Vistance Networks, Inc. (VISN)
SIC breadcrumb: Manufacturing > Electronic And Other Electrical Equipment And Components, Except Computer Equipment > SIC 3663 Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1517228. Latest filing source: 0001193125-26-072523.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read VISN's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read VISN's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income | 2,283,700,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-26 |
| Assets | 9,371,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-26 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-26. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001517228.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income | 222,838,000 | 193,800,000 | 140,200,000 | -929,500,000 | -573,400,000 | -462,600,000 | -1,286,900,000 | -1,506,800,000 | -315,500,000 | 2,283,700,000 |
| Operating income | 567,639,000 | 472,000,000 | 450,000,000 | -508,500,000 | -51,800,000 | 196,600,000 | -935,300,000 | -659,600,000 | -291,700,000 | 47,600,000 |
| Gross profit | 1,705,500,000 | 1,633,300,000 | 2,404,100,000 | 2,747,800,000 | 2,439,600,000 | 1,985,600,000 | 900,300,000 | 605,100,000 | 955,900,000 | |
| Diluted EPS | 1.13 | 0.98 | 0.72 | -5.02 | -3.20 | -2.55 | -6.49 | -7.44 | -1.78 | 9.63 |
| Operating cash flow | 640,221,000 | 586,300,000 | 494,100,000 | 596,400,000 | 436,200,000 | 122,300,000 | 190,000,000 | 297,300,000 | 273,100,000 | 322,900,000 |
| Capital expenditures | 68,314,000 | 68,700,000 | 82,300,000 | 104,100,000 | 121,200,000 | 131,400,000 | 101,300,000 | 60,700,000 | 25,300,000 | 70,300,000 |
| Assets | 7,141,986,000 | 7,041,666,000 | 6,630,500,000 | 14,431,600,000 | 13,576,800,000 | 13,259,500,000 | 11,685,400,000 | 9,332,500,000 | 8,747,500,000 | 9,371,000,000 |
| Liabilities | 5,747,902,000 | 5,393,840,000 | 4,873,700,000 | 12,595,300,000 | 12,180,000,000 | 12,360,000,000 | 12,131,100,000 | 11,195,100,000 | 10,976,300,000 | 9,096,400,000 |
| Stockholders' equity | 1,394,084,000 | 1,647,900,000 | 1,756,800,000 | 836,300,000 | 355,000,000 | -156,600,000 | -1,546,000,000 | -3,024,700,000 | -3,456,100,000 | -1,004,100,000 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 428,200,000 | 454,000,000 | 458,200,000 | 598,200,000 | 521,900,000 | 360,300,000 | 373,000,000 | 500,300,000 | 404,100,000 | 754,400,000 |
| Free cash flow | 571,907,000 | 517,600,000 | 411,800,000 | 492,300,000 | 315,000,000 | -9,100,000 | 88,700,000 | 236,600,000 | 247,800,000 | 252,600,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return on assets | 3.12% | 2.75% | 2.11% | -6.44% | -4.22% | -3.49% | -11.01% | -16.15% | -3.61% | 24.37% |
| Current ratio | 2.32 | 2.69 | 2.72 | 1.72 | 1.72 | 1.64 | 1.77 | 2.01 | 2.83 | 3.88 |
Industry Peer Context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001193125-26-072523; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001193125-26-072523; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001193125-26-072523; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-072523; filed 2026-02-26. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-04-30. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001517228.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | -0.36 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | 0.04 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 2,001,500,000 | -0.06 | reported discrete quarter | |
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 1,918,400,000 | -100,400,000 | -0.55 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 1,599,500,000 | -828,700,000 | -3.98 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 269,800,000 | -525,200,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 1,168,400,000 | -359,200,000 | -1.77 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 1,386,900,000 | 44,400,000 | 0.13 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 1,082,200,000 | -33,000,000 | -0.23 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 1,169,100,000 | 32,300,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 1,112,200,000 | 784,000,000 | 2.88 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 1,388,100,000 | 31,800,000 | 0.06 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 1,629,700,000 | 108,400,000 | 0.39 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 1,359,500,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | ||
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 471,800,000 | 5,508,000,000 | 23.15 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-193963; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-193963; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-193963; filed 2026-04-30. 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: 0001193125-26-193963.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following narrative is an analysis of the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. The discussion is provided to increase the understanding of, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this report, as well as the audited consolidated financial statements, related notes thereto and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, including management’s discussion and analysis regarding the application of critical accounting policies and the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (2025 Annual Report).
We discuss certain financial measures in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, including adjusted EBITDA, that differ from measures calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” included below for more information about these non-GAAP financial measures, including our reasons for including the measures and material limitations with respect to the usefulness of the measures.
Overview
We are a global provider of infrastructure solutions for communication, data center and entertainment networks. Our solutions for wired and wireless networks enable service providers, including cable, telephone and digital broadcast satellite operators and media programmers, to deliver media, voice, Internet Protocol (IP) data services and Wi-Fi to their subscribers and allow enterprises to experience constant wireless and wired connectivity across complex and varied networking environments. Our solutions are complemented by services including technical support, systems design and integration. We are a leader in digital video and IP television distribution systems, broadband access infrastructure platforms and equipment that delivers data and voice networks to homes. Our global leadership position is built upon innovative technology, broad solution offerings, high-quality and cost-effective customer solutions, and global manufacturing and distribution scale.
Following the divestiture of the CCS segment that was completed on January 9, 2026, we initiated a new restructuring plan to right-size its cost structure and align operations with its revised business scope. As a result of this transaction, the new restructuring plan and our prior transformation initiative, we incurred $9.6 million and $11.2 million of net restructuring costs and $10.7 million and $4.3 million of transaction, transformation and integration costs during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. We expect to continue to incur such costs during 2026 as we continue executing on our current transformation initiative, and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
In addition to the divestiture of the CCS segment, we completed the divestitures of our Home business, Outdoor Wireless Networks (OWN) segment and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) business unit during 2025 and 2024. Unless otherwise noted, the following discussions relate solely to our continuing operations. For further discussion of the discontinued operations related to our CCS segment, OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home business, see Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our continuing operations results include general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the CCS segment, OWN segment and DAS business unit. These indirect costs, reflected on the corporate and other line item within our segment information below, are classified as continuing operations, since the costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, the corporate and other costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business unit have been reallocated to our remaining segments and partially offset by income from our transition service agreement with Amphenol Corporation (Amphenol TSA). The corporate and other costs related to the CCS segment have been reallocated to our remaining segments and partially offset by income from our Amphenol TSA beginning in the first quarter of 2026.
Additionally, below we refer to certain supplementary Core financial measures, which reflect the results of the RUCKUS and Aurora segments, in the aggregate, and exclude general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the CCS segment, OWN segment and DAS business unit, since these costs were not directly attributable to the discontinued operations. The Core results represent the business results as currently managed and reported by the Company. Future results and the composition of any business divested in the future may vary and differ materially from the presentation of the Core financial measures. See the “Segment Results” section below for the aggregation of our Core financial measures.
26
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our 2025 Annual Report.
COMPARISON OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2026 WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 471.8 | 100.0 | % | $ | 388.1 | 100.0 | % | $ | 83.7 | 21.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 233.7 | 49.5 | 197.6 | 50.9 | 36.1 | 18.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 23.7 | 5.0 | (16.3 | ) | (4.2 | ) | 40.0 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Core operating income (loss) (1) | 23.7 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 1.3 | 18.5 | 355.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (2) | 87.3 | 18.5 | 47.2 | 12.2 | 40.1 | 85.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Core adjusted EBITDA (1) (2) | 87.3 | 18.5 | 63.1 | 16.3 | 24.2 | 38.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income from continuing operations | 231.7 | 49.1 | 341.1 | 87.9 | (109.4 | ) | (32.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings from continuing operations per share | $ | 0.97 | $ | 1.25 | $ | (0.28 | ) | (22.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
(1)
Core financial measures reflect the results of the RUCKUS and Aurora segments, in the aggregate, and exclude general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the CCS segment, OWN segment and DAS business unit, since these costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, these costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business unit have been reallocated to our remaining segments and partially offset by income from our Amphenol TSA. These costs related to the CCS segment have been reallocated to our remaining segments and partially offset by income from our Amphenol TSA beginning in the first quarter of 2026. See “Segment Results” section below for the aggregation of our Core financial measures.
(2)
See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Net sales
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 471.8 | $ | 388.1 | $ | 83.7 | 21.6 | % | ||||||||
| Domestic | 327.7 | 264.1 | 63.6 | 24.1 | ||||||||||||
| International | 144.1 | 124.0 | 20.1 | 16.2 |
Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2026 increased $83.7 million, or 21.6% compared to the prior year period primarily driven by increased sales volumes partially offset by lower pricing. The increase in net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was driven by higher net sales of $73.4 million in the Aurora segment and $10.3 million in the RUCKUS segment.
From a regional perspective, for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the prior year period, net sales increased in the U.S. by $63.6 million, the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by $19.3 million and the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by $14.4 million, but decreased in Canada by $9.0 million and the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region by $4.6 million. Net sales to customers located outside of the U.S. comprised 30.5% of total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to 32.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on our net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the prior year period. For additional information on regional sales by segment, see “Segment Results” below and Note 6 in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
27
Gross profit, TSA income, SG&A expense and R&D expense
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 233.7 | $ | 197.6 | $ | 36.1 | 18.3 | % | ||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 49.5 | % | 50.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| TSA income | 1.1 | 8.7 | (7.6 | ) | (87.4 | ) | ||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 0.2 | % | 2.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| SG&A expense | 109.2 | 108.9 | 0.3 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 23.1 | % | 28.1 | % | ||||||||||||
| R&D expense | 58.2 | 66.2 | (8.0 | ) | (12.1 | ) | ||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 12.3 | % | 17.1 | % |
Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales)
Gross profit increased by $36.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to the prior year period primarily due to increased net sales volumes and lower input costs.
