.0 | 3.6 | 0.4 | 11.1 | % | |||||||||
| IT security incident costs | — | 1.0 | (1.0) | NM | ||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 74.0 | $ | 175.9 | $ | (101.9) | (57.9) | % | ||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 4.1 | % | 7.8 | % | (370) bps | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 4.8 | % | 8.8 | % | (400) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2024 vs. 2023
Boat segment's net sales decreased in 2024 versus the prior year resulting from lower wholesale orders, as dealers continue to manage pipeline levels, along with higher levels of selective discounting, partially offset by the favorable impact of modest model-year pricing.
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||
| Volume | (21.6) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | (0.9) | % |
| Acquisitions | 0.6 | % |
| Currency | — | % |
| (21.9) | % |
International sales were 20 percent of the Boat segment's net sales in 2024. International sales decreased 31 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 30 percent on a constant currency basis.
Boat segment operating earnings decreased versus the prior year due the impact of the net sales declines and lower absorption from reduced production, partially offset by pricing and cost control measures.
Corporate/Other
The following table sets forth Corporate/Other results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating loss for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| 2024 vs. 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| GAAP operating loss | $ | (113.6) | $ | (138.0) | $ | 24.4 | (17.7) | % | ||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 2.4 | 7.7 | (5.3) | (68.8) | % | |||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | — | 4.7 | (4.7) | NM | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | — | 1.7 | (1.7) | NM | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating loss | $ | (111.2) | $ | (123.9) | $ | 12.7 | (10.3) | % |
NM = not meaningful
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Corporate operating loss decreased compared with 2023 driven by lower variable compensation costs along with the impact of both the IT security incident and restructuring charges in the prior year.
Cash Flow, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table sets forth an analysis of free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | $ | 449.5 | $ | 745.2 | ||
| Net cash (used for) provided by: | ||||||
| Plus: Capital expenditures | (167.4) | (289.3) | ||||
| Plus: Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment | 15.0 | 14.8 | ||||
| Plus: Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (12.8) | 2.7 | ||||
| Total free cash flow (A) | $ | 284.3 | $ | 473.4 |
(A) We define "Free cash flow" as cash flow from operating and investing activities of continuing operations (excluding cash provided by or used for acquisitions, investments, purchases or sales/maturities of marketable securities and other investing activities, net of tax) and the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents. Free cash flow is not intended as an alternative measure of cash flow from operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. We believe that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same tool that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Free cash flow" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund investments in future growth initiatives.
Our major sources of funds for capital investments, acquisitions, share repurchase programs and dividend payments are cash generated from operating activities, available cash and marketable securities balances, divestitures and borrowings. We evaluate potential acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures in the ordinary course of business.
2024 Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2024 totaled $449.5 million versus $745.2 million in 2023. The decrease is primarily due to lower net earnings.
The primary drivers of Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2024 were net earnings, net of non-cash items, partially offset by working capital. Working capital is defined as Accounts and notes receivable, Inventories and Prepaid expenses and other, net of Accounts payable and Accrued expenses as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, excluding the impact of acquisitions and non-cash adjustments. Net inventory decreased $112.8 million primarily due to lower planned production. Accounts and notes receivable decreased $45.0 million primarily due to lower sales and timing of collections. Accounts payable decreased $144.2 million, primarily due to lower purchasing resulting from reduced production. Accrued expenses decreased $104.0 million, primarily driven by a reduction in accrued variable compensation.
Net cash used for investing activities was $168.9 million, which included $167.4 million of capital expenditures, $80.9 million of purchases of marketable securities and $31.8 million of cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, partially offset by $82.1 million of sales or maturities of marketable securities and $15.0 million of proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment. Our capital spending was focused on investments in new products and technologies.
Net cash used for financing activities was $442.7 million, which included $613.2 million of payments of long-term debt including current maturities, $200.0 million of common stock repurchases, $112.3 million of cash dividends paid to common shareholders, and $87.4 million of payments of short-term debt, partially offset by $396.9 million of proceeds from issuances of long-term debt and $201.1 million of proceeds from issuances of short-term debt. Refer to Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our debt activity during the year ended December 31, 2024.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We view our highly liquid assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 as:
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents, at cost, which approximates fair value | $ | 269.0 | $ | 467.8 | ||
| Short-term investments in marketable securities | 0.8 | 0.8 | ||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 269.8 | $ | 468.6 |
The following table sets forth an analysis of Total liquidity as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 269.8 | $ | 468.6 | ||
| Amounts available under lending facilities(A) | 997.0 | 741.9 | ||||
| Total liquidity (B) | $ | 1,266.8 | $ | 1,210.5 |
(A) See Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our lending facilities.
(B) We define Total liquidity as Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, plus amounts available for borrowing under our lending facilities. Total liquidity is not intended as an alternative measure to Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting our results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. We believe that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same metric that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Total liquidity" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of our available highly liquid assets and immediate sources of financing.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $269.8 million as of December 31, 2024, a decrease of $198.8 million from $468.6 million as of December 31, 2023. Total debt as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $2,340.6 million and $2,430.4 million, respectively. Our debt-to-capitalization ratio was 55 percent and 54 percent as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
There were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement (Credit Facility) during 2024. Available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2024 totaled $997.0 million, net of $3.0 million of letters of credit outstanding. During 2024, the maximum amount utilized under our unsecured commercial paper program (CP Program) was $280.0 million and as of December 31, 2024, the Company had $115.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the CP Program.
There were no borrowings under the Credit Facility during 2023. Available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2023 totaled $741.9 million, net of $8.1 million of letters of credit outstanding. During 2023, the maximum amount utilized under our CP Program was $125.0 million.
The level of borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility and CP Program is limited by both a leverage and interest coverage test. These covenants also pertain to termination provisions included in our wholesale financing joint-venture arrangements with Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance. Based on our anticipated earnings generation throughout the year, we expect to maintain sufficient cushion against the existing debt covenants. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Facility and CP Program.
We believe that we have adequate sources of liquidity to meet our short-term and long-term needs.
2025 Capital Strategy
We anticipate executing a thoughtful capital strategy in 2025 with planned debt reductions of $125 million, capital expenditures at levels similar to 2024 of $160 million, and a minimum of $80 million of share repurchases, which could increase in the event cash generation outpaces initial expectations.
Financial Services
Refer to Note 8 – Financing Joint Venture in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our financial services.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Guarantees. We have reserves to cover potential losses associated with guarantees and repurchase obligations based on historical experience and current facts and circumstances. Historical cash requirements and losses associated with these obligations have not been significant. See Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of these arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth a summary of our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2024:
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | ||||||||||||||||||
| Debt (A) | $ | 2,374.0 | $ | 246.4 | $ | 8.5 | $ | 404.1 | $ | 1,715.0 | ||||||||
| Interest payments on long-term debt | 1,418.9 | 86.7 | 297.3 | 244.1 | 790.8 | |||||||||||||
| Operating leases (B) | 232.4 | 35.5 | 57.6 | 41.0 | 98.3 | |||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations (C) | 103.3 | 102.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | — | |||||||||||||
| Deferred management compensation (D) | 31.8 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 14.8 | |||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities (E) | 159.8 | 3.8 | 80.3 | 54.5 | 21.2 | |||||||||||||
| Total contractual obligations | $ | 4,320.2 | $ | 479.8 | $ | 450.3 | $ | 750.0 | $ | 2,640.1 |
(A) See Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our debt. "Debt" refers to future cash principal payments. Debt also includes our finance leases as discussed in Note 19 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(B) See Note 19 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(C) Purchase obligations represent agreements with suppliers and vendors as part of the normal course of business.
(D) Amounts primarily represent long-term deferred compensation plans.
(E) Other long-term liabilities primarily includes long-term warranty contracts, future projected payments related to our nonqualified pension plans and deferred revenue.
Legal Proceedings
See Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results may differ from those estimates. If current estimates for the cost of resolving any specific matters are later determined to be inadequate, results of operations could be adversely affected in the period in which additional provisions are required. We have discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting policies with the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and believe the following are the most critical accounting policies that could have an effect on our reported results.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Incentives. Revenue is recognized as performance obligations under the terms of contracts with customers are satisfied; this occurs when control of promised goods (engines, parts and accessories, and boats) is transferred to the customer. We exercise judgment and consider the timing of right to payment, transfer of risk and rewards, transfer of title, transfer of physical possession, and customer acceptance when determining when control transfers to the customer. We recognize revenue related to the sale of extended warranty contracts that extend the coverage period beyond the standard warranty period over the life of the extended warranty period.
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Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. We have excluded sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities from the determination of the transaction price for all contracts. We exercise judgment when determining the transaction price, including the estimate of discounts, which is partly based on estimates of customer sales volumes. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as historical discount experience and sales volumes may not be consistent with future activity. We have elected to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as a fulfillment activity. For all contracts with customers, we have not adjusted the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as the period between the transfer of the promised goods and the customer's payment is expected to be one year or less.
See Note 2 – Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Warranty Reserves. We record an estimated liability for product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The liability is estimated using historical warranty experience, projected claim rates and expected costs per claim. We exercise judgment when determining the appropriate historical periods to project claim rates and expected costs per claim. Further, these estimates are subject to uncertainty as historical warranty experience may not be consistent with future warranty claims. We adjust our liability for specific warranty matters when they become known and the exposure can be estimated. Our warranty liabilities are affected by product failure rates as well as material usage and labor costs incurred in correcting a product failure. If actual costs differ from estimated costs, we must make a revision to the warranty liability, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows.
Goodwill. Goodwill results from the excess of purchase price over the net assets of businesses acquired. We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. As part of the annual test, we may perform a qualitative, rather than quantitative, assessment to determine whether the fair values of our reporting units are "more likely than not" to exceed their carrying values. In performing this qualitative analysis, we consider various factors, including the effect of market or industry changes and the reporting units' actual results compared with projected results. We exercise judgment when evaluating the impact of market and industry changes and when comparing actual results to projected results.
If the fair value of a reporting unit does not meet the "more likely than not" criteria discussed above, we perform a quantitative assessment which begins by measuring the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a goodwill impairment is recorded equal to the carrying value of the reporting unit less its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.
We calculate the fair value of our reporting units considering both the income approach and the guideline public company method, a form of the market approach. The income approach calculates the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow approach utilizing a Gordon Growth model. Internally forecasted future cash flows, which we believe reasonably approximates market participant assumptions, are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital (Discount Rate) developed for each reporting unit. The Discount Rate is developed using market observable inputs, as well as considering whether or not there is a measure of risk related to the specific reporting unit’s forecasted performance. We exercise judgment when forecasting future cash flows including the performance of the underlying market in which the reporting unit operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. We exercise judgment when determining the level of risk associated with achieving the forecasted future cash flows. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Fair value under the guideline public company method is determined for each reporting unit by applying market multiples for comparable public companies to the unit’s current and forecasted financial results. We exercise judgment when determining the comparable public companies and market multiples. The key uncertainties in these calculations are the assumptions used in determining the reporting unit’s forecasted future performance, including revenue growth and operating margins, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the Discount Rate, along with selecting representative market multiples.
We recorded an $80.0 million impairment of the Navico Group reporting unit's goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2024. We did not record any goodwill impairments in 2023 or 2022.
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Other Intangible Assets. Our primary other intangible assets are customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology acquired in business combinations. Intangible assets are initially valued using a methodology commensurate with the intended use of the asset. Customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology are valued using the income approach. The fair value of customer relationships is measured using the multi-period excess earnings method (MPEEM). The fair value of trade names and developed technology are measured using a relief-from-royalty (RFR) approach, which assumes the value of the trade name or technology is the discounted amount of cash flows that would be paid to third parties had we not owned the trade name or technology and instead licensed the trade name or technology from another company. Higher royalty rates are assigned to premium brands within the marketplace based on name recognition and profitability, while other brands receive lower royalty rates. We exercise judgment when selecting the royalty rates and evaluating profitability. The basis for future sales projections for both the RFR and MPEEM are internal revenue forecasts which we believe represent reasonable market participant assumptions. We exercise judgment when forecasting revenue including the performance of the underlying market in which the intangible asset operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. The future cash flows are discounted using an applicable Discount Rate as well as any potential risk premium to reflect the inherent risk of holding a standalone intangible asset. We exercise judgment when determining the level of risk associated with achieving the forecasted revenue. For MPEEM calculations, we exercise judgment in determining the customer attrition rate, which is generally based on historical experience. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast including higher than anticipated customer attrition, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The key uncertainties in the RFR and MPEEM calculations, as applicable, are: the selection of an appropriate royalty rate, assumptions used in developing internal revenue growth and expense forecasts, assumed customer attrition rates, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the Discount Rate and risk premium.
The costs of amortizable intangible assets are recognized over their expected useful lives, typically between three and fifteen years, using the straight-line method. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate long-lived assets. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an asset may be impaired. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The Company recorded impairment charges of $5.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 related to the Navico trade name. The Company recorded impairment charges of $16.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 including a $13.0 million impairment of the Navico trade name. The Company recorded impairment charges of $17.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 related to capitalized software intangible assets that will not be placed into service.
Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions and Note 9 – Goodwill and Other Intangibles in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the recent accounting pronouncements that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2024, or will be adopted in future periods.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000014930-24-000054.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Brunswick Corporation (the Company, we, us, our) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our business and by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from expectations and projections as of the date of this filing due to various risks and uncertainties. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, refer to Forward-Looking Statements above.
Certain statements in Management's Discussion and Analysis are based on non-GAAP financial measures. GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. A "non-GAAP financial measure" is a numerical measure of a registrant’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets or statements of cash flows of the issuer; or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. For example, the discussion of our cash flows includes an analysis of free cash flows and total liquidity; the discussion of our net sales includes net sales on a constant currency basis; the discussion of our net sales includes net sales excluding acquisitions; and the discussion of our earnings includes a presentation of operating earnings and operating margin excluding restructuring, exit and impairment charges, purchase accounting amortization, acquisition, integration and IT-related costs, IT security incident costs, Sport Yacht & Yachts, reclassification of held-for-sale items, gain on sale of assets, TN-BC Holdings LLC joint venture impairment, loss on early extinguishment of debt, special tax items, and other applicable charges and of diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and statistical measures.
We include non-GAAP financial measures in Management's Discussion and Analysis as management believes these measures and the information they provide are useful to investors because they permit investors to view our performance using the same tools that management uses to evaluate our ongoing business performance. In order to better align our reported results with the internal metrics management uses to evaluate business performance as well as to provide better comparisons to prior periods and peer data, non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of purchase accounting amortization related to acquisitions, among other adjustments.
We do not provide forward-looking guidance for certain financial measures on a GAAP basis because we are unable to predict certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. These items may include restructuring, exit and impairment costs, special tax items, acquisition-related costs, and certain other unusual adjustments.
