FULLER H B CO (FUL)
SIC breadcrumb: Manufacturing > Chemicals And Allied Products > SIC 2891 Adhesives & Sealants
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=39368. Latest filing source: 0001437749-26-001767.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read FUL's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read FUL's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3,473,589,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-01-22 |
| Net income | 151,967,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-01-22 |
| Assets | 5,182,706,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-01-22 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-01-22. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000039368.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 2,306,043,000 | 3,041,002,000 | 2,897,000,000 | 2,790,269,000 | 3,278,031,000 | 3,749,183,000 | 3,510,934,000 | 3,568,736,000 | 3,473,589,000 | ||
| Net income | 121,663,000 | 59,418,000 | 171,208,000 | 130,817,000 | 123,719,000 | 161,393,000 | 180,313,000 | 144,906,000 | 130,256,000 | 151,967,000 | |
| Operating income | 170,485,000 | 198,184,000 | 119,527,000 | 237,891,000 | 225,994,000 | 218,317,000 | 252,612,000 | 322,718,000 | 355,137,000 | 348,220,000 | |
| Gross profit | 605,822,000 | 598,992,000 | 828,158,000 | 806,922,000 | 756,649,000 | 845,322,000 | 963,699,000 | 1,008,897,000 | 1,061,877,000 | 1,080,655,000 | |
| Diluted EPS | 2.37 | 1.15 | 3.29 | 2.52 | 2.36 | 2.97 | 3.26 | 2.59 | 2.30 | 2.75 | |
| Operating cash flow | 195,688,000 | 166,325,000 | 253,312,000 | 269,177,000 | 331,559,000 | 213,317,000 | 256,514,000 | 378,398,000 | 302,437,000 | 263,493,000 | |
| Capital expenditures | 63,310,000 | 54,934,000 | 68,263,000 | 61,982,000 | 87,288,000 | 96,089,000 | 129,964,000 | 119,137,000 | 139,238,000 | 142,275,000 | |
| Dividends paid | 27,518,000 | 29,612,000 | 31,124,000 | 32,357,000 | 33,461,000 | 34,859,000 | 39,207,000 | 43,395,000 | 47,598,000 | 50,271,000 | |
| Share buybacks | 23,228,000 | 21,831,000 | 4,688,000 | 3,026,000 | 3,432,000 | 2,682,000 | 3,950,000 | 2,567,000 | 39,558,000 | 60,713,000 | |
| Assets | 2,055,868,000 | 4,373,243,000 | 4,176,314,000 | 3,985,734,000 | 4,036,704,000 | 4,274,530,000 | 4,463,629,000 | 4,723,575,000 | 4,933,244,000 | 5,182,706,000 | |
| Liabilities | 1,113,322,000 | 3,321,426,000 | 3,023,103,000 | 2,762,945,000 | 2,654,842,000 | 2,677,170,000 | 2,852,835,000 | 2,967,662,000 | 3,103,396,000 | 3,179,512,000 | |
| Stockholders' equity | 937,876,000 | 1,051,424,000 | 1,152,810,000 | 1,222,347,000 | 1,381,321,000 | 1,596,769,000 | 1,610,170,000 | 1,755,205,000 | 1,828,659,000 | 2,003,218,000 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 142,245,000 | 194,398,000 | 150,793,000 | 112,191,000 | 100,534,000 | 61,786,000 | 79,910,000 | 179,453,000 | 169,352,000 | 107,213,000 | |
| Free cash flow | 132,378,000 | 111,391,000 | 185,049,000 | 207,195,000 | 244,271,000 | 117,228,000 | 126,550,000 | 259,261,000 | 163,199,000 | 121,218,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 2.58% | 5.63% | 4.52% | 4.43% | 4.92% | 4.81% | 4.13% | 3.65% | 4.37% | ||
| Operating margin | 5.18% | 7.82% | 7.80% | 7.82% | 7.71% | 8.61% | 10.12% | 9.76% | |||
| Return on equity | 12.97% | 5.65% | 14.85% | 10.70% | 8.96% | 10.11% | 11.20% | 8.26% | 7.12% | 7.59% | |
| Return on assets | 5.92% | 1.36% | 4.10% | 3.28% | 3.06% | 3.78% | 4.04% | 3.07% | 2.64% | 2.93% | |
| Liabilities / equity | 1.19 | 3.16 | 2.62 | 2.26 | 1.92 | 1.68 | 1.77 | 1.69 | 1.70 | 1.59 | |
| Current ratio | 2.07 | 2.29 | 2.00 | 1.91 | 1.92 | 1.66 | 1.84 | 1.89 | 1.81 | 1.70 |
Financial Bridges
Income statement bridge from reported figures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2024. Revenue: accession 0001437749-26-001767; concept RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax; source concepts us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax | Gross profit: accession 0001437749-26-001767; concept GrossProfit; source concepts us-gaap:GrossProfit | Operating income: accession 0001437749-25-001699; concept OperatingIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss | Net income: accession 0001437749-26-001767; concept NetIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001437749-26-001767; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001437749-26-001767; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001437749-26-001767; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2024 ended 2024-11-30; accession 0001437749-25-001699; filed 2025-01-23. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-11-29; accession 0001437749-26-001767; filed 2026-01-22. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-06-25. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000039368.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-08-27 | 0.84 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-04 | 0.39 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-03 | 0.73 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-02 | 900,634,000 | 37,627,000 | 0.67 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-02 | 902,879,000 | 44,990,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-02 | 810,419,000 | 30,991,000 | 0.55 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-01 | 917,107,000 | 51,264,000 | 0.91 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-08-31 | 917,927,000 | 55,361,000 | 0.98 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-11-30 | 923,284,000 | -7,359,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-01 | 788,663,000 | 13,248,000 | 0.24 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-05-31 | 898,095,000 | 41,828,000 | 0.76 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-08-30 | 892,043,000 | 67,160,000 | 1.22 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-11-29 | 894,788,000 | 29,731,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-02-28 | 770,844,000 | 21,045,000 | 0.38 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q2 | 2026-05-30 | 950,271,000 | 67,805,000 | 1.23 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-30; accession 0001437749-26-021677; filed 2026-06-25. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-30; accession 0001437749-26-021677; filed 2026-06-25. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-30; accession 0001437749-26-021677; filed 2026-06-25. 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: 0001437749-26-021677.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 29, 2025, for important background information related to our business.
Net revenue in the second quarter of 2026 increased 5.8 percent from the second quarter of 2025. The increase was due to a 3.1 percent increase due to positive currency effects, a 3.0 percent increase due to pricing and a 0.1 percent increase due to acquisitions, partially offset by a 0.4 percent decrease due to sales volume compared to the second quarter of 2025. The positive currency effect was primarily driven by a stronger Euro, Chinese renminbi, Brazilian real, Australian dollar, Mexican peso, British pound and Polish złoty partially offset by a weaker Indian rupee and Turkish lira compared to the U.S. dollar. Gross profit margin increased 170 basis points primarily due to higher product pricing and the impact of restructuring actions.
Net revenue in the first six months of 2026 increased 2.0 percent from the first six months of 2025. The increase was due to a 3.3 percent increase due to positive currency effects, a 1.8 percent increase due to pricing and a 0.4 percent increase due to acquisitions, partially offset by a 3.5 percent decrease due to sales volume compared to the first six months of 2025. The positive currency effect was primarily driven by a stronger Euro, Chinese renminbi, Brazilian real, British pound, Mexican peso and Australian dollar partially offset by a weaker Turkish lira and Indian rupee compared to the U.S. dollar. Gross profit margin increased 190 basis points primarily due to higher product pricing and the impact of acquisitions and restructuring actions.
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller in the second quarter of 2026 was $67.8 million compared to $41.8 million in the second quarter of 2025. Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2026 was $1.23 per share compared to $0.76 per share for the second quarter of 2025.
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller in the first six months of 2026 was $88.9 million compared to $55.1 million in the first six months of 2025. Diluted earnings per share for the first six months of 2026 was $1.61 per share compared to $0.99 per share for the first six months of 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2026 increased 9.3 percent from the second quarter of 2025, primarily due to higher gross profit, partially offset by higher compensation expense and higher foreign currency losses
.
Adjusted EBITDA in the first six months of 2026 increased 7.0 percent from the first six months of 2025, primarily due to higher gross profit, partially offset by higher compensation expense and higher foreign currency losses
.
Restructuring Plans
During fiscal year 2023, the Company approved restructuring plans (the “Plans”) related to organizational changes and other actions to optimize operations and integrate acquired businesses. In implementing the Plans, the Company currently expects to incur costs of approximately $85.0 million to $90.0 million ($58.0 million to $61.4 million after tax), which include (i) cash expenditures of approximately $51.0 million to $52.0 million ($34.8 million to $35.5 million after tax) for severance and related employee costs globally and (ii) other restructuring costs related to the streamlining of processes and the payment of anticipated income taxes in certain jurisdictions related to the Plans. We have incurred costs of $84.4 million under the Plans as of May 30, 2026. Remaining cash payments will continue into fiscal year 2026.
The Company approved restructuring actions related to global footprint optimization during the fourth quarter of 2025. In implementing these restructuring actions, the Company currently expects to incur costs of approximately $11.2 million to $13.0 million ($8.3 million to $9.6 million after tax), which include (i) cash expenditures of approximately $6.5 million to $7.5 million ($4.8 million to $5.5 million after tax) for severance and related employee costs globally and (ii) other restructuring costs related to optimizing the Company’s footprint and the payment of anticipated income taxes in certain jurisdictions related to the other restructuring actions. We have incurred costs of $7.3 million under the other restructuring actions as of May 30, 2026. The restructuring actions related to global footprint optimization began to be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2025 and are currently expected to be completed during fiscal year 2028. Restructuring costs are expected to be incurred over the next several fiscal quarters as the measures are implemented with the majority of the charges recognized and cash payments occurring in fiscal 2026 and 2027.
Results of Operations
Net revenue:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, | May 31, | 2026 vs | May 30, | May 31, | 2026 vs | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenue | $ | 950.3 | $ | 898.1 | 5.8 | % | $ | 1,721.1 | $ | 1,686.8 | 2.0 | % |
We review variances in net revenue in terms of changes related to sales volume and product pricing (referred to as organic revenue growth), business acquisitions/divestitures (“M&A”) and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following table shows the net revenue variance analysis for the second quarter and first six months of 2026 compared to the second quarter and first six months of 2025:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2026 vs. May 31, 2025 | May 30, 2026 vs. May 31, 2025 | |||||||
| Organic revenue growth | 2.6 | % | (1.7 | )% | ||||
| M&A | 0.1 | % | 0.4 | % | ||||
| Currency | 3.1 | % | 3.3 | % | ||||
| Net revenue growth | 5.8 | % | 2.0 | % |
Organic revenue increased 2.6 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the second quarter of 2025 and consisted of a 6.2 percent increase in Building Adhesive Solutions, a 3.0 percent increase in Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, and a 1.0 percent decrease in Engineering Adhesives. The overall increase was driven by a 3.0 percent increase in product pricing, partially offset by a 0.4 percent decrease in sales volume. The 0.1 percent increase from M&A was due to the acquisition of ND Industries Turkey, discussed further in Operating Segment Results below. The positive 3.1 percent foreign currency impact was primarily driven by a stronger Euro, Chinese renminbi, Brazilian real, Australian dollar, Mexican peso, British pound and Polish złoty partially offset by a weaker Indian rupee and Turkish lira compared to the U.S. dollar.
Organic revenue decreased 1.7 percent in the first six months of 2026 compared to the first six months of 2025 and consisted of a 3.2 percent decrease in Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, a 1.4 percent decrease in Engineering Adhesives and a 1.1 percent increase in Building Adhesive Solutions. The overall decrease was driven by a 3.5 percent decrease in sales volume, partially offset by a 1.8 percent increase in product pricing. The 0.4 percent increase from M&A was due to the acquisition of GEM, ND Industries Taiwan and ND Industries Turkey, discussed further in Operating Segment Results below. The positive 3.3 percent foreign currency impact was primarily driven by a stronger Euro, Chinese renminbi, Brazilian real, British pound, Mexican peso and Australian dollar partially offset by a weaker Turkish lira and Indian rupee compared to the U.S. dollar.
19
Table of Contents
Cost of sales:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, | May 31, | 2026 vs | May 30, | May 31, | 2026 vs | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 630.6 | $ | 611.7 | 3.1 | % | $ | 1,165.4 | $ | 1,173.3 | (0.7 | )% | ||||||||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 66.4 | % | 68.1 | % | 67.7 | % | 69.6 | % |
Cost of sales as a percentage of net revenue in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the second quarter of 2025 decreased 170 basis points. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue decreased 230 basis points in 2026 compared to 2025 primarily due to higher product pricing. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 60 basis points in 2026 compared to 2025 due to higher manufacturing and distribution costs partially offset by restructuring actions.
Cost of sales as a percentage of net revenue in the first six months of 2026 compared to the first six months of 2025 decreased 190 basis points. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue decreased 240 basis points in 2026 compared to 2025 primarily due to higher product pricing and the impact of acquisitions. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 50 basis points in 2026 compared to 2025 due to higher manufacturing and distribution costs.
Gross profit:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, | May 31, | 2026 vs | May 30, | May 31, | 2026 vs | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 319.7 | $ | 286.4 | 11.6 | % | $ | 555.7 | $ | 513.5 | 8.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 33.6 | % | 31.9 | % | 32.3 | % | 30.4 | % |
Gross profit in the second quarter of 2026 increased 11.6 percent and gross profit margin increased 170 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2025. The increase in gross profit margin was due to higher product pricing and the impact of restructuring actions, partially offset by higher manufacturing and distribution costs.
Gross profit in the first six months of 2026 increased 8.2 percent and gross profit margin increased 190 basis points compared to the first six months of 2025. The increase in gross profit margin was due to higher product pricing and the impact of acquisitions and restructuring actions, partially offset by higher manufacturing and distribution costs.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, | May 31, | 2026 vs | May 30, | May 31, | 2026 vs | |||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A | $ | 202.4 | $ | 186.3 | 8.6 | % | $ | 386.8 | $ | 367.0 | 5.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 21.3 | % | 20.7 | % | 22.5 | % | 21.8 | % |
SG&A expenses for the second quarter of 2026 compared to the second quarter of 2025 increased 60 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. The increase was due to the impact of higher compensation expense and a weaker U.S. dollar compared to various foreign currencies, partially offset by higher revenue.
SG&A expenses for the first six months of 2026 compared to the first six months of 2025 increased 70 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. The increase was due to the impact of higher compensation expense, acquisitions and a weaker U.S. dollar compared to various foreign currencies, partially offset by higher revenue.
Other income, net:
[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Three Months Ended","","","Six Months Ended"],["","","May 30,","","","Ma
[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
Overview
H.B. Fuller Company is a global formulator, manufacturer and marketer of adhesives and other specialty chemical products. We have three reportable segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Building Adhesive Solutions. See Operating Segment Results for further discussion of changes to our operating segments in fiscal 2025.
The Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives operating segment manufactures and supplies adhesives products in the assembly, packaging, converting, nonwoven, hygiene, health and beauty, flexible packaging, graphic arts and envelope markets. The Engineering Adhesives operating segment provides high-performance adhesives to the transportation, electronics, clean energy, aerospace and defense, textile, appliance and heavy machinery markets. The Building Adhesive Solutions operating segment manufactures and provides specialty adhesives, sealants, tapes and application devices for commercial building roofing systems, heavy infrastructure projects, road/highway transportation applications, telecom/5G utilities, industrial LNG plants, building envelope applications, HVAC insulation systems, performance woodworking and insulating glass.
Total Company
When reviewing our financial statements, it is important to understand how certain external factors impact us. These factors include:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Changes in the prices of our raw materials that are primarily derived from refining crude oil and natural gas, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Global supply of and demand for raw materials, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Economic growth rates, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. |
We purchase thousands of raw materials, the majority of which are petroleum/natural gas derivatives. The price of these derivatives impacts the cost of our raw materials. However, the supply of and demand for key raw materials has a greater impact on our costs. As demand increases in high-growth areas, the supply of key raw materials may tighten, resulting in certain materials being put on allocation. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, also can have an impact as key raw material producers are shut down for extended periods of time. We continually monitor capacity utilization figures, market supply and demand conditions, feedstock costs and inventory levels, as well as derivative and intermediate prices, which affect our raw materials. With approximately 75 percent of our cost of sales accounted for by raw materials, our financial results are extremely sensitive to changing costs in this area.
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The pace of economic growth directly impacts certain industries to which we supply products. For example, adhesives-related revenues from durable goods customers in areas such as appliances, furniture and other woodworking applications tend to fluctuate with the overall economic activity. In our Building Adhesive Solutions operating segment and business components such as insulating glass, revenues tend to move with more specific economic indicators such as housing starts and other construction-related activity.
The movement of foreign currency exchange rates as compared to the U.S. dollar impacts the translation of the foreign entities’ financial statements into U.S. dollars. As foreign currencies weaken against the U.S. dollar, our revenues and costs decrease as the foreign currency-denominated financial statements translate into fewer U.S. dollars. The fluctuations of the Euro, British pound sterling, Turkish lira, Egyptian pound, Brazilian real, Mexican peso and Chinese renminbi against the U.S. dollar have the largest impact on our financial results as compared to all other currencies. In 2025, currency fluctuations had a negative impact on net revenue of approximately $20.1 million as compared to 2024.
Key financial results and transactions for 2025 included the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net revenue decreased 2.7 percent from 2024 primarily driven by a 2.1 percent decrease due to acquisitions/divestitures, a 0.8 percent decrease in sales volume and a 0.6 percent decrease due to currency fluctuations partially offset by a 0.8 percent increase in product pricing. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Gross profit margin increased to 31.1 percent in 2025 from 29.8 percent in 2024, due to higher product pricing, lower raw materials cost, the impact of acquisitions/divestitures and restructuring actions. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller increased to $152.0 in 2025 from $130.3 in 2024, due to higher gross profit, increased pension and other postretirement plan income partially offset by higher compensation expense. In 2025, our diluted earnings per share was $2.75 compared to $2.30 in 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.5 percent from 2024 primarily driven by higher net income and depreciation and amortization expense. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cash flow generated by operating activities was $263.5 million in 2025 as compared to $302.4 million in 2024. |
Our total year organic revenue growth, which we define as the combined variances from sales volume and product pricing, was flat for 2025 compared to 2024 due to an increase in product pricing offset by a decrease in sales volume.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income attributable to H.B. Fuller as reflected in the audited consolidated statements of income, see “Non-GAAP Measures” below.
Information pertaining to fiscal year 2023 was included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2024, under Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations,” which was filed with the SEC on January 23, 2025.
Project ONE
In December 2012, our Board of Directors approved a multi-year project to replace and enhance our existing core information technology platforms. The scope for this project includes most of the basic transaction processing for the Company including customer orders, procurement, manufacturing and financial reporting. The project envisions harmonized business processes for each of our operating segments supported with one standard software configuration. The execution of this project, which we refer to as Project ONE, is being supported by internal resources and consulting services. Implementation of Project ONE began in our North America adhesives business in 2014 and, through 2025, we completed implementation of this system in various parts of our business including Latin America (except Brazil), Australia, and various other businesses in North America and EIMEA. During 2026 and beyond, we will continue implementation in Brazil and Asia Pacific.
Total expenditures for Project ONE are estimated to be $300 to $320 million, of which 60-65% is expected to be capital expenditures. Our total project-to-date expenditures are approximately $265 million, of which approximately $165 million are capital expenditures. Given the complexity of the implementation, the total investment to complete the project may exceed our estimate.
Restructuring Plans
During the second and third quarters of 2023, the Company approved restructuring plans (the “Plans”) related to organizational changes and other actions to optimize operations and integrate acquired businesses. In implementing the Plans, the Company currently expects to incur costs of approximately $80.0 million to $85.0 million ($54.6 million to $58.0 million after-tax), which include (i) cash expenditures of approximately $47.0 million to $48.0 million ($32.1 million to $32.8 million after-tax) for severance and related employee costs globally and (ii) other restructuring costs related to the streamlining of processes and the payment of anticipated income taxes in certain jurisdictions related to the Plans. We have incurred costs of $79.2 million under the Plans as of November 29, 2025. The Plans were implemented in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 and were completed as of November 29, 2025. Remaining cash payments will continue into fiscal year 2026.
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are based upon the Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the critical accounting policies and areas that require the most significant judgments and estimates to be used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements relate to goodwill impairment; pension and other postretirement plan assumptions; long-lived assets recoverability; valuation of product, environmental and other litigation liabilities; valuation of deferred tax assets and accuracy of tax contingencies; and valuation of acquired assets and liabilities.
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Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units, which are our operating segments or one level below our operating segments (the component level). Reporting units are determined by the discrete financial information available for the component and whether it is regularly reviewed by segment management. Components are aggregated into a single reporting unit if they share similar economic characteristics. Our reporting units are as follows: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Building Adhesive Solutions.
We evaluate our goodwill for impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter or earlier upon the occurrence of substantive unfavorable events or changes in economic conditions, industry trends, costs, cash flows, or ongoing declines in market capitalization. The quantitative impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, the assignment of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and the determination of fair value of each reporting unit. The impairment test requires the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. In performing the impairment test, we determined the fair value of our reporting units through the income approach by using discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analyses. Determining fair value requires the Company to make judgments about appropriate forecasted revenue and related revenue growth rate, the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") margins rate and the weighted average cost of capital. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for each reporting unit are based on the reporting unit's budget, long-term business plan and recent operating performance. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting unit and market conditions. Given the inherent uncertainty in determining the assumptions underlying a DCF analysis, actual results may differ from those used in our valuations. In assessing the reasonableness of the determined fair values, we reconciled the aggregate determined fair value of the Company to the Company's market capitalization, which, at the date of our 2025 impairment test, included a 21.4 percent control premium.
For the 2025 impairment test, the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the respective carrying values by a range of 33 percent to 80 percent. Significant assumptions used in the DCF analysis included discount rates that ranged from 10.4 percent to 10.7 percent and long-term revenue growth rates and EBITDA margins.
See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding goodwill. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the impairment of goodwill associated with the North America Flooring business that was held for sale as of November 30, 2024.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Assumptions
We sponsor defined-benefit pension plans in both the U.S. and non-U.S. entities. Also in the U.S., we sponsor other postretirement plans for health care and life insurance benefits. Expenses and liabilities for the pension plans and other postretirement plans are actuarially calculated. These calculations are based on our assumptions related to the discount rate, expected return on assets, projected salary increases and health care cost trend rates. Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements includes disclosure of assumptions employed in these measurements for both the U.S. and non-U.S. plans.
The discount rate assumption is determined using an actuarial yield curve approach, which results in a discount rate that reflects the characteristics of the plan. The approach identifies a broad population of corporate bonds that meet the quality and size criteria for the particular plan. We use this approach rather than a specific index that has a certain set of bonds that may or may not be representative of the characteristics of our particular plan. A higher discount rate reduces the present value of the pension obligations. The discount rate for the U.S. pension plan was 5.15 percent at November 29, 2025, 5.23 percent at November 30, 2024 and 5.66 percent at December 2, 2023. Net periodic pension cost for a given fiscal year is based on assumptions developed at the end of the previous fiscal year. A discount rate change of 0.5 percentage points at November 29, 2025 would impact U.S. pension and other postretirement plan (income) expense by $0.1 million (pre-tax) in fiscal 2025. Discount rates for non-U.S. plans are determined in a manner consistent with the U.S. plans.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for the U.S. pension plan was 7.50 percent in 2025 and 7.75 percent in both 2024 and 2023. Our expected long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets was based on our target asset allocation assumption of 55 percent equities and 45 percent fixed-income. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, determines the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by considering the expected future returns and volatility levels for each asset class that are based on historical returns and forward-looking observations. For 2025, the expected long-term rate of return on the target equities allocation was 8.50 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on the target fixed-income allocation was 5.60 percent. The total plan rate of return assumption included an estimate of the effect of diversification and the plan expense. A change of 0.5 percentage points for the expected return on assets assumption would impact U.S. net pension and other postretirement plan expense by approximately $2.8 million (pre-tax).
Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses the actual historical rates of return of the asset categories to assess the reasonableness of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The most recent 10-year and 20-year historical equity returns are shown in the table below. Our expected rate of return on our total portfolio is consistent with the historical patterns observed over longer time frames.
| Total | Fixed | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Pension Plan Historical Actual Rates of Return | Portfolio | Equities | Income | |||||||||
| 10-year period | 7.4 | % | 10.9 | % | 3.3 | % | ||||||
| 20-year period | 6.4 | % | 7.9 | % | 5.5 | % |
Beginning in 2022, our target allocation migrated from 60 percent equities and 40 percent fixed-income to 55 percent equities and 45 percent fixed income. The historical actual rate of return for the fixed income of 5.5 percent is since inception (18 years, 11 months).
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The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for non-U.S. pension plans was a weighted average of 5.03 percent in 2025 compared to 5.01 percent in 2024 and 5.02 percent in 2023. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption used in each non-U.S. plan is determined on a plan-by-plan basis for each local jurisdiction and is based on expected future returns for the investment mix of assets currently in the portfolio for that plan. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, develops expected rates of return for each plan, considers expected long-term returns for each asset category in the plan, reviews expectations for inflation for each local jurisdiction, and estimates the effect of active management of the plan’s assets. Our largest non-U.S. pension plans are in the United Kingdom and Germany. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the United Kingdom was 4.50 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for Germany was 5.50 percent. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses actual historical returns of the asset portfolio to assess the reasonableness of the expected rate of return for each plan.
The projected salary increase assumption is based on historic trends and comparisons to the external market. Higher rates of increase result in higher pension expenses. As this rate is also a long-term expected rate, it is less likely to change on an annual basis. Under the U.S. pension plan, the compensation amount was locked-in as of May 31, 2011 and thus the benefit no longer includes compensation increases.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
The assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets reflects our assumptions and estimates. Factors that we must estimate when performing impairment tests include sales volume, prices, inflation, currency exchange rates, tax rates and capital spending. Significant judgment is involved in estimating these factors, and they include inherent uncertainties. The measurement of the recoverability of these assets is dependent upon the accuracy of the assumptions used in making these estimates and how the estimates compare to the eventual future operating performance of the specific businesses to which the assets are attributed.
Judgments made by us include the expected useful lives of long-lived assets. The ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets is affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the assets, changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance.
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the impairment of long-lived assets associated with the North America Flooring business that was held for sale as of November 30, 2024.
Product, Environmental and Other Litigation Liabilities
As disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and in Note 1 and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are subject to various claims, lawsuits and other legal proceedings. Reserves for loss contingencies associated with these matters are established when it is determined that a liability is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The assessment of the probable liabilities is based on the facts and circumstances known at the time that the financial statements are being prepared. For cases in which it is determined that a liability is probable but only a range for the potential loss exists, the minimum amount of the range is recorded and subsequently adjusted as better information becomes available.
For cases in which insurance coverage is available, the gross amount of the estimated liabilities is accrued, and a receivable is recorded for any realizable insurance recoveries. A discussion of environmental, product and other litigation liabilities is disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Based upon currently available facts, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any pending legal proceeding, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively affect our future results of operations or cash flows.
Income Tax Accounting
As part of the process of preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The process involves estimating actual current tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for book and tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. Increases in the valuation allowance result in additional expense to be reflected within the tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets totaled $11.1 million as of November 29, 2025, and $11.7 million as of November 30, 2024.
We recognize tax benefits for tax positions for which it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained by the applicable tax authority at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We do not recognize a financial statement benefit for a tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. We believe that our liabilities for income taxes reflect the most likely outcome. It is difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax position. Future changes in judgment related to the resolution of tax positions will impact earnings in the quarter of such change. We adjust our income tax liabilities related to tax positions in light of changing facts and circumstances. Settlement with respect to a tax position would usually require cash. Based upon our analysis of tax positions taken on prior year returns and expected tax positions to be taken for the current year tax returns, we have identified gross uncertain tax positions of $9.2 million as of November 29, 2025 and $15.6 million as of November 30, 2024.