Transition service agreement income
Transition service agreement (TSA) income is related to the TSA we entered into with Amphenol in conjunction with the closing of the transactions to divest of the CCS segment, OWN segment and DAS business unit. Under the TSAs, we provide and receive certain post-closing support on a transitional basis. The TSAs have varying terms for duration, depending on the services provided thereunder, and provide for options to extend. For additional information related to the TSAs, see Note 2 in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Selling, general and administrative expense
For the three months ended March 31, 2026, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense increased by $0.3 million, but decreased as a percentage of sales, compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to increased variable incentive compensation expense of $2.2 million and higher transaction costs of $6.4 million, mostly offset by a reduction in legal expense of $6.6 million and various other costs.
Research and development expense
Research and development (R&D) expense for three months ended March 31, 2026 decreased by $8.0 million due to lower spending within both the RUCKUS and Aurora segments, compared to the prior year period. R&D activities generally involve ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the evolving technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to mar
[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
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared with the year ended December 31, 2024. This comparison should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” included in Part I, Item 1A or in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2025.
OVERVIEW
We are a global provider of infrastructure solutions for communication, data center and entertainment networks. Our solutions for wired and wireless networks enable service providers, including cable, telephone and digital broadcast satellite operators and media programmers, to deliver media, voice, Internet Protocol (IP) data services and Wi-Fi to their subscribers and allow enterprises to experience constant wireless and wired connectivity across complex and varied networking environments. Our solutions are complemented by services including technical support, systems design and integration. We are a leader in digital video and IP television distribution systems, broadband access infrastructure platforms and equipment that delivers data and voice networks to homes. Our global leadership position is built upon innovative technology, broad solution offerings, high-quality and cost-effective customer solutions, and global manufacturing and distribution scale.
Since 2021, we have been engaged in a transformation initiative designed to drive shareholder value through three pillars: profitable growth, operational efficiency and portfolio optimization. We continue to focus on driving operational efficiencies and other cost savings initiatives, as well as portfolio optimization, all of which enabled us to take advantage of the recovery in demand that we started to see beginning in late 2024 and continuing through 2025. We continue to analyze the impacts of the recently announced tariffs under the current U.S. administration; however, we believe we have a manageable plan in place to prepare for potential impacts. Our approach of focusing on matters in our control has driven improved results in 2025 and will remain our focus into 2026. As a result, we incurred $19.7 million, $36.7 million and $29.4 million of net restructuring costs and $29.9 million, $63.4 million and $27.1 million of transaction, transformation and integration costs during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, primarily related to our transformation initiative. We expect to continue to incur such costs during 2026 as we continue executing on our transformation initiative, and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we executed several strategic transactions that are further described in Note 3 and Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These transactions included the acquisition of certain assets of Casa Systems, Inc. (Casa), as well as multiple divestitures, including the Home business, the Outdoor Wireless Networks (OWN) segment, the Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) business unit, the OneCell business, and the Connectivity and Cable Solutions (CCS) segment. Several of these divestitures met the criteria for discontinued operations under Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 205‑20, Presentation of Financial Statements—Discontinued Operations and "held for sale" classification under ASC 360-10, Impairment and Disposal of Long Lived Assets. Detailed financial information, gain or loss recognition, held for sale measurements, and the related balance sheet, statement of operations, and statement of cash flow impacts are included within those notes.
Segment Renaming
Effective April 1, 2025, following the divestiture of the DAS business unit, we renamed our Networking, Intelligent Cellular & Security Solutions (NICS) segment to RUCKUS. The name change did not impact our operating or reportable segment structure, chief operating decision maker (CODM) reporting, or historical segment results. Historical activities occurring prior to the effective date are referenced under the former NICS name.
In connection with the divestiture of the CCS segment, and effective upon the closing of that transaction on January 9, 2026, we renamed our Access Network Solutions (ANS) segment to Aurora Networks (Aurora). The name change did not alter our operating or reportable segments, the information reviewed by the CODM, or previously reported segment results. Historical activities occurring prior to the effective date are referenced under the former ANS name.
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Operating Segment Realignments
To better align product oversight with how the business is managed:
•
Effective January 1, 2025, a product line was transferred from the RUCKUS (formerly NICS) segment to the Aurora (formerly ANS) segment.
•
Effective January 1, 2024, certain product lines were transferred from the CCS segment (which became a discontinued operation in the fourth quarter of 2025) to the Aurora (formerly ANS) segment.
All prior periods presented have been recast to reflect these organizational changes.
Unless otherwise noted, the following discussions relate solely to our continuing operations. As a result, we are reporting financial performance based on the following remaining reportable segments: RUCKUS and Aurora. For further discussion of the discontinued operations related to our CCS segment, OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home business, see Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our continuing operations results include general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the CCS segment, OWN segment and DAS business unit. These indirect costs, reflected on the corporate and other line item within our segment information below, are classified as continuing operations, since the costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, the corporate and other costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business unit have been reallocated to our remaining segments and partially offset by income from our transition service agreement with Amphenol Corporation (Amphenol TSA). The corporate and other costs related to the CCS segment will be reallocated to our remaining segments beginning in the first quarter of 2026.
Additionally, below we refer to certain supplementary Core financial measures, which reflect the results of the RUCKUS and Aurora segments, in the aggregate, and exclude general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the CCS segment, OWN segment and DAS business unit, since these costs were not directly attributable to the discontinued operations. The Core results represent the business results as currently managed and reported by the Company. Future results and the composition of any business divested in the future may vary and differ materially from the presentation of the Core financial measures. See the “Segment Results” section below for the aggregation of our Core financial measures.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 with the year ended December 31, 2024
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,931.6 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,382.6 | 100.0 | % | $ | 549.0 | 39.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 955.9 | 49.5 | 605.1 | 43.8 | 350.8 | 58.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 47.6 | 2.5 | (291.7 | ) | (21.1 | ) | 339.3 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Core operating income (loss) (1) | 166.7 | 8.6 | (125.6 | ) | (9.1 | ) | 292.3 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (2) | 292.0 | 15.1 | 24.5 | 1.8 | 267.5 | 1,091.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Core adjusted EBITDA (1) | 379.4 | 19.6 | 137.4 | 9.9 | 242.0 | 176.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | 324.3 | 16.8 | (206.0 | ) | (14.9 | ) | 530.3 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share | $ | 1.11 | $ | (1.27 | ) | $ | 2.38 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
(1)
Core financial measures reflect the results of the RUCKUS and Aurora segments, in the aggregate, and exclude general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the CCS segment, OWN segment and DAS business unit, since these costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, these costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business unit have been reallocated to our remaining segments. These costs related to the CCS segment will be reallocated to our remaining segments beginning in the first quarter of 2026. See “Segment Results” section below for the aggregation of our Core financial measures.
(2)
See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Net sales
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,931.6 | $ | 1,382.6 | $ | 549.0 | 39.7 | % | ||||||||
| Domestic | 1,380.7 | 922.5 | 458.2 | 49.7 | ||||||||||||
| International | 550.9 | 460.1 | 90.8 | 19.7 |
Net sales in 2025 increased $549.0 million, or 39.7%, compared to the prior year primarily driven by increased sales volumes, partially offset by lower pricing and unfavorable product mix. The increase was driven by higher net sales in the Aurora segment of $396.9 million and the RUCKUS segment of $152.6 million. For further details by segment, see “Segment Results” below.
From a regional perspective in 2025, net sales increased in the U.S. by $458.2 million, the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by $64.8 million, the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by $30.0 million and Canada by $5.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in the Caribbean and Latin American (CALA) region by $9.5 million. Net sales to customers located outside of the U.S. comprised 28.5% of total net sales for 2025 compared to 33.3% for 2024. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on our net sales during 2025. For additional information on regional sales by segment, see discussion of Segment Results below and Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Gross profit, TSA income, SG&A expense and R&D expense
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 955.9 | $ | 605.1 | $ | 350.8 | 58.0 | % | ||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 49.5 | % | 43.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| TSA income | 35.5 | 24.5 | 11.0 | 44.9 | ||||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 1.8 | % | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| SG&A expense | 497.4 | 472.0 | 25.4 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 25.8 | % | 34.1 | % | ||||||||||||
| R&D expense | 283.5 | 247.5 | 36.0 | 14.5 | ||||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 14.7 | % | 17.9 | % |
Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales)
Gross profit increased in 2025 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher net sales volumes, partially offset by lower pricing, unfavorable product mix and higher input costs.
Transition service agreement income (TSA)
TSA income is related to the Amphenol TSA executed in conjunction with the closing of the transactions to divest of the OWN segment and DAS business unit and the OneCell business, as well as the TSA we entered into with Vantiva in conjunction with the closing of the transaction to divest of the Home business. Under the TSAs, we provide and receive certain post-closing support on a transitional basis. As of the year ended December 31, 2024, the majority of the Vantiva TSA services had ceased. For additional information related to the TSAs, see Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Selling, general and administrative expense
For 2025, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense increased by $25.4 million compared to 2024, primarily due to higher variable incentive compensation expense of $42.0 million and higher realization of cost savings in the prior year related to our transformation initiative, partially offset by lower transaction, transformation and integration costs of $33.5 million.