IT Security Incident
As previously announced on June 13, 2023, the Company experienced an IT security incident that impacted some of its systems and global facilities. Please refer to Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
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Change in Reportable Segments
Effective January 1, 2023, the Company changed its management reporting and updated its reportable segments to Propulsion, Engine Parts and Accessories (Engine P&A), Navico Group and Boat to align with its internal operating structure. For further information, refer to Note 5 – Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Acquisitions
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we acquired additional Freedom Boat Club franchise operations and territory rights as well as certain marine assets in the Southeast United States for net cash consideration of $16.0 million. On September 1, 2023, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Fliteboard Pty Ltd for $87.6 million net cash consideration. Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
During the second quarter of 2022, we acquired certain Freedom Boat Club franchise operations and territory rights as well as certain marine assets in the Southeast United States for net cash consideration of $93.9 million. Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
On October 4, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Navico for $1.094 billion net cash consideration. Navico was a privately held global company based in Egersund, Norway, and is a global leader in marine electronics and sensors, including multi-function displays, fish finders, autopilots, sonar, radar, and cartography. We also completed the acquisitions of substantially all the net assets of RELiON Battery, LLC, SemahTronix, LLC, Fanautic Club, and certain Freedom Boat Club franchise operations and territory rights in the United States during 2021 for net cash consideration of $66.1 million. Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Matters Affecting Comparability
Changes in Foreign Currency Rates. Percentage changes in net sales expressed in constant currency reflect the impact that changes in currency exchange rates had on comparisons of net sales. To determine this information, net sales transacted in currencies other than U.S. dollars have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates that were in effect during the comparative period. The percentage change in net sales expressed on a constant currency basis better reflects the changes in the underlying business trends, excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Approximately 23 percent of our annual net sales are transacted in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. Our most material exposures include sales in Euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars and Brazilian real.
The table below summarizes the impact of changes in currency exchange rates and also the impact of acquisitions on our net sales:
| Net Sales | 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | GAAP | Currency Impact | Acquisitions Impact | GAAP | Currency Impact | Acquisitions Impact | |||||||||||||||||
| Propulsion | $ | 2,763.8 | $ | 2,824.0 | $ | 2,504.7 | (2.1)% | (0.2)% | 0.4% | 12.7% | (2.4)% | —% | ||||||||||||||
| Engine P&A | 1,199.8 | 1,310.2 | 1,371.7 | (8.4)% | (0.4)% | —% | (4.5)% | (1.9)% | —% | |||||||||||||||||
| Navico Group | 914.7 | 1,069.3 | 688.3 | (14.5)% | —% | —% | 55.4% | (3.0)% | 55.0% | |||||||||||||||||
| Boat | 1,989.4 | 2,119.4 | 1,703.1 | (6.1)% | (0.1)% | 1.0% | 24.4% | (1.7)% | 3.0% | |||||||||||||||||
| Segment Eliminations | (466.3) | (510.7) | (421.6) | (8.7)% | (0.2)% | —% | 21.1% | (1.0)% | 3.8% | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 6,401.4 | $ | 6,812.2 | $ | 5,846.2 | (6.0)% | (0.1)% | 0.4% | 16.5% | (2.2)% | 7.1% |
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Results of Operations
Consolidated
The following table sets forth certain amounts, ratios and relationships calculated from the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 6,401.4 | $ | 6,812.2 | $ | 5,846.2 | $ | (410.8) | (6.0)% | $ | 966.0 | 16.5% | ||||||||
| Gross margin (A) | 1,787.0 | 1,947.2 | 1,666.0 | (160.2) | (8.2)% | 281.2 | 16.9% | |||||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 54.7 | 25.1 | 0.8 | 29.6 | NM | 24.3 | NM | |||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | 734.9 | 947.8 | 812.9 | (212.9) | (22.5)% | 134.9 | 16.6% | |||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | (0.1) | (4.2) | 0.1 | NM | 4.1 | (97.6)% | |||||||||||||
| Transaction financing charges | — | — | (4.0) | — | NM | 4.0 | NM | |||||||||||||
| Net earnings from continuing operations | 432.6 | 681.3 | 595.4 | (248.7) | (36.5)% | 85.9 | 14.4% | |||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | $ | 6.13 | $ | 9.06 | $ | 7.59 | $ | (2.93) | (32.3)% | $ | 1.47 | 19.4% | ||||||||
| Expressed as a percentage of Net sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin (A) | 27.9 | % | 28.6 | % | 28.5 | % | (70) bps | 10 bps | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 12.7 | % | 11.3 | % | 11.9 | % | 140 bps | (60) bps | ||||||||||||
| Research and development expense | 2.9 | % | 3.0 | % | 2.6 | % | (10) bps | 40 bps | ||||||||||||
| Operating margin | 11.5 | % | 13.9 | % | 13.9 | % | (240) bps | — bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
(A)Gross margin is defined as Net sales less Cost of sales as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following is a reconciliation of our non-GAAP measures, adjusted operating earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations for 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| Operating Earnings | Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| GAAP | $ | 734.9 | $ | 947.8 | $ | 812.9 | $ | 6.13 | $ | 9.06 | $ | 7.59 | ||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 54.7 | 25.1 | 0.8 | 0.61 | 0.25 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 57.5 | 65.0 | 45.7 | 0.64 | 0.65 | 0.46 | ||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 12.1 | 10.8 | 24.3 | 0.14 | 0.11 | 0.27 | ||||||||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | 10.1 | — | — | 0.12 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Sport Yacht & Yachts | — | — | 3.8 | — | — | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||
| Palm Coast reclassified from held-for-sale | — | — | 0.8 | — | — | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | — | — | (1.5) | — | — | (0.01) | ||||||||||||||||
| TN-BC Holdings LLC joint venture impairment | — | — | — | 0.21 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | — | — | — | — | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||
| Special tax items | — | — | — | 0.95 | (0.04) | (0.13) | ||||||||||||||||
| As Adjusted | $ | 869.3 | $ | 1,048.7 | $ | 886.8 | $ | 8.80 | $ | 10.03 | $ | 8.28 | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 11.5 | % | 13.9 | % | 13.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 13.6 | % | 15.4 | % | 15.2 | % |
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2023 vs. 2022
Net sales decreased 6.0 percent during 2023 when compared with 2022. The components of the consolidated net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| Volume | (13.2) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 8.1 | % |
| IT Security Incident | (1.2) | % |
| Acquisitions | 0.4 | % |
| Currency | (0.1) | % |
| (6.0) | % |
Sales in 2023 were below the prior year as higher discounts in select segments coupled with the impact of cautious wholesale ordering patterns by dealers, OEMs and retailers in the second half of the year were partially offset by successful new product momentum, positive mix and pricing. Refer to the Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group and Boat segments for further details on the drivers of net sales changes.
Gross margin percentage decreased 70 basis points in 2023 when compared with 2022 driven by higher manufacturing costs including material and labor inflation (260 bps), depreciation (60 bps), absorption (35 bps), the IT security incident (30 bps), and unfavorable foreign currency exchange-rate fluctuations (25 bps), offset by sales-related drivers (330 bps) and acquisitions (10 bps).
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 140 basis points during 2023 when compared with the same prior year period, due to lower sales (70 bps), increased relative spending on technology initiatives and the IT security incident (20 bps), sales and marketing (20 bps), operating expenses associated with current year acquisitions (20 bps) and amortization (10 bps).
During 2023, we recorded restructuring, exit and impairment charges of $54.7 million compared with $25.1 million in 2022. The Company estimates the restructuring actions executed in 2023 will result in approximately $45 million of annualized cost savings. The future cost savings related to restructuring actions executed in 2022 are not expected to be material to our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 3 – Restructuring, Exit and Impairment Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We recognized equity (loss) earnings of $(11.4) million and $4.0 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The primary driver of the loss in 2023 is the impairment charge taken related to our investment in TN-BC Holdings LLC. Refer to Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
We recognized $7.6 million and $(6.1) million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, in Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense), net primarily includes remeasurement gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency rates and other postretirement benefit costs.
Net interest expense increased in 2023 compared with 2022 due to an increase in average daily debt outstanding, which was influenced by debt issuances. Refer to Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We recognized an income tax provision of $196.3 million and $172.3 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase is primarily due to the discrete income tax expense recorded in connection with the intercompany sales of intellectual property rights in the first and third quarters of 2023. The effective tax rate, which is calculated as the income tax provision as a percentage of earnings before income taxes, was 31.2 percent and 20.2 percent for 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 10 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of our effective tax rate and statutory Federal income tax rate.
Due to the factors described in the preceding paragraphs, operating earnings, net earnings from continuing operations, and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations decreased during 2023. Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations benefited from common stock repurchases in both years.
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2022 vs. 2021
Net sales increased 16.5 percent during 2022 when compared with 2021. The components of the consolidated net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
| Product Mix and Price | 9.9 | % |
| Acquisitions | 7.1 | % |
| Volume | 1.7 | % |
| Currency | (2.2) | % |
| 16.5 | % |
Sales in each segment benefited from steady demand, new product performance, and pricing implemented throughout the year, partially offset by unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Refer to the Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group and Boat segments for further details on the drivers of net sales changes.
Gross margin percentage increased 10 basis points in 2022 when compared with 2021 driven by increased sales (620 bps) and acquisitions (60 bps), partially offset by higher manufacturing costs including material and labor inflation and inefficiencies caused by supply chain disruptions (670 bps).
The 60 basis points decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue in 2022 compared to 2021 reflects the impact of less variable compensation expense (130 bps) partially offset by increased spending on sales and marketing (40 bps) and increased purchase accounting intangible asset amortization (30 bps).
During 2022, we recorded restructuring, exit and impairment charges of $25.1 million compared with $0.8 million in 2021. The future cost savings related to restructuring actions executed in 2022 are not expected to be material to our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 3 – Restructuring, Exit and Impairment Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We recognized equity earnings of $4.0 million and $2.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively, which were mainly related to our marine and technology-related joint ventures.
We recognized $(6.1) million and $(6.8) million in 2022 and 2021, respectively, in Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense), net primarily includes remeasurement gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency rates and other postretirement benefit costs.
Net interest expense increased in 2022 compared with 2021 due to an increase in average daily debt outstanding, which was influenced by debt issuances. Refer to Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We recognized an income tax provision of $172.3 million and $141.0 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase is primarily due to increased earnings before income taxes. The effective tax rate, which is calculated as the income tax provision as a percentage of earnings before income taxes, was 20.2 percent and 19.1 percent for 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 10 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of our effective tax rate and statutory Federal income tax rate.
Due to the factors described in the preceding paragraphs, operating earnings, net earnings from continuing operations and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations increased during 2022. Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations benefited from common stock repurchases in both years.
Segments
We have four reportable segments: Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group, and Boat. Refer to Note 5 – Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the segment operations.
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Propulsion Segment
The following table sets forth the Propulsion segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,763.8 | $ | 2,824.0 | $ | 2,504.7 | $ | (60.2) | (2.1) | % | $ | 319.3 | 12.7 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 494.7 | $ | 522.9 | $ | 449.7 | (28.2) | (5.4) | % | 73.2 | 16.3 | % | ||||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 2.7 | — | — | 2.7 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | 3.4 | — | — | 3.4 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 2.5 | — | — | 2.5 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 0.9 | — | — | 0.9 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 504.2 | $ | 522.9 | $ | 449.7 | (18.7) | (3.6) | % | 73.2 | 16.3 | % | ||||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 17.9 | % | 18.5 | % | 18.0 | % | (60) bps | 50 bps | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 18.2 | % | 18.5 | % | 18.0 | % | (30) bps | 50 bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2023 vs. 2022
Propulsion segment's net sales decreased $60.2 million or 2.1 percent in 2023 versus prior year due to cautious OEM ordering patterns in the second half of the year, partially offset by continued market share gains in outboard engines, positive mix and pricing as well as the acquisition of Fliteboard. The components of the Propulsion segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| Volume | (14.1) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 13.4 | % |
| IT Security Incident | (1.6) | % |
| Acquisitions | 0.4 | % |
| Currency | (0.2) | % |
| (2.1) | % |
International sales were 32 percent of the Propulsion segment's net sales in 2023. International sales decreased 4 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 3 percent on a constant currency basis.
Propulsion segment's operating earnings for the year were $494.7 million, a decrease of 5.4 percent versus the prior year, as sales declines and higher input costs more than offset benefits from cost-control measures.
2022 vs. 2021
Propulsion segment's net sales increased $319.3 million or 12.7 percent in 2022 versus the prior year due to favorable product mix, pricing and higher sales volume. The components of the Propulsion segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
| Product Mix and Price | 12.4 | % |
| Volume | 2.7 | % |
| Currency | (2.4) | % |
| 12.7 | % |
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International sales were 32 percent of the Propulsion segment's net sales in 2022. International sales increased 6 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 13 percent on a constant currency basis.
Propulsion segment's operating earnings for the year were $522.9 million, an increase of 16.3 percent in 2022 versus the prior year, as a result of increased sales and lower operating expenses, slightly offset by higher inflationary costs and investments in new products and capacity expansion.
Engine P&A Segment
The following table sets forth the Engine P&A segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,199.8 | $ | 1,310.2 | $ | 1,371.7 | $ | (110.4) | (8.4) | % | $ | (61.5) | (4.5) | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 217.4 | $ | 268.0 | $ | 282.4 | $ | (50.6) | (18.9) | % | $ | (14.4) | (5.1) | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 3.3 | — | — | 3.3 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 0.6 | — | — | 0.6 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | 0.5 | — | — | 0.5 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 221.8 | $ | 268.0 | $ | 282.4 | $ | (46.2) | (17.2) | % | $ | (14.4) | (5.1) | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 18.1 | % | 20.5 | % | 20.6 | % | (240) bps | (10) bps | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 18.5 | % | 20.5 | % | 20.6 | % | (200) bps | (10) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2023 vs. 2022
Engine P&A segment's net sales decreased $110.4 million or 8.4 percent in 2023 versus the prior year due to lower sales in both of the Products and Distribution businesses. The components of the Engine P&A segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| Volume | (9.4) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 3.1 | % |
| IT Security Incident | (1.7) | % |
| Currency | (0.4) | % |
| (8.4) | % |
International sales were 29 percent of the Engine P&A segment's net sales in 2023. International sales decreased 11 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 9 percent on a constant currency basis.
Engine P&A segment's operating earnings for the year were $217.4 million, a decrease of 18.9 percent versus the prior year, due to a decline in sales and higher manufacturing costs more than offsetting the impact of pricing and lower operating expenses.
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2022 vs. 2021
Engine P&A segment's net sales decreased $61.5 million or 4.5 percent in 2022 versus the prior year due to a decline in sales volume only partially offset by the benefit of product mix and pricing implemented throughout the year. The components of the Engine P&A segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
| Volume | (11.7) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 9.1 | % |
| Currency | (1.9) | % |
| (4.5) | % |
International sales were 30 percent of the Engine P&A segment's net sales in 2022. International sales decreased 9 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 3 percent on a constant currency basis.
Engine P&A segment's operating earnings were $268.0 million in 2022, a decrease of 5.1 percent, driven by lower sales, as well as material and labor inflation and transition costs from a new distribution center.