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We have not recorded U.S. deferred income taxes for certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as such amounts are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. Should we change our business strategies related to these non-U.S. subsidiaries, additional U.S. tax liabilities could be incurred. It is not practical to estimate the amount of these additional tax liabilities. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on income tax accounting.
Acquisition Accounting
As we enter into business combinations, we perform acquisition accounting requirements including the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Identifying the acquirer, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Determining the acquisition date, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. |
We complete valuation procedures and record the resulting fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon the valuation of the business enterprise and the tangible and intangible assets acquired. Enterprise value allocation methodology requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If estimates or assumptions used to complete the enterprise valuation and estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities significantly differed from assumptions made, the resulting difference could materially affect the fair value of net assets.
The calculation of the fair value of the tangible assets, including property, plant and equipment, utilizes the cost approach, which computes the cost to replace the asset, less accrued depreciation resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and external obsolescence. The calculation of the fair value of the identified intangible assets are determined using cash flow models following the income approach or a discounted market-based methodology approach. Significant inputs include estimated revenue growth rates, gross margins, operating expenses, and estimated attrition, royalty and discount rates. Goodwill is recorded as the difference in the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the purchase price.
Results of Operations
Net revenue
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 3,473.6 | $ | 3,568.7 | (2.7 | )% |
We review variances in net revenue in terms of changes related to sales volume and product pricing (referred to as organic revenue growth), business acquisitions/divestitures (M&A) and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following table shows the net revenue variance analysis for fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024.
| 2025 vs 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 0.0 | % | ||
| M&A | (2.1 | )% | ||
| Currency | (0.6 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | (2.7 | )% |
Organic revenue in 2025 compared to 2024 was flat and consisted of a 0.7 percent increase in Engineering Adhesives, a 0.1 percent increase in Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives and a 1.3 percent decrease in Building Adhesive Solutions. The flat organic revenue was driven by a 0.8 percent increase in product pricing offset by a 0.8 percent decrease in sales volume. The 2.1 percent decrease from M&A was due to our acquisitions and divestiture that occurred during the last year. The negative 0.6 percent currency impact was primarily driven by a weaker Turkish lira, Egyptian pound, Brazilian real, Mexican peso and Chinese renminbi offset by a stronger Euro and British pound sterling compared to the U.S. dollar.
Cost of sales
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of sales | $ | 2,392.9 | $ | 2,506.9 | (4.5 | )% | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 68.9 | % | 70.2 | % |
Cost of sales in 2025 compared to 2024 decreased 130 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue decreased 100 basis points in 2025 compared to 2024 due to higher pricing and lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 30 basis points in 2025 compared to 2024.
Gross profit
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross profit | $ | 1,080.7 | $ | 1,061.9 | 1.8 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 31.1 | % | 29.8 | % |
Gross profit in 2025 increased 1.8 percent and gross profit margin increased 130 basis points compared to 2024. The increase in gross profit margin as a percentage of net revenue was primarily due to higher pricing, lower raw materials cost and a decrease in other manufacturing costs.
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Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG&A | $ | 725.6 | $ | 713.7 | 1.7 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 20.9 | % | 20.0 | % |
SG&A expenses for 2025 compared to 2024 increased 90 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. The increase is due to the impact of acquisitions/divestitures and higher compensation costs.
Other expense, net
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other expense, net | $ | (11.1 | ) | $ | (37.1 | ) |
Other expense, net in 2025 included $34.8 million for a loss contingency associated with ongoing litigation, $2.3 million for a loss in sale of business and $1.3 million loss of other expense, partially offset by a $22.8 million of pension and other postretirement plan income, a $3.6 million gain on disposal of assets and $0.9 million of currency transaction gains. Other expense, net in 2024 included a $47.3 million loss on the impairment of assets associated with our North American flooring business that was held for sale as of November 30, 2024, $2.5 million of currency transaction losses, a $2.0 million loss on an equity investment and $1.6 million of other expense, partially offset by $15.9 million of net defined benefit pension benefits and a $0.4 million gain on disposal of assets.
Interest expense
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense | $ | 133.3 | $ | 133.1 |
Interest expense was $133.3 million and $133.1 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. We capitalized $0.6 million and $1.9 million of interest expense in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Interest income
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest income | $ | 4.8 | $ | 4.7 |
Interest income in 2025 and 2024 was $4.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively, consisting primarily of interest on cross-currency swap activity and other miscellaneous interest income.
Income tax expense:
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax expense | $ | 67.1 | $ | 56.4 | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 31.2 | % | 30.9 | % |
Income tax expense of $67.1 million in 2025 includes $7.5 million of discrete tax expense, primarily related to the impact of withholding tax recorded on earnings no longer permanently reinvested, offset by various U.S. and foreign tax matters. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $7.5 million, the overall effective tax rate was 27.7 percent.
Income tax expense of $56.4 million in 2024 includes $5.5 million of discrete tax benefit, primarily related to various foreign tax matters as well as an excess tax benefit related to U.S. stock compensation. Excluding the discrete tax benefit of $5.5 million, the overall effective tax rate was 33.9 percent.
The decrease in the overall effective tax rate for 2025 compared to 2024, excluding the impact of discrete items, is primarily due to the change in the mix of earnings across jurisdictions.
Income from equity method investments
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 3.8 | $ | 4.1 |
The income from equity method investments relates to our 50 percent ownership of the Sekisui-Fuller joint venture in Japan. The lower income for 2025 compared to 2024 is due to the unfavorable impact of the weakening of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar.
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller | $ | 152.0 | $ | 130.3 | 16.7 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 4.4 | % | 3.6 | % |
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller was $152.0 million in 2025 compared to $130.3 million in 2024. due to higher gross profit, increased pension and other postretirement plan income offset by higher compensation expense. Diluted earnings per share were $2.75 per share in 2025 and $2.30 per share in 2024.
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Adjusted EBITDA
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 620.7 | $ | 593.9 | 4.5 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 17.9 | % | 16.6 | % |
Adjusted EBITDA for H.B. Fuller was $620.7 million in 2025 compared to $593.9 million in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue increased 130 basis points in 2025 compared to 2024 due to higher net income and depreciation and amortization expense. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income attributable to H.B. Fuller as reflected in the audited consolidated statements of income see “Non-GAAP Measures” below.
Operating Segment Results
We are required to report segment information in the same way that we internally organize our business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of each of our segments are regularly reviewed by our chief executive officer, who acts as our chief operating decision maker, to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and assess their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and foreign currency gain/loss, adjusted for other items within a relevant period which are not reflective of the segment’s operating performance in the period. Corporate expenses, other than those included in Corporate Unallocated, are allocated to each operating segment.
As of November 30, 2024, our three operating segments consisted of Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives. As of the beginning of fiscal 2025, we reorganized our operating segments by selling our North America Flooring business, previously part of the Construction Adhesives operating segment, and combining our Insulated Glass, Woodworking and Composite businesses, previously part of the Engineering Adhesives operating segment, with Construction Adhesives Roofing and Building Envelope and Infrastructure businesses to form the Building Adhesive Solutions operating segment. All financial results related to North America Flooring have been moved to our Corporate Unallocated segment. Prior period segment information has been recast retrospectively to reflect the realignment.
The tables below provide certain information regarding the net revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin of each of our operating segments. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenue for each operating segment. Corporate Unallocated amounts include business acquisition and integration costs, organizational restructuring charges and project costs associated with implementing a global Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system that we refer to as Project ONE. As a result of the change in operating segments and the sale of our North America Flooring business, we have retrospectively moved the results of our divested North America Flooring business to Corporate Unallocated for prior periods.
Net Revenue by Segment
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | % of | Net | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Revenue | Total | Revenue | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 1,551.8 | 45 | % | $ | 1,546.5 | 43 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 1,061.8 | 30 | % | 1,009.0 | 28 | % | ||||||||||
| Building Adhesive Solutions | 860.0 | 25 | % | 856.5 | 24 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment total | 3,473.6 | 100 | % | 3,412.0 | 95 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate Unallocated | - | 0 | % | 156.7 | 5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,473.6 | 100 | % | $ | 3,568.7 | 100 | % |
Adjusted EBITDA
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted | % of | Adjusted | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | EBITDA | Total | EBITDA | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 244.4 | 39 | % | $ | 245.8 | 41 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 236.0 | 38 | % | 200.5 | 34 | % | ||||||||||
| Building Adhesive Solutions | 134.0 | 22 | % | 133.2 | 23 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment total | 614.4 | 99 | % | 579.5 | 98 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate Unallocated | 6.3 | 1 | % | 14.4 | 2 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 620.7 | 100 | % | $ | 593.9 | 100 | % |
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,551.8 | $ | 1,546.5 | 0.3 | % | ||||||
| Segment adjusted EBITDA | $ | 244.4 | $ | 245.8 | (0.6 | )% | ||||||
| Segment adjusted EBITDA margin | 15.7 | % | 15.9 | % |
20
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The following tables provide details of Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2025 vs 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 0.1 | % | ||
| M&A | 1.5 | % | ||
| Currency | (1.3 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | 0.3 | % |
Net revenue increased 0.3 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. The 0.1 percent increase in organic revenue growth was attributable to an increase in product pricing, partially offset by a decrease in sales volume. The 1.5 percent increase in net revenue from M&A was due to acquisitions of GEM S.r.l and Medifill Limited in the first quarter of 2025. The 1.3 percent negative currency effect was due to a weaker Egyptian pound, Brazilian real, Mexican peso and Turkish lira offset by a stronger Euro compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs increased 10 basis points. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 20 basis points. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 100 basis points due to the impact of acquisitions and higher compensation costs. Segment adjusted EBITDA margin increased 70 basis points due to higher depreciation and amortization expense and higher pension and other postretirement plan income. Segment adjusted EBITDA decreased 0.6 percent and segment adjusted EBITDA margin decreased 20 basis points in 2025 as compared to 2024.
Engineering Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,061.8 | $ | 1,009.0 | 5.2 | % | ||||||
| Segment adjusted EBITDA | $ | 236.0 | $ | 200.5 | 17.7 | % | ||||||
| Segment adjusted EBITDA margin | 22.2 | % | 19.9 | % |
The following tables provide details of Engineering Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2025 vs 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 0.7 | % | ||
| M&A | 4.7 | % | ||
| Currency | (0.2 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | 5.2 | % |
Net revenue increased 5.2 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. The 0.7 percent increase in organic revenue growth was attributable to an increase in product pricing. The 4.7 percent increase in net revenue from M&A was due to the acquisition of ND Industries, Inc. and ND Industries Asia, Inc. in the second quarter of 2024. The 0.2 percent negative currency effect was due to a weaker Chinese renminbi, Turkish lira and Mexican peso offset by a stronger Euro and British pound sterling compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs decreased 260 basis points due to increased pricing, lower raw material costs and the impact of acquisitions. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 20 basis points. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 60 basis points primarily due to the impact of acquisitions and higher compensation costs. Segment adjusted EBITDA margin increased 50 basis points due to higher depreciation and amortization expense and higher pension and other postretirement plan income. Segment adjusted EBITDA increased 17.7 percent and segment adjusted EBITDA margin increased 230 basis points in 2025 as compared to 2024.
Building Adhesive Solutions
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 860.0 | $ | 856.5 | 0.4 | % | ||||||
| Segment adjusted EBITDA | $ | 134.0 | $ | 133.2 | 0.6 | % | ||||||
| Segment adjusted EBITDA margin | 15.6 | % | 15.6 | % |
The following tables provide details of Construction Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2025 vs 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | (1.3 | )% | ||
| M&A | 1.5 | % | ||
| Currency | 0.2 | % | ||
| Net revenue growth | 0.4 | % |
Net revenue increased 0.4 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. The 1.3 percent decrease in organic revenue growth was attributable to a decrease in sales volume, partially offset by an increase in product pricing. The 1.5 percent increase in net revenue from M&A was due to the acquisition of HS Butyl in the third quarter of 2024. The 0.2 percent positive currency effect was due to a stronger Euro and British pound sterling offset by a weaker Turkish lira and Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs decreased 100 basis points due to increased pricing and lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 50 basis points. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 90 basis points primarily due to higher compensation costs. Segment adjusted EBITDA margin increased 40 basis points due to higher depreciation and amortization expense and higher pension and other postretirement plan income. Segment adjusted EBITDA increased 0.6 percent and segment adjusted EBITDA margin was flat in 2025 as compared to 2024.
Corporate Unallocated
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 vs 2024 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | - | $ | 156.7 | (100.0 | )% | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 6.3 | $ | 14.4 | (56.3 | )% |
Corporate Unallocated includes acquisition and integration-related charges, restructuring-related charges and costs related to the implementation of Project ONE. As a result of the change in operating segments and the sale of our North America Flooring business, we have retrospectively moved the results of our divested North America Flooring business to Corporate Unallocated for prior periods.
21
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Total cash and cash equivalents as of November 29, 2025 were $107.2 million compared to $169.4 million as of November 30, 2024. Total long and short-term debt was $2,016.9 million as of November 29, 2025 and $2,010.6 million as of November 30, 2024.
We believe that cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital expenditure needs. In addition, we believe we have the ability to obtain both short-term and long-term debt to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future. Cash available in the United States has historically been sufficient and we expect it will continue to be sufficient to fund U.S. operations, U.S. capital spending and U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit contributions in addition to funding U.S. acquisitions, dividend payments, debt service and share repurchases as needed. For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, we currently have no intention to, and plans do not indicate a need to, repatriate these funds for U.S. operations.
Our credit agreements include restrictive covenants that, if not met, could lead to a renegotiation of our credit lines and a significant increase in our cost of financing. At November 29, 2025, we were in compliance with all covenants of our contractual obligations for outstanding indebtedness as shown in the following table:
| Covenant | Debt Instrument | Measurement | Result as of November 29, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secured Total Indebtedness / TTM1 EBITDA | Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility | Not greater than 4.50 | 2.3 |
| TTM1 EBITDA / Consolidated Interest Expense | Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility | Not less than 2.0 | 4.9 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 1 | TTM = trailing 12 months |
EBITDA for covenant purposes is defined as consolidated net income, plus (i) interest expense, (ii) expense for taxes paid or accrued, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) certain non-cash impairment losses, (v) extraordinary non-cash losses incurred other than in the ordinary course of business, (vi) nonrecurring extraordinary non-cash restructuring charges and the non-cash impact of purchase accounting, (vii) any non-cash charge for the excess of rent expense over actual cash rent paid due to the use of straight-line rent, non-cash charge pursuant to any management equity plan, stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit, (viii) any non-cash finance charges in respect of any pension liabilities or other provisions and income (loss) attributable to deferred compensation plans, (ix) any non-recurring or unusual cash restructuring charges and operating improvements, (x) cost savings initiative and cost synergies related to acquisitions within 12 months, (xi) non-capitalized charges relating to the Company’s SAP implementation, (xii) fees, costs, expenses and charges incurred in connection with the financing, (xiii) fees, costs, expenses, make-whole or penalty payments and other similar items arising out of acquisitions, investments and dispositions, the incurrence, issuance, repayment or refinancing of indebtedness and any issuance of equity interests; minus, non-recurring or unusual non-cash gains incurred not in the ordinary course of business. Provided that the aggregate amounts that may be added back for any period pursuant to clauses (ix), (x) and (xi) shall not exceed 15% of EBITDA for such period (calculated prior to giving effect to all addbacks and adjustments). For Secured Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA ratio, TTM EBITDA is adjusted for the pro forma results from Material Acquisitions and Material Divestitures, both as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as if the acquisition or divestiture occurred at the beginning of the calculation period. The full definition is set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement the Company filed as an exhibit to its 8-K filing dated February 21, 2023.
Consolidated Interest Expense for covenant purposes is defined as the interest expense (including without limitation to the portion of capital lease obligations that constitutes imputed interest in accordance with GAAP) of the Company and its subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis for such period with respect to all outstanding indebtedness allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP, including net costs (or benefits) under Interest Rate Swap Agreements and commissions, discounts and other fees and charges with respect to letters of credit and the interest component of all Attributable Receivables Indebtedness.
We believe we have the ability to meet all of our contractual obligations and commitments in fiscal 2026.
Net Financial Assets (Liabilities)
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 107.2 | $ | 169.4 | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | 4.8 | 2.1 | ||||||
| Interest rate swaps | - | 1.8 | ||||||
| Financial liabilities: | ||||||||
| Notes payable | - | (0.6 | ) | |||||
| Long-term debt | (2,016.9 | ) | (2,010.1 | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | (0.6 | ) | (7.1 | ) | ||||
| Interest rate swaps | (29.0 | ) | (33.0 | ) | ||||
| Net investment hedges | (113.1 | ) | (51.9 | ) | ||||
| Net financial liabilities | $ | (2,047.6 | ) | $ | (1,929.4 | ) |
Of the $107.2 million in cash and cash equivalents as of November 29, 2025, $105.4 million was held outside the U.S. Of the $105.4 million of cash held outside the U.S., earnings of $104.6 million are indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. It is not practical for us to determine the U.S. tax implications of the repatriation of these funds.
22
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There are no contractual or regulatory restrictions on the ability of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries to transfer funds in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances to us. Our credit facilities have the following restrictions related to investments and general limitations: 1) a credit facility limitation restricting investments, loans, advances or capital contributions from Loan Parties to non-Loan Parties in excess of $150.0 million, 2) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, loans, advances or guarantees not otherwise permitted in the credit agreement for all subsidiaries shall not exceed $150.0 million in the aggregate, 3) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, dividends, and distributions shall not exceed the Available Amount defined in these agreements, all three of which do not apply when our secured leverage ratio is below 4.0x, and 4) typical statutory restrictions, which prohibit distributions in excess of net capital or similar tests. Additionally, we have taken the income tax position that the majority of our cash in non-U.S. locations is indefinitely reinvested.
Debt Outstanding and Debt Capacity
Notes Payable
There were no notes payable at November 29, 2025 and a balance of $0.6 million at November 30, 2024. Notes payable primarily represents various foreign subsidiaries’ short-term borrowings that were not part of committed lines. The weighted-average interest rate on these short-term borrowings was approximately 1.35 percent in 2024.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of a senior secured term loan (“Term Loan A”) with an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million and a senior secured term loan (“Term Loan B”) with an aggregate principal amount of $994.0 million, issued pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2023, as amended. Interest on Term Loan A is payable at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus an adjustment of 0.10 percent and an interest rate spread of 1.50 percent (5.52 percent at November 29, 2025). The interest rate spread is based on a secured leverage grid. Term Loan A matures on February 15, 2028. At November 29, 2025, a balance of $431.3 million was outstanding on Term Loan A. Interest on Term Loan B is payable at SOFR plus an interest rate spread of 1.75 percent with a SOFR floor of 0.50 percent (5.67 percent at November 29, 2025). Term Loan B matures on February 15, 2030. At November 29, 2025, a balance of $979.1 million was outstanding on Term Loan B. On January 12, 2023, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement (amended on February 28, 2023) to convert $400,000 of our variable rate 1-month SOFR debt to a fixed rate of 3.7260. On March 16, 2023, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $300,000 of our 1-month SOFR rate debt to a fixed rate of 3.7210 percent and to convert $100,000 of our 1-month SOFR rate debt to a fixed rate of 3.8990 percent.
Long-term debt also consists of 10-year unsecured public notes (“10-year Public Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million due February 15, 2027 with a fixed coupon of 4.00 percent and 8-year unsecured public notes (“8-year Public Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million due October 15, 2028 with a fixed coupon of 4.25 percent. We currently have no intention to prepay the Public Notes. On February 12, 2021, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert our 8-year Public Notes to a variable interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 3.28 percent. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of this interest rate swap.
Interest payable on our long-term debt totaled $4.5 million as of November 29, 2025.
Revolving Credit Facility
We have a revolving credit agreement with a consortium of financial institutions at November 29, 2025. This revolving credit agreement creates a secured multi-currency revolving credit facility that we can draw upon to repay existing indebtedness, finance working capital needs, finance acquisitions and for general corporate purposes up to a maximum of $700.0 million. Interest on the revolving credit facility is payable at SOFR plus an adjustment of 0.10 percent and an interest rate spread of 1.50 percent (5.52 percent at November 29, 2025). A facility fee of 20 basis points of the unused commitment under the revolving credit facility is payable quarterly. The interest rate spread and the facility fee are based on a secured leverage grid. At November 29, 2025, there was $36.0 million outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on February 15, 2028.
We are subject to mandatory prepayments in the first quarter of each fiscal year equal to 50 percent of Excess Cash Flow, as defined in our debt agreement, of the prior fiscal year less any voluntary prepayments made during that fiscal year. The Excess Cash Flow Percentage shall be reduced to 25 percent when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 4.25:1.00 and to 0 percent when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 3.75:1.00.
For further information related to debt outstanding and debt capacity, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of November 29, 2025, goodwill totaled $1,680.1 million (32.4 percent of total assets) and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $805.9 million (15.5 percent of total assets).
The components of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, net of amortization, by segment are as follows:
| 2025 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | Building | ||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Adhesive | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Solutions | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 517.8 | $ | 610.1 | $ | 552.2 | $ | 1,680.1 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 124.8 | 29.4 | 20.6 | 174.8 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 108.4 | 248.0 | 227.8 | 584.2 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 21.0 | 16.5 | 9.4 | 46.9 |
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Table of Contents
| 2024 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | Building | ||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Adhesive | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Solutions | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 399.5 | $ | 581.3 | $ | 551.4 | $ | 1,532.2 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 38.5 | 32.2 | 21.8 | 92.5 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 111.2 | 268.8 | 258.8 | 638.8 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 9.2 | 18.1 | 11.1 | 38.4 | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | - | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
Selected Metrics of Liquidity and Capital Resources
Key metrics we monitor are net working capital as a percent of annualized net revenue, trade receivables days sales outstanding (DSO), inventory days on hand, free cash flow and debt capitalization ratio.
| November 29, | November 30, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Net working capital as a percentage of annualized net revenue1 | 15.8 | % | 14.5 | % | ||||
| Trade receivables DSO (in days)2 | 57 | 55 | ||||||
| Inventory days on hand (in days)3 | 73 | 67 | ||||||
| Trade accounts payable DPO (in days)4 | 70 | 68 | ||||||
| Free cash flow 5 | $ | 121.2 | $ | 163.2 | ||||
| Debt capitalization ratio6 | 50.2 | % | 50.8 | % |
1 Net working capital (trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts plus inventory minus trade payables) divided by annualized net revenue.
2 Trade receivables net of allowance for doubtful accounts multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by the net revenue.
3 Total inventory multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by cost of sales (excluding delivery costs).
4 Trade accounts payable multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by cost of sales.
5 Net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment. See "Non GAAP Measures" for reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow.
6 Total debt divided by total debt plus total stockholders’ equity.
Free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment. Free cash flow is an integral financial measure used by the Company to assess its ability to generate cash in excess of its operating needs, therefore, the Company believes this financial measure provides useful information to investors. For a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow see “Non-GAAP Measures” below.
Summary of Cash Flows
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 263.5 | $ | 302.4 |
Net income including non-controlling interest was $152.1 million in 2025 and $130.4 million in 2024. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $178.3 million in 2025 compared to $174.7 million in 2024. The higher depreciation and amortization expense in 2025 is related to the assets acquired in our business acquisitions.
Changes in net working capital (trade receivables, inventory and trade payables) accounted for a use of cash of $51.9 million compared to a source of cash of $28.6 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Following is an assessment of each of the net working capital components:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Receivables, net – Changes in trade receivables resulted in a $3.4 million use of cash in 2025 and a $10.7 million source of cash in 2024. The use of cash in 2025 compared to source of cash in 2024 was due to less cash collected on trade receivables in the current year compared to the prior year. The DSO was 57 days at November 29, 2025 and 55 days at November 30, 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Inventory – Changes in inventory resulted in a $10.3 million and a $30.1 use of cash in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The lower use of cash in 2025, compared to 2024 was due to higher inventory purchases at higher prices in 2024 compared to the current year. Inventory days on hand were 73 days at November 29, 2025 and 67 days on hand at November 30, 2024. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Payables – Changes in trade payables resulted in a $38.2 million use of cash in 2025 compared to a $47.9 million source of cash in 2024. The use of cash in 2025 compared to the source of cash in 2024 reflects higher payments on trade payables in the current year compared to the prior year. The DPO was 70 days at November 29, 2025 and 68 days at November 30, 2024. |
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Table of Contents
Contributions to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans were $3.3 million and $2.9 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Income taxes payable resulted in a $6.1 million and a $23.1 million use of cash in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Other assets resulted in a $28.7 million and a $17.5 million use of cash in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The higher use of cash in 2025 compared to 2024 is primarily driven by short-term investments and other taxes partially offset by a decrease in other long-term prepaid assets in 2025 compared to 2024. Other accrued expenses resulted in a $35.3 million and $6.0 million source of cash in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The large source of cash in 2025 compared to 2024 is primarily due to a liability for a loss contingency associated with ongoing litigation. Accrued compensation resulted in a $4.9 million and a $12.7 million source of cash in 2025 and 2024, respectively, relating to lower overall compensation accruals at the end of 2025 compared to 2024. Other liabilities resulted in a $34.9 million source of cash and a $30.3 million use of cash in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The source of cash in 2025 compared to use of cash in 2024 was due to an increase in hedging liabilities from interest rate swap activity of $55.3 million in 2025 compared to a decrease of $6.2 million in the prior year. In 2024, we also recorded a $47.3 million loss on the impairment of assets held for sale.
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (232.2 | ) | $ | (407.1 | ) |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment were $142.3 million in 2025 compared to $139.2 million in 2024. The higher purchases in 2025 reflect the timing of capital projects and expenditures related to growth initiatives. We paid cash, net of cash acquired, of $167.0 million and $273.9 million for purchased businesses in 2025 and 2024, respectively. We received cash of $75.7 million in proceeds from the sale of a business in 2025. Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment were $5.0 million in 2025 compared to $1.2 million in 2024. We received cash of $4.9 million in proceeds from insurance recoveries related to property, plant and equipment in 2024.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by financing activities | $ | (107.9 | ) | $ | 112.1 |
In 2025, we received $1,300.3 million in proceeds and repaid $1,305.4 million of long-term debt including borrowings and repayments on our revolving credit facility and in 2024, we received $1,932.9 million in proceeds and repaid $1,764.9 million of long-term debt. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of debt borrowings and repayments. Debt issuance costs of $1.0 million were paid in 2025 compared to $3.5 million paid in 2024. Cash paid for dividends were $50.3 million and $47.6 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Cash generated from the exercise of stock options was $9.8 million and $35.9 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Indirect repurchases of common stock through a net-settlement feature related to statutory minimum tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock were $3.8 million in 2025 compared to $7.8 million in 2024. We had $56.9 million of repurchases of stock from our share repurchase program in 2025 and $31.8 million of repurchases of common stock from our share repurchase program in 2024.
We expect 2026 capital expenditures to be approximately $160.0 million.
Non-GAAP Measures
We use both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures for operational and financial decision making, and to assess Company and segment business performance. Our non-GAAP measures include Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. Our calculation of these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential differences between companies in the method of calculation. As a result, the use of these non-GAAP measures has limitations and should not be considered superior to, in isolation from, or as a substitute for, related U.S. GAAP measures.
These non-GAAP measures allow management and investors to view operating trends, perform analytical comparisons and benchmark performance between periods and among geographic regions to understand operating performance without regard to items we do not consider a component of our core operating performance. Furthermore, these non-GAAP measures allow investors the opportunity to measure and monitor our performance against our externally communicated targets and evaluate the investment decisions being made by management to improve Adjusted EBITDA. Management uses these measures in its financial, investment and operational decision-making processes, for internal reporting and as part of its forecasting and budgeting processes. Further, our Board of Directors uses certain of these and other measures as key metrics to determine management performance under our performance-based compensation plans. For these reasons, we believe these non-GAAP measures are useful for our investors.
