Knowles Corp (KN) FY 2023 MD&A

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussion and analysis presented below refer to and should be read in conjunction with our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes under Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those made, projected, or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, particularly in “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”

Management’s discussion and analysis, which we refer to as “MD&A,” of our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows should be read together with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included under Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," to provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of our operations. We believe the assumptions underlying the Consolidated Financial Statements are reasonable. However, the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein may not necessarily reflect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows in the future.

Our Business

We are a market leader and global provider of high performance capacitors and radio frequency ("RF") filtering products, balanced armature speakers, advanced micro-acoustic microphones, and audio solutions, serving the medtech, defense, electric vehicle, industrial, communications, and consumer electronics markets. Our focus on the customer, combined with unique technology, proprietary manufacturing techniques, and global operational expertise, enables us to deliver innovative solutions across multiple applications. References to "Knowles," the "Company," "we," "our," or "us" refer to Knowles Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

Our Business Segments

In 2022, we determined each operating segment represents a single reportable segment; since then, we have been reporting three segments. These segments were determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 280 - Segment Reporting and are comprised of (i) PD, (ii) MSA, and (iii) CMM. The segments are aligned around similar product applications serving our key end markets to enhance focus on end market growth strategies.

•PD Segment

Our PD segment specializes in the design and delivery of high performance capacitor products and RF solutions primarily serving the defense, medtech, electric vehicle, and industrial markets. PD has sales, support, and engineering facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as manufacturing facilities in North America and Asia.

•MSA Segment

Our MSA segment designs and manufactures microphones and balanced armature speakers used in applications that serve the hearing health and premium audio markets. MSA has sales, support, and engineering facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as manufacturing facilities in Asia.

•CMM Segment

Our CMM segment designs and manufactures micro-electro-mechanical systems ("MEMS") microphones and audio solutions used in applications that primarily serve the ear, Internet of Things ("IoT"), computing, and smartphone markets. CMM has sales, support, and engineering facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as manufacturing facilities in Asia.

We sell our products directly to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"), their contract manufacturers, suppliers, and through sales representatives and distributors worldwide.

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Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 were significantly impacted by lower consumer electronic, industrial, communication, and distribution end market demand as a result of excess customer and channel inventory in the CMM and PD segments. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022 were significantly impacted by lower consumer electronics end market demand and an inventory correction in both consumer electronics and hearing health markets in the second half of 2022. As a result, the Company offered financial incentives to customers in the fourth quarter of 2022 for certain dual-sourced products. The additional revenues as a result of these financial incentives in the fourth quarter of 2022 were less than 2% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Recent Developments

On September 18, 2023, we announced that we are reviewing strategic alternatives for the CMM business. This includes a range of possibilities, such as: a potential sale, restructuring the business, as well as continuing to operate the business as is. No assurance can be given that any transaction or other strategic outcomes will result from the review. Further, there can be no assurance that the outcome of the strategic alternative review will result in our being able to recover the carrying value of the CMM segment. We have not set a timetable for the conclusion of the strategic review and do not intend to comment on or provide updates regarding these matters unless and until we determine that further disclosure is appropriate or required.

On November 1, 2023, we acquired (i) all the issued and outstanding shares of Kaplan Electronics, Inc. and (ii) certain assets of Cornell Dubilier Electronics, Inc. and CD Aero, LLC (collectively, "Cornell Dubilier" or "CD") for aggregate consideration of $259.8 million, which equated to a total fair value of consideration transferred of $246.8 million. The acquired business is a manufacturer of film, electrolytic, and mica capacitors used in medtech, defense, and industrial electrification applications. The acquisition's operations are included in the PD segment. For additional information, refer to Note 3. Acquisitions to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

For discussion related to the results of operations and changes in financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, refer to Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on February 9, 2023.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the GAAP financial measures included in this item, we have presented certain non-GAAP financial measures. We use non-GAAP measures as supplements to our GAAP results of operations in evaluating certain aspects of our business, and our executive management team and Board of Directors focus on non-GAAP items as key measures of our performance for business planning purposes. These measures assist us in comparing our performance between various reporting periods on a consistent basis, as these measures remove from operating results the impact of items that, in our opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. We believe that our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts with the same information that we use internally for purposes of assessing our core operating performance. The Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for the information provided by GAAP financial results. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see the reconciliation included herein.