Navico Group Segment
The following table sets forth the Navico Group segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 914.7 | $ | 1,069.3 | $ | 688.3 | $ | (154.6) | (14.5) | % | $ | 381.0 | 55.4 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 5.2 | $ | 68.2 | $ | 53.4 | $ | (63.0) | (92.4) | % | $ | 14.8 | 27.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 30.5 | 7.7 | 0.7 | 22.8 | NM | 7.0 | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 53.0 | 61.9 | 44.1 | (8.9) | (14.4) | % | 17.8 | 40.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 2.1 | 9.7 | 17.8 | (7.6) | (78.4) | % | (8.1) | (45.5) | % | |||||||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | 0.5 | — | — | 0.5 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | — | — | (1.5) | — | NM | 1.5 | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 91.3 | $ | 147.5 | $ | 114.5 | $ | (56.2) | (38.1) | % | $ | 33.0 | 28.8 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 0.6 | % | 6.4 | % | 7.8 | % | (580) bps | (140) bps | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 10.0 | % | 13.8 | % | 16.6 | % | (380) bps | (280) bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
2023 vs. 2022
Navico Group segment's net sales decreased by $154.6 million or 14.5 percent in 2023 versus the prior year due to lower sales resulting from softer marine OEM orders and the continued weak RV manufacturing environment. The components of the Navico Group segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| Volume | (14.4) | % |
| IT Security Incident | (1.2) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 1.1 | % |
| (14.5) | % |
International sales were 37 percent of the Navico Group segment's net sales in 2023. International sales decreased 9 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 10 percent on a constant currency basis.
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Navico Group segment's operating earnings for the year were $5.2 million, a decrease of 92.4 percent versus the prior year due to lower sales, restructuring charges associated with actions executed in the year and slightly elevated input costs, partially offset by benefits from new product introductions and cost reduction initiatives.
2022 vs. 2021
Navico Group segment's net sales increased $381.0 million or 55.4 percent in 2022 versus the prior year due to the factors affecting all of our segments previously mentioned, in addition to having a full year of the Navico acquisition included in the segment's net sales for 2022. The components of the Navico Group segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
| Acquisitions | 55.0 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 5.9 | % |
| Currency | (3.0) | % |
| Volume | (2.5) | % |
| 55.4 | % |
International sales were 35 percent of the Navico Group segment's net sales in 2022. International sales increased 72 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 82 percent on a constant currency basis.
Navico Group segment's operating earnings were $68.2 million in 2022, an increase of 27.7 percent due to increased sales factors mentioned above, partially offset by increased input costs.
Boat Segment
The following table sets forth the Boat segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,989.4 | $ | 2,119.4 | $ | 1,703.1 | $ | (130.0) | (6.1) | % | $ | 416.3 | 24.4 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 155.6 | $ | 212.8 | $ | 142.3 | $ | (57.2) | (26.9) | % | $ | 70.5 | 49.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 10.5 | — | 0.1 | 10.5 | NM | (0.1) | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 5.2 | 0.6 | 6.3 | 4.6 | NM | (5.7) | (90.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 3.6 | 3.1 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 16.1 | % | 1.5 | 93.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | 1.0 | — | — | 1.0 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Sport Yacht & Yachts | — | — | 3.8 | — | NM | (3.8) | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Palm Coast reclassified from held-for-sale | — | — | 0.8 | — | NM | (0.8) | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 175.9 | $ | 216.5 | $ | 154.9 | $ | (40.6) | (18.8) | % | $ | 61.6 | 39.8 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 7.8 | % | 10.0 | % | 8.4 | % | (220) bps | 160 bps | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 8.8 | % | 10.2 | % | 9.1 | % | (140) bps | 110 bps |
NM = not meaningful
bps = basis points
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2023 vs. 2022
Boat segment's net sales decreased $130.0 million or 6.1 percent versus 2022 due to decreased sales volumes to dealers, partially offset by favorable product mix and pricing. The components of the Boat segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| Volume | (12.6) | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 5.6 | % |
| Acquisitions | 1.0 | % |
| Currency | (0.1) | % |
| (6.1) | % |
International sales were 22 percent of the Boat segment's net sales in 2023. International sales decreased 12 percent year-over-year on a GAAP and on a constant currency basis.
Boat segment operating earnings for the year were $155.6 million, a decrease of 26.9 percent versus the prior year, due to lower sales and restructuring charges associated with actions in the year, partially offset by cost reduction activities.
2022 vs. 2021
Boat segment's net sales increased $416.3 million or 24.4 percent versus 2021 due to increased sales volumes to dealers and favorable product mix and pricing. The components of the Boat segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
| Volume | 12.6 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 10.5 | % |
| Acquisitions | 3.0 | % |
| Currency | (1.7) | % |
| 24.4 | % |
International sales were 24 percent of the Boat segment's net sales in 2022, and increased 13 percent on a GAAP basis and 19 percent on a constant currency basis.
Boat segment's operating earnings were $212.8 million in 2022, an increase of 49.5 percent versus the prior year, due to increased sales together with operational efficiencies and positive mix. The increase was partially offset by inefficiencies resulting from supply chain disruptions and inflation pressures.
Corporate/Other
The following table sets forth Corporate/Other results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating loss | $ | (138.0) | $ | (124.1) | $ | (114.9) | $ | (13.9) | 11.2 | % | $ | (9.2) | 8.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 7.7 | 17.4 | — | (9.7) | (55.7) | % | 17.4 | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| IT security incident costs | 4.7 | — | — | 4.7 | NM | — | NM | ||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration, and IT related costs | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 1.2 | NM | 0.3 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating loss | $ | (123.9) | $ | (106.2) | $ | (114.7) | $ | (17.7) | 16.7 | % | $ | 8.5 | (7.4) | % |
NM = not meaningful
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Corporate operating expenses increased by $13.9 million in 2023 compared with 2022 due to spending on enterprise growth initiatives, the IT security incident and unfavorable mark-to-market adjustments for deferred compensation arrangements.
Corporate operating expenses increased by $9.2 million in 2022 compared with 2021 due to the impairment of capitalized software intangible assets as well as an increase in investments in enterprise growth initiatives. This was partially offset by a decrease in variable compensation expense and favorable mark-to-market adjustments for deferred compensation arrangements.
Cash Flow, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table sets forth an analysis of free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | $ | 745.2 | $ | 580.4 | $ | 586.2 | ||||
| Net cash (used for) provided by: | ||||||||||
| Plus: Capital expenditures | (289.3) | (388.3) | (267.1) | |||||||
| Plus: Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment | 14.8 | 11.3 | 7.2 | |||||||
| Plus: Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 2.7 | (11.9) | (5.5) | |||||||
| Total free cash flow from continuing operations (A) | $ | 473.4 | $ | 191.5 | $ | 320.8 |
(A) We define "Free cash flow" as cash flow from operating and investing activities of continuing operations (excluding cash provided by or used for acquisitions, investments, purchases or sales/maturities of marketable securities and other investing activities, net of tax) and the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents. Free cash flow is not intended as an alternative measure of cash flow from operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. We believe that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same tool that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Free cash flow" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund investments in future growth initiatives.
Our major sources of funds for capital investments, acquisitions, share repurchase programs and dividend payments are cash generated from operating activities, available cash and marketable securities balances, divestitures and borrowings. We evaluate potential acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures in the ordinary course of business.
2023 Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2023 totaled $745.2 million versus $580.4 million in 2022. The increase is primarily due to a decrease in working capital usage, partially offset by lower net earnings. Working capital is defined as Accounts and notes receivable, Inventories and Prepaid expenses and other, net of Accounts payable and Accrued expenses as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, excluding the impact of acquisitions and non-cash adjustments.
The primary drivers of Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2023 were net earnings, net of non-cash items, partially offset by working capital usage. Accounts and notes receivable decreased $54.5 million primarily due to lower sales and timing of collections. Accounts payable decreased $86.1 million, primarily due to lower purchasing resulting from reduced production. Accrued expenses decreased $22.8 million, primarily driven by a reduction in our derivative liability position.
Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations was $378.9 million, which included $289.3 million of capital expenditures and $103.6 million of cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, partially offset by $14.8 million of sales of property, plant and equipment. Our capital spending was focused on investments in capacity expansion, new products and technology, although at lower levels than the prior year.
Net cash used for financing activities was $487.0 million and primarily related to common stock repurchases, cash dividends paid to common shareholders and payments of long-term debt including current maturities. Refer to Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our debt activity during the year ended December 31, 2023.
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2022 Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2022 totaled $580.4 million versus $586.2 million in 2021. The decrease is primarily due to increased working capital, partially offset by higher net earnings.
The primary drivers of Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2022 were net earnings, net of non-cash items, partially offset by increases in working capital. Accounts and notes receivable increased $74.6 million primarily due to increased sales. Inventory increased $292.8 million, primarily to support higher production volumes.
Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations was $443.2 million, which included $388.3 million of capital expenditures, $93.8 million of cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and $60.1 million of purchases of marketable securities, partially offset by $56.4 million of sales or maturities of marketable securities and $42.5 million of cross-currency swap settlements. Our capital spending was focused on investments in capacity expansion, new products and technology.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $110.8 million and primarily related to proceeds of issuances of long-term debt, partially offset by common stock repurchases, payments of long-term debt including current maturities, and cash dividends paid to common shareholders. Refer to Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our debt activity during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We view our highly liquid assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 as:
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 467.8 | $ | 595.6 | ||
| Short-term investments in marketable securities | 0.8 | 4.5 | ||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 468.6 | $ | 600.1 |
The following table sets forth an analysis of Total liquidity as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 468.6 | $ | 600.1 | ||
| Amounts available under lending facilities(A) | 741.9 | 747.2 | ||||
| Total liquidity (B) | $ | 1,210.5 | $ | 1,347.3 |
(A) See Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our lending facilities.
(B) We define Total liquidity as Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, plus amounts available for borrowing under our lending facilities. Total liquidity is not intended as an alternative measure to Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting our results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. Management believes that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same metric that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Total liquidity" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of our available highly liquid assets and immediate sources of financing.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $468.6 million as of December 31, 2023, a decrease of $131.5 million from $600.1 million as of December 31, 2022. Total debt as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $2,430.4 million and $2,509.0 million, respectively. Our debt-to-capitalization ratio decreased to 54 percent as of December 31, 2023 from 55 percent as of December 31, 2022.
There were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement (Credit Facility) during 2023. Available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2023 totaled $741.9 million, net of $8.1 million of letters of credit outstanding. During 2023, the maximum amount utilized under our unsecured commercial paper program (CP Program) was $125.0 million.
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We borrowed $125.0 million under the Credit Facility during 2022, all of which was repaid prior to year-end and thus we did not have any borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2022. Available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2022 totaled $747.2 million, net of $2.8 million of letters of credit outstanding. During 2022, the maximum amount utilized under our CP Program was $300.0 million.
The level of borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility and CP Program is limited by both a leverage and interest coverage test. These covenants also pertain to termination provisions included in our wholesale financing joint-venture arrangements with Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance. Based on our anticipated earnings generation throughout the year, we expect to maintain sufficient cushion against the existing debt covenants. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Facility and CP Program.
We believe that we have adequate sources of liquidity to meet our short-term and long-term needs.
2024 Capital Strategy
We anticipate executing a balanced capital strategy in 2024, leveraging our strong cash position and liquidity. We anticipate being active with share repurchases with spend in excess of $200 million in 2024.
Although we plan to continue funding many projects and investments in products and technology for future growth, we are in harvest phase as it relates to many of our larger capital projects from recent years and plan to scale back spending slightly without anticipated sacrifice to any future growth plans, leading to anticipated capital expenditures of approximately $225 million in 2024.
Financial Services
Refer to Note 8 – Financing Joint Venture in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our financial services.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Guarantees. We have reserves to cover potential losses associated with guarantees and repurchase obligations based on historical experience and current facts and circumstances. Historical cash requirements and losses associated with these obligations have not been significant. See Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of these arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth a summary of our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2023:
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | ||||||||||||||||||
| Debt (A) | $ | 2,462.9 | $ | 455.4 | $ | 4.4 | $ | 163.1 | $ | 1,840.0 | ||||||||
| Interest payments on long-term debt | 1,650.3 | 98.5 | 189.4 | 177.1 | 1,185.3 | |||||||||||||
| Operating leases (B) | 223.1 | 37.2 | 51.2 | 37.0 | 97.7 | |||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations (C) | 76.4 | 76.2 | 0.2 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Deferred management compensation (D) | 27.3 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 10.3 | |||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities (E) | 146.8 | 5.8 | 66.3 | 47.5 | 27.2 | |||||||||||||
| Total contractual obligations | $ | 4,586.8 | $ | 678.1 | $ | 317.5 | $ | 430.7 | $ | 3,160.5 |
(A) See Note 14 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our debt. "Debt" refers to future cash principal payments. Debt also includes our finance leases as discussed in Note 19 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(B) See Note 19 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(C) Purchase obligations represent agreements with suppliers and vendors as part of the normal course of business.
(D) Amounts primarily represent long-term deferred compensation plans.
(E) Other long-term liabilities primarily includes long-term warranty contracts, future projected payments related to our nonqualified pension plans and deferred revenue.
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Legal Proceedings
See Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results may differ from those estimates. If current estimates for the cost of resolving any specific matters are later determined to be inadequate, results of operations could be adversely affected in the period in which additional provisions are required. We have discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting policies with the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and believe the following are the most critical accounting policies that could have an effect on our reported results.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Incentives. Revenue is recognized as performance obligations under the terms of contracts with customers are satisfied; this occurs when control of promised goods (engines, parts and accessories, and boats) is transferred to the customer. We exercise judgment and consider the timing of right to payment, transfer of risk and rewards, transfer of title, transfer of physical possession, and customer acceptance when determining when control transfers to the customer. We recognize revenue related to the sale of extended warranty contracts that extend the coverage period beyond the standard warranty period over the life of the extended warranty period.
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. We have excluded sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities from the determination of the transaction price for all contracts. We exercise judgment when determining the transaction price, including the estimate of discounts, which is partly based on estimates of customer sales volumes. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as historical discount experience and sales volumes may not be consistent with future activity. We have elected to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as a fulfillment activity. For all contracts with customers, we have not adjusted the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as the period between the transfer of the promised goods and the customer's payment is expected to be one year or less.
See Note 2 – Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Warranty Reserves. We record an estimated liability for product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The liability is estimated using historical warranty experience, projected claim rates and expected costs per claim. We exercise judgment when determining the appropriate historical periods to project claim rates and expected costs per claim. Further, these estimates are subject to uncertainty as historical warranty experience may not be consistent with future warranty claims. We adjust our liability for specific warranty matters when they become known and the exposure can be estimated. Our warranty liabilities are affected by product failure rates as well as material usage and labor costs incurred in correcting a product failure. If actual costs differ from estimated costs, we must make a revision to the warranty liability, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows.
Goodwill. Goodwill results from the excess of purchase price over the net assets of businesses acquired. We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. As part of the annual test, we may perform a qualitative, rather than quantitative, assessment to determine whether the fair values of our reporting units are "more likely than not" to exceed their carrying values. In performing this qualitative analysis, we consider various factors, including the effect of market or industry changes and the reporting units' actual results compared with projected results. We exercise judgment when evaluating the impact of market and industry changes and when comparing actual results to projected results.
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If the fair value of a reporting unit does not meet the "more likely than not" criteria discussed above, we perform a quantitative assessment which begins by measuring the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a goodwill impairment is recorded equal to the carrying value of the reporting unit less its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.