Adjusted EBITDA is presented net of noncontrolling interests and is used by management and can be used by investors to review our consolidated operating results because it excludes depreciation, amortization, interest income, interest expense and income taxes as well as certain additional adjustments that are not considered part of our core operations. Examples of adjustments to EBITDA include, but are not limited to, costs for acquisition projects, organizational realignment, Project One, business divestitures, discrete taxes, and the income tax effect on these adjustments. For Adjusted EBITDA, once we have made an adjustment in the current period for an item, we will also adjust the related non-GAAP measure in future periods in which there is an impact from the item. The following table reflects the manner in which Adjusted EBITDA is determined and provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
25
Reconciliation of Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller to Adjusted EBITDA
| Year Ended | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 29, | November 30, | December 2, | ||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller | $ | 151,967 | 130,256 | 144,906 | ||||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition project costs | 15,412 | 11,035 | 16,874 | |||||||||
| Organizational realignment | 31,424 | 39,996 | 29,900 | |||||||||
| Project One | 10,237 | 11,885 | 9,815 | |||||||||
| Business divestiture | - | 47,267 | - | |||||||||
| Other1 | 39,155 | (1,981 | ) | (611 | ) | |||||||
| Discrete tax items | 7,467 | (5,469 | ) | 26,085 | ||||||||
| Income tax effect on adjustments | (21,054 | ) | (15,811 | ) | (10,604 | ) | ||||||
| Adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller | 234,608 | 217,178 | 216,365 | |||||||||
| Add: | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense2 | 132,431 | 133,122 | 131,913 | |||||||||
| Interest income | (4,820 | ) | (4,679 | ) | (3,943 | ) | ||||||
| Income taxes | 80,717 | 77,661 | 78,047 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense3 | 177,724 | 170,573 | 158,456 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 620,660 | 593,855 | 580,838 |
1 Other includes losses associated with ongoing litigation and product claims related to a divested business and costs associated with the exit of a product line for the year ended November 29, 2025.
2 Interest expense added back for EBITDA is adjusted for amounts already included in adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller.
3 Depreciation and amortization expense added back for EBITDA is adjusted for amounts already included in adjusted net income attributable to H.B. Fuller.
Free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment. Free cash flow is an integral financial measure used by the Company to assess its ability to generate cash in excess of its operating needs, therefore, the Company believes this financial measure provides useful information to investors. The following table reflects the manner in which free cash flow is determined and provides a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Reconciliation of Net cash provided by operating activities to Free cash flow
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 263.5 | $ | 302.4 | |||
| Less: Purchased property, plant and equipment | 142.3 | 139.2 | |||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 121.2 | $ | 163.2 |
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "plan," "expect," "aim," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "will," "should," "could" (including the negative or variations thereof) and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, including those mentioned with the specific statements. Such assumptions are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, our plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors. These plans and expectations and the assumptions underlying them are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. In addition to the factors described in this report, Item 1A. Risk Factors identifies some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, we have identified these important factors which could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered, together with any similar risk factors or other cautionary language that may be made elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The list of important factors in Item 1A. Risk Factors does not necessarily present the risk factors in order of importance. This disclosure, including that under Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors, and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by us in this report and elsewhere from time to time, represents our best judgment as of the date the information is given. We do not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public company disclosures (such as in filings with the SEC or in our press releases) on related subjects.
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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: 0001437749-25-001699.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
H.B. Fuller Company is a global formulator, manufacturer and marketer of adhesives and other specialty chemical products. We have three reportable segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives.
The Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives operating segment manufactures and supplies adhesives products in the assembly, packaging, converting, nonwoven and hygiene, health and beauty, flexible packaging, graphic arts and envelope markets. The Engineering Adhesives operating segment provides high-performance adhesives to the transportation, electronics, clean energy, aerospace and defense, performance wood, insulating glass, textile, appliance and heavy machinery markets. The Construction Adhesives operating segment manufactures and provides specialty adhesives, sealants, tapes, mortars, grouts, and application devices for commercial building roofing systems, heavy infrastructure projects, road/highway/airport transportation applications, telecom/5G utilities, industrial LNG plants, building envelope applications, HVAC insulation systems, and for both residential and commercial flooring underlayment solutions.
Total Company
When reviewing our financial statements, it is important to understand how certain external factors impact us. These factors include:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Changes in the prices of our raw materials that are primarily derived from refining crude oil and natural gas, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Global supply of and demand for raw materials, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Economic growth rates, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. |
We purchase thousands of raw materials, the majority of which are petroleum/natural gas derivatives. The price of these derivatives impacts the cost of our raw materials. However, the supply of and demand for key raw materials has a greater impact on our costs. As demand increases in high-growth areas, the supply of key raw materials may tighten, resulting in certain materials being put on allocation. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, also can have an impact as key raw material producers are shut down for extended periods of time. We continually monitor capacity utilization figures, market supply and demand conditions, feedstock costs and inventory levels, as well as derivative and intermediate prices, which affect our raw materials. With approximately 75 percent of our cost of sales accounted for by raw materials, our financial results are extremely sensitive to changing costs in this area.
The pace of economic growth directly impacts certain industries to which we supply products. For example, adhesives-related revenues from durable goods customers in areas such as appliances, furniture and other woodworking applications tend to fluctuate with the overall economic activity. In our Construction Adhesives operating segment and business components such as insulating glass in Engineering Adhesives, revenues tend to move with more specific economic indicators such as housing starts and other construction-related activity.
The movement of foreign currency exchange rates as compared to the U.S. dollar impacts the translation of the foreign entities’ financial statements into U.S. dollars. As foreign currencies weaken against the U.S. dollar, our revenues and costs decrease as the foreign currency-denominated financial statements translate into fewer U.S. dollars. The fluctuations of the Euro, Chinese renminbi, British pound sterling, Egyptian pound, Turkish lira, Brazilian real, Chilean peso and Colombian peso against the U.S. dollar have the largest impact on our financial results as compared to all other currencies. In 2024, currency fluctuations had a negative impact on net revenue of approximately $34.9 million as compared to 2023.
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Key financial results andtransactions for 2024 included the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net revenue increased 1.6 percent from 2023 primarily driven by a 3.6 percent increase due to acquisitions and a 1.7 percent increase in sales volume, partially offset by a 2.7 percent decrease in product pricing and a 1.0 percent decrease due to currency fluctuations. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Gross profit margin increased to 29.8 percent in 2024 from 28.7 percent in 2023, due to a decrease in raw material costs, partially offset by an increase in other manufacturing costs. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cash flow generated by operating activities was $302.4 million in 2024 as compared to $378.4 million in 2023. |
Our total year organic revenue growth, which we define as the combined variances from sales volume and product pricing, decreased 1.0 percent for 2024 compared to 2023 due to a decrease in product pricing, partially offset by an increase in sales volume.
In 2024, our diluted earnings per share was $2.30 compared to $2.59 in 2023. The lower earnings per share in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to other expense, net that includes a $47.3 million loss on the impairment of assets associated with our North American flooring business that is held for sale and higher operating costs, partially offset by higher net revenue, lower interest expense and lower income tax expense.
Information pertaining to fiscal year 2022 was included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 2, 2023, under Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations,” which was filed with the SEC on January 24, 2024.
Project ONE
In December 2012, our Board of Directors approved a multi-year project to replace and enhance our existing core information technology platforms. The scope for this project includes most of the basic transaction processing for the Company including customer orders, procurement, manufacturing and financial reporting. The project envisions harmonized business processes for each of our operating segments supported with one standard software configuration. The execution of this project, which we refer to as Project ONE, is being supported by internal resources and consulting services. Implementation of Project ONE began in our North America adhesives business in 2014 and, through 2024, we completed implementation of this system in various parts of our business including Latin America (except Brazil), Australia, and various other businesses in North America and EIMEA. During 2025 and beyond, we will continue implementation in North America, EIMEA, Brazil and Asia Pacific.
Total expenditures for Project ONE are estimated to be $270 to $290 million, of which 60-65% is expected to be capital expenditures. Our total project-to-date expenditures are approximately $230 million, of which approximately $140 million are capital expenditures. Given the complexity of the implementation, the total investment to complete the project may exceed our estimate.
Restructuring Plans
During the second and third quarters of 2023, the Company approved restructuring plans (the “Plans”) related to organizational changes and other actions to optimize operations and integrate acquired businesses. In implementing the Plans, the Company currently expects to incur costs of approximately $60.0 million to $65.0 million ($46.6 million to $50.7 million after-tax), which include (i) cash expenditures of approximately $28.4 million to $29.6 million ($22.0 million to $23.0 million after-tax) for severance and related employee costs globally and (ii) other restructuring costs related to the streamlining of processes and the payment of anticipated income taxes in certain jurisdictions related to the Plans. We have incurred costs of $55.5 million under the Plans as of November 30, 2024. The Plans were implemented in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 and are currently expected to be completed during fiscal year 2026. The restructuring costs will be spread across the next several fiscal quarters as the measures are implemented with the majority of the charges recognized and cash payments occurring in fiscal 2023 and 2024.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are based upon the Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the critical accounting policies and areas that require the most significant judgments and estimates to be used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements relate to goodwill impairment; pension and other postretirement assumptions; long-lived assets recoverability; valuation of product, environmental and other litigation liabilities; valuation of deferred tax assets and accuracy of tax contingencies; and valuation of acquired assets and liabilities.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units, which are our operating segments or one level below our operating segments (the component level). Reporting units are determined by the discrete financial information available for the component and whether it is regularly reviewed by segment management. Components are aggregated into a single reporting unit if they share similar economic characteristics. Our reporting units are as follows: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives.
We evaluate our goodwill for impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter or earlier upon the occurrence of substantive unfavorable changes in economic conditions, industry trends, costs, cash flows, or ongoing declines in market capitalization. The quantitative impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, the assignment of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and the determination of fair value of each reporting unit. The impairment test requires the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. In performing the impairment test, we determined the fair value of our reporting units through the income approach by using discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analyses. Determining fair value requires the Company to make judgments about appropriate forecasted revenue and related revenue growth rate, the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") margins rate and the weighted average cost of capital. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for each reporting unit are based on the reporting unit's budget, long-term business plan and recent operating performance. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting unit and market conditions. Given the inherent uncertainty in determining the assumptions underlying a DCF analysis, actual results may differ from those used in our valuations. In assessing the reasonableness of the determined fair values, we also reconciled the aggregate determined fair value of the Company to the Company's market capitalization, which, at the date of our 2024 impairment test, included a 16 percent control premium.
For the 2024 impairment test, the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the respective carrying values by 20 percent to 147 percent. Significant assumptions used in the DCF analysis included discount rates that ranged from 9.1 percent to 10.1 percent and long-term revenue growth rates.
See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding goodwill. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the impairment of goodwill associated with the North America Flooring business that is held for sale.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Assumptions
We sponsor defined-benefit pension plans in both the U.S. and non-U.S. entities. Also in the U.S., we sponsor other postretirement plans for health care and life insurance benefits. Expenses and liabilities for the pension plans and other postretirement plans are actuarially calculated. These calculations are based on our assumptions related to the discount rate, expected return on assets, projected salary increases and health care cost trend rates. Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements includes disclosure of assumptions employed in these measurements for both the non-U.S. and U.S. plans.
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The discount rate assumption is determined using an actuarial yield curve approach, which results in a discount rate that reflects the characteristics of the plan. The approach identifies a broad population of corporate bonds that meet the quality and size criteria for the particular plan. We use this approach rather than a specific index that has a certain set of bonds that may or may not be representative of the characteristics of our particular plan. A higher discount rate reduces the present value of the pension obligations. The discount rate for the U.S. pension plan was 5.23 percent at November 30, 2024, 5.66 percent at December 2, 2023 and 5.36 percent at December 3, 2022. Net periodic pension cost for a given fiscal year is based on assumptions developed at the end of the previous fiscal year. A discount rate change of 0.5 percentage points at November 30, 2024 would impact U.S. pension and other postretirement plan (income) expense by $0.1 million (pre-tax) in fiscal 2025. Discount rates for non-U.S. plans are determined in a manner consistent with the U.S. plans.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for the U.S. pension plan was 7.75 percent in 2024, 7.75 percent in 2023 and 7.00 percent in 2022. Our expected long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets was based on our target asset allocation assumption of 55 percent equities and 45 percent fixed-income. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, determines the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by considering the expected future returns and volatility levels for each asset class that are based on historical returns and forward-looking observations. For 2024, the expected long-term rate of return on the target equities allocation was 8.50 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on the target fixed-income allocation was 5.62 percent. The total plan rate of return assumption included an estimate of the effect of diversification and the plan expense. A change of 0.5 percentage points for the expected return on assets assumption would impact U.S. net pension and other postretirement plan expense by approximately $2.6 million (pre-tax).
Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses the actual historical rates of return of the asset categories to assess the reasonableness of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The most recent 10-year and 20-year historical equity returns are shown in the table below. Our expected rate of return on our total portfolio is consistent with the historical patterns observed over longer time frames.
| Total | Fixed | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Pension Plan Historical Actual Rates of Return | Portfolio | Equities | Income | |||||||||
| 10-year period | 5.4 | % | 6.9 | % | 3.0 | % | ||||||
| 20-year period | 6.1 | % | 6.8 | % | 4.6 | % |
Beginning in 2022, our target allocation migrated from 60 percent equities and 40 percent fixed-income to 55 percent equities and 45 percent fixed income. The historical actual rate of return for the fixed income of 4.6 percent is since inception (18 years, 11 months).
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for non-U.S. pension plans was a weighted-average of 5.01 percent in 2024 compared to 5.02 percent in 2023 and 3.49 percent in 2022. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption used in each non-U.S. plan is determined on a plan-by-plan basis for each local jurisdiction and is based on expected future returns for the investment mix of assets currently in the portfolio for that plan. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, develops expected rates of return for each plan, considers expected long-term returns for each asset category in the plan, reviews expectations for inflation for each local jurisdiction, and estimates the effect of active management of the plan’s assets. Our largest non-U.S. pension plans are in the United Kingdom and Germany. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the United Kingdom was 4.50 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for Germany was 5.50 percent. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses actual historical returns of the asset portfolio to assess the reasonableness of the expected rate of return for each plan.
The projected salary increase assumption is based on historic trends and comparisons to the external market. Higher rates of increase result in higher pension expenses. As this rate is also a long-term expected rate, it is less likely to change on an annual basis. Under the U.S. pension plan, the compensation amount was locked-in as of May 31, 2011 and thus the benefit no longer includes compensation increases. Projected salary increase assumptions for non-U.S. plans are determined in a manner consistent with the U.S. plans.
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Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
The assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets reflects our assumptions and estimates. Factors that we must estimate when performing impairment tests include sales volume, prices, inflation, currency exchange rates, tax rates and capital spending. Significant judgment is involved in estimating these factors, and they include inherent uncertainties. The measurement of the recoverability of these assets is dependent upon the accuracy of the assumptions used in making these estimates and how the estimates compare to the eventual future operating performance of the specific businesses to which the assets are attributed.
Judgments made by us include the expected useful lives of long-lived assets. The ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets is affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the assets, changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance.
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the impairment of long-lived assets associated with the North America Flooring business that is held for sale.
Product, Environmental and Other Litigation Liabilities
As disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and in Note 1 and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are subject to various claims, lawsuits and other legal proceedings. Reserves for loss contingencies associated with these matters are established when it is determined that a liability is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The assessment of the probable liabilities is based on the facts and circumstances known at the time that the financial statements are being prepared. For cases in which it is determined that a liability is probable but only a range for the potential loss exists, the minimum amount of the range is recorded and subsequently adjusted as better information becomes available.
For cases in which insurance coverage is available, the gross amount of the estimated liabilities is accrued, and a receivable is recorded for any probable estimated insurance recoveries. A discussion of environmental, product and other litigation liabilities is disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Based upon currently available facts, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any pending legal proceeding, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively affect our results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters.
Income Tax Accounting
As part of the process of preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The process involves estimating actual current tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for book and tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. Increases in the valuation allowance result in additional expense to be reflected within the tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets totaled $11.7 million as of November 30, 2024, and $15.6 million as of December 2, 2023.
We recognize tax benefits for tax positions for which it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained by the applicable tax authority at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We do not recognize a financial statement benefit for a tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. We believe that our liabilities for income taxes reflect the most likely outcome. It is difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax position. Future changes in judgment related to the resolution of tax positions will impact earnings in the quarter of such change. We adjust our income tax liabilities related to tax positions in light of changing facts and circumstances. Settlement with respect to a tax position would usually require cash. Based upon our analysis of tax positions taken on prior year returns and expected tax positions to be taken for the current year tax returns, we have identified gross uncertain tax positions of $15.6 million as of November 30, 2024 and $14.3 million as of December 2, 2023.
We have not recorded U.S. deferred income taxes for certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as such amounts are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. Should we change our business strategies related to these non-U.S. subsidiaries, additional U.S. tax liabilities could be incurred. It is not practical to estimate the amount of these additional tax liabilities. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on income tax accounting.
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Acquisition Accounting
As we enter into business combinations, we perform acquisition accounting requirements including the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Identifying the acquirer, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Determining the acquisition date, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. |
We complete valuation procedures and record the resulting fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon the valuation of the business enterprise and the tangible and intangible assets acquired. Enterprise value allocation methodology requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If estimates or assumptions used to complete the enterprise valuation and estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities significantly differed from assumptions made, the resulting difference could materially affect the fair value of net assets.
The calculation of the fair value of the tangible assets, including property, plant and equipment, utilizes the cost approach, which computes the cost to replace the asset, less accrued depreciation resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and external obsolescence. The calculation of the fair value of the identified intangible assets are determined using cash flow models following the income approach or a discounted market-based methodology approach. Significant inputs include estimated revenue growth rates, gross margins, operating expenses, and estimated attrition, royalty and discount rates. Goodwill is recorded as the difference in the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the purchase price.
Results of Operations
Net revenue
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 3,568.7 | $ | 3,510.9 | 1.6 | % |
We review variances in net revenue in terms of changes related to sales volume and product pricing (referred to as organic revenue growth), business acquisitions and divestitures (M&A) and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following table shows the net revenue variance analysis for fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023.
| 2024 vs 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | (1.0 | )% | ||
| M&A | 3.6 | % | ||
| Currency | (1.0 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | 1.6 | % |
Organic revenue in 2024 compared to 2023 decreased 1.0 percent and consisted of a 9.5 percent increase in Construction Adhesives, a 4.0 percent decrease in Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives and a 1.0 percent decrease in Engineering Adhesives. The decrease was driven by a 2.6 percent decrease in product pricing, partially offset by a 1.6 percent increase in sales volume. The 3.6 percent increase from M&A was due to our acquisitions that occurred during the last year. The negative 1.0 percent currency impact was primarily driven by a weaker Egyptian pound, Turkish lira, Brazilian real, Chinese renminbi and Chilean peso offset by a stronger Euro, British pound sterling and Colombian peso compared to the U.S. dollar.
Cost of sales
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of sales | $ | 2,506.9 | $ | 2,502.0 | 0.2 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 70.2 | % | 71.3 | % |
Cost of sales in 2024 compared to 2023 decreased 110 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue decreased 210 basis points in 2024 compared to 2023 due to lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 100 basis points in 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to a decrease in product pricing partially offset by higher sales volume.
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Gross profit
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross profit | $ | 1,061.9 | $ | 1,008.9 | 5.3 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 29.8 | % | 28.7 | % |
Gross profit in 2024 increased 5.3 percent and gross profit margin increased 110 basis points compared to 2023. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to a 210 basis points decrease in raw materials offset by a 100 basis point increase in other manufacturing costs.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG&A | $ | 713.7 | $ | 653.8 | 9.2 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 20.0 | % | 18.6 | % |
SG&A expenses for 2024 compared to 2023 increased 140 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. The increase is due to the impact of acquisitions and higher compensation costs, partially offset by a gain on insurance claims.
Other (expense) income, net
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other (expense) income, net | $ | (37.1 | ) | $ | 9.8 |
Other (expense) income, net in 2024 included a $47.3 million loss on the impairment of assets associated with our North American flooring business that is held for sale, $2.5 million of currency transaction losses, a $2.0 million loss on an equity investment and $1.6 million of other expense, partially offset by $15.9 million of net defined benefit pension benefits and a $0.4 million gain on disposal of assets. Other (expense) income, net in 2023 included $20.3 million of net defined benefit pension benefits and $1.2 of other income, partially offset by $11.6 million of currency transaction losses and a $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets.
Interest expense
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense | $ | 133.1 | $ | 134.6 |
Interest expense was $133.1 million and $134.6 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, and was lower primarily due to lower interest rates, partially offset by higher debt balances. We capitalized $1.9 million and $1.8 million of interest expense in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Interest income
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest income | $ | 4.7 | $ | 3.9 |
Interest income in 2024 and 2023 was $4.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively, consisting primarily of interest on cross-currency swap activity and other miscellaneous interest income.
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Income tax expense:
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax expense | $ | 56.4 | $ | 93.5 | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 30.9 | % | 39.9 | % |
Income tax expense of $56.4 million in 2024 includes $5.5 million of discrete tax benefit, primarily related to various foreign tax matters as well as an excess tax benefit related to U.S. stock compensation. Excluding the discrete tax benefit of $5.5 million, the overall effective tax rate was 33.9 percent.
Income tax expense of $93.5 million in 2023 includes $26.1 million of discrete tax expense, primarily related to the impact of withholding tax recorded on earnings that are no longer permanently reinvested, as well as other various U.S. and foreign tax matters. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $26.1 million, the overall effective tax rate was 28.8 percent.
The increase in the overall effective tax rate for 2024 compared to 2023, excluding the impact of discrete items, is primarily due to the change in the mix of earnings across jurisdictions.
Income from equity method investments
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 4.1 | $ | 4.4 |
The income from equity method investments relates to our 50 percent ownership of the Sekisui-Fuller joint venture in Japan. The lower income for 2024 compared to 2023 is due to the lower net income in our joint venture for the year.
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller | $ | 130.3 | $ | 144.9 | (10.1 | )% | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 3.6 | % | 4.1 | % |
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller was $130.3 million in 2024 compared to $144.9 million in 2023. Diluted earnings per share were $2.30 per share in 2024 and $2.59 per share in 2023.
Operating Segment Results
We are required to report segment information in the same way that we internally organize our business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. For segment evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, segment operating income is defined as gross profit less SG&A expenses. Inter-segment revenues are recorded at cost plus a markup for administrative costs. Corporate expenses, other than those included in Corporate Unallocated, are allocated to each operating segment.
We have three reportable segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives. The tables below provide certain information regarding the net revenue and operating income of each of our operating segments. Corporate Unallocated includes business acquisition and integration costs, organizational restructuring charges and project costs related to the implementation of Project ONE.
Net Revenue by Segment
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | % of | Net | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Revenue | Total | Revenue | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 1,546.4 | 43 | % | $ | 1,601.5 | 46 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 1,459.1 | 41 | % | 1,428.7 | 41 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction Adhesives | 563.2 | 16 | % | 480.7 | 13 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,568.7 | 100 | % | $ | 3,510.9 | 100 | % |
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Segment Operating Income (Loss)
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating | % of | Operating | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Income (Loss) | Total | Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 187.4 | 54 | % | $ | 215.1 | 61 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 193.0 | 55 | % | 187.3 | 53 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction Adhesives | 25.3 | 8 | % | 6.0 | 1 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment total | 405.7 | 117 | % | 408.4 | 115 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate Unallocated | (57.5 | ) | (17 | )% | (53.3 | ) | (15 | )% | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 348.2 | 100 | % | $ | 355.1 | 100 | % |
The following table provides a reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes and income from equity method investments, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment operating income | $ | 348.2 | $ | 355.1 | ||||
| Other (expense) income, net | (37.1 | ) | 9.8 | |||||
| Interest expense | (133.1 | ) | (134.6 | ) | ||||
| Interest income | 4.7 | 3.9 | ||||||
| Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments | $ | 182.7 | $ | 234.2 |
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,546.4 | $ | 1,601.5 | (3.4 | )% | ||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 187.4 | $ | 215.1 | (12.9 | )% | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 12.1 | % | 13.4 | % |
The following tables provide details of Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2024 vs 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | (4.0 | )% | ||
| M&A | 2.3 | % | ||
| Currency | (1.7 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | (3.4 | )% |
Net revenue decreased 3.4 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. The 4.0 decrease in organic revenue growth was attributable to a decrease in product pricing and sales volume. The 2.3 percent increase in net revenue from M&A was due to acquisitions of Beardow Adams in the second quarter of 2023 and Adhezion in the third quarter of 2023. The 1.7 percent negative currency effect was due to a weaker Egyptian pound, Turkish lira, Brazilian real and Chilean peso offset by a stronger Euro, Colombian peso and British pound sterling compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs decreased 120 basis points due to lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 100 basis points due to lower product pricing and the impact of acquisitions. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 150 basis points due to the impact of acquisitions, lower net revenue and higher compensation costs. Segment operating income decreased 12.9 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue decreased 130 basis points in 2024 as compared to 2023.
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Engineering Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,459.1 | $ | 1,428.7 | 2.1 | % | ||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 193.0 | $ | 187.3 | 3.0 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 13.2 | % | 13.1 | % |
The following tables provide details of Engineering Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2024 vs 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | (1.0 | )% | ||
| M&A | 3.7 | % | ||
| Currency | (0.6 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | 2.1 | % |
Net revenue increased 2.1 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. The 1.0 percent decrease in organic revenue growth was attributable to a decrease in product pricing, partially offset by an increase in sales volume. The 3.7 percent increase in net revenue from M&A was due to the acquisition of ND Industries in the second quarter of 2024. The 0.6 percent negative currency effect was due to a weaker Turkish lira, Chinese renminbi and Brazilian real offset by a stronger Euro and British pound sterling compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs decreased 310 basis points due to lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 140 basis points due to the impact of lower product pricing and the impact of acquisitions, partially offset by increased sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 160 basis points primarily due to the acquisition of ND Industries and higher compensation costs. Segment operating income increased 3.0 percent and segment operating margin increased 10 basis points in 2024 as compared to 2023.
Construction Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 563.2 | $ | 480.7 | 17.2 | % | ||||||
| Segment operating income (loss) | $ | 25.3 | $ | 6.0 | 321.7 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 4.5 | % | 1.2 | % |
The following tables provide details of Construction Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2024 vs 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 9.5 | % | ||
| M&A | 7.5 | % | ||
| Currency | 0.2 | % | ||
| Net revenue growth | 17.2 | % |
Net revenue increased 17.2 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. The 9.5 percent increase in organic revenue growth was attributable to an increase in sales volume, partially offset by a decrease in product pricing. The 7.5 percent increase in net revenue from M&A was due to the acquisitions of XChem in the third quarter of 2023, Sanglier in the fourth quarter of 2023 and HS Butyl in the third quarter of 2024. The 0.2 percent positive currency effect was due to a stronger British pound sterling compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs decreased 80 basis points due to lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 60 basis points due to higher sales volume, partially offset by lower product pricing. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 190 basis points due to increased net revenue, partially offset by the impact of acquisitions and higher compensation costs. Segment operating income increased 321.7 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue increased 330 basis points in 2024 as compared to 2023.
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Corporate Unallocated
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 vs 2023 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment operating loss | $ | (57.5 | ) | $ | (53.3 | ) | 7.9 | % | ||||
| Segment profit margin % | NMP | NMP |
NMP = Non-meaningful percentage
Corporate Unallocated includes acquisition and integration-related charges, restructuring-related charges and costs related to the implementation of Project ONE.
Segment operating loss increased 7.9 percent in 2024 compared to 2023 due to higher restructuring costs, partially offset by lower acquisition project costs and a gain on insurance claims.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Total cash and cash equivalents as of November 30, 2024 were $169.4 million compared to $179.5 million as of December 2, 2023. Total long and short-term debt was $2,010.6 million as of November 30, 2024 and $1,838.4 million as of December 2, 2023.