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Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2022

Revenues

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $707.6 million, compared with $764.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $57.1 million or 7.5%. CMM revenues decreased $35.7 million, primarily due to weaker demand and lower average pricing on mature products shipped into the mobile market, partially offset by higher demand from ear, IoT, and compute markets. PD revenues decreased $21.5 million, primarily due to lower demand from the industrial, communication, distribution, medtech, and defense markets as a result of continued demand weakness associated with excess customer and channel inventory and timing of shipments into the defense market, partially offset by our acquisition of CD. MSA revenues increased $0.1 million, primarily due to higher shipping volumes into the premium audio market, partially offset by lower shipping volumes into the hearing health market as customers reduced their inventory levels. In addition, shipping volumes were unfavorably impacted earlier this year by financial incentives offered to customers resulting in higher shipping volumes in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold ("COGS") for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $435.5 million, compared with $455.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $20.2 million or 4.4%. This decrease was primarily due to product cost reductions, lower shipping volumes, benefits of prior year restructuring actions, and favorable foreign currency exchange rate changes, partially offset by our acquisition of CD and lower factory capacity utilization.

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Fixed Assets

As a result of transitioning to our next generation of MEMS wafer manufacturing technology, we sold certain machinery and equipment related to the CMM segment during the year ended December 31, 2023 and recorded a gain of $10.0 million. There was a $0.5 million loss on the sale of unrelated equipment during the year ended December 31, 2022. For additional information, refer to Note 6. Property, Plant, and Equipment, net to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Restructuring Charges

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a $1.0 million gain on the sale of certain machinery and equipment that was previously written off through restructuring charges and a $1.5 million reversal of restructuring charges related to changes in estimates, all within the CMM Segment. We also recorded restructuring charges of $2.5 million for severance pay and benefits related to headcount reductions and for costs associated with transferring certain capacitors manufacturing to existing facilities to further optimize operations within the PD segment. In addition, we recorded $1.4 million for severance pay and benefits related to headcount reductions within the CMM segment and $0.8 million for Corporate charges during the year ended December 31, 2023. These actions resulted in a $1.3 million credit within Gross profit and the remaining $3.5 million of expense within Operating expenses. For additional information, refer to Note 10. Restructuring and Related Activities to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we committed to two restructuring programs within our CMM segment designed to rightsize manufacturing capacity and operating expenses in the MEMS microphones product line. These actions were taken in light of the current decline in demand and the reduction in the expected future growth for global consumer electronics. In addition, these restructuring programs further the Company's previously announced strategy to reduce exposure to commodity microphones and increase emphasis on high-value solutions. These actions resulted in the settlement of supplier obligations, non-cash fixed asset write-offs, and severance pay. We recorded restructuring charges of $39.0 million related to these actions and $0.6 million for other costs. In addition, we recorded restructuring charges of $2.2 million to rationalize the Intelligent Audio product line workforce, which is also included within the CMM segment. As a result, we recorded total restructuring charges of $32.2 million within Gross profit and $9.6 million within Operating expenses. For additional information, refer to Note 10. Restructuring and Related Activities to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Profit

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $283.4 million, compared with $276.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $7.1 million or 2.6%. Gross profit margin (gross profit as a percentage of revenues) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 40.1%, compared with 36.1% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to lower restructuring charges, product cost reductions, benefits of prior year restructuring actions, the gain on sale of fixed assets, and favorable foreign currency exchange rate changes, partially offset by lower factory capacity utilization, lower average pricing on mature products shipped into the mobile market, lower shipping volumes, and unfavorable product mix. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to lower restructuring charges, product cost reductions, benefits of prior year restructuring actions, the gain on sale of fixed assets, and favorable foreign currency exchange rate changes, partially offset by lower factory capacity utilization, lower average pricing on mature products shipped into the mobile market, and unfavorable product mix.

Non-GAAP gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $285.4 million, compared with $310.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $24.7 million or 8.0%. Non-GAAP gross profit margin (non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of revenues) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 40.3%, compared with 40.6% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in non-GAAP gross profit was primarily due to lower factory capacity utilization, lower average pricing on mature products shipped into the mobile market, lower shipping volumes, and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by product cost reductions, benefits of prior year restructuring actions, the gain on sale of fixed assets, and favorable foreign currency exchange rate changes. The decrease in non-GAAP gross profit margin was primarily due to lower factory capacity utilization, lower average pricing on mature products shipped into the mobile market, and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by product cost reductions, benefits of prior year restructuring actions, the gain on sale of fixed assets, and favorable foreign currency exchange rate changes.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $78.5 million and $81.7 million, respectively, a decrease of $3.2 million or 3.9%. Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were 11.1% and 10.7%, respectively. The decrease in expenses was primarily driven by reduced spending in our CMM segment driven by the benefits of prior year restructuring actions, partially offset by increased development activities in our MSA and PD segments as we continue to shift our focus and spending to our higher margin businesses. In addition, our acquisition of the CD business increased expenses in our PD segment. The increase in expenses as a percentage of revenues was driven by our lower revenues.