We calculate the fair value of our reporting units considering both the income approach and the guideline public company method. The income approach calculates the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow approach utilizing a Gordon Growth model. Internally forecasted future cash flows, which we believe reasonably approximates market participant assumptions, are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital (Discount Rate) developed for each reporting unit. The Discount Rate is developed using market observable inputs, as well as considering whether or not there is a measure of risk related to the specific reporting unit’s forecasted performance. We exercise judgment when forecasting future cash flows including the performance of the underlying market in which the reporting unit operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. We exercise judgment when determining the level of risk associated with achieving the forecasted future cash flows. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Fair value under the guideline public company method is determined for each reporting unit by applying market multiples for comparable public companies to the unit’s current and forecasted financial results. We exercise judgment when determining the comparable public companies and market multiples. The key uncertainties in these calculations are the assumptions used in determining the reporting unit’s forecasted future performance, including revenue growth and operating margins, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the Discount Rate, along with selecting representative market multiples.
We did not record any goodwill impairments in 2023, 2022 or 2021.
Other Intangible Assets. Our primary other intangible assets are customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology acquired in business combinations. Intangible assets are initially valued using a methodology commensurate with the intended use of the asset. Customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology are valued using the income approach. The fair value of customer relationships is measured using the multi-period excess earnings method (MPEEM). The fair value of trade names and developed technology are measured using a relief-from-royalty (RFR) approach, which assumes the value of the trade name or technology is the discounted amount of cash flows that would be paid to third parties had we not owned the trade name or technology and instead licensed the trade name or technology from another company. Higher royalty rates are assigned to premium brands within the marketplace based on name recognition and profitability, while other brands receive lower royalty rates. We exercise judgment when selecting the royalty rates and evaluating profitability. The basis for future sales projections for both the RFR and MPEEM are internal revenue forecasts which we believe represent reasonable market participant assumptions. We exercise judgment when forecasting revenue including the performance of the underlying market in which the intangible asset operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. The future cash flows are discounted using an applicable Discount Rate as well as any potential risk premium to reflect the inherent risk of holding a standalone intangible asset. We exercise judgment when determining the level of risk associated with achieving the forecasted revenue. For MPEEM calculations, we exercise judgment in determining the customer attrition rate, which is generally based on historical experience. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast including higher than anticipated customer attrition, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The key uncertainties in the RFR and MPEEM calculations, as applicable, are: the selection of an appropriate royalty rate, assumptions used in developing internal revenue growth and expense forecasts, assumed customer attrition rates, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the Discount Rate and risk premium.
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The costs of amortizable intangible assets are recognized over their expected useful lives, typically between three and fifteen years, using the straight-line method. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate long-lived assets described below. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an asset may be impaired. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The Company recorded impairment charges of $16.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 including a $13.0 million impairment of the Navico trade name. The Company recorded impairment charges of $17.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 related to capitalized software intangible assets that will not be placed into service. The Company did not record any impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions and Note 9 – Goodwill and Other Intangibles in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Long-Lived Assets. We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of our definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. We exercise judgment when evaluating whether events or circumstances have occurred either internally or externally that would warrant revisions to useful lives or indicate the balances of the assets may not be recoverable. Once an impairment indicator is identified, we test for recoverability of the related asset group using an estimate of undiscounted cash flows over the asset group's remaining life. We exercise judgment when forecasting future cash flows including the performance of the underlying market in which the asset or asset group operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. If an asset group's carrying value is not recoverable, we record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset group over the long-lived asset group's fair value. Fair value is determined using observable inputs, including the use of appraisals from independent third parties, when available, and, when observable inputs are not available, based on our assumption of the data that market participants would use in pricing the asset, based on the best information available in the circumstances. Specifically, we use discounted cash flows to determine the fair value of the asset when observable inputs are unavailable. We tested our long-lived asset balances for impairment as indicators arose during 2023, 2022 and 2021, resulting in impairment charges of $1.3 million, $1.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, which are recognized either in Restructuring, exit and impairment charges or Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes. Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. We evaluate the realizability of net deferred tax assets and, as necessary, record valuation allowances against them. We exercise judgment when evaluating the realizability of deferred tax assets by evaluating the potential to recover the value of these assets through the utilization of tax loss and credit carrybacks, the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and carryforwards, certain tax planning strategies, and future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. We estimate our tax obligations based on historical experience and current tax laws and litigation. The judgments made at any point in time may change based on the outcome of tax audits and settlements of tax litigation, as well as changes due to new tax laws and regulations and our application of those laws and regulations. These factors may cause our tax rate and deferred tax balances to increase or decrease. We exercise judgment when evaluating whether it is more likely than not a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities. This evaluation is subject to uncertainty as it involves the interpretation of tax laws and regulations and our interpretation could differ from that of the taxing authorities. If a position is not sustained upon examination, the impact could be material to our results of operations and cash flows. See Note 10 – Income Taxes in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the recent accounting pronouncements that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2023, or will be adopted in future periods.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000014930-23-000054.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Brunswick Corporation (we, us, our) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our business and by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from expectations and projections as of the date of this filing due to various risks and uncertainties. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, refer to Forward-Looking Statements above.
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis are based on non-GAAP financial measures. GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is a numerical measure of a registrant’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets or statements of cash flows of the issuer; or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. For example, the discussion of our cash flows includes an analysis of free cash flows and total liquidity; the discussion of our net sales includes a discussion of net sales on a constant currency basis; and the discussion of our earnings includes a presentation of operating earnings and operating margin excluding restructuring, exit and impairment charges, purchase accounting amortization, acquisition-related costs and other applicable charges and of diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and statistical measures.
We include non-GAAP financial measures in Management’s Discussion and Analysis as we believe these measures and the information they provide are useful to investors because they permit investors to view our performance using some of the same tools that we use to evaluate our ongoing business performance. In order to better align our reported results with the internal metrics management uses to evaluate business performance as well as to provide better comparisons to prior periods and peer data, non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of purchase accounting amortization related to acquisitions, among other adjustments.
We do not provide forward-looking guidance for certain financial measures on a GAAP basis because we are unable to predict certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. These items may include restructuring, exit and impairment costs, special tax items, acquisition-related costs, and certain other unusual adjustments.
Acquisitions
During the second quarter of 2022, we acquired certain Freedom Boat Club franchise operations and territory rights as well as certain marine assets in the Southeast United States for net cash consideration of $93.9 million. Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
On October 4, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Navico for $1.094 billion net cash consideration. Navico was a privately held global company based in Egersund, Norway, and is a global leader in marine electronics and sensors, including multi-function displays, fish finders, autopilots, sonar, radar, and cartography. We also completed the acquisitions of substantially all the net assets of RELiON Battery, LLC, SemahTronix, LLC, Fanautic Club, and certain Freedom Boat Club franchise operations and territory rights in the United States during 2021 for net cash consideration of $66.1 million. Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
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Matters Affecting Comparability
Changes in Foreign Currency Rates. Percentage changes in net sales expressed in constant currency reflect the impact that changes in currency exchange rates had on comparisons of net sales. To determine this information, net sales transacted in currencies other than U.S. dollars have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates that were in effect during the comparative period. The percentage change in net sales expressed on a constant currency basis better reflects the changes in the underlying business trends, excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Approximately 24 percent of our annual net sales are transacted in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. Our most material exposures include sales in Euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars and Brazilian real.
The table below summarizes the impact of changes in currency exchange rates and also the impact of acquisitions on our net sales:
| Net Sales | 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | GAAP | Currency Impact | Acquisitions Impact | GAAP | Currency Impact | Acquisitions Impact | |||||||||||||||||
| Propulsion | $ | 2,824.0 | $ | 2,504.7 | $ | 1,878.4 | 12.7% | (2.4)% | —% | 33.3% | 1.9% | —% | ||||||||||||||
| Parts & Accessories | 2,323.7 | 2,008.1 | 1,508.8 | 15.7% | (2.3)% | 18.8% | 33.1% | 1.9% | 8.9% | |||||||||||||||||
| Boat | 2,119.4 | 1,703.1 | 1,250.3 | 24.4% | (1.7)% | 3.0% | 36.2% | 1.2% | 0.5% | |||||||||||||||||
| Segment Eliminations | (454.9) | (369.7) | (290.0) | 23.0% | (1.0)% | 4.3% | 27.5% | 0.7% | 0.8% | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 6,812.2 | $ | 5,846.2 | $ | 4,347.5 | 16.5% | (2.2)% | 7.1% | 34.5% | 1.8% | 3.2% |
Results of Operations
Consolidated
The following table sets forth certain amounts, ratios and relationships calculated from the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 6,812.2 | $ | 5,846.2 | $ | 4,347.5 | $ | 966.0 | 16.5% | $ | 1,498.7 | 34.5% | ||||||||
| Gross margin (A) | 1,947.2 | 1,666.0 | 1,213.0 | 281.2 | 16.9% | 453.0 | 37.3% | |||||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 25.1 | 0.8 | 4.1 | 24.3 | NM | (3.3) | (80.5)% | |||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | 947.8 | 812.9 | 539.3 | 134.9 | 16.6% | 273.6 | 50.7% | |||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | (0.1) | (4.2) | — | 4.1 | (97.6)% | (4.2) | NM | |||||||||||||
| Transaction financing charges | — | (4.0) | — | 4.0 | NM | (4.0) | NM | |||||||||||||
| Pension settlement benefit | — | — | (1.1) | — | NM | 1.1 | NM | |||||||||||||
| Net earnings from continuing operations | 681.3 | 595.4 | 374.7 | 85.9 | 14.4% | 220.7 | 58.9% | |||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | $ | 9.06 | $ | 7.59 | $ | 4.70 | $ | 1.47 | 19.4% | $ | 2.89 | 61.5% | ||||||||
| Expressed as a percentage of Net sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin (A) | 28.6 | % | 28.5 | % | 27.9 | % | 10 bpts | 60 bpts | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 11.3 | % | 11.9 | % | 12.5 | % | (60) bpts | (60) bpts | ||||||||||||
| Research and development expense | 3.0 | % | 2.6 | % | 2.9 | % | 40 bpts | (30) bpts | ||||||||||||
| Operating margin | 13.9 | % | 13.9 | % | 12.4 | % | — bpts | 150 bpts |
NM = not meaningful
bpts = basis points
(A)Gross margin is defined as Net sales less Cost of sales as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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The following is a reconciliation of our non-GAAP measures, adjusted operating earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations:
| Operating Earnings | Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| GAAP | $ | 947.8 | $ | 812.9 | $ | 539.3 | $ | 9.06 | $ | 7.59 | $ | 4.70 | ||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 25.1 | 0.8 | 4.1 | 0.25 | 0.01 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 65.0 | 45.7 | 30.1 | 0.65 | 0.46 | 0.29 | ||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration and IT costs | 10.8 | 24.3 | 5.4 | 0.11 | 0.27 | 0.05 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sport Yacht & Yachts | — | 3.8 | — | — | 0.04 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Palm Coast reclassified from held-for-sale | — | 0.8 | — | — | 0.01 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | — | — | — | 0.04 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | — | (1.5) | — | — | (0.01) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Special tax items | — | — | — | (0.04) | (0.13) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Pension settlement benefit | — | — | — | — | — | (0.01) | ||||||||||||||||
| As Adjusted | $ | 1,048.7 | $ | 886.8 | $ | 578.9 | $ | 10.03 | $ | 8.28 | $ | 5.07 | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 13.9 | % | 13.9 | % | 12.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 15.4 | % | 15.2 | % | 13.3 | % |
2022 vs. 2021
Net sales increased 16.5 percent during 2022 when compared with 2021. The components of the consolidated net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
| Product Mix and Price | 9.9 | % |
| Acquisitions | 7.1 | % |
| Volume | 1.7 | % |
| Currency | (2.2) | % |
| 16.5 | % |
Sales in each segment benefited from steady demand, new product performance, and pricing implemented throughout the year, partially offset by unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Refer to the Propulsion, P&A, and Boat segments for further details on the drivers of net sales changes.
Gross margin percentage increased 10 basis points in 2022 when compared with 2021 driven by increased sales (620 bpts) and acquisitions (60 bpts), partially offset by higher manufacturing costs including material and labor inflation and inefficiencies caused by supply chain disruptions (670 bpts).
The 60 basis points decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue in 2022 compared to 2021 reflects the impact of less variable compensation expense (130 bpts) partially offset by increased spending on sales and marketing (40 bpts) and increased purchase accounting intangible asset amortization (30 bpts).
During 2022, we recorded restructuring, exit and impairment charges of $25.1 million compared with $0.8 million in 2021. The future cost savings related to restructuring actions executed in 2022 are not expected to be material to our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 3 – Restructuring, Exit and Impairment Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We recognized equity earnings of $4.0 million and $2.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively, which were mainly related to our marine and technology-related joint ventures.
We recognized $(6.1) million and $(6.8) million in 2022 and 2021, respectively, in Other expense, net. Other expense, net primarily includes remeasurement gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency rates and other postretirement benefit costs.
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Net interest expense increased in 2022 compared with 2021 due to an increase in average daily debt outstanding, which was influenced by debt issuances. Refer to Note 15 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income tax provision was $172.3 million and $141.0 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase is primarily due to increased earnings before income taxes. The effective tax rate, which is calculated as the income tax provision as a percentage of earnings before income taxes, was 20.2 percent and 19.1 percent for 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 11 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of our effective tax rate and statutory Federal income tax rate.
Due to the factors described in the preceding paragraphs, operating earnings, net earnings from continuing operations, and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations increased during 2022. Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations benefited from common stock repurchases in both years.
2021 vs. 2020
Net sales increased 34.5 percent during 2021 when compared with 2020. The components of the consolidated net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ||
| Volume | 26.0 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 3.5 | % |
| Acquisitions | 3.2 | % |
| Currency | 1.8 | % |
| 34.5 | % |
Sales in each segment benefited from increased volume due to strong global demand for marine products, market share gains, and higher pricing. Refer to the Propulsion, P&A, and Boat segments discussions for further details on the drivers of net sales changes.
Gross margin percentage increased 60 basis points in 2021 when compared with 2020 driven by increased sales (340 bpts) and favorable changes in foreign exchange rates (40 bpts), partially offset by increased manufacturing costs, including material and labor inflation (380 bpts) offset by favorable absorption (60 bpts).
The 60 basis points decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue in 2021 compared to 2020 is due to better leverage on sales and marketing expenses (40 bpts) and technology initiatives (30 bpts) partially offset by higher variable compensation expense (10 bpts).
During 2021, we recorded restructuring, exit and impairment charges of $0.8 million compared with $4.1 million in 2020. See Note 4 – Restructuring, Exit and Impairment Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We recognized equity earnings of $2.3 million and $4.5 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively, which were mainly related to our marine and technology-related joint ventures.
We recognized $(6.8) million and $(6.1) million in 2021 and 2020, respectively, in Other expense, net. Other expense, net primarily includes other postretirement benefit costs and remeasurement gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency rates.