We believe that cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital expenditure needs. In addition, we believe we have the ability to obtain both short-term and long-term debt to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future. Cash available in the United States has historically been sufficient and we expect it will continue to be sufficient to fund U.S. operations, U.S. capital spending and U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit contributions in addition to funding U.S. acquisitions, dividend payments, debt service and share repurchases as needed. For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, we currently have no intention to, and plans do not indicate a need to, repatriate these funds for U.S. operations.
Our credit agreements include restrictive covenants that, if not met, could lead to a renegotiation of our credit lines and a significant increase in our cost of financing. At November 30, 2024, we were in compliance with all covenants of our contractual obligations for outstanding indebtedness as shown in the following table:
| Covenant | Debt Instrument | Measurement | Result as of November 30, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secured Total Indebtedness / TTM1 EBITDA | Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility | Not greater than 4.502 | 2.3 |
| TTM1 EBITDA / Consolidated Interest Expense | Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility | Not less than 2.0 | 4.9 |
| 1 | TTM = trailing 12 months |
|---|---|
| 2 | The Maximum Secured Leverage Ratio prior to June 1, 2024, shall be 4.75 to 1.00 and will step down to 4.50 to 1.00 with respect to quarters ending after June 1, 2024 |
EBITDA for covenant purposes is defined as consolidated net income, plus (i) interest expense, (ii) expense for taxes paid or accrued, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) certain non-cash impairment losses, (v) extraordinary non-cash losses incurred other than in the ordinary course of business, (vi) nonrecurring extraordinary non-cash restructuring charges and the non-cash impact of purchase accounting, (vii) any non-cash charge for the excess of rent expense over actual cash rent paid due to the use of straight-line rent, non-cash charge pursuant to any management equity plan, stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit, (viii) any non-cash finance charges in respect of any pension liabilities or other provisions and income (loss) attributable to deferred compensation plans, (ix) any non-recurring or unusual cash restructuring charges and operating improvements, (x) cost savings initiative and cost synergies related to acquisitions within 12 months, (xi) non-capitalized charges relating to the Company’s SAP implementation, (xii) fees, costs, expenses and charges incurred in connection with the financing, (xiii) fees, costs, expenses, make-whole or penalty payments and other similar items arising out of acquisitions, investments and dispositions, the incurrence, issuance, repayment or refinancing of indebtedness and any issuance of equity interests; minus, non-recurring or unusual non-cash gains incurred not in the ordinary course of business. Provided that the aggregate amounts that may be added back for any period pursuant to clauses (ix), (x) and (xi) shall not exceed 15% of EBITDA for such period (calculated prior to giving effect to all addbacks and adjustments). For Secured Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA ratio, TTM EBITDA is adjusted for the pro forma results from Material Acquisitions and Material Divestitures, both as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as if the acquisition or divestiture occurred at the beginning of the calculation period. The full definition is set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement the Company filed as an exhibit to its 8-K filing dated February 21, 2023.
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Consolidated Interest Expense for covenant purposes is defined as the interest expense (including without limitation to the portion of capital lease obligations that constitutes imputed interest in accordance with GAAP) of the Company and its subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis for such period with respect to all outstanding indebtedness allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP, including net costs (or benefits) under Interest Rate Swap Agreements and commissions, discounts and other fees and charges with respect to letters of credit and the interest component of all Attributable Receivables Indebtedness.
We believe we have the ability to meet all of our contractual obligations and commitments in fiscal 2025.
Net Financial Assets (Liabilities)
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 169.4 | $ | 179.5 | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | 2.1 | 13.5 | ||||||
| Interest rate swaps | 1.8 | 3.6 | ||||||
| Financial liabilities: | ||||||||
| Notes payable | (0.6 | ) | (1.8 | ) | ||||
| Long-term debt | (2,010.1 | ) | (1,836.6 | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | (7.1 | ) | (5.0 | ) | ||||
| Interest rate swaps | (33.0 | ) | (41.6 | ) | ||||
| Net investment hedges | 51.9 | (72.6 | ) | |||||
| Net financial liabilities | $ | (1,825.6 | ) | $ | (1,761.1 | ) |
Of the $169.4 million in cash and cash equivalents as of November 30, 2024, $166.4 million was held outside the U.S. Of the $166.4 million of cash held outside the U.S., earnings of $152.5 million are indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. It is not practical for us to determine the U.S. tax implications of the repatriation of these funds.
There are no contractual or regulatory restrictions on the ability of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries to transfer funds in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances to us. Our credit facilities have the following restrictions related to investments and general limitations: 1) a credit facility limitation restricting investments, loans, advances or capital contributions from Loan Parties to non-Loan Parties in excess of $150.0 million, 2) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, loans, advances or guarantees not otherwise permitted in the credit agreement for all subsidiaries shall not exceed $150.0 million in the aggregate, 3) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, dividends, and distributions shall not exceed the Available Amount defined in these agreements, all three of which do not apply when our secured leverage ratio is below 4.0x, and 4) typical statutory restrictions, which prohibit distributions in excess of net capital or similar tests. Additionally, we have taken the income tax position that the majority of our cash in non-U.S. locations is indefinitely reinvested.
Debt Outstanding and Debt Capacity
Notes Payable
Notes payable were $0.6 million at November 30, 2024 and $1.8 million at December 2, 2023. These amounts primarily represented various foreign subsidiaries’ short-term borrowings that were not part of committed lines. The current weighted-average interest rates on these short-term borrowings were approximately 6.17 percent in 2024 and 10.75 percent in 2023.
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Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of a senior secured term loan (“Term Loan A”) with an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million and a senior secured term loan (“Term Loan B”) with an aggregate principal amount of $994.0 million, issued pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2023, as amended. Interest on Term Loan A is payable at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus an adjustment of 0.10 percent and an interest rate spread of 1.50 percent (6.17 percent at November 30, 2024). The interest rate spread is based on a secured leverage grid. Term Loan A matures on February 15, 2028. At November 30, 2024, a balance of $462.5 million was outstanding on Term Loan A. Interest on Term Loan B is payable at SOFR plus an interest rate spread of 2.00 percent with a SOFR floor of 0.50 percent (6.57 percent at November 30, 2024). Term Loan B matures on February 15, 2030. At November 30, 2024, a balance of $989.0 million was outstanding on Term Loan B. On January 12, 2023, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement (amended on February 28, 2023) to convert $400,000 of our variable rate 1-month SOFR to a fixed rate of 3.7260. On March 16, 2023, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $300,000 of our 1-month SOFR rate debt to a fixed rate of 3.7210 percent and to convert $100,000 of our 1-month SOFR rate debt to a fixed rate of 3.8990 percent.
Long-term debt also consists of 10-year unsecured public notes (“10-year Public Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million due February 15, 2027 with a fixed coupon of 4.00 percent and 8-year unsecured public notes (“8-year Public Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million due October 15, 2028 with a fixed coupon of 4.25 percent. We currently have no intention to prepay the Public Notes. On February 12, 2021, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert our 8-year Public Notes to a variable interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 3.28 percent. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of this interest rate swap.
Interest payable on our long-term debt totaled $1.7 million as of November 30, 2024.
Revolving Credit Facility
We have a revolving credit agreement with a consortium of financial institutions at November 30, 2024. This revolving credit agreement creates a secured multi-currency revolving credit facility that we can draw upon to repay existing indebtedness, finance working capital needs, finance acquisitions and for general corporate purposes up to a maximum of $700.0 million. Interest on the revolving credit facility is payable at SOFR plus an adjustment of 0.10 percent and an interest rate spread of 1.50 percent (6.17 percent at November 30, 2024). A facility fee of 20 basis points of the unused commitment under the revolving credit facility is payable quarterly. The interest rate spread and the facility fee are based on a secured leverage grid. At November 30, 2024, there was no balance outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on February 15, 2028.
We are subject to mandatory prepayments in the first quarter of each fiscal year equal to 50 percent of Excess Cash Flow, as defined in our debt agreement, of the prior fiscal year less any voluntary prepayments made during that fiscal year. The Excess Cash Flow Percentage shall be reduced to 25 percent when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 4.25:1.00 and to 0 percent when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 3.75:1.00.
For further information related to debt outstanding and debt capacity, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of November 30, 2024, goodwill totaled $1,532.2 million (31.1 percent of total assets) and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $770.2 million (15.6 percent of total assets).
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The components of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, net of amortization, by segment are as follows:
| 2024 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | |||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Construction | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Adhesives | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 399.5 | $ | 726.7 | $ | 406.0 | $ | 1,532.2 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 37.5 | 38.1 | 14.0 | 89.6 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 111.2 | 309.8 | 217.8 | 638.8 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 9.2 | 19.7 | 9.5 | 38.4 | |||||||||||
| Other finite-lived intangible assets | 1.0 | - | 2.0 | 3.0 | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | - | 0.5 | - | 0.5 |
| 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | |||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Construction | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Adhesives | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 402.6 | $ | 651.1 | $ | 432.8 | $ | 1,486.5 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 41.7 | 28.9 | 14.5 | 85.1 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 126.8 | 226.9 | 250.6 | 604.3 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 11.6 | 13.6 | 10.2 | 35.4 | |||||||||||
| Other finite-lived intangible assets | 1.5 | - | 2.4 | 3.9 | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | - | 0.5 | - | 0.5 |
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Selected Metrics of Liquidity and Capital Resources
Key metrics we monitor are net working capital as a percent of annualized net revenue, trade receivables days sales outstanding (DSO), inventory days on hand, free cash flow and debt capitalization ratio.
| November 30, | December 2, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Net working capital as a percentage of annualized net revenue1 | 14.5 | % | 16.1 | % | ||||
| Trade receivables DSO (in days)2 | 55 | 58 | ||||||
| Inventory days on hand (in days)3 | 67 | 67 | ||||||
| Trade accounts payable DPO (in days)4 | 68 | 64 | ||||||
| Free cash flow 5 | $ | 163.2 | $ | 259.3 | ||||
| Debt capitalization ratio6 | 50.8 | % | 51.1 | % |
1 Net working capital (trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts plus inventory minus trade payables) divided by annualized net revenue (current quarter, multiplied by 4).
2 Trade receivables net of allowance for doubtful accounts multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by the net revenue for the quarter.
3 Total inventory multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by cost of sales (excluding delivery costs) for the quarter.
4 Trade accounts payable multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by the net revenue for the quarter.
5 Net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment. See reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow.
6 Total debt divided by total debt plus total stockholders’ equity.
Free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment. Free cash flow is an integral financial measure used by the Company to assess its ability to generate cash in excess of its operating needs, therefore, the Company believes this financial measure provides useful information to investors. The following table reflects the manner in which free cash flow is determined and provides a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
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Reconciliation of “Net cash provided by operating activities” to "Free cash flow"
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 302.4 | $ | 378.4 | |||
| Less: Purchased property, plant and equipment | 139.2 | 119.1 | |||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 163.2 | $ | 259.3 |
Summary of Cash Flows
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 302.4 | $ | 378.4 |
Net income including non-controlling interest was $130.4 million in 2024 and $145.0 million in 2023. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $174.7 million in 2024 compared to $159.8 million in 2023. The higher depreciation and amortization expense in 2024 is related to the assets acquired in our business acquisitions.
Changes in net working capital (trade receivables, inventory and trade payables) accounted for a source of cash of $29.6 million compared to a use of cash of $103.2 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Following is an assessment of each of the net working capital components:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Receivables, net – Changes in trade receivables resulted in a $10.7 million and $68.7 million source of cash in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The lower source of cash in 2024 compared to 2023 was related to lower collections in the current year compared to the prior year. The DSO was 55 days at November 30, 2024 and 58 days at December 2, 2023. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Inventory – Changes in inventory resulted in a $30.1 million use of cash in 2024 compared to a $72.6 million source of cash in 2023. The use of cash in 2024, compared to the source of cash in 2023 is due to higher inventory purchases at higher prices in 2024 compared to the prior year. Inventory days on hand were 67 days at November 30, 2024 and December 2, 2023. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Payables – Changes in trade payables resulted in a $47.9 million source of cash in 2024 compared to a $57.8 million use of cash in 2023. The source of cash in 2024 compared to the use of cash in 2023 reflects lower payments on trade payables in the current year compared to the prior year. The DPO was 68 days at November 30, 2024 and 64 days at December 2, 2023. |
Contributions to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans were $2.9 million and $4.3 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Income taxes payable resulted in a $23.1 million use of cash and a $41.2 million source of cash in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Other assets resulted in a $17.5 million and a $7.9 million use of cash in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The higher use of cash in 2024 compared to 2023 is primarily driven by a higher increase in pension and post-retirement assets related to the year-end pension valuation compared to the prior year. Accrued compensation was a $12.7 million source of cash and a $13.8 million use of cash in 2024 and 2023, respectively, relating to higher accruals for our employee incentive plans in 2024. Other liabilities resulted in a $31.3 million use of cash and a $22.9 million source of cash in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The use of cash in 2024 compared to source of cash in 2023 was due to a decrease in hedging liabilities from interest rate swap activity in 2024 compared to an increase the prior year. In 2024, we also recorded a $47.3 million loss on the impairment of assets held for sale. Non-cash foreign currency remeasurement was a positive $9.7 million in 2024 compared to a negative $28.0 million in 2023.
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (407.1 | ) | $ | (319.2 | ) |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment were $139.2 million in 2024 compared to $119.1 million in 2023. The higher purchases in 2024 reflect the timing of capital projects and expenditures related to growth initiatives. Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment were $1.2 million in 2024 compared to $5.0 million in 2023. We paid cash, net of cash acquired, of $273.9 million and $205.1 million for purchased businesses in 2024 and 2023, respectively. We received cash of $4.9 million in proceeds from insurance recoveries related to property, plant and equipment.
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by financing activities | $ | 112.1 | $ | 35.1 |
In 2024, we received $1,932.9 million in proceeds and repaid $1,764.9 million of long-term debt including borrowings and repayments on our revolving credit facility and in 2023, we received $2,233.3 million in proceeds and repaid $2,126.5 million of long-term debt. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of debt borrowings and repayments. Debt issuance costs of $3.5 million were paid in 2024 compared to $10.2 million paid in 2023. Cash paid for dividends were $47.6 million and $43.4 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Cash generated from the exercise of stock options was $35.9 million and $14.6 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Indirect repurchases of common stock through a net-settlement feature related to statutory minimum tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock were $7.8 million in 2024 compared to $2.6 million in 2023. We had $31.8 of repurchases of stock from our share repurchase program in 2024 and there were no repurchases from our share repurchase program in 2023.
We expect 2025 capital expenditures to be approximately $160.0 million.
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "plan," "expect," "aim," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "will," "should," "could" (including the negative or variations thereof) and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, including those mentioned with the specific statements. Such assumptions are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, our plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors. These plans and expectations and the assumptions underlying them are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. In addition to the factors described in this report, Item 1A. Risk Factors identifies some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, we have identified these important factors which could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered, together with any similar risk factors or other cautionary language that may be made elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The list of important factors in Item 1A. Risk Factors does not necessarily present the risk factors in order of importance. This disclosure, including that under Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors, and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by us in this report and elsewhere from time to time, represents our best judgment as of the date the information is given. We do not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public company disclosures (such as in filings with the SEC or in our press releases) on related subjects.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001437749-24-002024.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
H.B. Fuller Company is a global formulator, manufacturer and marketer of adhesives and other specialty chemical products. We have three reportable segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives.
The Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives operating segment manufactures and supplies adhesives products in the assembly, packaging, converting, nonwoven and hygiene, health and beauty, flexible packaging, graphic arts and envelope markets. The Engineering Adhesives operating segment provides high-performance adhesives to the transportation, electronics, clean energy, aerospace and defense, performance wood, insulating glass, textile, appliance and heavy machinery markets. The Construction Adhesives operating segment manufactures and provides specialty adhesives, sealants, tapes, mortars, grouts, and application devices for commercial building roofing systems, heavy infrastructure projects, road/highway/airport transportation applications, telecom/5G utilities, industrial LNG plants, building envelope applications, HVAC insulation systems, and for both residential and commercial flooring underlayment solutions.
Total Company
When reviewing our financial statements, it is important to understand how certain external factors impact us. These factors include:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Changes in the prices of our raw materials that are primarily derived from refining crude oil and natural gas, |
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| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Global supply of and demand for raw materials, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Economic growth rates, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. |
We purchase thousands of raw materials, the majority of which are petroleum/natural gas derivatives. The price of these derivatives impacts the cost of our raw materials. However, the supply of and demand for key raw materials has a greater impact on our costs. As demand increases in high-growth areas, the supply of key raw materials may tighten, resulting in certain materials being put on allocation. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, also can have an impact as key raw material producers are shut down for extended periods of time. We continually monitor capacity utilization figures, market supply and demand conditions, feedstock costs and inventory levels, as well as derivative and intermediate prices, which affect our raw materials. With approximately 75 percent of our cost of sales accounted for by raw materials, our financial results are extremely sensitive to changing costs in this area.
The pace of economic growth directly impacts certain industries to which we supply products. For example, adhesives-related revenues from durable goods customers in areas such as appliances, furniture and other woodworking applications tend to fluctuate with the overall economic activity. In business components such as Construction Adhesives and insulating glass in Engineering Adhesives, revenues tend to move with more specific economic indicators such as housing starts and other construction-related activity.
The movement of foreign currency exchange rates as compared to the U.S. dollar impacts the translation of the foreign entities’ financial statements into U.S. dollars. As foreign currencies weaken against the U.S. dollar, our revenues and costs decrease as the foreign currency-denominated financial statements translate into fewer U.S. dollars. The fluctuations of the Euro, Chinese renminbi, British pound sterling, Egyptian pound, Turkish lira, Brazilian real, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar and Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar have the largest impact on our financial results as compared to all other currencies. In 2023, currency fluctuations had a negative impact on net revenue of approximately $88.5 million as compared to 2022.
Key financial results andtransactions for 2023 included the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net revenue decreased 6.4 percent from 2022 primarily driven by an 8.4 percent decrease in sales volume and a 2.4 percent decrease due to currency fluctuations, partially offset by a 3.3 percent increase due to acquisitions and 2.9 percent increase in product pricing. Additionally, in 2022, we had a 53-week year compared to a 52-week year in 2023, and 2023 revenue was lower by 1.8 percent due to the extra week in 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Gross profit margin increased to 28.7 percent in 2023 from 25.7 percent in 2022, due to an increase in product pricing and lower raw material costs partially offset by the impact of lower sales volume. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cash flow generated by operating activities was $378.4 million in 2023 as compared to $256.5 million in 2022. |
Our total year organic revenue growth, which we define as the combined variances from sales volume and product pricing, decreased 5.5 percent for 2023 compared to 2022 due to a decrease in sales volume, partially offset by an increase in product pricing.
In 2023, our diluted earnings per share was $2.59 compared to $3.26 in 2022. The lower earnings per share in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to lower net revenue, higher operating costs, interest expense and income tax expense, partially offset by lower raw material costs.
Information pertaining to fiscal year 2021 was included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 3, 2022, under Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations,” which was filed with the SEC on January 24, 2023.
Project ONE
In December 2012, our Board of Directors approved a multi-year project to replace and enhance our existing core information technology platforms. The scope for this project includes most of the basic transaction processing for the company including customer orders, procurement, manufacturing and financial reporting. The project envisions harmonized business processes for all of our operating segments supported with one standard software configuration. The execution of this project, which we refer to as Project ONE, is being supported by internal resources and consulting services. Implementation of Project ONE began in our North America adhesives business in 2014 and, through 2023, we completed implementation of this system in various parts of our business including Latin America (except Brazil), Australia, and various other businesses in North America and EIMEA. During 2024 and beyond, we will continue implementation in North America, EIMEA, Brazil and Asia Pacific.
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Total expenditures for Project ONE are estimated to be $240 to $260 million, of which 60-65% is expected to be capital expenditures. Our total project-to-date expenditures are approximately $200 million, of which approximately $120 million are capital expenditures. Given the complexity of the implementation, the total investment to complete the project may exceed our estimate.
Restructuring Plans
During the second and third quarters of 2023, the Company approved restructuring plans (the “Plans”) related to organizational changes and other actions to optimize operations and integrate acquired businesses. In implementing the Plans, the Company currently expects to incur costs of approximately $39.1 million to $44.1 million ($30.4 million to $34.4 million after-tax), which include (i) cash expenditures of approximately $28.4 million to $29.6 million ($22.0 million to $23.0 million after-tax) for severance and related employee costs globally and (ii) other restructuring costs related to the streamlining of processes and the payment of anticipated income taxes in certain jurisdictions related to the Plans. We have incurred costs of $27.0 million under the Plans as of December 2, 2023. The Plans began to be implemented in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 and are currently expected to be completed during fiscal year 2026. The restructuring costs will be spread across the next several fiscal quarters as the measures are implemented with the majority of the charges recognized and cash payments occurring in fiscal 2023 and 2024.
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are based upon the Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the critical accounting policies and areas that require the most significant judgments and estimates to be used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements relate to goodwill impairment; pension and other postretirement assumptions; long-lived assets recoverability; valuation of product, environmental and other litigation liabilities; valuation of deferred tax assets and accuracy of tax contingencies; and valuation of acquired assets and liabilities.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units, which are our operating segments or one level below our operating segments (the component level). Reporting units are determined by the discrete financial information available for the component and whether it is regularly reviewed by segment management. Components are aggregated into a single reporting unit if they share similar economic characteristics. Our reporting units are as follows: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives.
We evaluate our goodwill for impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter or earlier upon the occurrence of substantive unfavorable changes in economic conditions, industry trends, costs, cash flows, or ongoing declines in market capitalization. The quantitative impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, the assignment of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and the determination of fair value of each reporting unit. The impairment test requires the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. In performing the impairment test, we determined the fair value of our reporting units through the income approach by using discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analyses. Determining fair value requires the Company to make judgments about appropriate forecasted revenue and related revenue growth rate, the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") margins rate and the weighted average cost of capital. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for each reporting unit are based on the reporting unit's budget, long-term business plan and recent operating performance. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting unit and market conditions. Given the inherent uncertainty in determining the assumptions underlying a DCF analysis, actual results may differ from those used in our valuations. In assessing the reasonableness of the determined fair values, we also reconciled the aggregate determined fair value of the Company to the Company's market capitalization, which, at the date of our 2023 impairment test, included a 26 percent control premium.
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For the 2023 impairment test, the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the respective carrying values by 8 percent to 140 percent. Significant assumptions used in the DCF analysis included discount rates that ranged from 10.1 percent to 12.3 percent and long-term revenue growth rates. The Construction Adhesives reporting unit, with $432.8 million of goodwill assigned to it as of December 2, 2023, exceeded the respective carrying value by 8 percent. An increase in the discount rate of 10 basis points or a decrease in the long-term growth rates of 10 percent would result in the fair value of the Construction Adhesives reporting unit falling below its carrying value. The Engineering Adhesives and Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives reporting units had significant fair value in excess of carrying value.
Management will continue to monitor these reporting units for changes in the business environment that could impact recoverability. The recoverability of goodwill is dependent upon the continued growth of cash flows from our business activities. If the economy or business environment falter and we are unable to achieve our assumed revenue growth rates or profit margin percentages, our projections used would need to be remeasured, which could impact the carrying value of our goodwill in one or more of our reporting units. Most significantly, for our Construction Adhesives reporting unit, a decrease in the planned volume revenue growth would negatively impact the fair value of the reporting unit and the calculation of excess carrying value.
See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding goodwill.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Assumptions
We sponsor defined-benefit pension plans in both the U.S. and non-U.S. entities. Also in the U.S., we sponsor other postretirement plans for health care and life insurance benefits. Expenses and liabilities for the pension plans and other postretirement plans are actuarially calculated. These calculations are based on our assumptions related to the discount rate, expected return on assets, projected salary increases and health care cost trend rates. Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements includes disclosure of assumptions employed in these measurements for both the non-U.S. and U.S. plans.
The discount rate assumption is determined using an actuarial yield curve approach, which results in a discount rate that reflects the characteristics of the plan. The approach identifies a broad population of corporate bonds that meet the quality and size criteria for the particular plan. We use this approach rather than a specific index that has a certain set of bonds that may or may not be representative of the characteristics of our particular plan. A higher discount rate reduces the present value of the pension obligations. The discount rate for the U.S. pension plan was 5.66 percent at December 2, 2023, 5.36 percent at December 3, 2022 and 2.76 percent at November 27, 2021. Net periodic pension cost for a given fiscal year is based on assumptions developed at the end of the previous fiscal year. A discount rate change of 0.5 percentage points at December 2, 2023 would impact U.S. pension and other postretirement plan (income) expense by $0.1 million (pre-tax) in fiscal 2024. Discount rates for non-U.S. plans are determined in a manner consistent with the U.S. plans.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for the U.S. pension plan was 7.75 percent in 2023, 7.00 percent in 2022 and 7.25 percent in 2021. Our expected long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets was based on our target asset allocation assumption of 55 percent equities and 45 percent fixed-income. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, determines the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by considering the expected future returns and volatility levels for each asset class that are based on historical returns and forward looking observations. For 2023, the expected long-term rate of return on the target equities allocation was 8.50 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on the target fixed-income allocation was 5.60 percent. The total plan rate of return assumption included an estimate of the effect of diversification and the plan expense. A change of 0.5 percentage points for the expected return on assets assumption would impact U.S. net pension and other postretirement plan expense by approximately $2.3 million (pre-tax).
Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses the actual historical rates of return of the asset categories to assess the reasonableness of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The most recent 10-year and 20-year historical equity returns are shown in the table below. Our expected rate of return on our total portfolio is consistent with the historical patterns observed over longer time frames.
| Total | Fixed | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Pension Plan Historical Actual Rates of Return | Portfolio | Equities | Income | |||||||||
| 10-year period | 5.4 | % | 6.9 | % | 3.4 | % | ||||||
| 20-year period | 6.5 | % | 7.1 | % | 5.5 | %* |
* Beginning in 2022, our target allocation migrated from 60 percent equities and 40 percent fixed-income to 55 percent equities and 45 percent fixed income. The historical actual rate of return for the fixed income of 5.5 percent is since inception (17 years, 11 months).
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The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for non-U.S. pension plans was a weighted-average of 5.02 percent in 2023 compared to 3.49 percent in 2022 and 6.15 percent in 2021. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption used in each non-U.S. plan is determined on a plan-by-plan basis for each local jurisdiction and is based on expected future returns for the investment mix of assets currently in the portfolio for that plan. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, develops expected rates of return for each plan, considers expected long-term returns for each asset category in the plan, reviews expectations for inflation for each local jurisdiction, and estimates the effect of active management of the plan’s assets. Our largest non-U.S. pension plans are in the United Kingdom and Germany. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the United Kingdom was 4.50 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for Germany was 5.50 percent. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses actual historical returns of the asset portfolio to assess the reasonableness of the expected rate of return for each plan.
The projected salary increase assumption is based on historic trends and comparisons to the external market. Higher rates of increase result in higher pension expenses. As this rate is also a long-term expected rate, it is less likely to change on an annual basis. Under the U.S. pension plan, the compensation amount was locked-in as of May 31, 2011 and thus the benefit no longer includes compensation increases. Projected salary increase assumptions for non-U.S. plans are determined in a manner consistent with the U.S. plans.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
The assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets reflects our assumptions and estimates. Factors that we must estimate when performing impairment tests include sales volume, prices, inflation, currency exchange rates, tax rates and capital spending. Significant judgment is involved in estimating these factors, and they include inherent uncertainties. The measurement of the recoverability of these assets is dependent upon the accuracy of the assumptions used in making these estimates and how the estimates compare to the eventual future operating performance of the specific businesses to which the assets are attributed.
Judgments made by us include the expected useful lives of long-lived assets. The ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets is affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the assets, changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance.
Product, Environmental and Other Litigation Liabilities
As disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and in Note 1 and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are subject to various claims, lawsuits and other legal proceedings. Reserves for loss contingencies associated with these matters are established when it is determined that a liability is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The assessment of the probable liabilities is based on the facts and circumstances known at the time that the financial statements are being prepared. For cases in which it is determined that a liability is probable but only a range for the potential loss exists, the minimum amount of the range is recorded and subsequently adjusted as better information becomes available.