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Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $150.3 million, compared with $128.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $21.4 million or 16.6%. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were 21.2% and 16.9%, respectively. The increase in expenses was primarily driven by higher professional service fees and our acquisition of CD. The increase in expenses as a percentage of revenues was driven by an increase in expenses and our lower revenues.

Impairment Charges

There were no impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2023. Impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $470.9 million, related to goodwill impairment charges for the CMM reporting unit. For additional information related to these impairment charges, refer to Note 4. Impairment Charges to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $5.4 million, compared with $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $1.5 million or 38.5%. The increase was primarily due to imputed interest expense on our Seller Note in 2023, a higher outstanding revolving credit facility balance, and higher interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2023. For additional information on borrowings and interest expense, refer to Note 12. Borrowings to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Other Expense (Income), net

Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $0.7 million, compared with income of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a change of $1.2 million. Expense in 2023 primarily represents unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impacts. Income in 2022 primarily represents favorable impacts from foreign currency exchange rate changes, partially offset by an adjustment to pre-spin-off pension obligations.

(Benefit from) Provision for Income Taxes and Non-GAAP Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate ("ETR") for the year ended December 31, 2023 was (60.9)% or a $27.4 million tax benefit, compared with (2.8)% or a $11.9 million tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2023 the change in the ETR was primarily due to the impact of intangible property transfers and the release of a portion of the valuation allowance in the U.S., compared to the nondeductible goodwill impairment recorded during 2022. The change in ETR was also impacted by the mix of earnings and losses by taxing jurisdictions.

The non-GAAP ETR for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 18.1% or a $18.2 million tax provision, compared with 13.9% or a $19.2 million tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in the non-GAAP ETR was primarily due to lower pre-tax earnings and the loss of our Malaysian tax holiday.

Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations

Earnings from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $72.4 million, compared with a loss of $430.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $502.5 million. As described above, the increase is primarily due to impairment charges in 2022 that did not recur in 2023, higher gross profit, and a benefit from income taxes, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

Earnings (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Interest and Income Taxes

Earnings before interest and income taxes from continuing operations ("EBIT") for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $50.4 million, compared with a loss of $414.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $464.7 million or 112.2%. EBIT margin (EBIT from continuing operations as a percentage of revenues) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 7.1%, compared with (54.2)% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The change is primarily due to impairment charges recorded in 2022 that did not recur in 2023 and higher gross profit, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

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Adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes ("Adjusted EBIT") from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $105.8 million, compared with $142.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $36.6 million or 25.7%. Adjusted EBIT margin (adjusted EBIT from continuing operations as a percentage of revenues) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 15.0%, compared with 18.6% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decreases were primarily due to lower non-GAAP gross profit, partially offset by higher non-GAAP operating expenses.

Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net

There was no activity during 2023 or 2022.

Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Continuing Operations and Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings per Share

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.79 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with a loss of $4.69 for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $5.48. As described above, the change is primarily due to impairment charges recorded in 2022 that did not recur in 2023, higher gross profit, and a tax benefit in 2023, partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses.

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $0.88, compared with $1.26 for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $0.38. As described above, the decrease was primarily due to lower non-GAAP gross profit and higher non-GAAP operating expenses.

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Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1)

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(1) In addition to the GAAP financial measures included herein, Knowles has presented certain non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain amounts that are included in the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Knowles believes that non-GAAP measures are useful as supplements to its GAAP results of operations to evaluate certain aspects of its operations and financial performance, and its management team primarily focuses on non-GAAP items in evaluating Knowles' performance for business planning purposes. Knowles also believes that these measures assist it with comparing its performance between various reporting periods on a consistent basis, as these measures remove from operating results the impact of items that, in Knowles' opinion, do not reflect its core operating performance. Knowles believes that its presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts with the same information that Knowles uses internally for purposes of assessing its core operating performance.