Net interest expense decreased in 2021 compared with 2020 due to a reduction in average daily debt outstanding, which was influenced by the timing of debt issuances and retirements. Refer to Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We recognized a $4.2 million loss on early extinguishment of debt in 2021 related to the tender of our 2023 Debentures and 2027 Notes. We also recognized $4.0 million of transaction financing charges in 2021 related to a bridge commitment that was secured in anticipation of the Navico acquisition. Refer to Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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We recognized an income tax provision of $141.0 million and $98.0 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase is primarily due to increased earnings before income taxes. The effective tax rate, which is calculated as the income tax provision as a percentage of earnings before income taxes, was 19.1 percent and 20.7 percent for 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 11 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of our effective tax rate and statutory Federal income tax rate.
Due to the factors described in the preceding paragraphs, operating earnings, net earnings from continuing operations and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations increased during 2021. Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations benefited from common stock repurchases in both years.
Segments
We have three reportable segments: Propulsion, P&A, and Boat. Refer to Note 5 – Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the segment operations.
Propulsion Segment
The following table sets forth the Propulsion segment results for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,824.0 | $ | 2,504.7 | $ | 1,878.4 | $ | 319.3 | 12.7 % | $ | 626.3 | 33.3 % | |||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | 522.9 | 449.7 | 285.5 | 73.2 | 16.3 % | 164.2 | 57.5 % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin | 18.5 | % | 18.0 | % | 15.2 | % | 50 | bpts | 280 | bpts |
bpts = basis points
2022 vs. 2021
Propulsion segment's net sales increased $319.3 million or 12.7 percent in 2022 versus the prior year due to favorable product mix, pricing and higher sales volume. The components of the Propulsion segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
| Product Mix and Price | 12.4 | % |
| Volume | 2.7 | % |
| Currency | (2.4) | % |
| 12.7 | % |
International sales were 32 percent of the Propulsion segment's net sales in 2022. International sales increased 6 percent on a GAAP basis and 13 percent on a constant currency basis from the prior year, primarily due to increases in all regions except Asia-Pacific.
Propulsion segment's operating earnings for the year were $522.9 million, an increase of 16.3 percent versus the prior year, as a result of increased sales and lower operating expenses, slightly offset by higher inflationary costs and investments in new products and capacity expansion.
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2021 vs. 2020
Propulsion segment's net sales increased $626.3 million or 33.3 percent in 2021 versus the prior year due to the factors affecting all of our segments previously mentioned. The components of the Propulsion segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ||
| Volume | 25.5 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 5.9 | % |
| Currency | 1.9 | % |
| 33.3 | % |
International sales were 34 percent of the Propulsion segment's net sales in 2021. International sales increased 29 percent on a GAAP basis and 23 percent on a constant currency basis from the prior year, primarily due to increases in all regions except Asia-Pacific.
Propulsion segment's operating earnings for the year increased $164.2 million or 57.5 percent in 2021 versus the prior year as benefits from increased pricing, favorable absorption and favorable customer mix were more than able to offset higher manufacturing costs, primarily caused by material inflation.
Parts & Accessories Segment
The following table sets forth the Parts & Accessories (P&A) segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,323.7 | $ | 2,008.1 | $ | 1,508.8 | $ | 315.6 | 15.7 | % | $ | 499.3 | 33.1 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 336.2 | $ | 335.8 | $ | 275.4 | $ | 0.4 | 0.1 | % | $ | 60.4 | 21.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 7.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 7.0 | NM | (0.1) | (12.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 61.9 | 44.1 | 28.7 | 17.8 | 40.4 | % | 15.4 | 53.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration and IT costs | 9.7 | 17.8 | — | (8.1) | (45.5) | % | 17.8 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | — | (1.5) | — | 1.5 | (100.0) | % | (1.5) | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 415.5 | $ | 396.9 | $ | 304.9 | $ | 18.6 | 4.7 | % | $ | 92.0 | 30.2 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 14.5 | % | 16.7 | % | 18.3 | % | (220) bpts | (160) bpts | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 17.9 | % | 19.8 | % | 20.2 | % | (190) bpts | (40) bpts |
NM = not meaningful
bpts = basis points
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2022 vs. 2021
P&A segment's net sales increased by $315.6 million or 15.7 percent in 2022 versus the prior year due to the acquisitions of Navico, RELiON, and SemahTronix and favorable pricing and product mix. The components of the P&A segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
| Acquisitions | 18.8 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 7.6 | % |
| Currency | (2.3) | % |
| Volume | (8.4) | % |
| 15.7 | % |
International sales were 33 percent of the P&A segment's net sales in 2022. International sales increased 22 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 29 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting increases across all regions.
P&A segment's operating earnings for the year were $336.2 million, an increase of 0.1 percent versus the prior year, with sales benefits, optimized pricing and the initial benefits of the redesigned organization offsetting material and freight inflation, negative currency impacts, incremental purchase accounting amortization and restructuring, exit and impairment charges.
2021 vs. 2020
P&A segment's net sales increased $499.3 million or 33.1 percent in 2021 versus the prior year due to the factors affecting all of our segments previously mentioned. The components of the P&A segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ||
| Volume | 20.2 | % |
| Acquisitions | 8.9 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 2.1 | % |
| Currency | 1.9 | % |
| 33.1 | % |
International sales were 31 percent of the P&A segment's net sales in 2021. International sales increased 49 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 43 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting increases across all regions.
P&A segment's operating earnings were $335.8 million in 2021, an increase of 21.9 percent. Operating earnings, while positively affected by the factors affecting all of our segments previously mentioned, were also negatively impacted by increased input costs.
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Boat Segment
The following table sets forth Boat segment results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,119.4 | $ | 1,703.1 | $ | 1,250.3 | $ | 416.3 | 24.4 | % | $ | 452.8 | 36.2 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 212.8 | $ | 142.3 | $ | 70.2 | $ | 70.5 | 49.5 | % | $ | 72.1 | NM | |||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | — | 0.1 | 1.3 | (0.1) | NM | (1.2) | (92.3) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 3.1 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 93.8 | % | 0.2 | 14.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration and IT costs | 0.6 | 6.3 | 1.7 | (5.7) | (90.5) | % | 4.6 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Sport Yacht & Yachts | — | 3.8 | — | (3.8) | NM | 3.8 | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Palm Coast reclassified from held-for-sale | — | 0.8 | — | (0.8) | NM | 0.8 | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 216.5 | $ | 154.9 | $ | 74.6 | $ | 61.6 | 39.8 | % | $ | 80.3 | NM | |||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 10.0 | % | 8.4 | % | 5.6 | % | 160 bpts | 280 bpts | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 10.2 | % | 9.1 | % | 6.0 | % | 110 bpts | 310 bpts |
NM = not meaningful
bpts = basis points
2022 vs. 2021
Boat segment's net sales increased $416.3 million or 24.4 percent versus 2021 due to increased sales volumes to dealers and favorable product mix and pricing. The components of the Boat segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||
| Volume | 12.6 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 10.5 | % |
| Acquisitions | 3.0 | % |
| Currency | (1.7) | % |
| 24.4 | % |
International sales were 24 percent of the Boat segment's net sales in 2022, and increased 13 percent on a GAAP basis and 19 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting increases across all regions.
Boat segment operating earnings for the year were $212.8 million, an increase of 49.5 percent versus the prior year, due to increased sales together with operational efficiencies and positive mix. The increase was partially offset by inefficiencies resulting from supply chain disruptions and inflation pressures.
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2021 vs. 2020
Boat segment's net sales increased $452.8 million or 36.2% versus 2020 driven by lower discount levels, as well as the factors affecting all of our segments previously mentioned. Freedom Boat Club, which contributed approximately 3 percent of the Boat segment's revenue, achieved membership growth and also completed several acquisitions during the year. The components of the Boat segment's net sales change were as follows:
| Percent change in net sales compared to the prior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ||
| Volume | 27.4 | % |
| Product Mix and Price | 7.1 | % |
| Currency | 1.2 | % |
| Acquisitions | 0.5 | % |
| 36.2 | % |
International sales were 26 percent of the Boat segment's net sales in 2021, and increased 52 percent on a GAAP basis and 46 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting increases across all regions.
Boat segment's operating earnings were $142.3 million in 2021, as benefits from increased sales for the year more than offset material inflation and higher costs due to manufacturing inefficiencies.
Corporate/Other
The following table sets forth Corporate/Other results and a reconciliation to our non-GAAP measure of adjusted operating earnings for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating loss | $ | (124.1) | $ | (114.9) | $ | (91.8) | $ | (9.2) | 8.0 | % | $ | (23.1) | 25.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 17.4 | — | 2.0 | 17.4 | NM | (2.0) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration and IT-related costs | 0.5 | 0.2 | 3.7 | 0.3 | NM | (3.5) | (94.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating loss | $ | (106.2) | $ | (114.7) | $ | (86.1) | $ | 8.5 | (7.4) | % | $ | (28.6) | 33.2 | % |
NM = not meaningful
Corporate operating expenses increased by $9.2 million in 2022 compared with 2021 due to the impairment of capitalized software intangible assets as well as an increase in investments in enterprise growth initiatives. This was partially offset by a decrease in variable compensation expense and favorable mark-to-market adjustments for deferred compensation arrangements.
Corporate operating expenses increased by $23.1 million in 2021 compared with 2020 due to an increase in spending on certain enterprise initiatives including ACES as well as higher variable compensation expense.
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Cash Flow, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table sets forth an analysis of free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | $ | 580.4 | $ | 586.2 | $ | 800.0 | ||||
| Net cash (used for) provided by: | ||||||||||
| Plus: Capital expenditures | (388.3) | (267.1) | (182.4) | |||||||
| Plus: Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment | 11.3 | 7.2 | 2.9 | |||||||
| Plus: Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (11.9) | (5.5) | 8.8 | |||||||
| Total free cash flow from continuing operations (A) | $ | 191.5 | $ | 320.8 | $ | 629.3 |
(A) We define "Free cash flow" as cash flow from operating and investing activities of continuing operations (excluding cash provided by or used for acquisitions, investments, purchases or sales/maturities of marketable securities and other investing activities, net of tax) and the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents. Free cash flow is not intended as an alternative measure of cash flow from operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. We believe that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same tool that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Free cash flow" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund investments in future growth initiatives.
Our major sources of funds for capital investments, acquisitions, share repurchase programs and dividend payments are cash generated from operating activities, available cash and marketable securities balances, and potential borrowings. We evaluate potential acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures in the ordinary course of business.
2022 Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2022 totaled $580.4 million versus $586.2 million in 2021. The decrease is primarily due to increased working capital, partially offset by higher net earnings.
The primary drivers of Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2022 were net earnings, net of non-cash items, partially offset by increases in working capital. Working capital is defined as Accounts and notes receivable, Inventories and Prepaid expenses and other, net of Accounts payable and Accrued expenses as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, excluding the impact of acquisitions and non-cash adjustments. Accounts and notes receivable increased $74.6 million primarily due to increased sales across all segments. Inventory increased $292.8 million, primarily to support higher production volumes.
Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations was $443.2 million, which included $388.3 million of capital expenditures, $93.8 million of cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and $60.1 million of purchases of marketable securities, partially offset by $56.4 million of sales or maturities of marketable securities and $42.5 million of cross-currency swap settlements. Our capital spending was focused on investments in capacity expansion, new products and technology.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $110.8 million and primarily related to proceeds of issuances of long-term debt, partially offset by common stock repurchases, payments of long-term debt including current maturities, and cash dividends paid to common shareholders. Refer to Note 15 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our debt activity during the year ended December 31, 2022.
2021 Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2021 totaled $586.2 million versus $800.0 million in 2020. The decrease is primarily due to increased working capital, partially offset by higher net earnings during 2021.
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The primary drivers of Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2021 were net earnings, net of non-cash items, partially offset by the impact of increasing working capital, including increasing inventory levels to help ensure manufacturing continuity and rebuilding pipeline inventories. Accounts and notes receivable increased $85.1 million primarily due to increased sales across all segments. Inventory increased $343.2 million, driven by increases to support higher production volumes. Accounts payable increased $134.2 million primarily due to timing of payments and higher inventory levels across all reportable segments. Accrued expenses increased $73.8 million, primarily driven by increased variable compensation.
Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations was $1,353.9 million, primarily due to acquisitions of businesses of $1,138.6 million and capital expenditures of $267.1 million, offset by sales of marketable securities of $55.9 million. Our capital spending was mainly focused on investments in new products and technologies as well as increased production capacity.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $621.8 million, and primarily related to net proceeds from issuances of long-term debt in connection with the Navico acquisition, offset by payments of long-term debt including current maturities, common stock repurchases, and cash dividends paid to common shareholders. Refer to Note 15 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our debt activity during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We view our highly liquid assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 as:
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 595.6 | $ | 354.5 | ||
| Short-term investments in marketable securities | 4.5 | 0.8 | ||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 600.1 | $ | 355.3 |
The following table sets forth an analysis of Total liquidity as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| (in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 600.1 | $ | 355.3 | ||
| Amounts available under lending facilities(A) | 747.2 | 497.2 | ||||
| Total liquidity (B) | $ | 1,347.3 | $ | 852.5 |
(A) See Note 15 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our lending facilities.
(B) We define Total liquidity as Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, plus amounts available for borrowing under our lending facilities. Total liquidity is not intended as an alternative measure to Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting our results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. Management believes that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same metric that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Total liquidity" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of our available highly liquid assets and immediate sources of financing.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $600.1 million as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $244.8 million from $355.3 million as of December 31, 2021. Total debt as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was $2,509.0 million and $1,816.4 million, respectively. Our debt-to-capitalization ratio increased to 55 percent as of December 31, 2022 from 49 percent as of December 31, 2021.
We borrowed $125.0 million under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility (Credit Facility) during 2022, all of which was repaid prior to year-end and thus we did not have any borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2022. Available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2022 totaled $747.2 million, net of $2.8 million of letters of credit outstanding. During 2022, the maximum amount utilized under our unsecured commercial paper program (CP Program) was $300.0 million.
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There was no borrowing activity under the Credit Facility during 2021, and we did not have any borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2021. Available borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2021 totaled $497.2 million, net of $2.8 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility. During 2021, borrowings under our CP Program, pursuant to which we may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes, totaled $200.0 million, all of which were repaid during the period. During 2021, the maximum amount utilized under the CP Program was $100.0 million. Refer to Note 15 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
The level of borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility and CP Program is limited by both a leverage and interest coverage test. These covenants also pertain to termination provisions included in our wholesale financing joint-venture arrangements with Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance. Based on our anticipated earnings generation throughout the year, we expect to maintain sufficient cushion against the existing debt covenants. As of December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Facility and CP Program.
To finance the acquisition of Navico during 2021, we issued Notes for aggregate net proceeds of $992.9 million. We also tendered our 2023 Debentures and 2027 Notes in the process, resulting in the retirement of $25.0 million of debt and a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $4.2 million. Refer to Note 15 – Debt and Note 4 – Acquisitions in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We believe that we have adequate sources of liquidity to meet our short-term and long-term needs.
2023 Capital Strategy
We anticipate executing a balanced capital strategy in 2023, leveraging our strong cash position and liquidity. We plan to retire approximately $80 million of our long-term debt obligations, with interest expense estimated to be approximately $100 million in 2023.