Research and development expense
Research and development (R&D) expense for 2025 increased by $36.0 million due to higher spending within both the RUCKUS and Aurora segments, but decreased as a percentage of sales, compared to the prior year. R&D activities generally involve ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the evolving technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to market and modifying existing products to better serve our customers.
Amortization of purchased intangible assets, Restructuring costs, net and Other
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | $ | 138.4 | $ | 165.1 | $ | (26.7 | ) | (16.2 | )% | |||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 19.7 | 36.7 | (17.0 | ) | (46.3 | ) | ||||||||||
| Other | 4.8 | — | 4.8 | NM | ||||||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
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Amortization of purchased intangible assets
The amortization of purchased intangible assets was lower in 2025 compared to the prior year because certain of our intangible assets became fully amortized.
Restructuring costs, net
The net restructuring costs recorded in 2025 were primarily related to our transformation initiative. For the year ended December 31, 2025, our net restructuring costs were $19.7 million and we paid $9.5 million to settle restructuring liabilities. We expect to make cash payments of $4.6 million in 2026 and $0.3 million during 2027 to settle our transformation restructuring actions. Additional restructuring actions related to our transformation initiative are expected to be identified, and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
Other
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the change in other represents the pretax loss of $4.8 million on the sale of our OneCell business to Amphenol, which was completed in May 2025. For additional information related to the disposal of our OneCell business, see Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Other income (expense), net
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency gain (loss) | $ | (8.0 | ) | $ | 6.2 | $ | (14.2 | ) | (229.0 | )% | ||||||
| Other income (expense), net | (1.4 | ) | 1.7 | (3.1 | ) | (182.4 | ) |
Foreign currency gain (loss)
Foreign currency gain (loss) includes the net foreign currency gains and losses resulting from the settlement of receivables and payables, foreign currency contracts and short-term intercompany advances in a currency other than the subsidiary’s functional currency. The change in foreign currency gain (loss) in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily driven by certain unhedged currencies.
Other income (expense), net
The change in other income (expense), net in 2025 compared to 2024 was not significant.
Interest expense, Interest income and Income taxes
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 16.7 | $ | 10.9 | $ | 5.8 | 53.2 | % | ||||||||
| Income tax benefit | 269.4 | 66.9 | 202.5 | 302.7 |
Interest expense
In connection with the sale of the CCS segment that was completed subsequent to the fiscal year end on January 9, 2026, we repaid our third‑party debt at closing, and all interest expense was reported within discontinued operations. However, we expect to incur interest expense in the future.
Interest income
The change in interest income in 2025 compared to 2024 was not significant.
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Income tax benefit
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The OBBBA makes permanent key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including 100% bonus depreciation, domestic research cost expensing and expansions to the business interest expense limitation. The effects of OBBBA are reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025.
For 2025, we recognized an income tax benefit of $269.4 million on pretax income of $54.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2025, our income taxes were less than the statutory rate of 21% due to $259.8 million of tax benefit from the release of a valuation allowance as well as the tax benefit associated with federal tax credits. Offsetting these benefits for the year ended December 31, 2025, were non-deductible employee compensation expense of $25.6 million and the unfavorable impacts of U.S. anti-deferral provisions. See Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more discussion of our income taxes.
For 2024, we recognized an income tax benefit of $66.9 million on a pretax loss of $272.9 million. Our tax benefit was more than the statutory rate of 21.0% in 2024 primarily due to tax benefits related to federal tax credits. Our tax benefit was also impacted unfavorably by the U.S. anti-deferral provisions.
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Segment Results
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RUCKUS (1) | $ | 698.9 | 36.2 | % | $ | 546.3 | 39.5 | % | $ | 152.6 | 27.9 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Aurora | 1,232.7 | 63.8 | 835.8 | 60.5 | 396.9 | 47.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other (2) | — | — | 0.5 | — | (0.5 | ) | (100.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 1,931.6 | 100.0 | % | $ | 1,382.6 | 100.0 | % | $ | 549.0 | 39.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RUCKUS (1) | $ | 43.0 | 6.2 | % | $ | (44.8 | ) | (8.2 | ) | % | $ | 87.8 | NM | % | |||||||||||||
| Aurora | 123.7 | 10.0 | (80.8 | ) | (9.7 | ) | 204.5 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Core operating income (loss) (3) | 166.7 | 8.6 | (125.6 | ) | (9.1 | ) | 292.3 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other (2) | (119.1 | ) | NM | (166.1 | ) | NM | 47.0 | (28.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating income (loss) | $ | 47.6 | 2.5 | % | $ | (291.7 | ) | (21.1 | ) | % | $ | 339.3 | NM | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RUCKUS (1) (4) | $ | 127.5 | 18.2 | % | $ | 31.4 | 5.7 | % | $ | 96.1 | 306.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Aurora (4) | 251.9 | 20.4 | 106.0 | 12.7 | 145.9 | 137.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Core adjusted EBITDA (3) (4) | 379.4 | 19.6 | 137.4 | 9.9 | 242.0 | 176.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other (2) | (87.4 | ) | NM | (112.9 | ) | NM | 25.5 | (22.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP consolidated adjusted EBITDA (4) | $ | 292.0 | 15.1 | % | $ | 24.5 | 1.8 | % | $ | 267.5 | 1,091.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
(1)
Includes activity of the OneCell business for periods prior to its disposition.
(2)
The corporate and other line item above primarily reflects general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the OWN segment and DAS business unit. These indirect expenses have been classified as continuing operations, since the costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, the corporate and other costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business unit have been reallocated to our remaining segments and partially offset by income from the Amphenol TSA. The corporate and other costs related to the CCS segment will be reallocated to our remaining segments beginning in the first quarter of 2026.
(3)
Core financial measures reflect the results of the RUCKUS and Aurora segments, in the aggregate, and exclude general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the CCS segment, OWN segment and DAS business unit, since these costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations.
(4)
See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
RUCKUS
Net sales for the RUCKUS segment increased in 2025 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher sales volumes and pricing. From a regional perspective in 2025, net sales increased in the U.S. by $91.1 million, the EMEA region by $37.5 million, the APAC region by $19.3 million, Canada by $4.2 million and the CALA region by $0.5 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on RUCKUS segment net sales during 2025.
For 2025, RUCKUS segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA increased compared to the prior year primarily due to higher sales volumes and pricing, partially offset by higher SG&A, R&D and input costs. In 2025, RUCKUS segment operating income was unfavorably impacted by the pretax loss of $4.8 million on the sale of our OneCell business which is not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
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Aurora
Net sales for our Aurora segment increased in 2025 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher sales volume from an increase in demand. From a regional perspective in 2025, net sales increased in the U.S. by $367.1 million, the EMEA region by $27.8 million, the APAC region by $10.7 million and Canada by $1.3 million, but decreased in the CALA region by $10.0 million. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on Aurora segment net sales during 2025.
For 2025, ANS segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA increased compared to the prior year primarily due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by higher SG&A, R&D and input costs and unfavorable product mix. For 2025, ANS segment operating income was favorably impacted by reductions in amortization expense of $21.7 million, restructuring costs of $21.7 million and transaction, transformation and integration costs of $13.8 million. Amortization expense, restructuring costs and transaction, transformation and integration costs and are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. Also see “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes certain key measures of our liquidity and capital resources:
| 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents (1) | $ | 922.8 | $ | 663.3 | $ | 259.5 | 39.1 | % | |||||||||
| Working capital, net of assets and liabilities held for sale (2) and excluding cash and cash equivalents | 5.7 | 164.2 | (158.5 | ) | (96.5 | ) | |||||||||||
| Availability under Revolving Credit Facility (3) | 584.5 | 449.3 | 135.2 | 30.1 | |||||||||||||
| Long-term debt (3) | 7,260.2 | 9,238.4 | (1,978.2 | ) | (21.4 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total capitalization (4) | 7,534.8 | 7,009.6 | 525.2 | 7.5 | |||||||||||||
| Long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization | 96.4 | % | 131.8 | % |
(1)
Includes cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale of $168.4 million and $259.2 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
(2)
Working capital is net of assets and liabilities held for sale and consists of current assets of $1,471.7 million less current liabilities of $711.6 million as of December 31, 2025 and current assets of $1,148.7 million less current liabilities of $580.4 million as of December 31, 2024.
(3)
In connection with the sale of the CCS segment that was completed subsequent to fiscal year end on January 9, 2026, on the closing date, we repaid in full all outstanding indebtedness using a portion of the proceeds from the transaction and terminated all outstanding commitments under each of our Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of April 4, 2019.
(4)
Total capitalization includes long-term debt, including the current portion, Convertible Preferred Stock and stockholders’ deficit.
Our principal sources of liquidity on a short-term basis are cash and cash equivalents and cash flows provided by operations. On a long-term basis, our potential sources of liquidity also include raising capital through the issuance of equity and/or debt.
The primary uses of liquidity include working capital requirements, capital expenditures, business separation transaction costs, transformation costs, restructuring costs, litigation settlements, income tax payments and other contractual obligations. In connection with the sale of the CCS segment that was completed subsequent to fiscal year end on January 9, 2026, we repaid and issued notices of full redemption of our then-existing indebtedness and redeemed all of the outstanding shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock. Therefore, the uses of liquidity related to the indebtedness and Convertible Preferred Stock that were outstanding as of December 31, 2025, are no longer relevant.