For cases in which insurance coverage is available, the gross amount of the estimated liabilities is accrued, and a receivable is recorded for any probable estimated insurance recoveries. A discussion of environmental, product and other litigation liabilities is disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Based upon currently available facts, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any pending legal proceeding, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively affect our results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters.
Income Tax Accounting
As part of the process of preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The process involves estimating actual current tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for book and tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. Increases in the valuation allowance result in additional expense to be reflected within the tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets totaled $15.6 million as of December 2, 2023, and $14.4 million as of December 3, 2022.
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We recognize tax benefits for tax positions for which it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained by the applicable tax authority at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We do not recognize a financial statement benefit for a tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. We believe that our liabilities for income taxes reflect the most likely outcome. It is difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax position. Future changes in judgment related to the resolution of tax positions will impact earnings in the quarter of such change. We adjust our income tax liabilities related to tax positions in light of changing facts and circumstances. Settlement with respect to a tax position would usually require cash. Based upon our analysis of tax positions taken on prior year returns and expected tax positions to be taken for the current year tax returns, we have identified gross uncertain tax positions of $14.3 million as of December 2, 2023 and $17.6 million as of December 3, 2022.
We have not recorded U.S. deferred income taxes for certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries undistributed earnings as such amounts are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. Should we change our business strategies related to these non-U.S. subsidiaries, additional U.S. tax liabilities could be incurred. It is not practical to estimate the amount of these additional tax liabilities. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on income tax accounting.
Acquisition Accounting
As we enter into business combinations, we perform acquisition accounting requirements including the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Identifying the acquirer, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Determining the acquisition date, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. |
We complete valuation procedures and record the resulting fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon the valuation of the business enterprise and the tangible and intangible assets acquired. Enterprise value allocation methodology requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If estimates or assumptions used to complete the enterprise valuation and estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities significantly differed from assumptions made, the resulting difference could materially affect the fair value of net assets.
The calculation of the fair value of the tangible assets, including property, plant and equipment, utilizes the cost approach, which computes the cost to replace the asset, less accrued depreciation resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and external obsolescence. The calculation of the fair value of the identified intangible assets are determined using cash flow models following the income approach or a discounted market-based methodology approach. Significant inputs include estimated revenue growth rates, gross margins, operating expenses, and estimated attrition, royalty and discount rates. Goodwill is recorded as the difference in the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the purchase price.
Results of Operations
Net revenue
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 3,510.9 | $ | 3,749.2 | (6.4 | )% |
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We review variances in net revenue in terms of changes related to sales volume and product pricing (referred to as organic revenue growth), business acquisitions and divestitures (M&A) and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following table shows the net revenue variance analysis for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022:
| 2023 vs 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | (5.5 | )% | ||
| Extra week in 2022 (53-week year) | (1.8 | )% | ||
| M&A | 3.3 | % | ||
| Currency | (2.4 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | (6.4 | )% |
Organic revenue decreased 5.5 percent in 2023 compared to 2022 and consisted of an 11.0 percent decrease in Construction Adhesives, a 5.1 percent decrease in Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives and a 4.2 percent decrease in Engineering Adhesives. The decrease is driven by a decrease in sales volume, partially offset by an increase in product pricing. The 3.3 percent increase from M&A is due to acquisitions that occurred during the year. The negative 2.4 percent currency impact was primarily driven by a weaker Egyptian pound, Chinese renminbi, Turkish lira and Argentinian peso offset by a stronger Euro and Mexican peso compared to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, net revenue in 2023 was lower than 2022 by 1.8 percent from an additional week of revenue in 2022 as it was a 53-week fiscal year compared to a 52-week fiscal year in 2023.
Cost of sales
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of sales | $ | 2,502.0 | $ | 2,785.5 | (10.2 | )% | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 71.3 | % | 74.3 | % |
Cost of sales in 2023 compared to 2022 decreased 300 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. Lower raw material costs and higher product pricing partially offset by the impact of lower sales volume led to the decrease.
Gross profit
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross profit | $ | 1,008.9 | $ | 963.7 | 4.7 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 28.7 | % | 25.7 | % |
Gross profit in 2023 increased 4.7 percent and gross profit margin increased 300 basis points compared to 2022. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to lower raw material costs and higher product pricing partially offset by the impact of lower sales volume.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG&A | $ | 653.8 | $ | 641.0 | 2.0 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 18.6 | % | 17.1 | % |
SG&A expenses for 2023 increased $12.8 million, or 2.0 percent compared to 2022. The increase is due to higher restructuring and acquisition project costs and the impact of acquisitions. SG&A expenses as a percent of revenue increased by 150 basis points compared to the prior year due to lower net revenue and higher restructuring and acquisition project costs.
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Other income, net
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other income, net | $ | 9.8 | $ | 12.9 |
Other income, net in 2023 included $20.3 million of net defined benefit pension benefits and $1.2 of other income, partially offset by $11.6 million of currency transaction losses and a $0.1 million loss on disposal of assets. Other income, net in 2022 included $26.8 million of net defined benefit pension benefits and a $1.4 million gain on disposal of assets, partially offset by $12.9 million of currency transaction losses and $2.4 of other expense. The $26.8 million of net defined benefit pension benefits for 2022 included a $3.3 million settlement loss related to the termination of our Canadian defined benefit pension plan.
Interest expense
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense | $ | 134.6 | $ | 91.5 |
Interest expense was $134.6 million and $91.5 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was higher primarily due to higher debt balances and higher interest rates. We capitalized $1.8 million and $1.5 million of interest expense in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Interest income
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest income | $ | 3.9 | $ | 7.8 |
Interest income in 2023 and 2022 was $3.9 million and $7.8 million, respectively, consisting primarily of interest on cross-currency swap activity and other miscellaneous interest income.
Income tax expense:
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax expense | $ | 93.5 | $ | 77.2 | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 39.9 | % | 30.6 | % |
Income tax expense of $93.5 million in 2023 includes $26.1 million of discrete tax expense, primarily related to the impact of withholding tax recorded on earnings that are no longer permanently reinvested, as well as other various U.S. and foreign tax matters. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $26.1 million, the overall effective tax rate was 28.8 percent.
Income tax expense of $77.2 million in 2022 includes $9.3 million of discrete tax expense, primarily related to the revaluation of cross-currency swap agreements due to depreciation of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar and several foreign discrete items, offset in part by U.S. tax benefit for state deferred tax rate change and excess tax benefit for stock compensation. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $9.3 million, the overall effective tax rate was 26.9 percent.
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The increase in the overall effective tax rate for 2023 compared to 2022, excluding the impact of discrete items, is primarily due to the change in the mix of earnings across jurisdictions, as well as the impact of withholding tax recorded on current earnings that will not be permanently invested.
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Income from equity method investments
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 4.4 | $ | 5.7 |
The income from equity method investments relates to our 50 percent ownership of the Sekisui-Fuller joint venture in Japan. The lower income for 2023 compared to 2022 is due to the unfavorable impact of the weakening of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar and lower net income in our joint venture.
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller | $ | 144.9 | $ | 180.3 | (19.6 | )% | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 4.1 | % | 4.8 | % |
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller was $144.9 million in 2023 compared to $180.3 million in 2022. Diluted earnings per share were $2.59 per share in 2023 and $3.26 per share in 2022.
Operating Segment Results
We are required to report segment information in the same way that we internally organize our business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. For segment evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, segment operating income is defined as gross profit less SG&A expenses. Inter-segment revenues are recorded at cost plus a markup for administrative costs. Corporate expenses, other than those included in Corporate Unallocated, are allocated to each operating segment.
We have three reportable segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives. The tables below provide certain information regarding the net revenue and segment operating income of each of our operating segments. Corporate Unallocated includes business acquisition and integration costs, organizational restructuring charges and project costs related to the implementation of Project ONE.
Net Revenue by Segment
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | % of | Net | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Revenue | Total | Revenue | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 1,601.5 | 46 | % | $ | 1,695.9 | 45 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 1,428.7 | 41 | % | 1,532.7 | 41 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction Adhesives | 480.7 | 13 | % | 520.6 | 14 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,510.9 | 100 | % | $ | 3,749.2 | 100 | % |
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating | % of | Operating | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Income (Loss) | Total | Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 215.1 | 61 | % | $ | 165.8 | 51 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 187.3 | 53 | % | 168.8 | 52 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction Adhesives | 6.0 | 1 | % | 23.0 | 8 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment total | 408.4 | 115 | % | 357.6 | 111 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate Unallocated | (53.3 | ) | (15 | )% | (34.9 | ) | (11 | )% | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 355.1 | 100 | % | $ | 322.7 | 100 | % |
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The following table provides a reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes and income from equity method investments, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment operating income | $ | 355.1 | $ | 322.7 | ||||
| Other income, net | 9.8 | 12.9 | ||||||
| Interest expense | (134.6 | ) | (91.5 | ) | ||||
| Interest income | 3.9 | 7.8 | ||||||
| Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments | $ | 234.2 | $ | 251.9 |
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,601.5 | $ | 1,695.9 | (5.6 | )% | ||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 215.1 | $ | 165.8 | 29.7 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 13.4 | % | 9.8 | % |
The following tables provide details of Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2023 vs 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | (5.1 | )% | ||
| Extra week in 2022 (53-week year) | (1.8 | )% | ||
| M&A | 4.6 | % | ||
| Currency | (3.3 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | (5.6 | )% |
Net revenue decreased 5.6 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease in organic revenue growth was attributable to a decrease in sales volume, partially offset by an increase in product pricing. The 4.6 percent increase in net revenue from M&A was due to acquisitions of Lemtapes in the first quarter of 2023, Beardow Adams in the second quarter of 2023 and Adhezion in the third quarter of 2023. The negative currency effect was due to a weaker Egyptian pound, Turkish lira, Argentinian peso and Chinese renminbi offset by a stronger Mexican peso and Euro compared to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, net revenue in 2023 was lower than 2022 by 1.8 percent from an additional week of revenue in 2022 as it was a 53-week fiscal year compared to a 52-week fiscal year in 2023. As a percentage of net revenue, gross margin increased due to lower raw material costs and higher product pricing partially offset by the impact of lower sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased due to the impact of acquisitions and lower net revenue. Segment operating income increased 29.7 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue increased 360 basis points in 2023 as compared to 2022.
Engineering Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,428.7 | $ | 1,532.7 | (6.8 | )% | ||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 187.3 | $ | 168.8 | 11.0 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 13.1 | % | 11.0 | % |
The following tables provide details of Engineering Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2023 vs 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | (4.2 | )% | ||
| Extra week in 2022 (53-week year) | (1.8 | )% | ||
| M&A | 1.2 | % | ||
| Currency | (2.0 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | (6.8 | )% |
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Net revenue decreased 6.8 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease in organic revenue growth was attributable to a decrease in sales volume, partially offset by a slight increase in product pricing. The 1.2 percent increase in net revenue from M&A was due to the acquisitions of ZKLT in the third quarter of 2022 and Aspen in the first quarter of 2023. The negative currency effect was due to a weaker Chinese renminbi and Turkish lira partially offset by a stronger Euro compared to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, net revenue in 2023 was lower than 2022 by 1.8 percent from an additional week of revenue in 2022 as it was a 53-week fiscal year compared to a 52-week fiscal year in 2023. As a percentage of net revenue, gross margin increased due to lower raw material costs and higher product pricing partially offset by the impact of lower sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased due to lower net revenue. Segment operating income increased 11.0 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue increased 210 basis points in 2023 as compared to 2022.
Construction Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 480.7 | $ | 520.6 | (7.7 | )% | ||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 6.0 | $ | 23.0 | (73.9 | )% | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 1.2 | % | 4.4 | % |
The following tables provide details of Construction Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2023 vs 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | (11.0 | )% | ||
| Extra week in 2022 (53-week year) | (1.6 | )% | ||
| M&A | 5.4 | % | ||
| Currency | (0.5 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | (7.7 | )% |
Net revenue decreased 7.7 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease in organic revenue growth was attributable to a decrease in sales volume, partially offset by an increase in product pricing. The 5.4 percent increase in net revenue from M&A was due to the acquisitions of GSSI in the fourth quarter of 2022, XChem in the third quarter of 2023 and Sanglier in the fourth quarter of 2023. The negative currency effect was due to a weaker Australian dollar and Canadian dollar offset by a stronger Euro compared to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, net revenue in 2023 was lower than 2022 by 1.6 percent from an additional week of revenue in 2022 as it was a 53-week fiscal year compared to a 52-week fiscal year in 2023. As a percentage of net revenue, gross margin decreased slightly primarily due to the impact of lower sales volume partially offset by higher product pricing and lower raw material costs. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased due to the impact of acquisitions and lower net revenue. Segment operating income decreased 73.9 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue decreased 320 basis points in 2023 as compared to 2022.
Corporate Unallocated
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 vs 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment operating loss | $ | (53.3 | ) | $ | (34.9 | ) | 52.7 | % | ||||
| Segment profit margin % | NMP | NMP |
NMP = Non-meaningful percentage
Corporate Unallocated includes acquisition and integration-related charges, restructuring-related charges and costs related to the implementation of Project ONE.
Segment operating loss increased 52.7 percent in 2023 reflecting higher restructuring and acquisition project costs compared to 2022.
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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Total cash and cash equivalents as of December 2, 2023 were $179.5 million compared to $79.9 million as of December 3, 2022. Total long and short-term debt was $1,838.4 million as of December 2, 2023 and $1,765.1 million as of December 3, 2022.
We believe that cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital expenditure needs. In addition, we believe we have the ability to obtain both short-term and long-term debt to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future. Cash available in the United States has historically been sufficient and we expect it will continue to be sufficient to fund U.S. operations, U.S. capital spending and U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit contributions in addition to funding U.S. acquisitions, dividend payments, debt service and share repurchases as needed. For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, we currently have no intention to, and plans do not indicate a need to, repatriate these funds for U.S. operations.
Our credit agreements include restrictive covenants that, if not met, could lead to a renegotiation of our credit lines and a significant increase in our cost of financing. At December 2, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants of our contractual obligations as shown in the following table:
| Covenant | Debt Instrument | Measurement | Result as of December 2, 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secured Total Indebtedness / TTM1 EBITDA | Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility | Not greater than 4.752 | 2.1 |
| TTM1 EBITDA / Consolidated Interest Expense | Revolving Facility and Term Loan A Facility | Not less than 2.0 | 4.6 |
| 1 | TTM = trailing 12 months |
|---|---|
| 2 | The Maximum Secured Leverage Ratio prior to June 1, 2024, shall be 4.75 to 1.00 and will step down to 4.50 to 1.00 with respect to quarters ending after June 1, 2024 |
| EBITDA for covenant purposes is defined as consolidated net income, plus (i) interest expense, (ii) expense for taxes paid or accrued, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) certain non-cash impairment losses, (v) extraordinary non-cash losses incurred other than in the ordinary course of business, (vi) nonrecurring extraordinary non-cash restructuring charges and the non-cash impact of purchase accounting, (vii) any non-cash charge for the excess of rent expense over actual cash rent paid due to the use of straight-line rent, non-cash charge pursuant to any management equity plan, stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit, (viii) any non-cash finance charges in respect of any pension liabilities or other provisions and income (loss) attributable to deferred compensation plans, (ix) any non-recurring or unusual cash restructuring charges and operating improvements, (x) cost savings initiative and cost synergies related to acquisitions within 12 months, (xi) non-capitalized charges relating to the Company’s SAP implementation, (xii) fees, costs, expenses and charges incurred in connection with the financing, (xiii) fees, costs, expenses, make-whole or penalty payments and other similar items arising out of acquisitions, investments and dispositions, the incurrence, issuance, repayment or refinancing of indebtedness and any issuance of equity interests; minus, non-recurring or unusual non-cash gains incurred not in the ordinary course of business. Provided that the aggregate amounts that may be added back for any period pursuant to clauses (ix), (x) and (xi) shall not exceed 15% of EBITDA for such period (calculated prior to giving effect to all addbacks and adjustments). For Secured Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA ratio, TTM EBITDA is adjusted for the pro forma results from Material Acquisitions and Material Divestitures, both as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as if the acquisition or divestiture occurred at the beginning of the calculation period. The full definition is set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement the Company filed as an exhibit to its 8-K filing dated February 21, 2023. |
|---|
| Consolidated Interest Expense for covenant purposes is defined as the interest expense (including without limitation to the portion of capital lease obligations that constitutes imputed interest in accordance with GAAP) of the Company and its subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis for such period with respect to all outstanding indebtedness allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP, including net costs (or benefits) under Interest Rate Swap Agreements and commissions, discounts and other fees and charges with respect to letters of credit and the interest component of all Attributable Receivables Indebtedness. |
We believe we have the ability to meet all of our contractual obligations and commitments in fiscal 2024.
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Net Financial Assets (Liabilities)
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 179.5 | $ | 79.9 | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | 13.5 | 10.3 | ||||||
| Interest rate swaps | 3.6 | - | ||||||
| Financial liabilities: | ||||||||
| Notes payable | (1.8 | ) | (28.9 | ) | ||||
| Long-term debt | (1,836.6 | ) | (1,736.3 | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | (5.0 | ) | (4.6 | ) | ||||
| Interest rate swaps | (41.6 | ) | (42.5 | ) | ||||
| Net investment hedges | (72.6 | ) | (54.0 | ) | ||||
| Net financial liabilities | $ | (1,761.1 | ) | $ | (1,776.1 | ) |
Of the $179.5 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 2, 2023, $152.9 million was held outside the U.S. Of the $152.9 million of cash held outside the U.S., earnings on $136.0 million are indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. It is not practical for us to determine the U.S. tax implications of the repatriation of these funds.
There are no contractual or regulatory restrictions on the ability of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries to transfer funds in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances to us. Our credit facilities have the following restrictions related to investments and general limitations: 1) a credit facility limitation restricting investments, loans, advances or capital contributions from Loan Parties to non-Loan Parties in excess of $150.0 million, 2) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, loans, advances or guarantees not otherwise permitted in the credit agreement for all subsidiaries shall not exceed $150.0 million in the aggregate, 3) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, dividends, and distributions shall not exceed the Available Amount defined in these agreements, all three of which do not apply when our secured leverage ratio is below 4.0x, and 4) typical statutory restrictions, which prohibit distributions in excess of net capital or similar tests. Additionally, we have taken the income tax position that the majority of our cash in non-U.S. locations is indefinitely reinvested.
Debt Outstanding and Debt Capacity
Notes Payable
Notes payable were $1.8 million at December 2, 2023 and $28.9 million at December 3, 2022. These amounts primarily represented various foreign subsidiaries’ short-term borrowings that were not part of committed lines. The current weighted-average interest rates on these short-term borrowings were approximately 10.75 percent in 2023 and 16.2 percent in 2022.
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Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of a senior secured term loan (“Term Loan A”) with an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million and a senior secured term loan (“Term Loan B”) with an aggregate principal amount of $800.0 million. Interest on Term Loan A is payable at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus an adjustment of 0.10 percent and an interest rate spread of 1.50 percent (6.95 percent at December 2, 2023). The interest rate spread is based on a secured leverage grid. Term Loan A matures on February 15, 2028. At December 2, 2023, a balance of $487.5 million was outstanding on Term Loan A. Interest on Term Loan B is payable at SOFR plus an interest rate spread of 2.25 percent with a SOFR floor of 0.50 percent (7.60 percent at December 2, 2023). Term Loan B matures on February 15, 2030. At December 2, 2023, a balance of $796.0 million was outstanding on Term Loan B. On January 12, 2023, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement (amended on February 28, 2023) to convert $400,000 of our variable rate 1-month SOFR to a fixed rate of 3.7260. On March 16, 2023, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $300,000 of our 1-month SOFR rate debt to a fixed rate of 3.7210 percent and to convert $100,000 of our 1-month SOFR rate debt to a fixed rate of 3.8990 percent.
Long-term debt also consists of 10-year unsecured public notes (“10-year Public Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million due February 15, 2027 with a fixed coupon of 4.00 percent and 8-year unsecured public notes (“8-year Public Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million due October 15, 2028 with a fixed coupon of 4.25 percent. We currently have no intention to prepay the Public Notes. On February 12, 2021, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert our 8-year Public Notes to a variable interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 3.28 percent. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of this interest rate swap.
Interest payable on our long-term debt totaled $1.7 million as of December 2, 2023.
Revolving Credit Facility
We have a revolving credit agreement with a consortium of financial institutions at December 2, 2023. This revolving credit agreement creates a secured multi-currency revolving credit facility that we can draw upon to repay existing indebtedness, finance working capital needs, finance acquisitions and for general corporate purposes up to a maximum of $700.0 million. Interest on the revolving credit facility is payable at SOFR plus an adjustment of 0.10 percent and an interest rate spread of 1.50 percent (6.95 percent at December 2, 2023). A facility fee of 20 basis points of the unused commitment under the revolving credit facility is payable quarterly. The interest rate spread and the facility fee are based on a secured leverage grid. At December 2, 2023, there was no balance outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on February 15, 2028.
We are subject to mandatory prepayments in the first quarter of each fiscal year equal to 50 percent of Excess Cash Flow, as defined in our debt agreement, of the prior fiscal year less any voluntary prepayments made during that fiscal year. The Excess Cash Flow Percentage shall be reduced to 25 percent when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 4.25:1.00 and to 0 percent when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 3.75:1.00.
For further information related to debt outstanding and debt capacity, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of December 2, 2023, goodwill totaled $1,486.5 million (31.5 percent of total assets) and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $729.1 million (15.4 percent of total assets).
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The components of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, net of amortization, by segment are as follows:
| 2023 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | |||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Construction | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Adhesives | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 402.6 | $ | 651.1 | $ | 432.8 | $ | 1,486.5 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 41.7 | 28.9 | 14.5 | 85.1 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 126.8 | 226.9 | 250.6 | 604.3 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 11.6 | 13.6 | 10.2 | 35.4 | |||||||||||
| Other finite-lived intangible assets | 1.5 | - | 2.4 | 3.9 | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | - | 0.5 | - | 0.5 |
| 2022 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | |||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Construction | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Adhesives | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 329.0 | $ | 637.9 | $ | 425.7 | $ | 1,392.6 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 5.7 | 31.5 | 15.1 | 52.3 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 105.8 | 228.5 | 281.3 | 615.6 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 4.5 | 14.6 | 9.8 | 28.9 | |||||||||||
| Other finite-lived intangible assets | 1.9 | 0.1 | 2.8 | 4.8 | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | - | 0.5 | - | 0.5 |
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Selected Metrics of Liquidity and Capital Resources
Key metrics we monitor are net working capital as a percent of annualized net revenue, trade receivables days sales outstanding (DSO), inventory days on hand, free cash flow after dividends and debt capitalization ratio.
| December 2, | December 3, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Net working capital as a percentage of annualized net revenue1 | 16.1 | % | 16.6 | % | ||||
| Trade receivables DSO (in days)2 | 58 | 62 | ||||||
| Inventory days on hand (in days)3 | 67 | 71 | ||||||
| Trade accounts payable DPO (in days)4 | 64 | 64 | ||||||
| Free cash flow after dividends5 | $ | 215.9 | $ | 87.3 | ||||
| Debt capitalization ratio6 | 51.1 | % | 52.3 | % |
1 Net working capital (trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts plus inventory minus trade payables) divided by annualized net revenue (current quarter, multiplied by 4).
2 Trade receivables net of allowance for doubtful accounts multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by the net revenue for the quarter.
3 Total inventory multiplied by 91 and divided by cost of sales (excluding delivery costs) for the quarter.
4 Trade accounts payable multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by the net revenue for the quarter.
5 Net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. See reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow after dividends below.
6 Total debt divided by (total debt plus total stockholders’ equity).
Free cash flow after dividends, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. Free cash flow after dividends is an integral financial measure used by the Company to assess its ability to generate cash in excess of its operating needs, therefore, the Company believes this financial measure provides useful information to investors. The following table reflects the manner in which free cash flow after dividends is determined and provides a reconciliation of free cash flow after dividends to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
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Reconciliation of “Net cash provided by operating activities” to "Free cash flow after dividends"
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 378.4 | $ | 256.5 | |||
| Less: Purchased property, plant and equipment | 119.1 | 130.0 | |||||
| Less: Dividends paid | 43.4 | 39.2 | |||||
| Free cash flow after dividends | $ | 215.9 | $ | 87.3 |
Summary of Cash Flows
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 378.4 | $ | 256.5 |
Net income including non-controlling interest was $145.0 million in 2023 and $180.4 million in 2022. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $159.8 million in 2023 compared to $147.0 million in 2022. The higher depreciation and amortization expense in 2023 is related to the assets acquired in our business acquisitions.
Changes in net working capital (trade receivables, inventory and trade payables) accounted for a source of cash of $83.5 million compared to a use of cash of $103.2 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Following is an assessment of each of the net working capital components:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Receivables, net – Changes in trade receivables resulted in a $68.7 million source of cash in 2023 compared to a $24.8 million use of cash in 2022. The source of cash in 2023 compared to a use of cash in 2022 was related to higher collections in the current year compared to the prior year. The DSO was 58 days at December 2, 2023 and 62 days at December 3, 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Inventory – Changes in inventory resulted in a $72.6 million source of cash in 2023 compared to a $55.8 million use of cash in 2022. The source of cash in 2023, compared to the use of cash in 2022 is due to lower inventory purchases at lower prices in 2023 compared to the prior year. Inventory days on hand were 67 days at the end of 2023 compared to 71 days at the end of 2022. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Payables – Changes in trade payables resulted in a $57.8 million and $22.6 million use of cash in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The higher use of cash in 2023 compared to 2022 reflects higher payments on trade payables in the current year compared to the prior year. The DPO was 64 days at both the end of 2023 and 2022. |
Contributions to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans were $4.3 million and $3.0 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Income taxes payable resulted in a $41.2 million source of cash and a $12.9 million use of cash in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other assets resulted in a $7.9 million use of cash and a $46.5 million source of cash in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The use of cash in 2023 compared to a source of cash in 2022 is primarily driven by a smaller decrease in pension and post-retirement assets related to the year-end pension valuation compared to the prior year and an increase in derivative assets in 2023 compared to a decrease in 2022. Accrued compensation was a $13.8 million use of cash and a $1.1 million source of cash in 2023 and 2022, respectively, relating to lower accruals for our employee incentive plans in 2023. Other liabilities resulted in a $22.9 million and $4.1 million source of cash in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The higher source of cash in 2023 compared to 2022 was due to an increase in hedging liabilities from interest rate swap activity in 2023 compared to the prior year. Other operating activity was a $28.0 million use of cash and a $6.2 million source of cash in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other operating activity includes equity adjustments related to year-end pension valuations and valuation adjustments for our derivatives.
Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (319.2 | ) | $ | (375.3 | ) |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment were $119.1 million in 2023 compared to $130.0 million in 2022. The lower purchases in 2023 reflect the timing of capital projects and expenditures related to growth initiatives. Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment were $5.0 million in 2023 compared to $1.6 million in 2022. We paid cash, net of cash acquired, of $205.1 million and $250.8 million for purchased businesses in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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Cash Flows From Financing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by financing activities | $ | 35.1 | $ | 160.3 |
In 2023, we received $2,233.3 million in proceeds and repaid $2,126.5 million of long-term debt including borrowings and repayments on our revolving credit facility and in 2022, we received $335.0 million in proceeds and repaid $159.5 million of long-term debt. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of debt borrowings and repayments. Debt issuance costs of $10.2 million were paid in 2023 compared to $0.6 million paid in 2022. Cash paid for dividends were $43.4 million and $39.2 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cash generated from the exercise of stock options was $14.6 million and $30.1 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Indirect repurchases of common stock through a net-settlement feature related to statutory minimum tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock were $2.6 million in 2023 compared to $4.0 million in 2022. There were no repurchases from our share repurchase program in 2023 and 2022.