With the Mercury capacity project materially behind us, we anticipate our capital expenditure levels will decrease versus 2022, resulting in $350 million of capital expenditures to fund new product investments and cost-reduction and automation projects in all of our businesses.
We also plan to spend approximately $150 million on share repurchases in 2023, but have the ability to aggressively increase this figure should market conditions or our share price create an opportunity to be more aggressive.
Financial Services
Refer to Note 9 – Financing Joint Venture in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our financial services.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Guarantees. We have reserves to cover potential losses associated with guarantees and repurchase obligations based on historical experience and current facts and circumstances. Historical cash requirements and losses associated with these obligations have not been significant. See Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of these arrangements.
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Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth a summary of our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2022:
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | ||||||||||||||||||
| Debt (A) | $ | 2,544.7 | $ | 89.0 | $ | 452.8 | $ | 162.4 | $ | 1,840.5 | ||||||||
| Interest payments on long-term debt | 1,755.6 | 107.8 | 193.4 | 188.5 | 1,265.9 | |||||||||||||
| Operating leases (B) | 156.7 | 33.0 | 49.2 | 25.0 | 49.5 | |||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations (C) | 99.1 | 94.9 | 3.5 | 0.7 | — | |||||||||||||
| Deferred management compensation (D) | 24.3 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 7.3 | |||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities (E) | 130.8 | 1.6 | 79.2 | 37.8 | 12.2 | |||||||||||||
| Total contractual obligations | $ | 4,711.2 | $ | 331.3 | $ | 784.1 | $ | 420.4 | $ | 3,175.4 |
(A) See Note 15 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our debt. "Debt" refers to future cash principal payments. Debt also includes our finance leases as discussed in Note 20 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(B) See Note 20 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(C) Purchase obligations represent agreements with suppliers and vendors as part of the normal course of business.
(D) Amounts primarily represent long-term deferred compensation plans.
(E) Other long-term liabilities primarily includes long-term warranty contracts, future projected payments related to our nonqualified pension plans and deferred revenue.
Legal Proceedings
See Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Environmental Regulation
In the Propulsion segment, we continue to develop engine technologies to reduce engine emissions to comply with current and future requirements. In the P&A segment, we are working to develop electrification and other technologies to reduce our environmental footprint. The Boat segment continues to pursue fiberglass boat manufacturing technologies and techniques to reduce air emissions at its boat manufacturing facilities. The costs associated with these activities may have an adverse effect on segment operating margins and short-term operating results. Environmental regulatory bodies in the United States and other countries may impose more stringent emissions standards and/or other environmental regulatory requirements than are currently in effect. By following our environmental management system processes to drive sustainable, responsible practices, we comply with current regulations and expect to comply with any new regulations. Compliance will most likely increase the cost of these products for us and others in the industry, but is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our competitive position.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results may differ from those estimates. If current estimates for the cost of resolving any specific matters are later determined to be inadequate, results of operations could be adversely affected in the period in which additional provisions are required. We have discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting policies with the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and believe the following are the most critical accounting policies that could have an effect on our reported results.
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Revenue Recognition and Sales Incentives. Revenue is recognized as performance obligations under the terms of contracts with customers are satisfied; this occurs when control of promised goods (engines, parts and accessories, and boats) is transferred to the customer. We exercise judgment and consider the timing of right to payment, transfer of risk and rewards, transfer of title, transfer of physical possession, and customer acceptance when determining when control transfers to the customer. We recognize revenue related to the sale of extended warranty contracts that extend the coverage period beyond the standard warranty period over the life of the extended warranty period.
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. We have excluded sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities from the determination of the transaction price for all contracts. We exercise judgment when determining the transaction price, including the estimate of discounts, which is partly based on estimates of customer sales volumes. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as historical discount experience and sales volumes may not be consistent with future activity. We have elected to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as a fulfillment activity. For all contracts with customers, we have not adjusted the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as the period between the transfer of the promised goods and the customer's payment is expected to be one year or less.
See Note 2 – Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Warranty Reserves. We record an estimated liability for product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The liability is estimated using historical warranty experience, projected claim rates and expected costs per claim. We exercise judgment when determining the appropriate historical periods to projected claim rates and expected costs per claim. Further, these estimates are subject to uncertainty as historical warranty experience may not be consistent with future warranty claims. We adjust our liability for specific warranty matters when they become known and the exposure can be estimated. Our warranty liabilities are affected by product failure rates as well as material usage and labor costs incurred in correcting a product failure. If actual costs differ from estimated costs, we must make a revision to the warranty liability, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows.
Goodwill. Goodwill results from the excess of purchase price over the net assets of businesses acquired. We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. As part of the annual test, we may perform a qualitative, rather than quantitative, assessment to determine whether the fair values of our reporting units are "more likely than not" to be greater than their carrying values. In performing this qualitative analysis, we consider various factors, including the effect of market or industry changes and the reporting units' actual results compared with projected results. We exercise judgment when evaluating the impact of market and industry changes and when comparing actual results to projected results.
If the fair value of a reporting unit does not meet the "more likely than not" criteria discussed above, we perform a quantitative assessment which begins by measuring the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a goodwill impairment is recorded equal to the carrying value of the reporting unit less its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.
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We calculate the fair value of our reporting units considering both the income approach and the guideline public company method. The income approach calculates the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow approach utilizing a Gordon Growth model. Internally forecasted future cash flows, which we believe reasonably approximates market participant assumptions, are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital (Discount Rate) developed for each reporting unit. The Discount Rate is developed using market observable inputs, as well as considering whether or not there is a measure of risk related to the specific reporting unit’s forecasted performance. We exercise judgment when forecasting future cash flows including the performance of the underlying market in which the reporting unit operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. We exercise judgment when determining the level of risk associated with achieving the forecasted future cash flows. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Fair value under the guideline public company method is determined for each reporting unit by applying market multiples for comparable public companies to the unit’s current and forecasted financial results. We exercise judgment when determining the comparable public companies and market multiples. The key uncertainties in these calculations are the assumptions used in determining the reporting unit’s forecasted future performance, including revenue growth and operating margins, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the Discount Rate, along with selecting representative market multiples.
We did not record any goodwill impairments in 2022, 2021 or 2020.
Other Intangible Assets. Our primary other intangible assets are customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology acquired in business combinations. Intangible assets are initially valued using a methodology commensurate with the intended use of the asset. Customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology are valued using the income approach. The fair value of customer relationships is measured using the multi-period excess earnings method (MPEEM). The fair value of trade names and developed technology are measured using a relief-from-royalty (RFR) approach, which assumes the value of the trade name or technology is the discounted amount of cash flows that would be paid to third parties had we not owned the trade name or technology and instead licensed the trade name or technology from another company. Higher royalty rates are assigned to premium brands within the marketplace based on name recognition and profitability, while other brands receive lower royalty rates. We exercise judgment when selecting the royalty rates and evaluating profitability. The basis for future sales projections for both the RFR and MPEEM are internal revenue forecasts which we believe represent reasonable market participant assumptions. We exercise judgment when forecasting revenue including the performance of the underlying market in which the intangible asset operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. The future cash flows are discounted using an applicable Discount Rate as well as any potential risk premium to reflect the inherent risk of holding a standalone intangible asset. We exercise judgment when determining the level of risk associated with achieving the forecasted revenue. For MPEEM calculations, we exercise judgement in determining the customer attrition rate, which is generally based on historical experience. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast including higher than anticipated customer attrition, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The key uncertainties in the RFR and MPEEM calculations, as applicable, are: the selection of an appropriate royalty rate, assumptions used in developing internal revenue growth and expense forecasts, assumed customer attrition rates, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the discount rate and risk premium.
The costs of amortizable intangible assets are recognized over their expected useful lives, typically between three and fifteen years, using the straight-line method. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate long-lived assets described below. The Company recorded impairment charges of $17.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 related to capitalized software intangible assets that will not be placed into service. The Company did not record any other impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an asset may be impaired. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Refer to Note 4 – Acquisitions and Note 10 – Goodwill and Other Intangibles in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
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Long-Lived Assets. We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of our definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. We exercise judgment when evaluating whether events or circumstances have occurred either internally or externally that would warrant revisions to useful lives or indicate the balances of the assets may not be recoverable. Once an impairment indicator is identified, we test for recoverability of the related asset group using an estimate of undiscounted cash flows over the asset group's remaining life. We exercise judgment when forecasting future cash flows including the performance of the underlying market in which the asset or asset group operates as well as the impact of specific initiatives. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. If an asset group's carrying value is not recoverable, we record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset group over the long-lived asset group's fair value. Fair value is determined using observable inputs, including the use of appraisals from independent third parties, when available, and, when observable inputs are not available, based on our assumption of the data that market participants would use in pricing the asset, based on the best information available in the circumstances. Specifically, we use discounted cash flows to determine the fair value of the asset when observable inputs are unavailable. We tested our long-lived asset balances for impairment as indicators arose during 2022, 2021 and 2020, resulting in impairment charges of $1.5 million, $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which are recognized either in Restructuring, exit and impairment charges or Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes. Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. We evaluate the realizability of net deferred tax assets and, as necessary, record valuation allowances against them. We exercise judgment when evaluating the realizability of deferred tax assets by evaluating the potential to recover the value of these assets through the utilization of tax loss and credit carrybacks, the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and carryforwards, certain tax planning strategies, and future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards. These estimates are subject to uncertainty as actual results may differ from our forecast. If actual results differ from the forecast, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. We estimate our tax obligations based on historical experience and current tax laws and litigation. The judgments made at any point in time may change based on the outcome of tax audits and settlements of tax litigation, as well as changes due to new tax laws and regulations and our application of those laws and regulations. These factors may cause our tax rate and deferred tax balances to increase or decrease. We exercise judgment when evaluating whether it is not more likely than not a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities. This evaluation is subject to uncertainty as it involves the interpretation of tax laws and regulations and our interpretation could differ from that of the taxing authorities. If a position is not sustained upon examination, the impact could be material to our results of operations and cash flows. See Note 11 – Income Taxes in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the recent accounting pronouncements that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2022, or will be adopted in future periods.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000014930-22-000041.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Brunswick Corporation (we, us, our) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our business and by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from expectations and projections as of the date of this filing due to various risks and uncertainties. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, refer to Forward-Looking Statements above.
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis are based on non-GAAP financial measures. GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is a numerical measure of a registrant’s historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets or statements of cash flows of the issuer; or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented. For example, the discussion of our cash flows includes an analysis of free cash flows and total liquidity; the discussion of our net sales includes a discussion of net sales on a constant currency basis; and the discussion of our earnings includes a presentation of operating earnings and operating margin excluding restructuring, exit and impairment charges, purchase accounting amortization, acquisition-related costs and other applicable charges, and diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and statistical measures.
We include non-GAAP financial measures in Management’s Discussion and Analysis as we believe these measures and the information they provide are useful to investors because they permit investors to view our performance using some of the same tools that we use to evaluate our ongoing business performance. In order to better align our reported results with the internal metrics management uses to evaluate business performance as well as to provide better comparisons to prior periods and peer data, non-GAAP measures exclude the impact of purchase accounting amortization related to acquisitions.
We do not provide forward-looking guidance for certain financial measures on a GAAP basis because we are unable to predict certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. These items may include restructuring, exit and impairment costs, special tax items, acquisition-related costs, and certain other unusual adjustments.
Impact of COVID-19
All of our global manufacturing and distribution facilities continue to focus on rigorously applying, evolving, and automating COVID-19 mitigation procedures, while continuing to increase global production to meet unprecedented demand as consumers continue to take advantage of flexible work schedules allowing for more leisure time. The strong demand environment for our products experienced during the second half of 2020 has continued through 2021. COVID-19 related shut-downs have affected operations during the year, such as the temporary closure of a key manufacturing and distribution facility in New Zealand. Despite elevated production levels consistent with our plan, the ongoing surge in retail demand, combined with market share gains and supply chain challenges, continues to drive historically low pipeline inventory levels, with pipeline inventory for our boat segment's dealers down to just over 15 weeks on hand as of the end of the year.
We will continue to actively monitor the impact of COVID-19 and may take further actions that alter business operations as legally required or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, dealers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. The full extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, operations, and financial results will depend on evolving factors that we cannot accurately predict. Refer to Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors for further information.
Discontinued Operations
On June 27, 2019, we completed the sale of our Fitness business. This business, which was previously reported within our Fitness segment, is being reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
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Our results for all periods presented, as discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis, are presented on a continuing operations basis, unless otherwise noted. Refer to Note 3 – Discontinued Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Acquisitions
On October 4, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Navico for $1.094 billion net cash consideration. Navico was a privately held global company based in Egersund, Norway, and is a global leader in marine electronics and sensors, including multi-function displays, fish finders, autopilots, sonar, radar, and cartography. We also completed the acquisitions of substantially all the net assets of RELiON Battery, LLC, SemahTronix, LLC, Fanautic Club, and certain Freedom Boat Club franchise operations and territory rights in the United States during 2021 for net cash consideration of $66.2 million. Refer to Note 5 – Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Matters Affecting Comparability
Changes in Foreign Currency Rates. Percentage changes in net sales expressed in constant currency reflect the impact that changes in currency exchange rates had on comparisons of net sales. To determine this information, net sales transacted in currencies other than U.S. dollars have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates that were in effect during the comparative period. The percentage change in net sales expressed on a constant currency basis better reflects the changes in the underlying business trends, excluding the impact of translation arising from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Approximately 25 percent of our annual net sales are transacted in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. Our most material exposures include sales in euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars and Chinese yuan.