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We currently believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs. However, we may be required to obtain financing in the future to address our liquidity needs, and, subject to market conditions, we may from time to time seek to amend, refinance, restructure, exchange or repurchase our outstanding indebtedness and/or raise equity or other financing. Any debt we incur in the future may have terms (including cash interest rate, financial covenants and covenants limiting our operating flexibility or ability to obtain financings) that are not favorable to us, and any such equity financing may dilute the economic and/or voting interests of our existing stockholders, may be preferred in right of payment to our outstanding common stock or confer other privileges to the holders and may contain financial or operational covenants that restrict our operating flexibility or ability to obtain additional financings. Furthermore, our failure to obtain any necessary financing, or any future amendment, refinancing, restructuring, exchange or repurchases could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity.
We may experience volatility in cash flows between periods due to, among other reasons, variability in the timing of vendor payments and customer receipts. We may, from time to time, seek to obtain alternative sources of financing, by issuing debt or equity securities or incurring other indebtedness, if market conditions are favorable, utilizing trade credit, selling assets (including businesses or business lines) or securitizing receivables to meet future cash needs or to reduce our borrowing costs. Any issuance of equity or debt may be for cash or in exchange for our outstanding securities or indebtedness, or a combination thereof.
Our senior notes and senior secured credit facilities that existed as of December 31, 2025, contained certain limitations and covenants based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” section below, but also giving pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions, synergies and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions. For the year ended December 31, 2025, our non-GAAP pro forma adjusted EBITDA, as measured pursuant to the indentures governing our notes, was $300.8 million, which included annualized savings expected from cost reduction initiatives of $8.8 million so that the impact of cost reduction initiatives is fully reflected in the twelve-month period used in the calculation of the ratios. We believe we were in compliance with the covenants under our then-existing note indentures and senior secured credit facilities at December 31, 2025.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $259.5 million during 2025 as described under the Cash Flow Overview section below. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 8% of our cash and cash equivalents were held outside the U.S.
Working capital, net of assets and liabilities held for sale and excluding cash and cash equivalents, decreased during 2025 compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, as well as a reduction in inventory, partially offset by higher accounts receivable due to increased net sales in 2025. During 2025, we sold accounts receivable under customer-sponsored supplier financing agreements. This had an impact of approximately $12 million on working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents, as of December 31, 2025. Under these agreements, we are able to sell accounts receivable to a bank, and we retain no interest in and have no servicing responsibilities for the accounts receivable sold. The net increase in total capitalization during 2025 reflected the net income for the year.
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Cash Flow Overview
The cash flows related to discontinued operations have not been segregated. Accordingly, the following cash flow overview includes the results of continuing and discontinued operations.
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 322.9 | $ | 273.1 | $ | 49.8 | 18.2 | % | ||||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities | 1,981.6 | (57.2 | ) | 2,038.8 | NM | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (2,053.6 | ) | (83.0 | ) | (1,970.6 | ) | 2,374.2 | % |
NM - Not Meaningful
Operating Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 2,283.7 | $ | (315.5 | ) | |||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash generated by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 277.0 | 370.5 | ||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 42.7 | 29.1 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (1,350.4 | ) | 65.0 | |||||
| Asset impairments | — | 19.2 | ||||||
| (Gain) loss on disposal of discontinued operations | (869.0 | ) | 27.9 | |||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (281.3 | ) | (137.6 | ) | ||||
| Inventories | (92.0 | ) | 152.5 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 9.2 | (55.9 | ) | |||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | 325.7 | 143.5 | ||||||
| Other noncurrent assets | (49.0 | ) | (20.6 | ) | ||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | (37.8 | ) | (18.1 | ) | ||||
| Other | 64.1 | 13.1 | ||||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 322.9 | $ | 273.1 |
During 2025, the increase in net cash generated by operating activities compared to the prior year was primarily driven by improved operating performance and lower cash interest paid, partially offset by additional investment in working capital and higher cash taxes paid in the current year compared to the prior year. For information on significant non-cash operating activities related to our discontinued operations, see Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Investing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Additions to property, plant and equipment | $ | (70.3 | ) | $ | (25.3 | ) | ||
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 10.0 | 0.2 | ||||||
| Net proceeds from divestitures | 2,041.9 | — | ||||||
| Acquisition of a business | — | (45.1 | ) | |||||
| Other | — | 13.0 | ||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities | $ | 1,981.6 | $ | (57.2 | ) |
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During 2025, the increase in net cash generated by investing activities compared to the prior year was primarily driven by net proceeds of $2,034.5 million related to the sale of the OWN segment and DAS business unit to Amphenol, net proceeds of $7.4 million related to the sale of the OneCell business and cash paid in the prior period of $45.1 million related to the Casa Transaction. These favorable impacts were partially offset by unfavorable impacts due to increased capital expenditures of $45.0 million compared to the prior year and proceeds received in the prior year of $13.0 million on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets.
Financing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Long-term debt repaid | $ | (2,049.0 | ) | $ | (4,338.6 | ) | ||
| Long-term debt proceeds | 50.0 | 4,350.0 | ||||||
| Cash paid for debt discount | — | (59.4 | ) | |||||
| Debt issuance costs | (5.7 | ) | (33.1 | ) | ||||
| Dividends paid on Series A convertible preferred stock | (17.6 | ) | — | |||||
| Tax withholding payments for vested equity-based compensation awards | (31.3 | ) | (1.9 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (2,053.6 | ) | $ | (83.0 | ) |
In 2025, we repurchased $299.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.75% senior secured notes due September 1, 2029 and repurchased in full the $1,500.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 6.00% senior secured notes due March 1, 2026. In connection with the debt transactions, we paid $5.7 million of debt issuance costs. We also borrowed $50.0 million and repaid $250.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our asset-based revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility).
In 2024, we completed certain refinancing transactions including the issuance of $1,000 million in aggregate principal amount of our 9.50% senior secured notes due December 15, 2031 and entry into the senior secured term loan facility due December 2029 with an initial aggregate principal amount of $3,150.0 million. We used the net proceeds, together with cash on hand and $200.0 million of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, to refinance the outstanding $3,064.0 million of our then-existing senior secured term loan facility due April 2026 (2026 Term Loan) and redeem all of the approximately $1,274.6 million in outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 6.00% senior notes due 2025. In connection with the refinancing transactions, we paid approximately $59.4 million of original issuance discount and $33.1 million of debt issuance costs. We also paid the quarterly scheduled amortization payments totaling $24.0 million on our 2026 Term Loan.
In 2025, employees surrendered shares of our common stock to satisfy their tax withholding requirements on vested restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs), which reduced cash flows by $31.3 million compared to $1.9 million in the prior year.
In 2025, we paid $17.6 million of cash dividends and $51.3 million of dividends in additional shares due under the Convertible Preferred Stock. In 2024, we paid $65.2 million of dividends in additional shares due under the Convertible Preferred Stock.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
We believe that presenting certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances an investor’s understanding of our financial performance. We further believe that these financial measures are useful in assessing our operating performance from period to period by excluding certain items that we believe are not representative of our core business. We also use certain of these financial measures for business planning purposes and in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors.
We believe these financial measures are commonly used by investors to evaluate our performance and that of our competitors. However, our use of the term “non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA” may vary from that of others in our industry. This financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to operating income (loss), net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP as measures of operating performance, operating cash flows or liquidity.
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Although there were no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes that existed as of December 31, 2025, there were certain limitations based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in this section, but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions.
Consolidated
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 324.3 | $ | (206.0 | ) | $ | (652.8 | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (269.4 | ) | (66.9 | ) | 79.8 | |||||||
| Interest income | (16.7 | ) | (10.9 | ) | (11.1 | ) | ||||||
| Other (income) expense, net | 9.4 | (7.9 | ) | (75.5 | ) | |||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 47.6 | (291.7 | ) | $ | (659.6 | ) | ||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 138.4 | 165.1 | 227.0 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 19.7 | 36.7 | 29.4 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 30.4 | 19.5 | 31.3 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | — | 472.3 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs (1) | 29.9 | 63.4 | 27.1 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments (2) | — | — | 1.3 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | — | — | (3.5 | ) | ||||||||
| Recovery of Russian accounts receivable | — | — | (2.0 | ) | ||||||||
| Cyber incident costs (3) | — | — | 5.5 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 21.2 | 31.5 | 46.4 | |||||||||
| Other (4) | 4.8 | — | — | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA | $ | 292.0 | $ | 24.5 | $ | 175.2 |
(1)
In 2025, 2024 and 2023, primarily reflects transaction costs related to our transformation initiative that began in 2021.
(2)
In 2023, reflects ARRIS International plc acquisition accounting adjustments related to reducing deferred revenue to its estimated fair value.
(3)
In 2023, primarily reflects costs of the identification, investigation, defense, recovery and litigation efforts related to a cyber incident that occurred in late March of 2023.
(4)
In 2025, reflects a pretax loss of $4.8 million related to the sale of our OneCell business.
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Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA is provided as a performance measure in Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Below we reconcile segment adjusted EBITDA for each segment individually to operating income (loss) for that segment to supplement the reconciliation of the total segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated operating income (loss) in that footnote.
The corporate and other line item as presented in Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, primarily reflects general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the CCS segment, OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home segment. These indirect costs are classified as continuing operations since these costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, the corporate and other costs related to the Home segment have been reallocated to our remaining segments and partially offset by income from the Vantiva TSA; those costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business unit have been reallocated to our remaining segments beginning in the first quarter of 2025 and partially offset by income from the Amphenol TSA; and those costs related to the CCS segment will be reallocated to our remaining segments beginning in the first quarter of 2026.