We expect 2024 capital expenditures to be approximately $140.0 million.
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "plan," "expect," "aim," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "will," "should," "could" (including the negative or variations thereof) and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, including those mentioned with the specific statements. Such assumptions are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, our plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors. These plans and expectations and the assumptions underlying them are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. In addition to the factors described in this report, Item 1A. Risk Factors identifies some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, we have identified these important factors which could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered, together with any similar risk factors or other cautionary language that may be made elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The list of important factors in Item 1A. Risk Factors does not necessarily present the risk factors in order of importance. This disclosure, including that under Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors, and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by us in this report and elsewhere from time to time, represents our best judgment as of the date the information is given. We do not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public company disclosures (such as in filings with the SEC or in our press releases) on related subjects.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001437749-23-001663.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
H.B. Fuller Company is a global formulator, manufacturer and marketer of adhesives and other specialty chemical products. We have three reportable segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives.
The Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives operating segment manufactures and supplies adhesives products in the assembly, packaging, converting, nonwoven and hygiene, health and beauty, flexible packaging, graphic arts and envelope markets. The Engineering Adhesives operating segment provides high-performance adhesives to the transportation, electronics, medical, clean energy, aerospace and defense, performance wood, insulating glass, textile, appliance and heavy machinery markets. The Construction Adhesives operating segment manufactures and provides specialty adhesives, sealants, tapes, mortars, grouts, and application devices for commercial building roofing systems, heavy infrastructure projects, road/highway/airport transportation applications, telecom/5G utilities, industrial LNG plants, building envelope applications, HVAC insulation systems, and for both residential and commercial flooring underlayment solutions.
Total Company
When reviewing our financial statements, it is important to understand how certain external factors impact us. These factors include:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Changes in the prices of our raw materials that are primarily derived from refining crude oil and natural gas, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Global supply of and demand for raw materials, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Economic growth rates, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. |
While we encountered inflationary pressures in fiscal year 2022, which factored into higher raw material and operating costs, these inflationary pressures were offset by higher net revenue. We expect inflationary pressures to continue into fiscal year 2023.
We purchase thousands of raw materials, the majority of which are petroleum/natural gas derivatives. The price of these derivatives impacts the cost of our raw materials. However, the supply of and demand for key raw materials has a greater impact on our costs. As demand increases in high-growth areas, the supply of key raw materials may tighten, resulting in certain materials being put on allocation. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, also can have an impact as key raw material producers are shut down for extended periods of time. We continually monitor capacity utilization figures, market supply and demand conditions, feedstock costs and inventory levels, as well as derivative and intermediate prices, which affect our raw materials. With approximately 75 percent of our cost of sales accounted for by raw materials, our financial results are extremely sensitive to changing costs in this area.
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The pace of economic growth directly impacts certain industries to which we supply products. For example, adhesives-related revenues from durable goods customers in areas such as appliances, furniture and other woodworking applications tend to fluctuate with the overall economic activity. In business components such as Construction Adhesives and insulating glass in Engineering Adhesives, revenues tend to move with more specific economic indicators such as housing starts and other construction-related activity.
The movement of foreign currency exchange rates as compared to the U.S. dollar impacts the translation of the foreign entities’ financial statements into U.S. dollars. As foreign currencies weaken against the U.S. dollar, our revenues and costs decrease as the foreign currency-denominated financial statements translate into fewer U.S. dollars. The fluctuations of the Euro, the Turkish lira and the Chinese renminbi against the U.S. dollar have the largest impact on our financial results as compared to all other currencies. In 2022, currency fluctuations had a negative impact on net revenue of approximately $191.7 million as compared to 2021.
Key financial results andtransactions for 2022 included the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net revenue increased 14.4 percent from 2021 primarily driven by a 15.4 percent increase in product pricing, a 1.6 percent increase due to acquisitions and a 1.2 percent increase in sales volume, partially offset by a 5.8 percent decrease due to currency fluctuations. Additionally, every five or six years, we have a 53rd week in our fiscal year. 2022 was a 53-week year which increased our revenue by approximately 2.0 percent. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Gross profit margin was relatively consistent year over year. Gross profit margins were 25.7 percent in 2022 and 25.8 percent in 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cash flow generated by operating activities was $256.5 million in 2022 as compared to $213.3 million in 2021. |
Our total year organic sales growth, which we define as the combined variances from sales volume and product pricing, increased 16.6 percent for 2022 compared to 2021.
In 2022, our diluted earnings per share was $3.26 compared to $2.97 in 2021. The higher earnings per share in 2022 compared to 2021 was primarily due to higher net revenue, partially offset by higher raw material, operating costs, interest expense, other income, net, and higher income tax expense.
Information pertaining to fiscal year 2020 was included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 27, 2021, under Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operations,” which was filed with the SEC on January 25, 2022.
Changes in Accounting Principles
In the first quarter of 2021, we adopted new accounting standards related to the measurement of credit losses on financial statements requiring financial assets measured at amortized cost basis be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Prior periods were not restated for this adoption. See Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Project ONE
In December 2012, our Board of Directors approved a multi-year project to replace and enhance our existing core information technology platforms. The scope for this project includes most of the basic transaction processing for the company including customer orders, procurement, manufacturing and financial reporting. The project envisions harmonized business processes for all of our operating segments supported with one standard software configuration. The execution of this project, which we refer to as Project ONE, is being supported by internal resources and consulting services. Implementation of Project ONE began in our North America adhesives business in 2014 and, through 2022, we completed implementation of this system in various parts of our business including Latin America (except Brazil), Australia, and various other businesses in North America and EIMEA. During 2023 and beyond, we will continue implementation in North America, EIMEA and Asia Pacific.
Total expenditures for Project ONE are estimated to be $200 to $210 million, of which 55-60% is expected to be capital expenditures. Our total project-to-date expenditures are approximately $163 million, of which approximately $94 million are capital expenditures. Given the complexity of the implementation, the total investment to complete the project may exceed our estimate.
Restructuring Plan
During the fourth quarter of 2019, we approved a restructuring plan related to organizational changes and other actions to optimize operations in connection with the realignment of the Company into three global business units (“2020 Restructuring Plan”). We have incurred costs of $20.3 million under this plan as of December 3, 2022, which is substantially complete.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are based upon the Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the critical accounting policies and areas that require the most significant judgments and estimates to be used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements relate to goodwill impairment; pension and other postretirement assumptions; long-lived assets recoverability; valuation of product, environmental and other litigation liabilities; valuation of deferred tax assets and accuracy of tax contingencies; and valuation of acquired assets and liabilities.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units, which are our operating segments or one level below our operating segments (the component level). Reporting units are determined by the discrete financial information available for the component and whether it is regularly reviewed by segment management. Components are aggregated into a single reporting unit if they share similar economic characteristics. Our reporting units are as follows: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives.
We evaluate our goodwill for impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter or earlier upon the occurrence of substantive unfavorable changes in economic conditions, industry trends, costs, cash flows, or ongoing declines in market capitalization. The quantitative impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, the assignment of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and the determination of fair value of each reporting unit. The impairment test requires the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. In performing the impairment test, we determined the fair value of our reporting units through the income approach by using discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analyses. Determining fair value requires the Company to make judgments about appropriate forecasted revenue and related revenue growth rate, the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") margins rate and the weighted average cost of capital. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for each reporting unit are based on the reporting unit's budget, long-term business plan and recent operating performance. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting unit and market conditions. Given the inherent uncertainty in determining the assumptions underlying a DCF analysis, actual results may differ from those used in our valuations. In assessing the reasonableness of the determined fair values, we also reconciled the aggregate determined fair value of the Company to the Company's market capitalization, which, at the date of our 2022 impairment test, included a 6 percent control premium.
For the 2022 impairment test, the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the respective carrying values by 10 percent to 84 percent ("headroom"). Significant assumptions used in the DCF analysis included discount rates that ranged from 9.4 percent to 10.9 percent and long-term revenue growth rates. The Construction Adhesives reporting unit, with $425.8 million of goodwill assigned to it as of December 3, 2022, had headroom of 10 percent. An increase in the discount rate of 70 basis points or a decrease in the long-term growth rates of 25 percent would result in the fair value of the Construction Adhesives reporting unit falling below its carrying value. The Engineering Adhesives and Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives reporting units had significant fair value in excess of carrying value.
Management will continue to monitor these reporting units for changes in the business environment that could impact recoverability. The recoverability of goodwill is dependent upon the continued growth of cash flows from our business activities. If the economy or business environment falter and we are unable to achieve our assumed revenue growth rates or profit margin percentages, our projections used would need to be remeasured, which could impact the carrying value of our goodwill in one or more of our reporting units. Most significantly, for our Construction Adhesives reporting unit, a decrease in the planned volume revenue growth would negatively impact the fair value of the reporting unit and the calculation of excess carrying value.
See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding goodwill.
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Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Assumptions
We sponsor defined-benefit pension plans in both the U.S. and non-U.S. entities. Also in the U.S., we sponsor other postretirement plans for health care and life insurance benefits. Expenses and liabilities for the pension plans and other postretirement plans are actuarially calculated. These calculations are based on our assumptions related to the discount rate, expected return on assets, projected salary increases and health care cost trend rates. Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements includes disclosure of assumptions employed in these measurements for both the non-U.S. and U.S. plans.
The discount rate assumption is determined using an actuarial yield curve approach, which results in a discount rate that reflects the characteristics of the plan. The approach identifies a broad population of corporate bonds that meet the quality and size criteria for the particular plan. We use this approach rather than a specific index that has a certain set of bonds that may or may not be representative of the characteristics of our particular plan. A higher discount rate reduces the present value of the pension obligations. The discount rate for the U.S. pension plan was 5.36 percent at December 3, 2022, 2.76 percent at November 27, 2021 and 2.53 percent at November 28, 2020. Net periodic pension cost for a given fiscal year is based on assumptions developed at the end of the previous fiscal year. A discount rate change of 0.5 percentage points at December 3, 2022 would impact U.S. pension and other postretirement plan (income) expense by less than $0.1 million (pre-tax) in fiscal 2023. Discount rates for non-U.S. plans are determined in a manner consistent with the U.S. plans.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for the U.S. pension plan was 7.00 percent in 2022, 7.25 percent in 2021 and 7.50 percent in 2020. Our expected long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets was based on our target asset allocation assumption of 55 percent equities and 45 percent fixed-income. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, determines the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by considering the expected future returns and volatility levels for each asset class that are based on historical returns and forward looking observations. For 2022, the expected long-term rate of return on the target equities allocation was 8.50 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on the target fixed-income allocation was 5.60 percent. The total plan rate of return assumption included an estimate of the effect of diversification and the plan expense. A change of 0.5 percentage points for the expected return on assets assumption would impact U.S. net pension and other postretirement plan expense by approximately $2.2 million (pre-tax).
Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses the actual historical rates of return of the asset categories to assess the reasonableness of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The most recent 10-year and 20-year historical equity returns are shown in the table below. Our expected rate of return on our total portfolio is consistent with the historical patterns observed over longer time frames.
| Total | Fixed | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Pension Plan Historical Actual Rates of Return | Portfolio | Equities | Income | |||||||||
| 10-year period | 6.3 | % | 8.4 | % | 2.6 | % | ||||||
| 20-year period | 7.2 | % | 7.5 | % | 5.9 | %* |
* Beginning in 2022, our target allocation migrated from 60 percent equities and 40 percent fixed-income to 55 percent equities and 45 percent fixed income. The historical actual rate of return for the fixed income of 5.9 percent is since inception (16 years, 11 months).
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for non-U.S. pension plans was a weighted-average of 3.49 percent in 2022 compared to 6.15 percent in 2021 and 6.23 percent in 2020. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption used in each non-U.S. plan is determined on a plan-by-plan basis for each local jurisdiction and is based on expected future returns for the investment mix of assets currently in the portfolio for that plan. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, develops expected rates of return for each plan, considers expected long-term returns for each asset category in the plan, reviews expectations for inflation for each local jurisdiction, and estimates the effect of active management of the plan’s assets. Our largest non-U.S. pension plans are in the United Kingdom and Germany. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the United Kingdom was 2.50 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for Germany was 4.50 percent. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses actual historical returns of the asset portfolio to assess the reasonableness of the expected rate of return for each plan.
The projected salary increase assumption is based on historic trends and comparisons to the external market. Higher rates of increase result in higher pension expenses. As this rate is also a long-term expected rate, it is less likely to change on an annual basis. Under the U.S. pension plan, the compensation amount was locked-in as of May 31, 2011 and thus the benefit no longer includes compensation increases. The 4.50 percent rate for 2020 is for the supplemental executive retirement plan only; for 2022 and 2021, there is no compensation increase as subsequent to November 27, 2021, there were no active employees in the supplemental executive retirement plan. Projected salary increase assumptions for non-U.S. plans are determined in a manner consistent with the U.S. plans.
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Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
The assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets reflects our assumptions and estimates. Factors that we must estimate when performing impairment tests include sales volume, prices, inflation, currency exchange rates, tax rates and capital spending. Significant judgment is involved in estimating these factors, and they include inherent uncertainties. The measurement of the recoverability of these assets is dependent upon the accuracy of the assumptions used in making these estimates and how the estimates compare to the eventual future operating performance of the specific businesses to which the assets are attributed.
Judgments made by us include the expected useful lives of long-lived assets. The ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets is affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the assets, changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance.
Product, Environmental and Other Litigation Liabilities
As disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and in Note 1 and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are subject to various claims, lawsuits and other legal proceedings. Reserves for loss contingencies associated with these matters are established when it is determined that a liability is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The assessment of the probable liabilities is based on the facts and circumstances known at the time that the financial statements are being prepared. For cases in which it is determined that a liability is probable but only a range for the potential loss exists, the minimum amount of the range is recorded and subsequently adjusted as better information becomes available.
For cases in which insurance coverage is available, the gross amount of the estimated liabilities is accrued, and a receivable is recorded for any probable estimated insurance recoveries. A discussion of environmental, product and other litigation liabilities is disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Based upon currently available facts, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any pending legal proceeding, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively affect our results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters.
Income Tax Accounting
As part of the process of preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The process involves estimating actual current tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for book and tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. Increases in the valuation allowance result in additional expense to be reflected within the tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 3, 2022, the valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets totaled $14.4 million.
We recognize tax benefits for tax positions for which it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained by the applicable tax authority at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We do not recognize a financial statement benefit for a tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. We believe that our liabilities for income taxes reflect the most likely outcome. It is difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax position. Future changes in judgment related to the resolution of tax positions will impact earnings in the quarter of such change. We adjust our income tax liabilities related to tax positions in light of changing facts and circumstances. Settlement with respect to a tax position would usually require cash. Based upon our analysis of tax positions taken on prior year returns and expected tax positions to be taken for the current year tax returns, we have identified gross uncertain tax positions of $17.6 million as of December 3, 2022 and $13.3 million as of November 27, 2021.
We have not recorded U.S. deferred income taxes for certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries undistributed earnings as such amounts are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. Should we change our business strategies related to these non-U.S. subsidiaries, additional U.S. tax liabilities could be incurred. It is not practical to estimate the amount of these additional tax liabilities. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on income tax accounting.
Acquisition Accounting
As we enter into business combinations, we perform acquisition accounting requirements including the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Identifying the acquirer, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Determining the acquisition date, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. |
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We complete valuation procedures and record the resulting fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon the valuation of the business enterprise and the tangible and intangible assets acquired. Enterprise value allocation methodology requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If estimates or assumptions used to complete the enterprise valuation and estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities significantly differed from assumptions made, the resulting difference could materially affect the fair value of net assets.
The calculation of the fair value of the tangible assets, including property, plant and equipment, utilizes the cost approach, which computes the cost to replace the asset, less accrued depreciation resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and external obsolescence. The calculation of the fair value of the identified intangible assets are determined using cash flow models following the income approach or a discounted market-based methodology approach. Significant inputs include estimated revenue growth rates, gross margins, operating expenses, and estimated attrition, royalty and discount rates. Goodwill is recorded as the difference in the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the purchase price.
Results of Operations
Net revenue
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 3,749.2 | $ | 3,278.0 | 14.4 | % |
We review variances in net revenue in terms of changes related to sales volume and product pricing (referred to as organic revenue growth), business acquisitions and divestitures (M&A) and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following table shows the net revenue variance analysis for fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021:
| 2022 vs 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 16.6 | % | ||
| Extra week (53 week year) | 2.0 | % | ||
| M&A | 1.6 | % | ||
| Currency | (5.8 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | 14.4 | % |
Organic revenue growth was 16.6 percent in 2022 compared to 2021 driven by a 20.0 percent increase in Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, a 15.9 percent increase in Engineering Adhesives and a 7.0 percent increase in Construction Adhesives. The increase was driven by a 15.4 percent increase in product pricing and a 1.2 percent increase in sales volume. The 1.6 percent from M&A is due to the acquisitions of Fourny and Apollo. The negative 5.8 percent currency impact was primarily driven by a weaker Euro, Turkish lira, Chinese renminbi, British pound and Argentinian peso compared to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, net revenue in 2022 was higher than 2021 by 2.0 percent from an additional week of revenue in 2022 as it was a 53 week fiscal year compared to a 52 week fiscal year in 2021.
Cost of sales
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw materials | $ | 2,154.1 | $ | 1,810.0 | 19.0 | % | ||||||
| Other manufacturing costs | 631.4 | 622.7 | 1.4 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 2,785.5 | $ | 2,432.7 | 14.5 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 74.3 | % | 74.2 | % |
Cost of sales in 2022 compared to 2021 increased 10 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue increased 230 basis points in 2022 compared to 2021 due to higher raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 220 basis points in 2022 compared to 2021 due to higher net revenue.
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Gross profit
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross profit | $ | 963.7 | $ | 845.3 | 14.0 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 25.7 | % | 25.8 | % |
Gross profit in 2022 increased 14.0 percent and gross profit margin decreased 10 basis points compared to 2021.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG&A | $ | 641.0 | $ | 592.7 | 8.1 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 17.1 | % | 18.1 | % |
SG&A expenses for 2022 increased $48.3 million, or 8.1 percent, compared to 2021. The increase is primarily due to higher compensation and acquisition project costs and the impact of acquisitions. SG&A expenses as a percent of revenue decreased by 100 basis points compared with the prior year due to higher net revenue.
Other income, net
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other income, net | $ | 12.9 | $ | 32.9 |
Other income, net includes foreign transaction losses of $12.9 million and $6.0 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. There was a $1.4 million gain on disposal of assets in 2022 and a $0.6 million loss in 2021. Defined benefit pension benefit was $26.8 million and $32.1 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The $26.8 million of defined benefit pension benefit in 2022 includes a $3.3 million settlement loss related to the termination of our Canadian defined benefit pension plan. Other income, net also includes a $2.4 million loss and $7.4 million of income in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Other income in 2021 includes gains related to legal entity mergers and a transactional tax legal settlement in Brazil.
Interest expense
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense | $ | 91.5 | $ | 78.1 |
Interest expense was $91.5 million and $78.1 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in interest expense is due to higher interest rates and higher debt balances. We capitalized $1.5 million and $0.9 million of interest expense in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Interest income
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest income | $ | 7.8 | $ | 9.5 |
Interest income in 2022 and 2021 was $7.8 million and $9.5 million, respectively, consisting primarily of interest on cross-currency swap activity and other miscellaneous interest income.
Income tax expense:
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax expense | $ | 77.2 | $ | 63.0 | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 30.6 | % | 29.1 | % |
Income tax expense of $77.2 million in 2022 includes $9.3 million of discrete tax expense, primarily related to the revaluation of cross-currency swap agreements due to depreciation of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar and several foreign discrete items, offset in part by U.S. tax benefit for state deferred tax rate change and excess tax benefit for stock compensation. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $9.3 million, the overall effective tax rate was 26.9 percent.
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Income tax expense of $63.0 million in 2021 includes $4.3 million of discrete tax expense, primarily related to the revaluation of cross-currency swap agreements due to depreciation of the Euro versus U.S. dollar, changes in valuation allowances and several foreign discrete items. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $4.3 million, the overall effective tax rate was 27.1 percent.
The decrease in the overall effective tax rate for 2022 compared to 2021, excluding the impact of discrete items, is primarily due to the change in the foreign rate differential resulting from a change in mix of earnings across jurisdictions.
Income from equity method investments
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 5.7 | $ | 7.7 |
The income from equity method investments relates to our 50 percent ownership of the Sekisui-Fuller joint venture in Japan. The lower income for 2022 compared to 2021 is due to the unfavorable impact of the weakening of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar partially offset by higher net income in our joint venture.
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller | $ | 180.3 | $ | 161.4 | 11.7 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 4.8 | % | 4.9 | % |
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller was $180.3 million in 2022 compared to $161.4 million in 2021. Diluted earnings per share were $3.26 per share in 2022 and $2.97 per share in 2021.
Operating Segment Results
We are required to report segment information in the same way that we internally organize our business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. For segment evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, segment operating income is defined as gross profit less SG&A expenses. Inter-segment revenues are recorded at cost plus a markup for administrative costs. Corporate expenses, other than those included in Corporate Unallocated, are allocated to each operating segment.
We have three reportable segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives. The tables below provide certain information regarding the net revenue and segment operating income of each of our operating segments. Corporate Unallocated includes business acquisition and integration-related charges, organizational restructuring-related charges, the results of business divestitures and costs related to the implementation of Project ONE.
Net Revenue by Segment
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | % of | Net | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Revenue | Total | Revenue | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 1,695.9 | 45 | % | $ | 1,472.7 | 45 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 1,532.7 | 41 | % | 1,371.8 | 42 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction Adhesives | 520.6 | 14 | % | 433.5 | 13 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,749.2 | 100 | % | $ | 3,278.0 | 100 | % |
Segment Operating Income (Loss)
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating | % of | Operating | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Income (Loss) | Total | Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 165.8 | 51 | % | $ | 138.4 | 55 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 168.8 | 52 | % | 135.9 | 54 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction Adhesives | 23.0 | 8 | % | 14.1 | 5 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment total | 357.6 | 111 | % | 288.4 | 114 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate Unallocated | (34.9 | ) | (11 | )% | (35.8 | ) | (14 | )% | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 322.7 | 100 | % | $ | 252.6 | 100 | % |
The following table provides a reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes and income from equity method investments, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment operating income | $ | 322.7 | $ | 252.6 | ||||
| Other income, net | 12.9 | 32.9 | ||||||
| Interest expense | (91.5 | ) | (78.1 | ) | ||||
| Interest income | 7.8 | 9.5 | ||||||
| Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments | $ | 251.9 | $ | 216.9 |
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Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,695.9 | $ | 1,472.7 | 15.2 | % | ||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 165.8 | $ | 138.4 | 19.8 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 9.8 | % | 9.4 | % |
The following tables provide details of Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2022 vs 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 20.0 | % | ||
| Extra week (53 week year) | 2.1 | % | ||
| Currency | (6.9 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | 15.2 | % |
Net revenue increased 15.2 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. The 20.0 percent increase in organic growth was attributable to favorable product pricing. The negative currency effect was due to the weaker Euro, Turkish lira, Argentinian peso and Egyptian pound compared to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, net revenue in 2022 was higher than 2021 by 2.1 percent from an additional week of revenue in 2022 as it was a 53 week fiscal year compared to a 52 week fiscal year in 2021. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs increased 300 basis points due to higher raw material costs partially offset by higher net revenue. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 250 basis points due to higher net revenue. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 90 basis points in 2022 as compared to 2021 due to higher net revenue. Segment operating income increased 19.8 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue increased 40 basis points in 2022 as compared to 2021.
Engineering Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,532.7 | $ | 1,371.8 | 11.7 | % | ||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 168.8 | $ | 135.9 | 24.2 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 11.0 | % | 9.9 | % |
The following tables provide details of Engineering Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2022 vs 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 15.9 | % | ||
| Extra week (53 week year) | 2.0 | % | ||
| Currency | (6.2 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | 11.7 | % |
Net revenue increased 11.7 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. The 15.9 percent increase in organic growth was attributable to favorable product pricing and increase in sales volume. The negative currency effect was due to a weaker Euro, Turkish lira and Chinese renminbi compared to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, net revenue in 2022 was higher than 2021 by 2.0 percent from an additional week of revenue in 2022 as it was a 53 week fiscal year compared to a 52 week fiscal year in 2021. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 150 basis points due to higher raw material costs partially offset by higher net revenue. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 170 basis points due to higher net revenue. SG&A expense as a percentage of net revenue decreased 90 basis points due to higher net revenue. Segment operating income increased 24.2 percent and segment operating margin increased 110 basis points compared to 2021.
Construction Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 520.6 | $ | 433.5 | 20.1 | % | ||||||
| Segment operating income (loss) | $ | 23.0 | $ | 14.1 | 63.1 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 4.4 | % | 3.3 | % |
The following tables provide details of Construction Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2022 vs 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 7.0 | % | ||
| Extra week (53 week year) | 1.9 | % | ||
| M&A | 12.4 | % | ||
| Currency | (1.2 | )% | ||
| Net revenue growth | 20.1 | % |
Net revenue increased 20.1 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. The 7.0 percent increase in organic growth was attributable to favorable product pricing, partially offset by lower sales volume. The increase in net revenue from M&A was primarily due to the acquisitions of Fourny and Apollo during the first quarter of 2022. The negative currency effect was due to a weaker British pound, Euro and Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, net revenue in 2022 was higher than 2021 by 1.9 percent from an additional week of revenue in 2022 as it was a 53 week fiscal year compared to a 52 week fiscal year in 2021. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 150 basis points due to higher raw material costs partially offset by higher net revenue. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 160 basis points primarily due to higher net revenue and the impact of acquisitions. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 100 basis points also due to higher net revenue. Segment operating income increased 63.1 percent and segment operating margin increased 110 basis points compared to 2021.
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Corporate Unallocated
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 vs 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment operating loss | $ | (34.9 | ) | $ | (35.8 | ) | (2.5 | )% | ||||
| Segment profit margin % | NMP | NMP |
NMP = Non-meaningful percentage
Corporate Unallocated includes acquisition and integration-related charges, restructuring-related charges, the results of business divestitures and costs related to the implementation of Project ONE.
Segment operating loss increased 2.5 percent in 2022 reflecting increased acquisition project costs compared to 2021.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Total cash and cash equivalents as of December 3, 2022 were $79.9 million compared to $61.8 million as of November 27, 2021. Total long and short-term debt was $1,765.1 million as of December 3, 2022 and $1,616.5 million as of November 27, 2021.
We believe that cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital expenditure needs. In addition, we believe we have the ability to obtain both short-term and long-term debt to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future. Cash available in the United States has historically been sufficient and we expect it will continue to be sufficient to fund U.S. operations, U.S. capital spending and U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit contributions in addition to funding U.S. acquisitions, dividend payments, debt service and share repurchases as needed. For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, we currently have no intention to, and plans do not indicate a need to, repatriate these funds for U.S. operations.