The table below summarizes the impact of changes in currency exchange rates and also the impact of acquisitions on our net sales:
| Net Sales | 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | GAAP | Currency Impact | Acquisitions Impact | GAAP | Currency Impact | |||||||||||||||||||
| Propulsion | $ | 2,504.7 | $ | 1,878.4 | $ | 1,692.9 | 33.3 | % | 1.9% | —% | 11.0 | % | (0.8) | % | |||||||||||||
| Parts & Accessories | 2,008.1 | 1,508.8 | 1,380.1 | 33.1 | % | 1.9% | 8.9% | 9.3 | % | (0.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Boat | 1,703.1 | 1,250.3 | 1,334.3 | 36.2 | % | 1.2% | 0.5% | (6.3) | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Segment Eliminations | (369.7) | (290.0) | (298.9) | 27.5 | % | 0.7% | 0.8% | (3.0) | % | 0.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 5,846.2 | $ | 4,347.5 | $ | 4,108.4 | 34.5 | % | 1.8% | 3.2% | 5.8 | % | (0.3) | % |
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Results of Operations
Consolidated
The following table sets forth certain amounts, ratios and relationships calculated from the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2021, 2020 and 2019:
| 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,846.2 | $ | 4,347.5 | $ | 4,108.4 | $ | 1,498.7 | 34.5% | $ | 239.1 | 5.8% | ||||||||
| Gross margin (A) | 1,666.0 | 1,213.0 | 1,121.0 | 453.0 | 37.3% | 92.0 | 8.2% | |||||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit, and impairment charges | 0.8 | 4.1 | 18.8 | (3.3) | (80.5)% | (14.7) | (78.2)% | |||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | 812.9 | 539.3 | 471.0 | 273.6 | 50.7% | 68.3 | 14.5% | |||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | (4.2) | — | — | (4.2) | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||
| Transaction financing charges | (4.0) | — | — | (4.0) | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||
| Pension settlement (benefit) charge | — | (1.1) | 292.8 | 1.1 | NM | (293.9) | NM | |||||||||||||
| Net earnings from continuing operations | 595.4 | 374.7 | 30.4 | 220.7 | 58.9% | 344.3 | NM | |||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations | $ | 7.59 | $ | 4.70 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 2.89 | 61.5% | $ | 4.34 | NM | ||||||||
| Expressed as a percentage of Net sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 28.5 | % | 27.9 | % | 27.3 | % | 60 bpts | 60 bpts | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 11.9 | % | 12.5 | % | 12.4 | % | (60) bpts | 10 bpts | ||||||||||||
| Research and development expense | 2.6 | % | 2.9 | % | 3.0 | % | (30) bpts | (10) bpts | ||||||||||||
| Operating margin | 13.9 | % | 12.4 | % | 11.5 | % | 150 bpts | 90 bpts |
NM = not meaningful
bpts = basis points
(A)Gross margin is defined as Net sales less Cost of sales as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following is a summary of Adjusted operating earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations:
| Operating Earnings | Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
| GAAP | $ | 812.9 | $ | 539.3 | $ | 471.0 | $ | 7.59 | $ | 4.70 | $ | 0.36 | ||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit, and impairment charges | 0.8 | 4.1 | 18.8 | 0.01 | 0.04 | 0.21 | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 45.7 | 30.1 | 29.5 | 0.46 | 0.29 | 0.22 | ||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration and IT costs | 24.3 | 5.4 | 4.8 | 0.27 | 0.05 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sport Yacht & Yachts | 3.8 | — | 7.8 | 0.04 | — | 0.07 | ||||||||||||||||
| Palm Coast reclassified from held-for-sale | 0.8 | — | — | 0.01 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss on early extinguishment of debt | — | — | — | 0.04 | — | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | (1.5) | — | — | (0.01) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Special tax items | — | — | — | (0.13) | 0.00 | (0.20) | ||||||||||||||||
| Pension settlement (benefit) charge | — | — | — | — | (0.01) | 3.62 | ||||||||||||||||
| As Adjusted | $ | 886.8 | $ | 578.9 | $ | 531.9 | $ | 8.28 | $ | 5.07 | $ | 4.33 | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 13.9 | % | 12.4 | % | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 15.2 | % | 13.3 | % | 12.9 | % |
2021 vs. 2020
Net sales increased 34.5 percent during 2021 when compared with 2020. Sales in each segment benefited from increased volume due to strong global demand for marine products, market share gains, and higher pricing. Refer to the Propulsion, P&A, and Boat segments for further details on the drivers of net sales changes.
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Gross margin percentage increased 60 basis points in 2021 when compared with 2020, with all segments benefiting from increased sales, favorable factory absorption from increased production, and favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by increased input costs, including material and labor inflation and increased freight costs.
Selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A) increased during 2021 when compared with the prior year. Excluding certain one-time items presented above, SG&A as a percentage of sales was lower in 2021 compared with the prior year, reflecting the strong increase in net sales, partially offset by increased spending on sales and marketing, ACES programs, and other growth initiatives. SG&A as a percentage of sales was also impacted by higher variable compensation costs during 2021 when compared with the prior year. Research and development expense increased in 2021 versus 2020, reflecting continued investment in new products in all segments.
During 2021, we recorded restructuring, exit and impairment charges of $0.8 million compared with $4.1 million in 2020. See Note 4 – Restructuring, Exit and Impairment Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We recognized equity earnings of $2.3 million and $4.5 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively, which were mainly related to our marine and technology-related joint ventures.
We recognized $(6.8) million and $(6.1) million in 2021 and 2020, respectively, in Other expense, net. Other expense, net primarily includes remeasurement gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency rates and other postretirement benefit costs.
Net interest expense decreased in 2021 compared with 2020 due to a reduction in average daily debt outstanding, which was influenced by the timing of debt issuances and retirements. Refer to Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We recognized a $4.2 million loss on early extinguishment of debt in 2021 related to the tender of our 2023 Debentures and 2027 Notes. We also recognized $4.0 million of transaction financing charges in 2021 related to a bridge commitment that was secured in anticipation of the Navico acquisition. Refer to Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income tax provision was $141.0 million and $98.0 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase is primarily due to increased earnings before income taxes.
The effective tax rate, which is calculated as the income tax provision as a percentage of earnings before income taxes, was 19.1 percent and 20.7 percent for 2021 and 2020, respectively.
See Note 12 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as well as a reconciliation of our effective tax rate and statutory Federal income tax rate.
Due to the factors described in the preceding paragraphs, operating earnings, net earnings from continuing operations and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations increased during 2021. Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations benefited from common stock repurchases in both years.
2020 vs. 2019
Net sales increased 5.8 percent during 2020 when compared with 2019. Refer to the Propulsion, P&A, and Boat segments discussions for further details on the drivers of net sales changes.
Gross margin percentage increased 60 basis points in 2020 when compared with 2019, reflecting impacts of higher sales partially offset by the impacts of production suspensions and stay-at-home restrictions earlier in the year.
SG&A increased during 2020 and includes purchase accounting amortization and acquisition and IT transformation-related costs, as applicable. Excluding those items, SG&A as a percentage of sales was relatively
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consistent in 2020 compared with 2019. Research and development expense increased in 2020 versus 2019, but remained consistent as a percentage of Net Sales.
During 2020, we recorded restructuring, exit and impairment charges of $4.1 million compared with $18.8 million in 2019. See Note 4 – Restructuring, Exit and Impairment Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We recognized equity earnings of $4.5 million and $7.3 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, which were mainly related to our marine and technology-related joint ventures.
In 2019, we fully exited our remaining defined benefit pension plans and, as a result, recorded a $1.1 million benefit in 2020 associated with a final settlement adjustment. In 2019, we recorded $292.8 million of charges related to these pension settlement actions. Refer to Note 17 – Postretirement Benefits in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
We recognized $(6.1) million and $(2.1) million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, in Other expense, net. Other expense, net primarily includes other postretirement benefit costs and remeasurement gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency rates.
Net interest expense decreased in 2020 compared with 2019 due to a reduction in average daily debt outstanding. Refer to Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We recognized an income tax provision of $98.0 million and $80.3 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The income tax provision in 2019 included a net charge of $17.5 million related to the settlement of our qualified defined benefit plans. The impact of this action consisted of a tax benefit of $73.9 million from the pension settlement charge, which was netted against a tax charge of $91.4 million resulting from the release of disproportionate tax effects in Accumulated other comprehensive income. Additionally, the income tax provision for 2019 included a net benefit of $17.2 million, primarily related to favorable rate change impacts on state deferred tax assets as well as a reassessment of the state valuation allowance.
The effective tax rate, which is calculated as the income tax provision as a percentage of earnings before income taxes, was 20.7 percent and 72.6 percent for 2020 and 2019, respectively.
See Note 12 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as well as a reconciliation of our effective tax rate and statutory Federal income tax rate.
Due to the factors described in the preceding paragraphs, operating earnings, net earnings from continuing operations and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations increased during 2020. Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations benefited from common stock repurchases in both years.
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Segments
We have three reportable segments: Propulsion, P&A, and Boat. Refer to Note 6 – Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the segment operations.
Propulsion Segment
The following table sets forth the Propulsion segment results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
| 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,504.7 | $ | 1,878.4 | $ | 1,692.9 | $ | 626.3 | 33.3 % | $ | 185.5 | 11.0 % | |||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | $ | 449.7 | $ | 285.5 | $ | 240.3 | $ | 164.2 | 57.5 % | $ | 45.2 | 18.8 % | |||||||||||||
| Operating margin | 18.0 | % | 15.2 | % | 14.2 | % | 280 | bpts | 100 | bpts |
bpts = basis points
2021 vs. 2020
Propulsion segment's net sales increased $626.3 million or 33.3 percent in 2021 versus the prior year due to the factors affecting all of our segments previously mentioned.
International sales were 34 percent of the Propulsion segment's net sales in 2021. International sales increased 29 percent on a GAAP basis and 23 percent on a constant currency basis from the prior year, primarily due to increases in all regions except Asia-Pacific.
Propulsion segment's operating earnings for the year increased $164.2 million or 57.5 percent in 2021 versus the prior year as benefits from increased pricing, favorable absorption and favorable customer mix were more than able to offset higher manufacturing costs, primarily caused by material inflation.
2020 vs. 2019
Propulsion segment's net sales increased $185.5 million or 11.0 percent in 2020 versus the prior year, as a result of strong demand, especially in the higher horsepower outboard engine categories and related controls, rigging and propeller business as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers continued to ramp-up production during the year, and increased capacity enabled elevated sales to dealer and international channels as well as significant U.S. and international market share gains. These sales increases were partially offset by production disruptions at Mercury and its OEM engine customers in the first half of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
International sales were 36 percent of the Propulsion segment's net sales in 2020. International sales increased 24 percent on a GAAP basis and 26 percent on a constant currency basis from the prior year, primarily due to increases in Asia-Pacific, particularly in higher horsepower engines used for commercial purposes.
Propulsion segment's operating earnings for the year increased $45.2 million or 18.8 percent in 2020 versus the prior year as a result of increased sales volumes and favorable changes in sales mix, partially offset by unfavorable absorption resulting from production disruptions in the first half of the year, higher variable compensation costs, and increased investment in new product development and technology.
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Parts & Accessories Segment
The following table sets forth the Parts & Accessories (P&A) segment results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
| 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,008.1 | $ | 1,508.8 | $ | 1,380.1 | $ | 499.3 | 33.1 | % | $ | 128.7 | 9.3 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 335.8 | $ | 275.4 | $ | 237.5 | $ | 60.4 | 21.9 | % | $ | 37.9 | 16.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 0.7 | 0.8 | 4.6 | (0.1) | (12.5) | % | (3.8) | (82.6) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 44.1 | 28.7 | 28.7 | 15.4 | 53.7 | % | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration and IT costs | 17.8 | — | — | 17.8 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of assets | (1.5) | — | — | (1.5) | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 396.9 | $ | 304.9 | $ | 270.8 | $ | 92.0 | 30.2 | % | $ | 34.1 | 12.6 | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 16.7 | % | 18.3 | % | 17.2 | % | (160) bpts | 110 bpts | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 19.8 | % | 20.2 | % | 19.6 | % | (40) bpts | 60 bpts |
NM = not meaningful
bpts = basis points
2021 vs. 2020
P&A segment's net sales increased by $499.3 million or 33.1 percent in 2021 versus the prior year due to the factors affecting all of our segments previously mentioned.
International sales were 31 percent of the P&A segment's net sales in 2021. International sales increased 49 percent year-over-year on a GAAP basis and 43 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting increases across all regions.
P&A segment's operating earnings were $335.8 million in 2021, an increase of 21.9 percent. Operating earnings, while positively affected by the factors affecting all of our segments previously mentioned, were also negatively affected by increased input costs.
2020 vs. 2019
P&A segment's net sales increased $128.7 million or 9.3 percent in 2020 versus the prior year due to strong sales growth across all product categories. 2020 results were bolstered by healthy boat usage as a consequence of the need for social distancing friendly recreation and by favorable weather conditions in the U.S. throughout the year, especially compared with 2019. These sales increases were partially offset by stay-at-home restrictions resulting from the pandemic, which disrupted dealer, retail, and OEM operations in many locations in the first half of the year.
International sales were 28 percent of the P&A segment's net sales in 2020. International sales increased 4 percent year-over-year on both a GAAP basis and constant currency basis. The increase in net sales was driven by Asia-Pacific and Europe, partially offset by Latin America.
P&A segment's operating earnings were $275.4 million in 2020, an increase of 16.0 percent, mainly due to the increase in net sales as well as favorable product mix, partially offset by cost-reduction actions.
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Boat Segment
The following table sets forth Boat segment results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
| 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,703.1 | $ | 1,250.3 | $ | 1,334.3 | $ | 452.8 | 36.2 | % | $ | (84.0) | (6.3) | % | ||||||||||
| GAAP operating earnings | $ | 142.3 | $ | 70.2 | $ | 76.2 | $ | 72.1 | NM | $ | (6.0) | (7.9) | % | |||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit and impairment charges | 0.1 | 1.3 | 9.7 | (1.2) | (92.3) | % | (8.4) | (86.6) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration and IT costs | 6.3 | 1.7 | 2.6 | 4.6 | NM | (0.9) | (34.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchase accounting amortization | 1.6 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 14.3 | % | 0.6 | 75.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Sport Yacht & Yachts | 3.8 | — | 7.8 | 3.8 | NM | (7.8) | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Palm Coast reclassified from held-for-sale | 0.8 | — | — | 0.8 | NM | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating earnings | $ | 154.9 | $ | 74.6 | $ | 97.1 | $ | 80.3 | NM | $ | (22.5) | (23.2) | % | |||||||||||
| GAAP operating margin | 8.4 | % | 5.6 | % | 5.7 | % | 280 bpts | (10) bpts | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 9.1 | % | 6.0 | % | 7.3 | % | 310 bpts | (130) bpts |
NM = not meaningful
bpts = basis points
2021 vs. 2020
Boat segment's net sales increased $452.8 million or 36.2 percent versus 2020 driven by lower discount levels, as well as the factors affecting all of our segments previously mentioned. Freedom Boat Club, which contributed approximately 3 percent of the Boat segment's revenue, achieved membership growth and also completed several acquisitions during the year.
International sales were 26 percent of the Boat segment's net sales in 2021, and increased 52 percent on a GAAP basis and 46 percent on a constant currency basis, reflecting increases across all regions.
Boat segment's operating earnings were $142.3 million in 2021, as benefits from increased sales for the year more than offset material inflation and higher costs due to manufacturing inefficiencies.
2020 vs. 2019
Boat segment's net sales decreased $84.0 million versus 2019, resulting from lower wholesale volume due to the temporary suspension of manufacturing in most plants and the associated ramp-up of activities earlier in the year resulting from the pandemic. This decline was partially offset by increases in the second half of the year resulting from significantly higher wholesale volume to dealers to meet increased customer demand at the retail level and to begin refilling pipeline inventories. Freedom Boat Club, which represents approximately 2.5 percent of segment sales, also achieved higher net sales due to an increase in new memberships and new franchisee locations.
International sales were 23 percent of the Boat segment's net sales in 2020, and decreased 10 percent on both a GAAP basis and constant currency basis, reflecting declines in most regions, which was partially offset by increases in Europe.
Boat segment's operating earnings were $70.2 million in 2020, a decrease of 7.9 percent compared with 2019, due to lower net sales along with unfavorable impact of absorption resulting from production disruptions, which were partially offset by benefits from cost reduction measures.