RUCKUS (1)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 43.0 | $ | (44.8 | ) | $ | 58.7 | |||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 50.7 | 50.7 | 50.7 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 4.7 | 2.3 | 7.7 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 8.8 | 6.7 | 9.1 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 11.6 | 10.1 | 6.9 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | — | — | 1.2 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | — | — | (3.5 | ) | ||||||||
| Cyber incident costs | — | — | 0.7 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 4.0 | 6.5 | 9.5 | |||||||||
| Other | 4.8 | — | — | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 127.5 | $ | 31.4 | $ | 140.8 |
(1)
Includes activity of the OneCell business for periods prior to its disposition.
Aurora
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 123.7 | $ | (80.8 | ) | $ | (477.1 | ) | ||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 89.1 | 110.8 | 173.9 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs (credits), net | 11.0 | 32.7 | (6.0 | ) | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 10.1 | 7.2 | 11.5 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | — | 472.3 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 3.7 | 17.5 | 17.3 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | — | — | 0.2 | |||||||||
| Cyber incident costs | — | — | 1.0 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 14.3 | 18.5 | 23.4 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 251.9 | $ | 106.0 | $ | 216.7 |
Note: Components may not sum to total due to rounding.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and their underlying assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other objective sources. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revises its estimates, as appropriate, when changes in events or circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary.
The following critical accounting policies and estimates reflected in our financial statements are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events. While we have generally not experienced significant deviations from our critical estimates in the past, it is reasonably possible that these estimates may ultimately differ materially from actual results. See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of all our significant accounting policies.
Asset Impairment Reviews
Impairment Reviews of Goodwill
We test goodwill at the reporting unit level for impairment annually as of October 1 and on an interim basis when events occur or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value may no longer be recoverable.
We may first elect to perform a qualitative evaluation to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative assessment considers, among other factors, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or strategy, and other entity‑specific events. If, based on the qualitative assessment, we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative impairment test. The quantitative test compares the estimated fair value of our reporting units with the carrying amount, including goodwill. We recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow (DCF) method or, as appropriate, a combination of the DCF method and a market approach known as the guideline public company method. Under the DCF method, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The significant assumptions in the DCF model primarily include, but are not limited to, forecasts of annual revenue growth rates, annual EBITDA margin and the discount rate used to determine the present value of the cash flow projections. When determining these assumptions and preparing these estimates, we consider historical performance trends, terminal growth rates, industry data, insight derived from customers, relevant changes in the reporting unit’s underlying business and other market trends that may affect the reporting unit. The discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital as of the test date of market participants in the industry in which the reporting unit operates and is commensurate with the risk and uncertainty inherent in each reporting unit and in internally developed forecasts. Under the guideline public company method, we estimate the fair value based upon market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. The weighting of the fair value derived from the market approach may vary depending on the level of comparability of these publicly-traded companies to the reporting unit. When comparable public companies are not meaningful or not available, we may estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using only the DCF method.
Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit involves uncertainties because it requires management to develop numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the future growth and potential volatility in revenues and costs, capital expenditures, industry economic factors and future business strategy. Changes in projected revenue growth rates, projected EBITDA margins or estimated discount rates due to uncertain market conditions, loss of one or more key customers, changes in our strategy, changes in technology or other factors could negatively affect the fair value in one or more of our reporting units and result in a material impairment charge in the future.
To assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our reporting units, we also compare the sum of the reporting units’ fair values to our market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units’ fair values over the market capitalization). If the implied control premium is not reasonable, we will reevaluate the fair value estimates of the reporting units by adjusting the discount rates and/or other assumptions.
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2025 Annual Goodwill Analysis
Annual Test
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. The annual test of goodwill impairment was performed for each of the reporting units with goodwill balances as of October 1, 2025. For reporting units within the CCS segment, management elected to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units was less than their carrying amounts. Based on this qualitative assessment, we concluded that no goodwill impairment existed for these reporting units and that a quantitative impairment test was not required. For our remaining reporting units, we determined the fair value of each reporting unit using the DCF model and a guideline public company approach, with 75% of the value determined using the DCF model and 25% of the value determined using the market approach. The discount rates used in our annual test for the year ended December 31, 2025 were 13.0% and 13.5% for Aurora and RUCKUS, respectively. We determined that the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the carrying value and that no impairment existed.
Considering the low headroom going forward for the Aurora reporting unit, there is a risk for future impairment in the event of further declines in general economic, market or business conditions or any significant unfavorable change in the forecasted cash flows, weighted average cost of capital or growth rates. If current and long-term projections for the Aurora reporting unit is not realized or decrease materially, we may be required to recognize additional goodwill impairment charges, and these charges could be material to our results of operations.
The following table provides summary information regarding our reporting units with goodwill balances as of December 31, 2025 that have the lowest level of headroom. The table presents key assumptions used in our annual goodwill analysis, along with sensitivity analysis showing the effect of a change in certain key assumptions, assuming all other assumptions remain constant, to the resulting fair value using an income approach.
| Key Assumptions | Goodwill | Excess of Fair Value to Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reporting Unit | Discount Rate | Terminal Growth Rate | Balance as of December 31, 2025 | % of Total Assets | Result of Interim Goodwill Test as of October 1, 2025 | Decrease of 10% in Cash Flows | Decrease of 0.5% in Long-term Growth Rate | Increase of 0.5% in Discount Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aurora | 13.0 | % | 1.0 | % | $ | 268.7 | 3.0 | % | $ | 134.4 | $ | 9.0 | $ | 111.3 | $ | 78.5 |
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets
Management reviews definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable. This analysis differs from our goodwill impairment analysis in that an intangible or other long-lived asset impairment is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. If the forecasted net cash flows are less than the carrying value, then the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Other than certain assets impaired as a result of restructuring actions, we did not identify any impairments of definite-lived intangible assets or other long-lived assets in 2025. Changes in the estimates of forecasted net cash flows or changes in classification from held for use may result in future asset impairments that could be material to our results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue based on the satisfaction of distinct obligations to transfer goods and services to customers. Our revenue is generated primarily from product or equipment sales. We also generate revenue from custom design and installation services as well as bundled sales arrangements that include product, software and services. We apply a five-step approach as defined in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when a corresponding performance obligation is satisfied. Most contracts with customers are to provide distinct products or services within a single contract. However, if a contract is separated into more than one performance obligation, the total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation in an amount based on the estimated relative standalone selling price.
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Product sales to end-customers or distributors represent over 90% of our revenue and are generally recognized at the point-in-time when products have been shipped, right to payment has been obtained and risk of loss has been transferred. Certain of our product performance obligations include proprietary operating system software, which typically is not considered separately identifiable. Therefore, sales of these products and the related software are considered one performance obligation.
License contracts include revenue recognized for the licensing of intellectual property, including software, sold separately without products. Functional intellectual property licenses do not meet the criteria for revenue to be recognized over time, and revenue is most commonly recognized upon delivery of the license/software to the customer.
We have service arrangements where net sales are recognized over time. These arrangements include a variety of post-contract support service offerings, which are generally recognized over time as the services are provided, including the following: maintenance and support services provided under annual service-level agreements; “Day 2” professional services to help customers maximize their utilization of deployed systems; and installation services related to the routine installation of equipment ordered by the customer at the customer’s site.
Revenue is measured based on the consideration to which we expect to be entitled based on customer contracts. Sales are adjusted for variable consideration amounts, including, but not limited to, estimated discounts, rebates, distributor price protection programs and returns. These estimates are determined based upon historical experience, contract terms, inventory levels in the distributor channel and other related factors. Adjustments to variable consideration estimates are recorded when circumstances indicate revisions may be necessary. Variable consideration is primarily related to sales to our distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers.
A contract liability for deferred revenue is recorded when consideration is received or is unconditionally due from a customer prior to transferring control of goods or services to the customer under the terms of a contract. Deferred revenue balances typically result from advance payments received from customers from billings in excess of revenue recognized on services arrangements.
Unbilled receivables represent amounts earned for which we have an unconditional right to payment but have not yet invoiced the customer. When our right to consideration is conditional on future performance or other factors beyond the passage of time, these amounts are classified as contract assets and presented separately from trade accounts receivable in other receivables in the consolidated balance sheet and are converted to accounts receivable once our right to the consideration becomes unconditional, which varies by contract but is generally based on achieving certain acceptance milestones.
Contingencies and Litigation
We are a party to lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of our business, including intellectual property infringement matters, those pertaining to labor and employment contracts and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. We assess these matters in order to determine if a contingent liability should be recorded. In making this determination, management may, depending on the nature of the matter, consult with internal and external legal counsel and technical experts. We expense legal fees associated with consultations and defense of lawsuits as incurred. We accrue for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. Gain contingencies are recognized when they are realized.
Litigation outcomes are difficult to predict and are often resolved over long periods of time, making our estimates highly judgmental. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as future changes in facts and circumstances, differing interpretations of the law, assessments of the amount of damages and other factors beyond our control. There is the potential for a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows if one or more matters are resolved in a particular period in an amount materially in excess of what we anticipated. Alternatively, if the judgments and estimates made by management are incorrect and a particular contingent loss does not occur, the contingent loss recorded would be reversed, thereby favorably impacting our results of operations.
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Inventory Reserves
We maintain reserves to reduce the value of inventory based on the lower of cost or net realizable value, including allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. These reserves are based on management’s assumptions about and analysis of relevant factors including current levels of orders and backlog, forecasted demand, market conditions and new products or innovations that diminish the value of existing inventories. If actual market conditions deteriorate from those anticipated by management, additional allowances for excess and obsolete inventory could be required and may be material to our results of operations.
Tax Valuation Allowances and Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits
We establish an income tax valuation allowance when available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider the amounts, character, source and timing of expected future deductions or carryforwards as well as sources of taxable income and tax planning strategies that may enable utilization. We maintain an existing valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Changes in the amount or timing of expected future deductions or taxable income may have a material impact on the level of income tax valuation allowances. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, an increase to an income tax valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination was made.