Our credit agreements include restrictive covenants that, if not met, could lead to a renegotiation of our credit lines and a significant increase in our cost of financing. At December 3, 2022, we were in compliance with all covenants of our contractual obligations as shown in the following table:
| Covenant | Debt Instrument | Measurement | Result as of December 3, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA | Term Loan B Credit Agreement | Not greater than 5.25 | 2.3 |
| Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA | Revolving Credit Agreement | Not greater than 5.25 | 2.3 |
| TTM EBITDA / Consolidated Interest Expense | Revolving Credit Agreement | Not less than 2.0 | 5.4 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | TTM = trailing 12 months |
| ● | EBITDA for Term Loan B covenant purposes is defined as consolidated net income, plus interest expense, expense for taxes paid or accrued, depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash impairment losses, extraordinary non-cash losses incurred other than in the ordinary course of business, nonrecurring extraordinary non-cash restructuring charges and the non-cash impact of purchase accounting, expenses related to the Royal Adhesives acquisition not to exceed $40.0 million, expenses relating to the integration of Royal Adhesives during the fiscal years ending in 2017, 2018 and 2019 not exceeding $30 million in aggregate, restructuring expenses that began prior to the Royal Adhesives acquisition incurred in fiscal years ending in 2017 and 2018 not exceeding $28 million in aggregate, and non-capitalized charges relating to the SAP implementation during fiscal years ending in 2017 through 2021 not exceeding $13 million in any single fiscal year, minus extraordinary non-cash gains. For the Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA ratio, TTM EBITDA is adjusted for the pro forma results from Material Acquisitions and Material Divestitures as if the acquisition or divestiture occurred at the beginning of the calculation period. The full definition is set forth in the Term Loan B Credit Agreement and can be found in the Company’s 8-K filing dated October 20, 2017. | |
|---|---|---|
| ● | EBITDA for Revolving Credit Facility covenant purposes is defined as consolidated net income, plus interest expense, expense for taxes paid or accrued, depreciation and amortization, non-cash impairment losses related to long-lived assets, intangible assets or goodwill, nonrecurring or unusual non-cash losses incurred other than in the ordinary course of business, nonrecurring or unusual non-cash restructuring charges and the non-cash impact of purchase accounting, fees, premiums, expenses and other transaction costs incurred or paid by the borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on the effective date in connection with the transactions, this agreement and the other loan documents, the 2020 supplemental indenture and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, one-time, non-capitalized charges and expenses relating to the Company’s SAP implementation during fiscal years ending in 2017 through 2024, in an amount not exceeding $15.0 million in any single fiscal year of the Company, charges and expenses relating to the ASP Royal Acquisition, including but not limited to advisory and financing costs, during the Company’s fiscal years ending in 2020 and 2021, in an aggregate amount (as to such years combined) not exceeding $40.0 million, charges and expenses related to the reorganization of the Company and its subsidiaries from five business units to three business units to reduce costs during the Company’s fiscal years ending in 2020 and 2021 in an aggregate amount (as to such years combined) not exceeding $24.0 million, and charges and expenses related to the Company’s manufacturing and operations project to improve delivery, implement cost savings and reduce inventory during the Company’s fiscal years ending in 2020, 2021 and 2022 in an aggregate amount (as to such years combined) not exceeding $15.5 million. | |
| ● | Consolidated Interest Expense for the Revolving Credit Facility is defined as the interest expense (including without limitation the portion of capital lease obligations that constitutes imputed interest in accordance with GAAP) of the Company and its subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis for such period with respect to all outstanding indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP. |
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We believe we have the ability to meet all of our contractual obligations and commitments in fiscal 2022.
Net Financial Assets (Liabilities)
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 79.9 | $ | 61.8 | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | 10.3 | 5.7 | ||||||
| Cash flow hedges | - | 14.5 | ||||||
| Financial liabilities: | ||||||||
| Notes payable | (28.9 | ) | (25.0 | ) | ||||
| Long-term debt | (1,736.3 | ) | (1,591.5 | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | (4.6 | ) | (6.1 | ) | ||||
| Interest rate and cross currency swaps | (42.5 | ) | (22.9 | ) | ||||
| Net investment hedges | (54.0 | ) | - | |||||
| Net financial liabilities | $ | (1,776.1 | ) | $ | (1,563.5 | ) |
Of the $79.9 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 3, 2022, $75.2 million was held outside the U.S. Of the $75.2 million of cash held outside the U.S., earnings on $73.3 million are indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. It is not practical for us to determine the U.S. tax implications of the repatriation of these funds.
There are no contractual or regulatory restrictions on the ability of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries to transfer funds in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances to us, except for: 1) a credit facility limitation restricting investments, loans, advances or capital contributions from Loan Parties to non-Loan Parties in excess of $100.0 million, 2) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, loans, advances or guarantees not otherwise permitted in the credit agreement for all subsidiaries shall not exceed $125.0 million in the aggregate, 3) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, dividends, and distributions shall not exceed the Available Amount defined in these agreements, all three of which do not apply once our secured leverage ratio drops below 4.0x and 4) typical statutory restrictions, which prohibit distributions in excess of net capital or similar tests. The Royal Adhesives acquisition and any investments, loans, and advances established to consummate the Royal Adhesives acquisition, are excluded from the credit facility limitations described above. Additionally, we have taken the income tax position that the majority of our cash in non-U.S. locations is indefinitely reinvested.
Debt Outstanding and Debt Capacity
Notes Payable
Notes payable were $28.9 million at December 3, 2022 and $25.0 million at November 27, 2021. These amounts primarily represented various foreign subsidiaries’ short-term borrowings that were not part of committed lines. The weighted-average interest rates on these short-term borrowings were 16.2 percent in 2022 and 8.1 percent in 2021.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of a secured term loan (“Term Loan B”) and two unsecured public notes (“Public Notes”). The Term Loan B has a principal amount of $1,001.2 million and bears a floating interest rate at LIBOR plus 2.00 percent (6.19 percent at December 3, 2022) and matures in fiscal year 2024. The 10-year Public Notes have a principal amount of $300.0 million, bear fixed interest at 4.00 percent and mature in 2027. We are subject to a par call of 1.00 percent except within three months of the maturity date. The 8-year Public Notes have a principal amount of $300.0 million, bear fixed interest at 4.25 percent and mature in 2028. We are subject to a par call plus 50 percent of coupon in year 4, plus 25 percent of coupon in year 5 and at par thereafter. We currently have no intention to prepay the Public Notes. Additional details on the Public Notes and the Term Loan B Credit Agreement can be found in Form 8-K dated February 9, 2017, Form 8-K dated October 20, 2017 and Form 8-K dated October 20, 2020, respectively. Interest payable on our long-term debt totaled $7.4 million as of December 3, 2022.
We entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert our $300.0 million Public Notes that were issued on October 20, 2020 to a variable interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 3.28 percent. We entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $150.0 million of our $300.0 million Public Notes that were issued on February 14, 2017 to a variable interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 1.86 percent. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the issuance of our Public Notes. The swaps were designated for hedge accounting treatment as fair value hedges. We applied the hypothetical derivative method to assess hedge effectiveness for this interest rate swap. Changes in the fair value of a hypothetically perfect swap with terms that match the critical terms of our fixed rate Public Notes are compared with the change in the fair value of the swaps. On May 1, 2020, we terminated the swap agreement. Upon termination, we received $15.8 million in cash. The remaining swap liability will be accounted for as a discount on long-term debt and will be amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the Public Notes of seven years.
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Revolving Credit Facility
We have a revolving credit agreement with a consortium of financial institutions at December 3, 2022. This revolving credit agreement creates a secured multi-currency revolving credit facility that we can draw upon to repay existing indebtedness, finance working capital needs, finance acquisitions and for general corporate purposes up to a maximum of $700 million.
On January 24, 2022, we relied on the accordion feature in our credit agreement to increase the commitment under the existing credit facility from $400 million to $600 million. On February 28, 2022, we executed an amendment to amend and restate the revolving credit agreement to move from borrowing under LIBOR to borrowing under SOFR along with further upsizing the revolving credit facility by $100 million to $700 million in total aggregate commitments. Interest on the revolving credit facility is payable at the SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment (0.11448 percent) plus 1.75 percent (5.94 percent at December 3, 2022). A facility fee of 0.25 percent of the unused commitment under the revolving credit facility is payable quarterly. The interest rate and the facility fee are based on a leverage grid. The revolving credit facility expires on July 22, 2024. As of December 3, 2022, we had $175.5 million drawn under the revolving credit facility. Additional details on the revolving credit agreement can be found in Form 8-K dated October 20, 2020. For further information related to debt outstanding and debt capacity, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Uncertainty relating to the LIBOR phase out may adversely impact the value of, and our obligations under, our Term Loan B and Public Notes. See the applicable discussion under Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of December 3, 2022, goodwill totaled $1,392.6 million (31.2 percent of total assets) and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $702.1 million (15.7 percent of total assets).
The components of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, net of amortization, by segment are as follows:
| 2022 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | |||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Construction | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Adhesives | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 329.0 | $ | 637.9 | $ | 425.7 | $ | 1,392.6 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 5.7 | 31.5 | 15.1 | 52.3 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 105.8 | 228.5 | 281.3 | 615.6 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 4.5 | 14.6 | 9.8 | 28.9 | |||||||||||
| Other finite-lived intangible assets | 1.9 | 0.1 | 2.8 | 4.8 | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | - | 0.5 | - | 0.5 |
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | |||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Construction | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Adhesives | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 325.4 | $ | 662.0 | $ | 311.4 | $ | 1,298.8 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 7.0 | 36.4 | 10.2 | 53.6 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 108.0 | 253.9 | 235.6 | 597.5 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 4.6 | 16.5 | 8.7 | 29.8 | |||||||||||
| Other finite-lived intangible assets | 2.3 | 0.2 | 3.2 | 5.7 | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | - | 0.5 | - | 0.5 |
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Selected Metrics of Liquidity and Capital Resources
Key metrics we monitor are net working capital as a percent of annualized net revenue, trade receivables days sales outstanding (DSO), inventory days on hand, free cash flow after dividends and debt capitalization ratio.
| December 3, | November 27, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Net working capital as a percentage of annualized net revenue1 | 16.7 | % | 15.7 | % | ||||
| Trade receivables DSO (in days)2 | 62 | 62 | ||||||
| Inventory days on hand (in days)3 | 71 | 65 | ||||||
| Free cash flow after dividends4 | $ | 87.3 | $ | 82.3 | ||||
| Debt capitalization ratio5 | 52.3 | % | 50.2 | % |
1 Current quarter net working capital (trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts plus inventory minus trade payables) divided by annualized net revenue (current quarter, multiplied by 4).
2 Trade receivables net of allowance for doubtful accounts multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by the net revenue for the quarter.
3 Total inventory multiplied by 91 and divided by cost of sales (excluding delivery costs) for the quarter.
4 Net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. See reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow after dividends below.
5 Total debt divided by (total debt plus total stockholders’ equity).
Free cash flow after dividends, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. Free cash flow after dividends is an integral financial measure used by the Company to assess its ability to generate cash in excess of its operating needs, therefore, the Company believes this financial measure provides useful information to investors. The following table reflects the manner in which free cash flow after dividends is determined and provides a reconciliation of free cash flow after dividends to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Reconciliation of “Net cash provided by operating activities” to "Free cash flow after dividends"
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 256.5 | $ | 213.3 | |||
| Less: Purchased property, plant and equipment | 130.0 | 96.1 | |||||
| Less: Dividends paid | 39.2 | 34.9 | |||||
| Free cash flow after dividends | $ | 87.3 | $ | 82.3 |
Summary of Cash Flows
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 256.5 | $ | 213.3 |
Net income including non-controlling interest was $180.4 million in 2022 and $161.5 million in 2021. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $147.0 million in 2022 compared to $143.2 million in 2021. The higher depreciation and amortization expense in 2022 is related to the assets acquired in our business acquisitions.
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Changes in net working capital (trade receivables, inventory and trade payables) accounted for a use of cash of $103.2 million and $83.9 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Following is an assessment of each of the net working capital components:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Receivables, net – Changes in trade receivables resulted in a $24.8 million use of cash in 2022 compared to a $124.8 million use of cash in 2021. The lower use of cash in 2022 compared to 2021 was related to higher collections in the current year compared to the prior year. The DSO was 62 days at December 3, 2022 and November 27, 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Inventory – Changes in inventory resulted in a $55.8 million use of cash in 2022 compared to a $135.4 million use of cash in 2021. In 2022, inventory levels increased from 2021 as a result of acquisitions and also reflecting higher raw material costs and efforts to maintain service levels. Inventory days on hand were 71 days at the end of 2022 compared to 65 days at the end of 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Payables – Changes in trade payables resulted in a $22.6 million use of cash in 2022 and a $176.3 million source of cash in 2021. The use of cash in 2022 compared to the source of cash in 2021 primarily related to the timing of payments. |
Contributions to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans were $3.0 million and $3.8 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Income taxes payable resulted in a $12.9 million and a $4.1 million use of cash in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Other assets resulted in a $46.5 million source of cash and a $79.1 million use of cash in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The source of cash in 2022 is primarily driven by an decrease in pension and post-retirement assets related to year-end pension valuation and a decrease in derivative assets. Accrued compensation was a $1.1 million and a $27.7 million source of cash in 2022 and 2021, respectively, relating to higher accruals for our employee incentive plans. Other operating activity was a $6.2 million and a $108.6 million source of cash in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Other operating activity includes equity adjustments of approximately ($25.0) million and $55.0 million related to year-end pension valuations in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (375.3 | ) | $ | (94.7 | ) |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment were $130.0 million in 2022 compared to $96.1 million in 2021. The higher purchases in 2022 reflect the timing of capital projects and expenditures related to growth initiatives. Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment were $1.6 million in 2022 compared to $2.9 million in 2021.
Purchased businesses, net of cash acquired, were $250.8 million in 2022 compared to $5.4 million in 2021. In 2022, we acquired Tissue Seal for $22.2 million, Fourny for $14.3 million, Apollo for $194.4 million, ZKLT for $13.5 million and GSSI for $6.4 million. In 2021, we acquired STR Holdings, Inc. for $5.4 million. In 2021, we received payment of a government grant related to the building of a plant in China of $5.8 million and we expended cash related to the building of this plant of $1.8 million.
Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | 160.3 | $ | (154.1 | ) |
In 2022 and 2021, we repaid $159.5 million and $156.5 million of long-term debt, respectively. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of debt borrowings and repayments. Cash paid for dividends were $39.2 million and $34.9 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Cash generated from the exercise of stock options was $30.1 million and $32.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Repurchases of common stock related to statutory minimum tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock were $4.0 million in 2022 compared to $2.7 million in 2021. There were no repurchases from our share repurchase program in 2022 and 2021.
We are subject to mandatory prepayments in the first quarter of each fiscal year equal to 50% of Excess Cash Flow, as defined in the Term Loan B Credit Agreement, of the prior fiscal year less any voluntary prepayments made during that fiscal year. The Excess Cash Flow Percentage shall be reduced to 25% when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 4.25:1.00 and to 0% when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 3.75:1.00. The prepayment for the 2022 measurement period was satisfied through amounts prepaid prior to 2022.
We expect 2023 capital expenditures to be approximately $120.0 million.
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "plan," "expect," "aim," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "will," "should," "could" (including the negative or variations thereof) and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, including those mentioned with the specific statements. Such assumptions are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, our plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors. These plans and expectations and the assumptions underlying them are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. In addition to the factors described in this report, Item 1A. Risk Factors identifies some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, we have identified these important factors which could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered, together with any similar risk factors or other cautionary language that may be made elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The list of important factors in Item 1A. Risk Factors does not necessarily present the risk factors in order of importance. This disclosure, including that under Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors, and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by us in this report and elsewhere from time to time, represents our best judgment as of the date the information is given. We do not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public company disclosures (such as in filings with the SEC or in our press releases) on related subjects.
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FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001437749-22-001550.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
H.B. Fuller Company is a global formulator, manufacturer and marketer of adhesives and other specialty chemical products. We have three reportable segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives.
The Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives operating segment manufactures and supplies adhesives products in the assembly, packaging, converting, nonwoven and hygiene, health and beauty, flexible packaging, graphic arts and envelope markets. The Engineering Adhesives operating segment provides high-performance adhesives to the transportation, electronics, medical, clean energy, aerospace and defense, performance wood, insulating glass, textile, appliance and heavy machinery markets. The Construction Adhesives operating segment manufactures and provides specialty adhesives, sealants, tapes, mortars, grouts, and application devices for commercial building roofing systems, heavy infrastructure projects, road/highway/airport transportation applications, telecom/5G utilities, industrial LNG plants, building envelope applications, HVAC insulation systems, and for both residential and commercial flooring underlayment solutions.
Total Company
When reviewing our financial statements, it is important to understand how certain external factors impact us. These factors include:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Changes in the prices of our raw materials that are primarily derived from refining crude oil and natural gas, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Global supply of and demand for raw materials, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Economic growth rates, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar |
We purchase thousands of raw materials, the majority of which are petroleum/natural gas derivatives. The price of these derivatives impacts the cost of our raw materials. However, the supply of and demand for key raw materials has a greater impact on our costs. As demand increases in high-growth areas, the supply of key raw materials may tighten, resulting in certain materials being put on allocation. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, also can have an impact as key raw material producers are shut down for extended periods of time. We continually monitor capacity utilization figures, market supply and demand conditions, feedstock costs and inventory levels, as well as derivative and intermediate prices, which affect our raw materials. With approximately 75 percent of our cost of sales accounted for by raw materials, our financial results are extremely sensitive to changing costs in this area.
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The pace of economic growth directly impacts certain industries to which we supply products. For example, adhesives-related revenues from durable goods customers in areas such as appliances, furniture and other woodworking applications tend to fluctuate with the overall economic activity. In business components such as Construction Adhesives and insulating glass in Engineering Adhesives, revenues tend to move with more specific economic indicators such as housing starts and other construction-related activity.
The movement of foreign currency exchange rates as compared to the U.S. dollar impacts the translation of the foreign entities’ financial statements into U.S. dollars. As foreign currencies weaken against the U.S. dollar, our revenues and costs decrease as the foreign currency-denominated financial statements translate into fewer U.S. dollars. The fluctuations of the Euro and the Chinese renminbi against the U.S. dollar have the largest impact on our financial results as compared to all other currencies. In 2021, currency fluctuations had a positive impact on net revenue of approximately $64.0 million as compared to 2020.
Key financial results andtransactions for 2021 included the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Net revenue increased 17.5 percent from 2020 primarily driven by a 9.6 percent increase in sales volume, a 5.6 percent increase in product pricing and a 2.3 percent increase due to currency fluctuations. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Gross profit margin decreased to 25.8 percent from 27.1 percent in 2020 primarily due to higher raw material costs partially offset by higher net revenue. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Cash flow generated by operating activities was $213.3 million in 2021 as compared to $331.6 million in 2020. |
Our total year organic sales growth, which we define as the combined variances from sales volume and product pricing, increased 15.2 percent for 2021 compared to 2020.
In 2021, our diluted earnings per share was $2.97 compared to $2.36 in 2020. The higher earnings per share in 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to higher net revenue, higher other income, net and lower interest expense, partially offset by higher raw material and operating costs and higher income tax expense.
Changes in Accounting Principles
In the first quarter of 2021, we adopted new accounting standards related to the measurement of credit losses on financial statements requiring financial assets measured at amortized cost basis be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Prior periods were not restated for this adoption.
In the first quarter of 2020, we adopted new accounting standards related to the accounting for leases which requires us to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from all leases, including those classified as operating leases under previous accounting guidance, on the balance sheet and requires disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. Prior periods were not restated for this adoption.
Project ONE
In December 2012, our Board of Directors approved a multi-year project to replace and enhance our existing core information technology platforms. The scope for this project includes most of the basic transaction processing for the company including customer orders, procurement, manufacturing and financial reporting. The project envisions harmonized business processes for all of our operating segments supported with one standard software configuration. The execution of this project, which we refer to as Project ONE, is being supported by internal resources and consulting services. Implementation of Project ONE began in our North America adhesives business in 2014 and, through 2021, we completed implementation of this system in various parts of our business including Latin America (except Brazil), Australia, and various other businesses in North America and EIMEA. During 2022 and beyond, we will continue implementation in North America, EIMEA and Asia Pacific.
Total expenditures for Project ONE are estimated to be $170 to $185 million, of which 55-60% is expected to be capital expenditures. Our total project-to-date expenditures are approximately $133 million, of which approximately $73 million are capital expenditures. Given the complexity of the implementation, the total investment to complete the project may exceed our estimate.
Restructuring Plan
During the fourth quarter of 2019, we approved a restructuring plan related to organizational changes and other actions to optimize operations in connection with the realignment of the Company into three global business units (“2020 Restructuring Plan”). We have incurred costs of $18.6 million under this plan as of November 27, 2021. We expect to incur total costs of approximately $20.0 million ($15.8 million after-tax), which includes cash expenditures for severance and related employee costs globally, costs related to streamlining of processes, and other restructuring-related costs. The 2020 Restructuring Plan was implemented in the fourth quarter of 2019 and is currently expected to be completed in fiscal 2022.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are based upon the Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe the critical accounting policies and areas that require the most significant judgments and estimates to be used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements relate to goodwill impairment; pension and other postretirement plans; long-lived assets recoverability; valuation of product, environmental and other litigation liabilities; valuation of deferred tax assets and accuracy of tax contingencies; and valuation of acquired assets and liabilities.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a purchase business combination. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units, which are our operating segments or one level below our operating segments (the component level). Reporting units are determined by the discrete financial information available for the component and whether it is regularly reviewed by segment management. Components are aggregated into a single reporting unit if they share similar economic characteristics. Our reporting units are as follows: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives.
We evaluate our goodwill for impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter or earlier upon the occurrence of substantive unfavorable changes in economic conditions, industry trends, costs, cash flows, or ongoing declines in market capitalization. The quantitative impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, the assignment of assets, liabilities and goodwill to reporting units, and the determination of fair value of each reporting unit. The impairment test requires the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. In performing the impairment test, we determined the fair value of our reporting units through the income approach by using discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analyses. Determining fair value requires the Company to make judgments about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis for each reporting unit are based on the reporting unit's budget, long-term business plan and recent operating performance. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting unit and market conditions. Given the inherent uncertainty in determining the assumptions underlying a DCF analysis, actual results may differ from those used in our valuations. In assessing the reasonableness of the determined fair values, we also reconciled the aggregate determined fair value of the Company to the Company's market capitalization, which, at the date of our 2021 impairment test, included a 28 percent control premium.
For the 2021 impairment test, the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the respective carrying values by 38 percent to 129 percent ("headroom"). Significant assumptions used in the DCF analysis included discount rates that ranged from 8.2 percent to 9.1 percent and long-term revenue growth rates.
See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding goodwill.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Assumptions
We sponsor defined-benefit pension plans in both the U.S. and non-U.S. entities. Also in the U.S., we sponsor other postretirement plans for health care and life insurance benefits. Expenses and liabilities for the pension plans and other postretirement plans are actuarially calculated. These calculations are based on our assumptions related to the discount rate, expected return on assets, projected salary increases and health care cost trend rates. Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements includes disclosure of assumptions employed in these measurements for both the non-U.S. and U.S. plans.
The discount rate assumption is determined using an actuarial yield curve approach, which results in a discount rate that reflects the characteristics of the plan. The approach identifies a broad population of corporate bonds that meet the quality and size criteria for the particular plan. We use this approach rather than a specific index that has a certain set of bonds that may or may not be representative of the characteristics of our particular plan. A higher discount rate reduces the present value of the pension obligations. The discount rate for the U.S. pension plan was 2.76 percent at November 27, 2021, 2.53 percent at November 28, 2020 and 3.19 percent at November 30, 2019. Net periodic pension cost for a given fiscal year is based on assumptions developed at the end of the previous fiscal year. A discount rate change of 0.5 percentage points at November 27, 2021 would impact U.S. pension and other postretirement plan (income) expense by approximately $0.1 million (pre-tax) in fiscal 2021. Discount rates for non-U.S. plans are determined in a manner consistent with the U.S. plans.
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for the U.S. pension plan was 7.25 percent in 2021 and 7.50 in 2020 and 2019. Our expected long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets was based on our target asset allocation assumption of 60 percent equities and 40 percent fixed-income. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, determines the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by considering the expected future returns and volatility levels for each asset class that are based on historical returns and forward looking observations. For 2021, the expected long-term rate of return on the target equities allocation was 8.00 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on the target fixed-income allocation was 3.90 percent. The total plan rate of return assumption included an estimate of the effect of diversification and the plan expense. A change of 0.5 percentage points for the expected return on assets assumption would impact U.S. net pension and other postretirement plan expense by approximately $2.7 million (pre-tax).
Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses the actual historical rates of return of the asset categories to assess the reasonableness of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The most recent 10-year and 20-year historical equity returns are shown in the table below. Our expected rate of return on our total portfolio is consistent with the historical patterns observed over longer time frames.
| Total | Fixed | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Pension Plan Historical Actual Rates of Return | Portfolio | Equities | Income | |||||||||
| 10-year period | 9.5 | % | 9.0 | % | 6.7 | % | ||||||
| 20-year period | 7.2 | % | 7.3 | % | 7.9 | %* |
* Beginning in 2006, our target allocation migrated from 100 percent equities to our current allocation of 60 percent equities and 40 percent fixed-income. The historical actual rate of return for the fixed income of 8.2 percent is since inception (15 years, 11 months).
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The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for non-U.S. pension plans was a weighted-average of 6.15 percent in 2021 compared to 6.23 percent in 2020 and 6.21 percent in 2019. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption used in each non-U.S. plan is determined on a plan-by-plan basis for each local jurisdiction and is based on expected future returns for the investment mix of assets currently in the portfolio for that plan. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, develops expected rates of return for each plan, considers expected long-term returns for each asset category in the plan, reviews expectations for inflation for each local jurisdiction, and estimates the effect of active management of the plan’s assets. Our largest non-U.S. pension plans are in the United Kingdom and Germany. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the United Kingdom was 6.75 percent and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for Germany was 5.50 percent. Management, in conjunction with our external financial advisors, uses actual historical returns of the asset portfolio to assess the reasonableness of the expected rate of return for each plan.
The projected salary increase assumption is based on historic trends and comparisons to the external market. Higher rates of increase result in higher pension expenses. As this rate is also a long-term expected rate, it is less likely to change on an annual basis. Under the U.S. pension plan, the compensation amount was locked-in as of May 31, 2011 and thus the benefit no longer includes compensation increases. The 4.50 percent rate for 2020 and 2019 is for the supplemental executive retirement plan only; for 2021, there is no compensation increase as subsequent to November 27, 2021, there were no active employees in the supplemental executive retirement plan. Projected salary increase assumptions for non-U.S. plans are determined in a manner consistent with the U.S. plans.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
The assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets reflects our assumptions and estimates. Factors that we must estimate when performing impairment tests include sales volume, prices, inflation, currency exchange rates, tax rates and capital spending. Significant judgment is involved in estimating these factors, and they include inherent uncertainties. The measurement of the recoverability of these assets is dependent upon the accuracy of the assumptions used in making these estimates and how the estimates compare to the eventual future operating performance of the specific businesses to which the assets are attributed.
Judgments made by us include the expected useful lives of long-lived assets. The ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets is affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the assets, changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance.
Product, Environmental and Other Litigation Liabilities
As disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and in Note 1 and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are subject to various claims, lawsuits and other legal proceedings. Reserves for loss contingencies associated with these matters are established when it is determined that a liability is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The assessment of the probable liabilities is based on the facts and circumstances known at the time that the financial statements are being prepared. For cases in which it is determined that a liability is probable but only a range for the potential loss exists, the minimum amount of the range is recorded and subsequently adjusted as better information becomes available.
For cases in which insurance coverage is available, the gross amount of the estimated liabilities is accrued, and a receivable is recorded for any probable estimated insurance recoveries. A discussion of environmental, product and other litigation liabilities is disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Based upon currently available facts, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any pending legal proceeding, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively affect our results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters.
Income Tax Accounting
As part of the process of preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The process involves estimating actual current tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for book and tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. Increases in the valuation allowance result in additional expense to be reflected within the tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of November 27, 2021, the valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets totaled $11.3 million.
We recognize tax benefits for tax positions for which it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained by the applicable tax authority at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We do not recognize a financial statement benefit for a tax position that does not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. We believe that our liabilities for income taxes reflect the most likely outcome. It is difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of the resolution of any particular tax position. Future changes in judgment related to the resolution of tax positions will impact earnings in the quarter of such change. We adjust our income tax liabilities related to tax positions in light of changing facts and circumstances. Settlement with respect to a tax position would usually require cash. Based upon our analysis of tax positions taken on prior year returns and expected tax positions to be taken for the current year tax returns, we have identified gross uncertain tax positions of $13.3 million as of November 27, 2021.