(2)    Production transfer costs represent costs incurred to migrate manufacturing to facilities primarily within the United States. These amounts are included in the corresponding Gross profit and Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes for each period presented.

(3)    In 2023, these expenses are related to the acquisition of CD by the PD segment. In 2021, these expenses are related to the acquisition of IMC by the PD segment. These expenses principally include costs incurred by the Company to carry out these transactions as well as ongoing costs to facilitate integration.

(4)    In 2023, Other expenses include non-recurring professional service fees related to an execution of a reorganization. In addition, Other expenses include the ongoing net lease cost (income) related to facilities not used in operations. In 2022, Other expenses represent an adjustment to pre-spin-off pension obligations of $3.4 million, which was recorded during the second quarter of 2022 in the Other (income) expense, net line on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and the ongoing net lease cost related to facilities not used in operations. In 2021, Other expenses represent the ongoing net lease cost related to facilities not used in operations.

(5) Under GAAP in effect for the Company through 2021, certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) upon conversion were required to be separately accounted for as liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instrument in a manner that reflected the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. Accordingly, for GAAP purposes we were required to recognize imputed interest expense on the Company’s $172.5 million of convertible senior notes due November 1, 2021 that were issued in a private placement in May 2016. The imputed interest rate for the convertible notes was 8.12%, while the actual coupon interest rate of the notes was 3.25%. The difference between the imputed interest expense and the coupon interest expense was excluded from management’s assessment of the Company’s operating performance because management believes that this non-cash expense was not indicative of its core, ongoing operating performance.

(6)    Income tax effects of non-GAAP reconciling adjustments are calculated using the applicable tax rates in the jurisdictions of the underlying adjustments. These adjustments include the impact of one-time tax benefits.

(7)    The non-GAAP reconciling adjustments are those adjustments made to reconcile Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest and income taxes to Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes.

(8)    The number of shares used in the diluted per share calculations on a non-GAAP basis excludes the impact of stock-based compensation expense expected to be incurred in future periods and not yet recognized in the financial statements, which would otherwise be assumed to be used to repurchase shares under the GAAP treasury stock method. In addition, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions that expired in 2021 upon maturity of the convertible notes to offset any potential dilution from the convertible notes. Although the anti-dilutive impact of the convertible note hedges is not reflected under GAAP, the Company includes the anti-dilutive impact of the convertible note hedges in non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding, if applicable.

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Segment Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2022

Precision Devices

Revenues

PD revenues were $221.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $242.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $21.5 million or 8.9%. Revenues decreased primarily due to lower demand from the industrial, communication, distribution, medtech, and defense markets, as a result of continued demand weakness associated with excess customer and channel inventory and timing of shipments into the defense market, partially offset by our acquisition of CD.

Earnings and Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Interest and Income Taxes

PD EBIT from continuing operations was $25.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $56.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $31.1 million or 55.4%. EBIT margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 11.3%, compared with 23.1% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decreases were primarily due to lower revenues, lower gross profit margin, and increased operating expenses, partially offset by the absence of adjustments to pre-spin-off pension obligations in 2023. The gross profit margin decrease was primarily driven by lower factory capacity utilization, partially offset by product cost reductions and a decrease in precious metal costs.

PD Adjusted EBIT was $40.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $67.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $27.4 million or 40.4%. Adjusted EBIT margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 18.3%, compared with 28.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decreases were primarily due to lower revenues and non-GAAP gross profit margin. The non-GAAP gross profit margin decrease was primarily driven by lower factory capacity utilization, partially offset by product cost reductions and a decrease in precious metal costs.

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MedTech & Specialty Audio

Revenues

MSA revenues were $230.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $229.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $0.1 million. Revenues increased primarily due to higher shipping volumes into the premium audio market, partially offset by lower shipping volumes into the hearing health market as customers reduced their inventory levels. In addition, shipping volumes were unfavorably impacted earlier this year by financial incentives offered to customers resulting in higher shipping volumes in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Earnings and Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Interest and Income Taxes

MSA EBIT from continuing operations was $85.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $84.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $0.6 million or 0.7%. EBIT margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 37.0%, compared with 36.8% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increases were primarily due to higher gross profit margin, partially offset by higher operating expenses. The higher gross profit margin was driven by product cost reductions and favorable foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by lower factory capacity utilization.