We also establish allowances related to value-added and similar recoverable taxes when it is considered probable that those assets are not recoverable. Changes in the probability of recovery or in the estimates of the amount recoverable are recognized in the period such determination is made and may be material to our gain (loss) from continuing operations.
We recognize income tax benefits related to particular tax positions only when it is considered more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained if examined on its technical merits by tax authorities. The amount of benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is evaluated to be greater than 50% likely to be realized. Considerable judgment is required to evaluate the technical merits of various positions and to evaluate the likely amount of benefit to be realized. Lapses in statutes of limitations, developments in tax laws, regulations and interpretations, and changes in assessments of the likely outcome of uncertain tax positions could have a material impact on the overall tax provision.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
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: 0000950170-25-027196.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared with the year ended December 31, 2023. This comparison should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” included in Part I, Item 1A or in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2024.
OVERVIEW
We are a global provider of infrastructure solutions for communication, data center and entertainment networks. Our solutions for wired and wireless networks enable service providers, including cable, telephone and digital broadcast satellite operators and media programmers, to deliver media, voice, Internet Protocol (IP) data services and Wi-Fi to their subscribers and allow enterprises to experience constant wireless and wired connectivity across complex and varied networking environments. Our solutions are complemented by services including technical support, systems design and integration. We are a leader in digital video and IP television distribution systems, broadband access infrastructure platforms and equipment that delivers data and voice networks to homes. Our global leadership position is built upon innovative technology, broad solution offerings, high-quality and cost-effective customer solutions, and global manufacturing and distribution scale.
We completed the acquisition of certain assets of Casa Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Casa) on June 7, 2024 (the Casa Transaction). As part of the Casa Transaction, we acquired certain assets (the Casa Assets) and assumed certain specified liabilities (the Casa Liabilities) of Casa. The sale was conducted pursuant to the bid procedures (the Bid Procedures) established in the chapter 11 cases of Casa Systems, Inc. and certain affiliates in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the Bankruptcy Court). Pursuant to the Bid Procedures, we were designated as the successful bidder following an auction held on May 29, 2024. On June 5, 2024, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order authorizing the sale of the Casa Assets to us pursuant to section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (subject to the terms thereof). The sale closed on June 7, 2024 and, at such time, we funded the purchase price of $45.1 million and settled certain assumed Casa Liabilities, with cash on hand. We are integrating this strategic acquisition into our Access Network Solutions (ANS) segment and expect the acquisition to strengthen our ANS segment’s position by enhancing its virtual cable modem termination systems and passive optical network product offerings, which will enable customers to migrate to distributed access architecture solutions at their own speed, and further grow our customer base. We recorded $1.4 million of transaction and integration costs for the year ended December 31, 2024 related to the Casa Transaction, and these costs were recognized in selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 3 in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Casa Transaction.
CommScope NEXT
Since 2021, we have been engaged in a transformation initiative referred to as CommScope NEXT, which is designed to drive shareholder value through three pillars: profitable growth, operational efficiency and portfolio optimization. We believe these efforts are critical to making us more competitive and allowing us to invest in growth, de-leverage our indebtedness and maximize stockholder and other stakeholder value in the future. In 2022, CommScope NEXT generated positive impacts on net sales, profitability and cash flow from our execution on pricing initiatives, capacity expansion and operational efficiencies. In 2023, we experienced headwinds related to a slow-down in spending by our customers as discussed further below, but we continued to execute under CommScope NEXT to improve our profitability and cash flows by continuing to drive operational efficiencies and focusing on portfolio optimization, all of which is enabling us to take advantage of the recovery in demand that we began to see in late 2024. To that end, we incurred $36.7 million, $25.1 million and $41.8 million of net restructuring costs and $63.4 million, $27.1 million and $35.1 million of transaction, transformation and integration costs during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, primarily related to CommScope NEXT initiatives. We expect to continue to incur such costs in 2025 as we continue executing on CommScope NEXT initiatives, and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
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On January 31, 2025, we completed the previously announced sale of our Outdoor Wireless Networks (OWN) segment and the Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) business unit of our Networking, Intelligent Cellular & Security Solutions (NICS) segment to Amphenol Corporation (Amphenol), pursuant to the Purchase Agreement dated July 18, 2024, in exchange for approximately $2.1 billion in cash. In the third quarter of 2024, we determined the sale of our OWN segment and DAS business unit met the “held for sale” criteria and the “discontinued operations” criteria in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) No. 360-10, Impairment and Disposal of Long–Lived Assets, and ASC No. 205-20, Presentation of Financial Statements: Discontinued Operations, due to its relative size and strategic rationale. For all periods presented, amounts in these consolidated financial statements have been recast to reflect the discontinuation of our OWN segment and DAS business unit in accordance with guidance. All discussions and results related to our NICS segment exclude the DAS business unit, since the DAS business unit was moved to held for sale in the third quarter of 2024.
On January 9, 2024, we completed the sale of our Home Networks (Home) segment and substantially all of the associated segment assets and liabilities (Home business) to Vantiva SA (Vantiva) pursuant to the Call Option Agreement entered into on October 2, 2023 and the Purchase Agreement dated as of December 7, 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we determined the sale of our Home business met the “held for sale” criteria and the “discontinued operations” criteria in accordance with accounting guidance. All prior period amounts have been recast to reflect the discontinuation of our Home business.
Our continuing operations results include general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home segment. These indirect costs, reflected on the corporate and other line item within our segment information below, are classified as continuing operations, since they were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, the corporate and other costs related to the Home segment have been reallocated to our remaining segments and partially offset by income from our transition services agreement with Vantiva. The corporate and other costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business will be reallocated to our remaining segments beginning in the first quarter of 2025.
Additionally, below we refer to certain supplementary Core financial measures, which reflect the results of the CCS, NICS excluding DAS, and ANS segments, in the aggregate, and exclude general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home segment, since these costs were not directly attributable to the discontinued operations. The Core results represent the business results as currently managed and reported by the Company. Future results and the composition of any business divested in the future may vary and differ materially from the presentation of the Core financial measures. See the “Segment Results” section below for the aggregation of our Core financial measures.
Unless otherwise noted, the following discussions relate solely to our continuing operations. As a result, we are reporting financial performance based on the following remaining three operating segments, which excludes the OWN segment, DAS business unit in NICS and Home business: Connectivity and Cable Solutions (CCS), NICS and ANS. For further discussion of the discontinued operations related to our OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home business, see Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of January 1, 2024, we shifted certain product lines from our CCS segment to our ANS segment to better align with how the businesses are managed. All prior period amounts have been recast to reflect these operating segment changes.
Impacts of Current Economic Conditions
In 2023, macroeconomic factors such as higher interest rates, inflation and concerns about a global economic slow-down softened demand for our products, with certain customers reducing purchases as they right-sized their inventories and others pausing capital spending. This industry recession has continued to negatively impact our net sales in all markets except data centers, which saw increased investment during 2024. We are beginning to see a recovery in demand in certain businesses and expect to see additional recovery in demand in 2025.
In 2023, we also began implementing additional cost savings initiatives to improve profitability, and we continued to implement further initiatives during 2024. These initiatives should enable us to take advantage of the expected recovery in demand in 2025. If this expected recovery does not occur in 2025, our outlook will be materially impacted.
For more discussion on risks related to our customers, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
44
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 with the year ended December 31, 2023
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 4,205.8 | 100.0 | % | $ | 4,565.2 | 100.0 | % | $ | (359.4 | ) | (7.9 | )% | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,576.9 | 37.5 | 1,664.2 | 36.5 | (87.3 | ) | (5.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 256.5 | 6.1 | (399.6 | ) | (8.8 | ) | 656.1 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Core operating income (loss) (1) | 340.5 | 8.1 | (285.6 | ) | (6.3 | ) | 626.1 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (2) | 700.2 | 16.6 | 664.3 | 14.6 | 35.9 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Core adjusted EBITDA (1) | 756.4 | 18.0 | 756.4 | 16.6 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | (461.0 | ) | (11.0 | ) | (1,095.8 | ) | (24.0 | ) | 634.8 | (57.9 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Diluted loss from continuing operations per share | $ | (2.46 | ) | $ | (5.49 | ) | $ | 3.03 | NM | |||||||||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
(1)
Core financial measures reflect the results of the CCS, NICS and ANS segments, in the aggregate, and exclude general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home segment, since these costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, these costs related to the Home segment have been reallocated to our remaining segments. These costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business unit will be reallocated to our remaining segments beginning in the first quarter of 2025. See “Segment Results” section below for the aggregation of our Core financial measures.
(2)
See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Net sales
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 4,205.8 | $ | 4,565.2 | $ | (359.4 | ) | (7.9 | )% | |||||||
| Domestic | 2,761.5 | 3,009.6 | (248.1 | ) | (8.2 | ) | ||||||||||
| International | 1,444.3 | 1,555.6 | (111.3 | ) | (7.2 | ) |
Net sales in 2024 decreased $359.4 million, or 7.9%, compared to the prior year primarily driven by decreased sales volumes as certain customers reduced purchases as they right-size their inventories and others paused capital spending and lower pricing. The decrease was driven by lower net sales in the ANS segment of $260.5 million and the NICS segment of $220.7 million, partially offset by higher net sales of $121.8 million in the CCS segment. For further details by segment, see the discussion of Segment Results below.