We have not recorded U.S. deferred income taxes for certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries undistributed earnings as such amounts are intended to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. Should we change our business strategies related to these non-U.S. subsidiaries, additional U.S. tax liabilities could be incurred. It is not practical to estimate the amount of these additional tax liabilities. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on income tax accounting.
Acquisition Accounting
As we enter into business combinations, we perform acquisition accounting requirements including the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Identifying the acquirer, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Determining the acquisition date, |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Recognizing and measuring goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase |
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We complete valuation procedures and record the resulting fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon the valuation of the business enterprise and the tangible and intangible assets acquired. Enterprise value allocation methodology requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If estimates or assumptions used to complete the enterprise valuation and estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities significantly differed from assumptions made, the resulting difference could materially affect the fair value of net assets.
The calculation of the fair value of the tangible assets, including property, plant and equipment, utilizes the cost approach, which computes the cost to replace the asset, less accrued depreciation resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and external obsolescence. The calculation of the fair value of the identified intangible assets are determined using cash flow models following the income approach or a discounted market-based methodology approach. Significant inputs include estimated revenue growth rates, gross margins, operating expenses, and estimated attrition, royalty and discount rates. Goodwill is recorded as the difference in the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities and the purchase price.
Results of Operations
Net revenue
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 3,278.0 | $ | 2,790.3 | 17.5 | % |
We review variances in net revenue in terms of changes related to sales volume and product pricing (referred to as organic revenue growth), business acquisitions and divestitures (M&A) and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following table shows the net revenue variance analysis for fiscal 2021 compared to fiscal 2020:
| 2021 vs 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 15.2 | % | ||
| Currency | 2.3 | % | ||
| Net revenue growth | 17.5 | % |
Organic revenue growth was a positive 15.2 percent in 2021 compared to 2020 driven by a 22.2 percent increase in Engineering Adhesives, a 16.1 percent increase in Construction Adhesives and a 9.2 percent increase in Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives. The positive 2.3 percent currency impact was primarily driven by a stronger Euro and Chinese renminbi partially offset by a weaker Brazilian real, Turkish lira and Argentinian peso compared to the U.S. dollar.
Cost of sales
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw materials | $ | 1,810.0 | $ | 1,476.4 | 22.6 | % | ||||||
| Other manufacturing costs | 622.7 | 557.2 | 11.7 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | 2,432.7 | $ | 2,033.6 | 19.6 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 74.2 | % | 72.9 | % |
Cost of sales in 2021 compared to 2020 increased 130 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue increased 230 basis points in 2021 compared to 2020 due to higher raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 100 basis points in 2021 compared to 2020 due to higher net revenue.
Gross profit
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross profit | $ | 845.3 | $ | 756.7 | 11.7 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 25.8 | % | 27.1 | % |
Gross profit in 2021 increased 11.7 percent and gross profit margin decreased 130 basis points compared to 2020. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to higher raw material costs partially offset by higher net revenue.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG&A | $ | 592.7 | $ | 538.3 | 10.1 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 18.1 | % | 19.3 | % |
SG&A expenses for 2021 increased $54.4 million, or 10.1 percent, compared to 2020. The increase is primarily due to higher discretionary spending and compensation costs compared to the prior year and unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on spending outside the U.S. SG&A expenses as a percent of revenue decreased by 120 basis points compared with the prior year.
Other income, net
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other income, net | $ | 32.9 | $ | 15.4 |
Other income, net includes foreign transaction losses of $6.0 million and $3.1 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Loss on disposal of assets were $0.6 million and $0.1 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Defined benefit pension benefit was $32.1 million and $17.9 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Other income of $7.4 million and $0.7 million was also included in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Other income in 2021 includes gains related to legal entity mergers and a transactional tax legal settlement in Brazil.
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Interest expense
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest expense | $ | 78.1 | $ | 86.8 |
Interest expense was $78.1 million and $86.8 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease in interest expense is due to lower U.S. debt balances and lower interest rates. We capitalized $0.9 million and $0.6 million of interest expense in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Interest income
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest income | $ | 9.5 | $ | 11.4 |
Interest income in 2021 and 2020 was $9.5 million and $11.4 million, respectively. The decrease in interest income in 2021 compared to 2020 is due to lower interest rates and lower cash balances.
Income tax expense:
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax expense | $ | 63.0 | $ | 41.9 | ||||
| Effective tax rate | 29.1 | % | 26.5 | % |
Income tax expense of $63.0 million in 2021 includes $4.3 million of discrete tax expense, primarily related to the revaluation of cross-currency swap agreements due to depreciation of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar, changes in valuation allowances and several foreign discrete items. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $4.3 million, the overall effective tax rate was 27.1 percent.
Income tax expense of $41.9 million in 2020 includes $1.1 million of discrete tax expense, primarily related to tax expense for uncertain tax positions and several foreign discrete items, offset by U.S. benefits for state deferred rate changes and a benefit related to the revaluation of cross-currency swap agreements due to appreciation of the Euro versus U.S. dollar. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $1.1 million, the overall effective tax rate was 25.8 percent.
The increase in the overall effective tax rate for 2021 compared to 2020, excluding the impact of discrete items, is primarily due to the change in the foreign rate differential resulting from a change in mix of earnings across jurisdictions.
Income from equity method investments
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from equity method investments | $ | 7.7 | $ | 7.4 |
The income from equity method investments relates to our 50 percent ownership of the Sekisui-Fuller joint venture in Japan. The higher income for 2021 compared to 2020 relates to higher net income in our joint venture.
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller | $ | 161.4 | $ | 123.7 | 30.5 | % | ||||||
| Percent of net revenue | 4.9 | % | 4.4 | % |
Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller was $161.4 million in 2021 compared to $123.7 million in 2020. Diluted earnings per share were $2.97 per share in 2021 and $2.36 per share in 2020.
Operating Segment Results
We are required to report segment information in the same way that we internally organize our business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. For segment evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, segment operating income is defined as gross profit less SG&A expenses. Inter-segment revenues are recorded at cost plus a markup for administrative costs. Corporate expenses, other than those included in Corporate Unallocated, are allocated to each operating segment.
We have three reportable segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives, Engineering Adhesives and Construction Adhesives. The tables below provide certain information regarding the net revenue and segment operating income of each of our operating segments. Corporate Unallocated includes business acquisition and integration-related charges, organizational restructuring-related charges, the results of business divestitures and costs related to the implementation of Project ONE.
Net Revenue by Segment
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | % of | Net | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Revenue | Total | Revenue | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 1,472.7 | 45 | % | $ | 1,332.8 | 48 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 1,371.8 | 42 | % | 1,088.3 | 39 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction Adhesives | 433.5 | 13 | % | 369.2 | 13 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment total | 3,278.0 | 100 | % | 2,790.3 | 100 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate Unallocated | - | 0 | % | - | 0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,278.0 | 100 | % | $ | 2,790.3 | 100 | % |
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Segment Operating Income (Loss)
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating | % of | Operating | % of | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Income (Loss) | Total | Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||
| Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives | $ | 138.4 | 55 | % | $ | 130.8 | 60 | % | ||||||||
| Engineering Adhesives | 135.9 | 54 | % | 104.0 | 48 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction Adhesives | 14.1 | 5 | % | 11.1 | 5 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment total | 288.4 | 114 | % | 245.9 | 113 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate Unallocated | (35.8 | ) | (14 | )% | (27.6 | ) | (13 | )% | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 252.6 | 100 | % | $ | 218.3 | 100 | % |
The following table provides a reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes and income from equity method investments, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment operating income | $ | 252.6 | $ | 218.3 | ||||
| Other income, net | 32.9 | 15.4 | ||||||
| Interest expense | (78.1 | ) | (86.8 | ) | ||||
| Interest income | 9.5 | 11.4 | ||||||
| Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments | $ | 216.9 | $ | 158.3 |
Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,472.7 | $ | 1,332.8 | 10.5 | % | ||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 138.4 | $ | 130.8 | 5.8 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 9.4 | % | 9.8 | % |
The following tables provide details of Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2021 vs 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 9.2 | % | ||
| Currency | 1.3 | % | ||
| Net revenue growth | 10.5 | % |
Net revenue increased 10.5 percent in 2021 compared to 2020. The 9.2 percent increase in organic growth was attributable to an increase in sales volume and favorable product pricing. The positive currency effect was due to the stronger Euro and Chinese renminbi partially offset by a weaker Brazilian real, Argentinian peso and Turkish lira compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs increased 160 basis points due to higher raw material costs partially offset by higher net revenue. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 90 basis points due to higher net revenue. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 30 basis points in 2021 as compared to 2020. Segment operating income increased 5.8 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue decreased 40 basis points in 2021 as compared to 2020.
Engineering Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 1,371.8 | $ | 1,088.3 | 26.1 | % | ||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 135.9 | $ | 104.0 | 30.7 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 9.9 | % | 9.6 | % |
The following tables provide details of Engineering Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2021 vs 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 22.2 | % | ||
| Currency | 3.9 | % | ||
| Net revenue growth | 26.1 | % |
Net revenue increased 26.1 percent in 2021 compared to 2020. The 22.2 percent increase in organic growth was attributable to higher sales volume and favorable product pricing. The positive currency effect was due to a stronger Euro and Chinese renminbi partially offset by a weaker Brazilian real, Turkish lira and Argentinian peso compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 320 basis points due to higher raw material costs partially offset by higher net revenue. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 110 basis points due to higher net revenue. SG&A expense as a percentage of net revenue decreased 240 basis points due to higher net revenue. Segment operating income increased 30.7 percent and segment operating margin increased 30 basis points compared to 2020.
Construction Adhesives
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | 433.5 | $ | 369.2 | 17.4 | % | ||||||
| Segment operating income (loss) | $ | 14.1 | $ | 11.1 | 26.9 | % | ||||||
| Segment profit margin % | 3.3 | % | 3.0 | % |
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The following tables provide details of Construction Adhesives net revenue variances:
| 2021 vs 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic revenue growth | 16.1 | % | ||
| Currency | 1.3 | % | ||
| Net revenue growth | 17.4 | % |
Net revenue increased 17.4 percent in 2021 compared to 2020. The 16.1 percent increase in organic growth was attributable to higher sales volume and favorable product pricing. The positive currency effect was due to the stronger Australian dollar, Canadian dollar and Euro compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 360 basis points due to higher raw material costs partially offset by higher net revenue. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 220 basis points primarily due to higher net revenue. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 170 basis points also due to higher net revenue. Segment operating income increased 26.9 percent and segment operating margin increased 30 basis points compared to 2020.
Corporate Unallocated
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 vs 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenue | $ | - | $ | - | NMP | |||||||
| Segment operating loss | $ | (35.8 | ) | $ | (27.6 | ) | 29.8 | % | ||||
| Segment profit margin % | NMP | NMP |
NMP = Non-meaningful percentage
Corporate Unallocated includes acquisition and integration-related charges, restructuring-related charges, the results of business divestitures and costs related to the implementation of Project ONE.
Segment operating loss increased 29.8 percent in 2021 reflecting increased organizational realignment costs compared to 2020.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Total cash and cash equivalents as of November 27, 2021 were $61.8 million compared to $100.5 million as of November 28, 2020. Total long and short-term debt was $1,616.5 million as of November 27, 2021 and $1,773.9 million as of November 28, 2020.
We believe that cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital expenditure needs. In addition, we believe we have the ability to obtain both short-term and long-term debt to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future. Cash available in the United States has historically been sufficient and we expect it will continue to be sufficient to fund U.S. operations, U.S. capital spending and U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit contributions in addition to funding U.S. acquisitions, dividend payments, debt service and share repurchases as needed. For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, we currently have no intention to, and plans do not indicate a need to, repatriate these funds for U.S. operations.
Our credit agreements include restrictive covenants that, if not met, could lead to a renegotiation of our credit lines and a significant increase in our cost of financing. At November 27, 2021, we were in compliance with all covenants of our contractual obligations as shown in the following table:
| Covenant | Debt Instrument | Measurement | Result as of November 27, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA | Term Loan B Credit Agreement | Not greater than 5.9 | 2.2 |
| Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA | Revolving Credit Agreement | Not greater than 5.9 | 2.2 |
| TTM EBITDA / Consolidated Interest Expense | Revolving Credit Agreement | Not less than 2.0 | 5.8 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | TTM = trailing 12 months |
| ● | EBITDA for Term Loan B covenant purposes is defined as consolidated net income, plus interest expense, expense for taxes paid or accrued, depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash impairment losses, extraordinary non-cash losses incurred other than in the ordinary course of business, nonrecurring extraordinary non-cash restructuring charges and the non-cash impact of purchase accounting, expenses related to the Royal Adhesives acquisition not to exceed $40.0 million, expenses relating to the integration of Royal Adhesives during the fiscal years ending in 2017, 2018 and 2019 not exceeding $30 million in aggregate, restructuring expenses that began prior to the Royal Adhesives acquisition incurred in fiscal years ending in 2017 and 2018 not exceeding $28 million in aggregate, and non-capitalized charges relating to the SAP implementation during fiscal years ending in 2017 through 2021 not exceeding $13 million in any single fiscal year, minus extraordinary non-cash gains. For the Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA ratio, TTM EBITDA is adjusted for the pro forma results from Material Acquisitions and Material Divestitures as if the acquisition or divestiture occurred at the beginning of the calculation period. The full definition is set forth in the Term Loan B Credit Agreement and can be found in the Company’s 8-K filing dated October 20, 2017. | |
|---|---|---|
| ● | EBITDA for Revolving Credit Facility covenant purposes is defined as consolidated net income, plus interest expense, expense for taxes paid or accrued, depreciation and amortization, non-cash impairment losses related to long-lived assets, intangible assets or goodwill, nonrecurring or unusual non-cash losses incurred other than in the ordinary course of business, nonrecurring or unusual non-cash restructuring charges and the non-cash impact of purchase accounting, fees, premiums, expenses and other transaction costs incurred or paid by the borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on the effective date in connection with the transactions, this agreement and the other loan documents, the 2020 supplemental indenture and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, one-time, non-capitalized charges and expenses relating to the Company’s SAP implementation during fiscal years ending in 2017 through 2024, in an amount not exceeding $15.0 million in any single fiscal year of the Company, charges and expenses relating to the ASP Royal Acquisition, including but not limited to advisory and financing costs, during the Company’s fiscal years ending in 2020 and 2021, in an aggregate amount (as to such years combined) not exceeding $40.0 million, charges and expenses related to the reorganization of the Company and its subsidiaries from five business units to three business units to reduce costs during the Company’s fiscal years ending in 2020 and 2021 in an aggregate amount (as to such years combined) not exceeding $24.0 million, and charges and expenses related to the Company’s manufacturing and operations project to improve delivery, implement cost savings and reduce inventory during the Company’s fiscal years ending in 2020, 2021 and 2022 in an aggregate amount (as to such years combined) not exceeding $15.5 million. | |
| ● | Consolidated Interest Expense for the Revolving Credit Facility is defined as the interest expense (including without limitation the portion of capital lease obligations that constitutes imputed interest in accordance with GAAP) of the Company and its subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis for such period with respect to all outstanding indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP. |
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We believe we have the ability to meet all of our contractual obligations and commitments in fiscal 2022.
Net Financial Assets (Liabilities)
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 61.8 | $ | 100.5 | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | 5.7 | 2.3 | ||||||
| Cash flow hedges | 14.5 | 2.5 | ||||||
| Financial liabilities: | ||||||||
| Notes payable | (25.0 | ) | (16.9 | ) | ||||
| Long-term debt | (1,591.5 | ) | (1,757.0 | ) | ||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | (6.1 | ) | (5.3 | ) | ||||
| Interest rate swaps | (22.9 | ) | (33.0 | ) | ||||
| Net financial liabilities | $ | (1,563.5 | ) | $ | (1,706.9 | ) |
Of the $61.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of November 27, 2021, $58.4 million was held outside the U.S. Of the $58.4 million of cash held outside the U.S., earnings on $56.0 million are indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. It is not practical for us to determine the U.S. tax implications of the repatriation of these funds.
There are no contractual or regulatory restrictions on the ability of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries to transfer funds in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances to us, except for: 1) a credit facility limitation restricting investments, loans, advances or capital contributions from Loan Parties to non-Loan Parties in excess of $100.0 million, 2) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, loans, advances or guarantees not otherwise permitted in the credit agreement for all subsidiaries shall not exceed $125.0 million in the aggregate, 3) a credit facility limitation that provides total investments, dividends, and distributions shall not exceed the Available Amount defined in these agreements, all three of which do not apply once our secured leverage ratio drops below 4.0x and 4) typical statutory restrictions, which prohibit distributions in excess of net capital or similar tests. The Royal Adhesives acquisition and any investments, loans, and advances established to consummate the Royal Adhesives acquisition, are excluded from the credit facility limitations described above. Additionally, we have taken the income tax position that the majority of our cash in non-U.S. locations is indefinitely reinvested.
Debt Outstanding and Debt Capacity
Notes Payable
Notes payable were $25.0 million at November 27, 2021 and $16.9 million at November 28, 2020. These amounts primarily represented various foreign subsidiaries’ short-term borrowings that were not part of committed lines. The weighted-average interest rates on these short-term borrowings were 8.1 percent in 2021 and 2020.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of a secured term loan (“Term Loan B”) and two unsecured public notes (“Public Notes”). The Term Loan B has a principal amount of $1,001.2 million and bears a floating interest rate at LIBOR plus 2.00 percent (2.09 percent at November 27, 2021) and matures in fiscal year 2024. The 10-year Public Notes have a principal amount of $300.0 million, bear fixed interest at 4.00 percent and mature in 2027. We are subject to a par call of 1.00 percent except within three months of the maturity date. The 8-year Public Notes have a principal amount of $300.0 million, bear fixed interest at 4.25 percent and mature in 2028. We are subject to a par call plus 50 percent of coupon in year 4, plus 25 percent of coupon in year 5 and at par thereafter. We currently have no intention to prepay the Public Notes. Additional details on the Public Notes and the Term Loan B Credit Agreement can be found in Form 8-K dated February 9, 2017, Form 8-K dated October 20, 2017 and Form 8-K dated October 20, 2020, respectively. Interest payable on our long-term debt totaled $3.4 million as of November 27, 2021.
We executed interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of obtaining a fixed interest rate on $800.0 million of the $2,150.0 million Term Loan B. We have designated forecasted interest payments resulting from the variability of 1-month LIBOR in relation to $800.0 million of the Term Loan B as the hedged item in cash flow hedges. The combined fair value of the interest rate swaps in total was a liability of $12.3 million at November 27, 2021 and was included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We are applying the hypothetical derivative method to assess hedge effectiveness for these interest rate swaps. Changes in the fair value of a hypothetically perfect swap with terms that match the critical terms of our $800.0 million variable rate Term Loan B are compared with the change in the fair value of the swaps.
We entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert our $300.0 million Public Notes that were issued on October 20, 2020 to a variable interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 3.28 percent. We entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $150.0 million of our $300.0 million Public Notes that were issued on February 14, 2017 to a variable interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 1.86 percent. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the issuance of our Public Notes. The swaps were designated for hedge accounting treatment as fair value hedges. We applied the hypothetical derivative method to assess hedge effectiveness for this interest rate swap. Changes in the fair value of a hypothetically perfect swap with terms that match the critical terms of our fixed rate Public Notes are compared with the change in the fair value of the swaps. On May 1, 2020, we terminated the swap agreement. Upon termination, we received $15.8 million in cash. The remaining swap liability will be accounted for as a discount on long-term debt and will be amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the Public Notes of seven years.
Lines of Credit
We have a revolving credit agreement with a consortium of financial institutions at November 27, 2021. This credit agreement creates a secured multi-currency revolving credit facility that we can draw upon to repay existing indebtedness, finance working capital needs, finance acquisitions, and for general corporate purposes up to a maximum of $400.0 million. Interest on the revolving credit facility is payable at LIBOR plus 1.50 percent (1.59 percent at November 27, 2021). A facility fee of 0.25 percent of the unused commitment under the revolving credit facility is payable quarterly. The interest rate and the facility fee are based on a leverage grid. The credit facility expires on July 22, 2024. As of November 27, 2021, our lines of credit were undrawn. Additional details on the revolving credit agreement can be found in Form 8-K dated October 20, 2020. For further information related to debt outstanding and debt capacity, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Uncertainty relating to the LIBOR phase out at the end of 2021 may adversely impact the value of, and our obligations under, our Term Loan B, Public Notes and revolving credit facility. See the applicable discussion under Item 1A. Risk Factors.
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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
As of November 27, 2021, goodwill totaled $1,298.8 million (30.4 percent of total assets) and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $687.1 million (16.1 percent of total assets).
The components of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, net of amortization, by segment at November 27, 2021 are as follows:
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | |||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Construction | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Adhesives | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 325.4 | $ | 662.0 | $ | 311.4 | $ | 1,298.8 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 7.0 | 36.4 | 10.2 | 53.6 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 108.0 | 253.9 | 235.6 | 597.5 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 4.6 | 16.5 | 8.7 | 29.8 | |||||||||||
| Other finite-lived intangible assets | 2.3 | 0.2 | 3.2 | 5.7 | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | - | 0.5 | - | 0.5 |
| 2020 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene, Health | |||||||||||||||
| and Consumable | Engineering | Construction | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | Adhesives | Adhesives | Adhesives | Total | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | $ | 332.9 | $ | 667.9 | $ | 311.2 | $ | 1,312.0 | |||||||
| Purchased technology and patents | 9.1 | 40.2 | 11.2 | 60.5 | |||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 120.0 | 276.7 | 257.7 | 654.4 | |||||||||||
| Tradenames | 5.3 | 18.7 | 9.9 | 33.9 | |||||||||||
| Other finite-lived intangible assets | 2.8 | 0.3 | 3.5 | 6.6 | |||||||||||
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets | - | 0.5 | - | 0.5 |
Selected Metrics of Liquidity and Capital Resources
Key metrics we monitor are net working capital as a percent of annualized net revenue, trade receivables days sales outstanding (DSO), inventory days on hand, free cash flow after dividends and debt capitalization ratio.
| November 27, | November 28, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net working capital as a percentage of annualized net revenue1 | 15.7 | % | 16.8 | % | ||||
| Trade receivables DSO (in days)2 | 62 | 60 | ||||||
| Inventory days on hand (in days)3 | 65 | 55 | ||||||
| Free cash flow after dividends4 | $ | 82.3 | $ | 210.8 | ||||
| Debt capitalization ratio5 | 50.2 | % | 56.1 | % |
1 Current quarter net working capital (trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts plus inventory minus trade payables) divided by annualized net revenue (current quarter, multiplied by 4).
2 Trade receivables net of allowance for doubtful accounts multiplied by 91 (13 weeks) and divided by the net revenue for the quarter.
3 Total inventory multiplied by 91 and divided by cost of sales (excluding delivery costs) for the quarter.
4 Net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. See reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow after dividends below.
5 Total debt divided by (total debt plus total stockholders’ equity).
Free cash flow after dividends, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. Free cash flow after dividends is an integral financial measure used by the Company to assess its ability to generate cash in excess of its operating needs, therefore, the Company believes this financial measure provides useful information to investors. The following table reflects the manner in which free cash flow after dividends is determined and provides a reconciliation of free cash flow after dividends to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Reconciliation of “Net cash provided by operating activities” to "Free cash flow after dividends"
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 213.3 | $ | 331.6 | |||
| Less: Purchased property, plant and equipment | 96.1 | 87.3 | |||||
| Less: Dividends paid | 34.9 | 33.5 | |||||
| Free cash flow after dividends | $ | 82.3 | $ | 210.8 |
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Summary of Cash Flows
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 213.3 | $ | 331.6 |
Net income including non-controlling interest was $161.5 million in 2021 and $123.8 million in 2020. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $143.2 million in 2021 compared to $138.8 million in 2020. Depreciation and amortization expense in 2021 and 2020 reflect assets acquired in our business acquisitions.
Changes in net working capital (trade receivables, inventory and trade payables) accounted for a use of cash of $83.9 million and a source of cash of $24.0 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Following is an assessment of each of the net working capital components:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Receivables, net – Changes in trade receivables resulted in a $124.8 million use of cash in 2021 compared to a $14.8 million use of cash in 2020. The higher use of cash in 2021 compared to 2020 was related to higher net revenue compared to the prior year. The DSO was 62 days at November 27, 2021 and 60 days at November 28, 2020. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Inventory – Changes in inventory resulted in a $135.4 million use of cash in 2021 compared to a $15.7 million source of cash in 2020. The use of cash in 2021 compared to the source of cash in 2020 was due to increasing inventory levels and higher raw materials costs in 2021 compared to 2020. Inventory days on hand were 65 days at the end of 2021 compared to 55 days at the end of 2020. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ● | Trade Payables – Changes in trade payables resulted in a $176.3 million and $23.1 million source of cash in 2021and 2020, respectively. The increase in the source of cash was primarily related to the timing of payments and extension of payment terms globally. |
Contributions to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans were $3.8 million and $5.5 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Income taxes payable resulted in a $4.1 million use of cash and a $5.5 million source of cash in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Other assets resulted in a $79.1 million use of cash and a $38.4 million source of cash in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The use of cash in 2021 is primarily driven by an increase in pension and post-retirement assets related to year-end pension valuation and an increase in derivative assets. Accrued compensation was a $27.7 million source of cash compared to a $2.6 million source of cash in 2021 and 2020, respectively, relating to higher accruals for our employee incentive plans. Other operating activity was a $108.6 million source of cash in 2021 and a $15.7 million use of cash in 2020. Other operating activity in 2021 includes equity adjustments of approximately $55.0 million related to year-end pension valuations.
Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (94.7 | ) | $ | (109.5 | ) |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment were $96.1 million in 2021 compared to $87.3 million in 2020. The higher purchases in 2021 reflect the timing of capital projects and expenditures related to growth initiatives. Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment were $3.0 million in 2021 compared to $1.5 million in 2020.
In 2021, we acquired STR Holdings, Inc. for $5.4 million. In 2020, we acquired D.H.M Adhesives, Inc. for $9.5 million and also purchased other business assets for $5.6 million. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on acquisitions. In 2021, we received payment of a government grant related to the building of a plant in China of $5.8 million and in 2021 and 2020, we expended cash related to the building of this plant of $1.8 million and $8.6 million, respectively.
Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities
| ($ in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (154.1 | ) | $ | (239.2 | ) |
In 2021 and 2020, we repaid $156.5 million and $518.0 million of long-term debt, respectively, and in 2020, we issued $300.0 million of unsecured public notes. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of debt borrowings and repayments. Cash paid for dividends were $34.9 million and $33.5 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash generated from the exercise of stock options was $32.3 million and $12.3 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Repurchases of common stock related to statutory minimum tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock were $2.7 million in 2021 compared to $3.4 million in 2020. There were no repurchases from our share repurchase program in 2021 and 2020.
We are subject to mandatory prepayments in the first quarter of each fiscal year equal to 50% of Excess Cash Flow, as defined in the Term Loan B Credit Agreement, of the prior fiscal year less any voluntary prepayments made during that fiscal year. The Excess Cash Flow Percentage shall be reduced to 25% when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 4.25:1.00 and to 0% when our Secured Leverage Ratio is below 3.75:1.00. The prepayment for the 2021 measurement period was satisfied through amounts prepaid during 2021. We have estimated the 2022 prepayment to be zero.
We expect 2022 capital expenditures to be between $100.0 million and $110.0 million.
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Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "plan," "expect," "aim," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "will," "should," "could" (including the negative or variations thereof) and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, including those mentioned with the specific statements. Such assumptions are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, our plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors. These plans and expectations and the assumptions underlying them are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. In addition to the factors described in this report, Item 1A. Risk Factors identifies some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, we have identified these important factors which could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered, together with any similar risk factors or other cautionary language that may be made elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The list of important factors in Item 1A. Risk Factors does not necessarily present the risk factors in order of importance. This disclosure, including that under Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors, and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by us in this report and elsewhere from time to time, represents our best judgment as of the date the information is given. We do not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public company disclosures (such as in filings with the SEC or in our press releases) on related subjects.