MSA Adjusted EBIT was $88.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $87.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $1.2 million or 1.4%. Adjusted EBIT margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 38.6%, compared with 38.1% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increases were primarily due to higher non-GAAP gross profit margin, partially offset by higher non-GAAP operating expenses. The higher non-GAAP gross profit margin was driven by product cost reductions and favorable foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by lower factory capacity utilization.

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Consumer MEMS Microphones

Revenues

CMM revenues were $256.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $291.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $35.7 million or 12.2%. Revenues decreased primarily due to weaker demand and lower average pricing on mature products shipped into the mobile market, partially offset by higher demand from ear, IoT, and compute markets. In addition, shipping volumes were unfavorably impacted earlier this year by financial incentives offered to customers resulting in higher shipping volumes in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Earnings (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Interest and Income Taxes

CMM EBIT from continuing operations was $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with a loss of $504.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $518.1 million or 102.7%. EBIT margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 5.3%, compared to a loss of 172.8% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to impairment charges in 2022 that did not recur in 2023, higher gross margins, and lower operating expenses, partially offset by lower revenues. The higher gross profit margin was driven by lower restructuring charges, benefits of prior year restructuring actions, the gain on sale of fixed assets, product cost reductions, and favorable foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by lower average pricing on mature products shipped into the mobile market, decreased factory capacity utilization, and unfavorable product mix.

CMM Adjusted EBIT was $23.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with $20.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $3.5 million or 17.5%. Adjusted EBIT margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 9.2%, compared with 6.9% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increases were primarily due to higher non-GAAP gross profit margins and lower non-GAAP operating expenses, partially offset by lower revenues. The higher non-GAAP gross profit margin was driven by benefits of prior year restructuring actions, the gain on sale of fixed assets, product cost reductions, and favorable foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by lower average pricing on mature products shipped into the mobile market, decreased factory capacity utilization, and unfavorable product mix.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, we have generated and expect to continue to generate positive cash flow from operations. Our ability to fund our operations and capital needs will depend on our ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and access to capital markets. We believe that our future cash flow from operations and access to capital markets will provide adequate resources to fund our working capital needs, capital expenditures, strategic investments, and share repurchases. We have secured a revolving line of credit in the United States from a syndicate of commercial banks to provide additional liquidity. Furthermore, if we were to require additional cash above and beyond our cash on the balance sheet, the free cash flow generated by the business, and availability under our revolving credit facility, we would most likely seek to raise long-term financing through the U.S. debt or bank markets.

Due to the global nature of our operations, a significant portion of our cash is generated and typically held outside the United States. Our cash and cash equivalents totaled $87.3 million and $48.2 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Of these amounts, cash held by our non-U.S. operations totaled $71.8 million and $40.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. To the extent we repatriate these funds to the U.S., we may be required to pay U.S. state income taxes and applicable foreign withholding taxes on those amounts during the period when such repatriation occurs. Management will continue to reassess our need to repatriate the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries.

On November 1, 2023, we acquired (i) all the issued and outstanding shares of Kaplan Electronics, Inc. and (ii) certain assets of Cornell Dubilier Electronics, Inc. and CD Aero, LLC (collectively, "Cornell Dubilier" or "CD") for aggregate consideration of $259.8 million, which equated to a total fair value of consideration transferred of $246.8 million. This acquisition's operations are included in the PD segment. For additional information, refer to Note 3. Acquisitions to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

On September 25, 2023, the Company amended its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "A&R Credit Agreement") to, among other things, (a) permit the Company in connection with the acquisition of Cornell Dubilier, to incur senior priority seller financing indebtedness (the “Seller Note”) in an aggregate principal amount of $122.9 million secured by certain assets (including equity interests) acquired in connection with such acquisition and the capital stock of Cornell Dubilier, LLC (the “Acquisition Assets”), which shall mature two years after the effective date of such Seller Note (the “Seller Note Maturity Date”), (b) extends the requirement to pledge the Acquisition Assets that would otherwise constitute collateral under the Credit Agreement to the date that is 90 days after the Seller Note Maturity Date, and (c) restricts, until the Seller Note Maturity Date, the amount of dispositions and investments from the Company and certain of its subsidiaries into Cornell Dubilier, LLC and the acquired subsidiaries that constitute Acquisition Assets from exceeding $80.0 million in the aggregate. All other terms remain the same as the A&R Credit Agreement dated February 8, 2023.