From a regional perspective in 2024, net sales decreased in the U.S. by $248.1 million, the Caribbean and Latin American (CALA) region by $78.0 million and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by $43.1 million, and increased in Canada by $7.5 million and the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by $2.3 million. Net sales to customers located outside of the U.S. comprised 34.3% of total net sales for 2024 compared to 34.1% for 2023. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on our net sales during 2024. For additional information on regional sales by segment, see discussion of Segment Results below and Note 18 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
45
Gross profit, TSA income, SG&A expense and R&D expense
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 1,576.9 | $ | 1,664.2 | $ | (87.3 | ) | (5.2 | )% | |||||||
| As a percent of sales | 37.5 | % | 36.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| TSA income | 24.5 | — | 24.5 | NM | ||||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 0.6 | % | NM | |||||||||||||
| SG&A expense | 755.5 | 783.2 | (27.7 | ) | (3.5 | ) | ||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 18.0 | % | 17.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| R&D expense | 316.2 | 383.1 | (66.9 | ) | (17.5 | ) | ||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 7.5 | % | 8.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales)
Gross profit decreased in 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower net sales volumes, lower pricing and higher input costs, partially offset by favorable product mix.
Transition service agreement income
Transition service agreement (TSA) income is related to the TSA we entered into with Vantiva in conjunction with the closing of the transaction to divest of the Home business in January 2024. Under the TSA agreement, we provided (and in some instances received) certain post-closing support on a transitional basis. As of the end of 2024, the services for Vantiva have ceased.
Selling, general and administrative expense
For 2024, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense decreased by $27.7 million compared to 2023, primarily due to cost saving initiatives and lower bad debt expense of $11.6 million, partially offset by higher transaction, transformation, and integration costs of $36.2 million and higher variable incentive compensation expense of $14.3 million. We expect to continue to incur transaction, transformation and integration costs in 2025 and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
Research and development expense
Research and development (R&D) expense for 2024 decreased by $66.9 million compared to the prior year primarily due to lower spending within all segments. R&D activities generally involve ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the evolving technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to market and modifying existing products to better serve our customers.
Amortization of purchased intangible assets, Restructuring costs, net and Asset impairments
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | $ | 236.5 | $ | 301.0 | $ | (64.5 | ) | (21.4 | )% | |||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 36.7 | 25.1 | 11.6 | 46.2 | ||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | 571.4 | (571.4 | ) | (100.0 | ) |
Amortization of purchased intangible assets
The amortization of purchased intangible assets was lower in 2024 compared to the prior year because certain of our intangible assets became fully amortized.
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Restructuring costs, net
The net restructuring costs recorded in 2024 were primarily related to CommScope NEXT. For the year ended December 31, 2024, our net restructuring costs were $36.7 million and we paid $28.9 million to settle restructuring liabilities. We expect to make cash payments of $4.0 million in 2025 to settle CommScope NEXT restructuring actions. Additional restructuring actions related to CommScope NEXT are expected to be identified, and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
Asset impairments
We did not record any asset impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2024. We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $472.3 million and $99.1 million in 2023 related to our ANS and Building Data Center Connectivity (BDCC) reporting units, respectively. The ANS reporting unit is the same as our ANS segment and the BDCC reporting unit is in our CCS segment. See the discussion below under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” for more information regarding the goodwill impairment tests performed during 2024.
Other income, net
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | Change | |||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency gain (loss) | $ | 9.5 | $ | (7.6 | ) | $ | 17.1 | NM | ||||||
| Other income, net | 0.7 | 73.5 | (72.8 | ) | NM | |||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
Foreign currency gain (loss)
Foreign currency gain (loss) includes the net foreign currency gains and losses resulting from the settlement of receivables and payables, foreign currency contracts and short-term intercompany advances in a currency other than the subsidiary’s functional currency. The change in foreign currency gain (loss) in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily driven by certain unhedged currencies.
Other income, net
The change in other income, net in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily driven by a gain of $74.3 million on the early extinguishment of debt related to our debt repurchases in 2023 and $6.4 million of debt issuance costs related to the debt refinancing transactions in December 2024. See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the 2024 debt refinancing transactions.
Interest expense, Interest income and Income taxes
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | (686.9 | ) | $ | (675.8 | ) | $ | (11.1 | ) | 1.6 | % | |||||
| Interest income | 10.9 | 11.1 | (0.2 | ) | (1.8 | ) | ||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (51.7 | ) | (97.4 | ) | 45.7 | (46.9 | ) |
Interest expense and Interest income
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $11.1 million compared to the prior year primarily due to the write-off of $16.2 million of existing debt issuance costs and original issuance discount associated with the redemption of our senior unsecured notes due June 15, 2025 (2025 Notes) and the refinancing of our existing senior secured term loan due 2026 (2026 Term Loan) as further discussed in Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The increase was partially offset by favorable impacts from lower long-term balances as a result of the debt repurchases in 2023. Our weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including the impact of the interest rate swap contracts and the amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, was 8.09% at December 31, 2024 and 7.22% at December 31, 2023. Our interest expense and payments on our variable rate debt could increase if the Federal Reserve increases interest rates in 2025.
47
Income tax expense
For 2024, we recognized income tax expense of $51.7 million on a pretax loss of $409.3 million. Our tax expense on a pretax loss was less than the statutory rate of 21.0% in 2024 primarily due to the unfavorable impact related to an additional net $135.2 million of valuation allowance recorded during the year. Our tax expense was also impacted unfavorably by the U.S. anti-deferral provisions and non-creditable withholding taxes, partially offset by tax benefits related to federal tax credits. See Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more discussion of our income tax expense.
For 2023, we recognized income tax expense of $97.4 million on a pretax loss of $998.4 million. Our tax expense was more than the statutory rate of 21.0% in 2023 primarily due to the unfavorable impact related to a net $165.4 million of valuation allowance recorded during the year and a goodwill impairment charge of $571.4 million, for which minimal tax benefits were recorded. Our tax expense was also impacted by the unfavorable impacts of U.S. anti-deferral provisions and non-creditable withholding taxes, partially offset by tax benefits related to federal tax credits.
48
Segment Results
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCS | $ | 2,823.7 | 67.1 | % | $ | 2,701.9 | 59.2 | % | $ | 121.8 | 4.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| NICS | 553.0 | 13.1 | 773.7 | 16.9 | (220.7 | ) | (28.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | 829.1 | 19.7 | 1,089.6 | 23.9 | (260.5 | ) | (23.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 4,205.8 | 100.0 | % | $ | 4,565.2 | 100.0 | % | $ | (359.4 | ) | (7.9 | ) | % | |||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCS | $ | 466.1 | 16.5 | % | $ | 132.8 | 4.9 | % | $ | 333.3 | 251.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| NICS | (44.7 | ) | (8.1 | ) | 57.6 | 7.4 | (102.3 | ) | (177.6 | ) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| ANS | (80.9 | ) | (9.8 | ) | (476.0 | ) | (43.7 | ) | 395.1 | (83.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Core operating income (loss) (1) | 340.5 | 8.1 | (285.6 | ) | (6.3 | ) | 626.1 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other (2) | (84.0 | ) | NM | (114.0 | ) | NM | 30.0 | (26.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating income (loss) | $ | 256.5 | 6.1 | % | $ | (399.6 | ) | (8.8 | ) | % | $ | 656.1 | NM | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCS | $ | 619.1 | 21.9 | % | $ | 398.9 | 14.8 | % | $ | 220.2 | 55.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| NICS | 32.8 | 5.9 | 139.9 | 18.1 | (107.1 | ) | (76.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | 104.5 | 12.6 | 217.6 | 20.0 | (113.1 | ) | (52.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Core adjusted EBITDA (1) | 756.4 | 18.0 | 756.4 | 16.6 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other (2) | (56.2 | ) | NM | (92.1 | ) | NM | 35.9 | (39.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP consolidated adjusted EBITDA (3) | $ | 700.2 | 16.6 | % | $ | 664.3 | 14.6 | % | $ | 35.9 | 5.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
(1)
Core financial measures reflect the results of the CCS, NICS and ANS segments, in the aggregate, and exclude general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home segment, since these costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations.
(2)
The corporate and other line item above reflects general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home segment. These indirect expenses have been classified as continuing operations, since the costs were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, the corporate and other costs related to the Home segment have been reallocated to our remaining segments and partially offset by income from the Vantiva TSA. The corporate and other costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business unit will be reallocated to our remaining segments beginning in the first quarter of 2025.
(3)
See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Connectivity and Cable Solutions Segment
Net sales for the CCS segment increased in 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher sales volumes in the Enterprise business, partially offset by lower outdoor network solutions sales volumes in the first half of the year as certain customers paused spending as they right-sized their inventory levels. From a regional perspective in 2024, net sales increased in the U.S. by $115.5 million, the EMEA region by $36.7 million, the APAC region by $13.5 million and Canada by $6.3 million, but decreased in the CALA region by $50.2 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on CCS segment net sales during 2024.
49
For 2024, CCS segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA increased compared to the prior year primarily due to higher sales volumes, favorable product mix and lower input costs, partially offset by higher SG&A costs. The increases in SG&A costs were primarily due to higher variable incentive compensation expense, partially offset by lower bad debt expense and cost savings initiatives. In 2024, compared to the prior year, CCS segment operating income was favorably impacted by a reduction to impairment charges resulting from the prior year goodwill impairment charge of $99.1 million, a reduction of $12.6 million in restructuring costs and a reduction of $3.2 million in amortization expense, partially offset by an increase of $13.9 million in transaction, transformation and integration costs. Goodwill impairment charges, restructuring costs, amortization expense and transaction, transformation and integration costs are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions Segment
Net sales for the NICS segment decreased in 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower sales volumes of our Ruckus products driven by lower demand and channel inventory digestion. From a regional perspective in 2024, net sales decreased in the U.S. by $140.2 million, the EMEA region by $47.8 million, the APAC region by $27.0 million and Canada by $8.7 million, but increased in the CALA region by $3.0 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on NICS segment net sales during 2024.