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Corporate/Other
The following table sets forth Corporate/Other results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
| 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP operating loss | $ | (114.9) | $ | (91.8) | $ | (83.0) | $ | (23.1) | 25.2 | % | $ | (8.8) | 10.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Restructuring, exit, and impairment charges | — | 2.0 | 4.5 | (2.0) | NM | (2.5) | (55.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition, integration and IT related costs | 0.2 | 3.7 | 2.2 | (3.5) | (94.6) | % | 1.5 | 68.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating loss | $ | (114.7) | $ | (86.1) | $ | (76.3) | $ | (28.6) | 33.2 | % | $ | (9.8) | 12.8 | % |
NM = not meaningful
Corporate operating expenses increased by $23.1 million in 2021 compared with 2020 due to an increase in spending on certain enterprise initiatives including ACES as well as higher variable compensation expense.
Corporate operating expenses increased by $8.8 million in 2020 compared with 2019 primarily due to higher variable compensation expense.
Cash Flow, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table sets forth an analysis of free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | $ | 586.2 | $ | 800.0 | $ | 475.3 | ||||
| Net cash (used for) provided by: | ||||||||||
| Plus: Capital expenditures | (267.1) | (182.4) | (232.6) | |||||||
| Plus: Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment | 7.2 | 2.9 | 7.3 | |||||||
| Plus: Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (5.5) | 8.8 | 0.4 | |||||||
| Total free cash flow from continuing operations (A) | $ | 320.8 | $ | 629.3 | $ | 250.4 |
(A) We define "Free cash flow" as cash flow from operating and investing activities of continuing operations (excluding cash provided by or used for acquisitions, investments, purchases or sales/maturities of marketable securities and other investing activities, net of tax) and the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents. Free cash flow is not intended as an alternative measure of cash flow from operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. We believe that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same tool that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Free cash flow" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund investments in future growth initiatives.
Our major sources of funds for capital investments, acquisitions, share repurchase programs and dividend payments are cash generated from operating activities, available cash and marketable securities balances, and potential borrowings. We evaluate potential acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures in the ordinary course of business.
2021 Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2021 totaled $586.2 million versus $800.0 million in 2020. The decrease is primarily due to increased working capital, partially offset by higher net earnings during 2021. Working capital is defined as Accounts and notes receivable, Inventories and Prepaid expenses and other, net of Accounts payable and Accrued expenses as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, excluding the impact of acquisitions and non-cash adjustments.
The primary drivers of Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2021 were net earnings, net of non-cash items, partially offset by the impact of increasing working capital, including increasing inventory levels to help ensure manufacturing continuity and rebuilding pipeline inventories. Accounts and notes receivable increased $85.1 million primarily due to increased sales across all segments. Inventory increased $343.2 million, driven by increases to support higher production volumes. Accounts payable increased $134.2 million
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primarily due to timing of payments and higher inventory levels across all reportable segments. Accrued expenses increased $73.8 million, primarily driven by increased variable compensation.
Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations was $1,353.9 million, primarily due to acquisitions of businesses of $1,138.6 million and capital expenditures of $267.1 million, offset by sales of marketable securities of $55.9 million. Our capital spending was mainly focused on investments in new products and technologies as well as increased production capacity.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $621.8 million and primarily related to net proceeds from issuances of long-term debt in connection with the Navico acquisition, offset by payments of long-term debt including current maturities, common stock repurchases, and cash dividends paid to common shareholders. Refer to Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our debt activity during the year ended December 31, 2021.
2020 Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations totaled $800.0 million in 2020 versus $475.3 million in 2019. The increase is primarily due to higher net earnings and favorable working capital usage, driven mainly by decreases in inventory levels and increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
The primary drivers of Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations in 2020 were net earnings, net of non-cash items, and a decrease in working capital. Inventory decreased $109.3 million primarily due to the increase in net sales during 2020 and production disruptions in the first half of the year. Accounts and notes receivable increased $19.9 million primarily due to the increase in net sales during the fourth quarter of 2020. Accrued expenses and Accounts payable increased $75.3 million and $64.5 million, respectively, primarily due to production increases, which were partially offset by timing of payments.
Net cash used for investing activities of continuing operations during 2020 totaled $239.4 million, which included capital expenditures of $182.4 million. Our capital spending focused on investments in new products. We also purchased $55.9 million of marketable securities in 2020.
Net cash used for financing activities during 2020 was $361.8 million, primarily related to payments of long-term debt including current maturities, common stock repurchases and cash dividends paid to common shareholders. Refer to Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our debt activity during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We view our highly liquid assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 as:
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 354.5 | $ | 519.6 | ||
| Short-term investments in marketable securities | 0.8 | 56.7 | ||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 355.3 | $ | 576.3 |
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The following table sets forth an analysis of Total liquidity as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| (in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities | $ | 355.3 | $ | 576.3 | ||
| Amounts available under lending facilities(A) | 497.2 | 395.0 | ||||
| Total liquidity (B) | $ | 852.5 | $ | 971.3 |
(A) See Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on our lending facility.
(B) We define Total liquidity as Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, plus amounts available for borrowing under our lending facilities. Total liquidity is not intended as an alternative measure to Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments in marketable securities as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States. We use this financial measure both in presenting our results to shareholders and the investment community and in our internal evaluation and management of our businesses. Management believes that this financial measure and the information it provides are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same metric that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measure "Total liquidity" is also useful to investors because it is an indication of our available highly liquid assets and immediate sources of financing.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $355.3 million as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $221.0 million from $576.3 million as of December 31, 2020. Total debt as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $1,816.4 million and $951.4 million, respectively. Our debt-to-capitalization ratio increased to 49 percent as of December 31, 2021, from 39 percent as of December 31, 2020.
There was no borrowing activity under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Facility) during 2021, and we did not have any borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2021. Available borrowing capacity totaled $497.2 million, net of $2.8 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility. During 2021, borrowings under our unsecured commercial paper program (CP Program), pursuant to which we may issue short-term, unsecured commercial paper notes, totaled $200.0 million, all of which were repaid during the period. During 2021, the maximum amount utilized under the CP Program was $100.0 million.
During 2020, gross borrowings under our Credit Facility totaled $610.0 million. As of December 31, 2020, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. During 2020, borrowings under the CP Program totaled $175.0 million, all of which were repaid during 2020. During 2020, the maximum amount outstanding under the CP Program was $100.0 million. Refer to Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
The level of borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility and CP Program is limited by both a leverage and interest coverage test. These covenants also pertain to termination provisions included in our wholesale financing joint venture arrangements with Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance, LLC. Based on our anticipated earnings generation throughout the year, we expect to maintain sufficient cushion against the existing debt covenants. As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Facility and CP Program.
To finance the acquisition of Navico, we issued Notes for aggregate net proceeds of $992.9 million. We also tendered our 2023 Debentures and 2027 Notes in the process, resulting in the retirement of $25.0 million of debt and a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $4.2 million. Refer to Note 16 – Debt and Note 5 – Acquisitions in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We believe that we have adequate sources of liquidity to meet our short-term and long-term needs.
2022 Capital Strategy
We anticipate executing a balanced capital strategy in 2022, leveraging our strong cash position. We plan to retire approximately $100 million of our long-term debt obligations, with interest expense estimated to be approximately $70 million in 2022.
We anticipate our capital expenditure levels in 2022 to increase to an amount ranging between $375 and $425 million to complete recently announced capacity expansion projects as well as to fund new product investments in all of our businesses and cost-reduction and automation projects.
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We also plan to spend between $100 million and $150 million on share repurchases, but have the ability to spend up to $200 million or more should market conditions or our share price create an opportunity to be more aggressive.
And, similar to 2021, we expect to continue to focus on mergers and acquisitions activity, primarily in our P&A and Business Acceleration business units, including expanding Freedom Boat Club.
Financial Services
Refer to Note 10 – Financing Joint Venture in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our financial services.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Guarantees. We have reserves to cover potential losses associated with guarantees and repurchase obligations based on historical experience and current facts and circumstances. Historical cash requirements and losses associated with these obligations have not been significant. See Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of these arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth a summary of our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2021:
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | ||||||||||||||||||
| Debt (A) | $ | 1,845.2 | $ | 37.4 | $ | 554.8 | $ | 1.3 | $ | 1,251.7 | ||||||||
| Interest payments on long-term debt | 1,179.5 | 69.5 | 134.9 | 119.5 | 855.6 | |||||||||||||
| Operating leases (B) | 112.3 | 26.1 | 48.0 | 21.3 | 16.9 | |||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations (C) | 266.2 | 261.7 | 4.5 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Deferred management compensation (D) | 26.1 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 9.1 | |||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities (E) | 109.4 | 5.7 | 63.6 | 32.2 | 7.9 | |||||||||||||
| Total contractual obligations | $ | 3,538.7 | $ | 405.4 | $ | 811.8 | $ | 180.3 | $ | 2,141.2 |
(A) See Note 16 – Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our debt. "Debt" refers to future cash principal payments. Debt also includes our capital leases as discussed in Note 21 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(B) See Note 21 – Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(C) Purchase obligations represent agreements with suppliers and vendors as part of the normal course of business.
(D) Amounts primarily represent long-term deferred compensation plans.
(E) Other long-term liabilities primarily includes long-term warranty contracts, future projected payments related to our nonqualified pension plans and deferred revenue.
Legal Proceedings
See Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Environmental Regulation
In the Propulsion segment, we continue to develop engine technologies to reduce engine emissions to comply with current and future requirements. In the P&A segment, we are working to develop electrification and other technologies to reduce our environmental footprint. The Boat segment continues to pursue fiberglass boat manufacturing technologies and techniques to reduce air emissions at its boat manufacturing facilities. The costs associated with these activities may have an adverse effect on segment operating margins and short-term operating results. Environmental regulatory bodies in the United States and other countries may impose more stringent emissions standards and/or other environmental regulatory requirements than are currently in effect. By following our environmental management system processes to drive sustainable, responsible practices, we comply with current regulations and expect to comply with any new regulations. Compliance will most likely increase the cost of these products for us and others in the industry, but is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our competitive position.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results may differ from those estimates. If current estimates for the cost of resolving any specific matters are later determined to be inadequate, results of operations could be adversely affected in the period in which additional provisions are required. We have discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting policies with the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and believe the following are the most critical accounting policies that could have an effect on our reported results.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Incentives. Revenue is recognized as performance obligations under the terms of contracts with customers are satisfied; this occurs when control of promised goods (engines, parts and accessories, and boats) is transferred to the customer. We recognize revenue related to the sale of extended warranty contracts that extend the coverage period beyond the standard warranty period over the life of the extended warranty period.
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. We have excluded sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities from the determination of the transaction price for all contracts. We have elected to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as a fulfillment activity. For all contracts with customers, we have not adjusted the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component as the period between the transfer of the promised goods and the customer's payment is expected to be one year or less.
See Note 2 – Revenue Recognition in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Warranty Reserves. We record an estimated liability for product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The liability is estimated using historical warranty experience, projected claim rates and expected costs per claim. We adjust our liability for specific warranty matters when they become known and the exposure can be estimated. Our warranty liabilities are affected by product failure rates as well as material usage and labor costs incurred in correcting a product failure. If actual costs differ from estimated costs, we must make a revision to the warranty liability.
Goodwill. Goodwill results from the excess of purchase price over the net assets of businesses acquired. We review goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. As part of the annual test, we may perform a qualitative, rather than quantitative, assessment to determine whether the fair values of our reporting units are "more likely than not" to be greater than their carrying values. In performing this qualitative analysis, we consider various factors, including the effect of market or industry changes and the reporting units' actual results compared with projected results.
If the fair value of a reporting unit does not meet the "more likely than not" criteria discussed above, we perform a quantitative assessment which begins by measuring the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the
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reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a goodwill impairment is recorded equal to the carrying value of the reporting unit less its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.
We calculate the fair value of our reporting units considering both the income approach and the guideline public company method. The income approach calculates the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow approach utilizing a Gordon Growth model. Internally forecasted future cash flows, which we believe reasonably approximates market participant assumptions, are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital (Discount Rate) developed for each reporting unit. The Discount Rate is developed using market observable inputs, as well as considering whether or not there is a measure of risk related to the specific reporting unit’s forecasted performance. Fair value under the guideline public company method is determined for each unit by applying market multiples for comparable public companies to the unit’s current and forecasted financial results. The key uncertainties in these calculations are the assumptions used in determining the reporting unit’s forecasted future performance, including revenue growth and operating margins, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the Discount Rate, along with selecting representative market multiples.
We did not record any goodwill impairments in 2021, 2020 or 2019 in continuing operations. Refer to Note 3 – Discontinued Operations for further information on the Fitness goodwill impairment recorded during 2019.
Other Intangible Assets. Our primary other intangible assets are customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology acquired in business combinations. Intangible assets are initially valued using a methodology commensurate with the intended use of the asset. Customer relationships, trade names, and developed technology are valued using the income approach. The fair value of customer relationships is measured using the multi-period excess earnings method (MPEEM). The fair value of trade names and developed technology are measured using a relief-from-royalty (RFR) approach, which assumes the value of the trade name or technology is the discounted amount of cash flows that would be paid to third parties had we not owned the trade name or technology and instead licensed the trade name or technology from another company. Higher royalty rates are assigned to premium brands within the marketplace based on name recognition and profitability, while other brands receive lower royalty rates. The basis for future sales projections for both the RFR and MPEEM are based on internal revenue forecasts which we believe represent reasonable market participant assumptions. The future cash flows are discounted using an applicable Discount Rate as well as any potential risk premium to reflect the inherent risk of holding a standalone intangible asset.
The key uncertainties in the RFR and MPEEM calculations, as applicable, are: the selection of an appropriate royalty rate, assumptions used in developing internal revenue growth and expense forecasts, assumed customer attrition rates, as well as the perceived risk associated with those forecasts in determining the discount rate and risk premium.
The costs of amortizable intangible assets are recognized over their expected useful lives, typically between three and fifteen years, using the straight-line method. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate long-lived assets described below. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an asset may be impaired. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Refer to Note 5 – Acquisitions and Note 11 – Goodwill and Other Intangibles in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Long-Lived Assets. We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of our definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. Once an impairment indicator is identified, we test for recoverability of the related asset group using an estimate of undiscounted cash flows over the asset group's remaining life. If an asset group's carrying value is not recoverable, we record an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset group over the long-lived asset group's fair value. Fair value is determined using observable inputs, including the use of appraisals from independent third parties, when available, and, when observable inputs are not available, based on our assumption of the data that market participants would use in pricing the asset, based on the best information available in the circumstances. Specifically, we use discounted cash flows to determine the fair value of the asset when observable inputs are
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unavailable. We tested our long-lived asset balances for impairment as indicators arose during 2021, 2020 and 2019, resulting in impairment charges of $0.8 million, $0.9 million and $3.0 million, respectively, which are recognized either in Restructuring, exit and impairment charges or Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes. Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. We evaluate the realizability of net deferred tax assets and, as necessary, record valuation allowances against them. We estimate our tax obligations based on historical experience and current tax laws and litigation. The judgments made at any point in time may change based on the outcome of tax audits and settlements of tax litigation, as well as changes due to new tax laws and regulations and our application of those laws and regulations. These factors may cause our tax rate and deferred tax balances to increase or decrease. See Note 12 – Income Taxes in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the recent accounting pronouncements that have been adopted during the year ended December 31, 2021, or will be adopted in future periods.