On February 8, 2023, we entered into the A&R Credit Agreement that amends and restates the prior Credit Agreement (the "2020 Credit Agreement"), which provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility with borrowings in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $400.0 million. As of December 31, 2023, outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility were $160.0 million. At any time during the term of the Credit Facility, we will be permitted to increase the commitments under the Credit Facility or to establish one or more incremental term loan facilities under the New Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $200.0 million for all such incremental facilities. Commitments under the Credit Facility will terminate, and loans outstanding thereunder will mature, on February 8, 2028. For additional information, refer to Note 12. Borrowings to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

On May 3, 2021, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of IMC for $81.4 million. The acquired business provides RF filters to the defense, industrial, and communications markets. The acquisition's operations are included in the PD segment. For additional information, refer to Note 3. Acquisitions to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

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On February 24, 2020, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock. On April 28, 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors had increased the authorization by up to $150 million in additional aggregate value. At December 31, 2023, we have $97.7 million remaining that may yet be purchased under our share repurchase program. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased will be determined by us based on our evaluation of market conditions and other factors, and will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws in either the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. We are not obligated to purchase any shares under the program, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The actual timing, number, and share price of shares repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of our common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements. Any shares repurchased will be held as treasury stock. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 we repurchased 2,851,604, 2,339,045, and 2,139,413 shares of common stock, respectively, for a total of $47.5 million, $44.0 million, and $44.5 million, respectively.

Cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities as reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are presented on a consolidated basis (including discontinued operations). Cash flows are summarized in the following table:

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities adjusts net earnings for certain non-cash items, including impairment charges, depreciation expense, amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, changes in deferred income taxes, and the effects of changes in operating assets and liabilities. The increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2023 as compared to 2022 is primarily due to a reduction in working capital and lower incentive compensation payments in 2023, partially offset by payments for previously accrued expenses, including lease and restructuring liabilities. In addition, after adjusting for non-cash expense items, net earnings were lower due primarily to an increase in professional fees. The favorable changes in working capital in 2023 were primarily driven by an increase in accounts payable and a reduction in inventories.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities is primarily used for acquisitions and capital expenditures. The cash used in investing activities during 2023 was primarily driven by the acquisition of CD, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of certain machinery and equipment. The 2023 and 2022 capital expenditures supported product innovation and cost savings. Capital expenditures were lower in 2023 as compared to 2022.

Our 2023 and 2022 capital expenditures as a percentage of revenues were 2.4% and 4.2%, respectively. In 2024, we expect capital expenditures to be in the range of 3.0% to 4.0% of revenues. We expect to fund these capital expenditures through our existing cash balances and cash flows from operating activities.

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities during 2023 is primarily related to the $115.0 million net borrowing of revolving credit facility, $47.5 million of repurchases of common stock, and the $6.2 million payment of taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards. Cash used in financing activities during 2022 was primarily related to the $44.0 million of repurchases of common stock, $25.0 million net repayment of revolving credit facility, and the $6.9 million payment of taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards, partially offset by proceeds of $7.5 million from the exercise of options.

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Free Cash Flow

In addition to measuring our cash flow generation and usage based upon the operating, investing, and financing classifications included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, we also measure free cash flow and free cash flow as a percentage of revenues. Free cash flow is calculated as cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. Our management believes these measures are useful in measuring our cash generated from operations that is available to repay debt, fund acquisitions, and repurchase Knowles’ common stock. Free cash flow and free cash flow as a percentage of revenues are not GAAP measures and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in our industry. As such, free cash flow and free cash flow as a percentage of revenues should not be considered in isolation from, or as an alternative to, any other liquidity measures determined in accordance with GAAP.

Our PD segment is not typically subject to seasonality. Our MSA segment tends to have stronger revenues in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, while our CMM segment, which serves the consumer electronics market, varies based on the timing of OEM product launches and can impact our quarterly revenues, earnings, and cash flow.

The following table reconciles our free cash flow to cash flow provided by operating activities:

In 2023, we generated free cash flow of $105.8 million, representing 15.0% of revenues, compared to free cash flow in 2022 of $54.2 million, representing 7.1% of revenues. The increase in free cash flow in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to a reduction in working capital, lower incentive compensation payments in 2023, and a decrease in capital expenditures, partially offset by payments for previously accrued expenses and an increase in professional fees.

Contingent Obligations

From time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of its business. Legal contingencies are discussed in Note 15. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities to our Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

A summary of our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2023 and the years when these obligations are expected to be due is as follows:

[table omitted - see filing]