For 2024, NICS segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA decreased compared to the prior year primarily due to lower sales volumes and E&O reserves recorded for excess inventory, partially offset by lower R&D costs and favorable product mix. In 2024, compared to the prior year, NICS segment operating income was unfavorably impacted by an increase of $3.2 million in transaction, transformation and integrations costs and a reduction of $3.5 million in gains related to the settlement of an intellectual property litigation claim received in the prior year. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by a reduction of $4.6 million in restructuring costs. Transaction, transformation and integration costs, intellectual property litigation costs and restructuring costs are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Access Network Solutions Segment
Net sales for our ANS segment decreased in 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower sales volume as certain customers have paused spending as they right-size their inventory levels. From a regional perspective in 2024, net sales decreased in the U.S. by $223.4 million, the EMEA region by $32.0 million and the CALA region by $30.8 million, but increased in the APAC region by $15.8 million and Canada by $9.9 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on ANS segment net sales during 2024.
Excluding the prior year goodwill impairment charge of $472.3 million from operating loss, for 2024, ANS segment operating loss and adjusted EBITDA were negatively impacted by lower sales volumes and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by benefits from lower SG&A, input and R&D costs, compared to the prior year. The reductions in SG&A costs were primarily due to cost savings initiatives. ANS segment operating loss was favorably impacted by a reduction of $63.1 million in amortization expense, partially offset by an increase of $37.8 million in restructuring costs. Also see “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources 2
The following table summarizes certain key measures of our liquidity and capital resources:
| December 31, | $ | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | Change | ||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents (1) | $ | 663.3 | $ | 543.8 | $ | 119.5 | 22.0 | % | |||||||||
| Working capital, net of assets and liabilities held for sale (2) and excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt | 577.7 | 724.1 | (146.4 | ) | (20.2 | ) | |||||||||||
| Availability under Revolving Credit Facility | 449.3 | 688.0 | (238.7 | ) | (34.7 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current portion | 9,238.4 | 9,278.6 | (40.2 | ) | (0.4 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total capitalization (3) | 7,009.6 | 7,416.0 | (406.4 | ) | (5.5 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization | 131.8 | % | 125.1 | % |
(1)
Includes cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale of $98.4 million and $43.5 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(2)
Working capital is net of assets and liabilities held for sale and consists of current assets of $2,127.0 million less current liabilities of $984.4 million as of December 31, 2024 and current assets of $2,118.0 million less current liabilities of $925.6 million as of December 31, 2023.
(3)
Total capitalization includes long-term debt, including the current portion, Series A convertible preferred stock (Convertible Preferred Stock) and stockholders’ deficit.
Our principal sources of liquidity on a short-term basis are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows provided by operations and availability under our credit facilities. On a long-term basis, our potential sources of liquidity also include raising capital through the issuance of additional equity and/or debt.
The primary uses of liquidity include debt service requirements, voluntary debt repayments, redemptions or purchases on the open market, working capital requirements, capital expenditures, business separation transaction costs, transformation costs, restructuring costs, dividends related to the Convertible Preferred Stock if we elect to pay such dividends in cash, litigation settlements, income tax payments and other contractual obligations. As of December 31, 2024, we have repaid the $1.27 billion previously outstanding on our 2025 Notes.
We currently believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and cash flows from operations, combined with availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs. However, we may be required to obtain additional financing in the future to address our liquidity needs, and, subject to market conditions, we may from time to time seek to amend, refinance, restructure, exchange or repurchase our outstanding indebtedness and/or raise additional equity or other financing. Any debt we incur in the future may have terms (including cash interest rate, financial covenants and covenants limiting our operating flexibility or ability to obtain additional financings) that are not favorable to us, and any such additional equity financing may dilute the economic and/or voting interests of our existing stockholders, may be preferred in right of payment to our outstanding common stock or confer other privileges to the holders and may contain financial or operational covenants that restrict our operating flexibility or ability to obtain additional financings. Furthermore, our failure to obtain any necessary financing, amendment, refinancing, restructuring, exchange or repurchases could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity.
We may experience volatility in cash flows between periods due to, among other reasons, variability in the timing of vendor payments and customer receipts. We may, from time to time, seek to obtain alternative sources of financing, by borrowing additional amounts under our Revolving Credit Facility, issuing debt or equity securities or incurring other indebtedness, if market conditions are favorable, utilizing trade credit, selling assets (including businesses or business lines) or securitizing receivables to meet future cash needs or to reduce our borrowing costs. Any issuance of equity or debt may be for cash or in exchange for our outstanding securities or indebtedness, or a combination thereof.
2 In connection with the repayment of all outstanding amounts under our Revolving Credit Facility on January 31, 2025, the committed amount thereunder was reduced to $750.0 million, subject to borrowing base limitations.
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Certain of our outstanding debt securities and debt under our credit facilities are currently trading at discounts to their respective principal amounts. In order to reduce future cash interest payments, as well as future amounts due at maturity or upon redemption, we may, from time to time, purchase such debt for cash, in exchange for common or preferred stock or debt, or for a combination thereof, in each case in open-market purchases and/or privately negotiated transactions, tender offers or exchange offers and upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine. Any such transactions will be dependent upon several factors, including our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, general market conditions and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors. Whether or not we engage in any such transactions will be determined at our discretion. The amounts involved in any such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.
Our interest payments on long-term debt are expected to total $2,906.8 million over the duration of the debt, with $613.5 million due in 2025 (assuming interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2024 on our variable rate debt). In 2024, the interest payments on our variable rate debt were higher than the prior year as a result of the Federal Reserve maintaining higher interest rates throughout most of the year. While the Federal Reserve ended 2024 with several rate cuts, our interest payments on our variable debt could increase if the Federal Reserve chooses to raise interest rates in future periods. For additional information regarding our long-term debt obligations, see Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and our discussion of our interest rate risk in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For information on our obligations related to our Convertible Preferred Stock, see Note 15 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In July 2023, we entered into a long-term supply contract with a third-party to secure the supply of certain raw materials. Under the terms of the contract, we will make advance payments through 2026 totaling $120.0 million (undiscounted) and based on meeting certain minimum purchase requirements through 2031, such advance payments will be credited and applied to future orders on a quarterly basis beginning in 2027 through 2031. We have committed to purchases of raw material under this agreement beginning in 2023 and growing to a level of approximately $137 million per year by 2026 and continuing through 2032.
We have $140.7 million in unrecognized tax benefits; however, the timing of the related tax payments is highly uncertain. We anticipate a reduction of up to $22.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. See Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” section below, but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions, synergies and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions. For the year ended December 31, 2024, our non-GAAP pro forma adjusted EBITDA, as measured pursuant to the indentures governing our notes, was $717.6 million, which included annualized savings expected from cost reduction initiatives of $17.4 million so that the impact of cost reduction initiatives is fully reflected in the twelve-month period used in the calculation of the ratios. In addition to limitations under these indentures, our senior secured credit facilities contain customary negative covenants based on similar financial measures. We believe we are in compliance with the covenants under our indentures and senior secured credit facilities at December 31, 2024.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $119.5 million during 2024 as described under the Cash Flow Overview section below. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 42% of our cash and cash equivalents were held outside the U.S.
Working capital, net of assets and liabilities held for sale and excluding cash and cash equivalents and the current portion of long-term debt, decreased during 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower inventory driven by inventory reduction initiatives, higher accounts payable due to timing of payments and higher accrued expenses including a higher variable incentive compensation expense in 2024. These impacts were partially offset by higher accounts receivable due to timing of collections. During 2024, we sold accounts receivable under customer-sponsored supplier financing agreements. This had an impact of approximately $103 million on working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and the current portion of long-term debt, as of December 31, 2024. Under these agreements, we are able to sell accounts receivable to a bank, and we retain no interest in and have no servicing responsibilities for the accounts receivable sold. The net reduction in total capitalization during 2024 reflected the net loss for the year.
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Cash Flow Overview
The cash flows related to discontinued operations have not been segregated. Accordingly, the following cash flow overview includes the results of continuing and discontinued operations. Cash and cash equivalents increased during 2024 primarily driven by cash generated by operating activities of $273.1 million, partially offset by net cash paid for the debt refinancing transaction of $57.1 million, amortization payments totaling $24.0 million related to the 2026 Term Loan, cash paid related to the Casa Transaction of $45.1 million and capital expenditures of $26.2 million. For additional discussion related to the debt refinancing transactions, see Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 273.1 | $ | 297.3 | $ | (24.2 | ) | (8.1 | )% | |||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities | (57.2 | ) | 30.9 | (88.1 | ) | (285.1 | ) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (83.0 | ) | (181.7 | ) | 98.7 | (54.3 | ) |
Operating Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (315.5 | ) | $ | (1,506.8 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash generated by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 370.5 | 561.2 | ||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 29.1 | 47.3 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 65.0 | (180.5 | ) | |||||
| Asset impairments | 19.2 | 1,244.0 | ||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (137.6 | ) | 471.9 | |||||
| Inventories | 152.5 | 391.3 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (55.9 | ) | 45.1 | |||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | 143.5 | (720.2 | ) | |||||
| Other noncurrent assets | (20.6 | ) | (27.4 | ) | ||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | (18.1 | ) | 75.5 | |||||
| Other | 41.0 | (104.1 | ) | |||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 273.1 | $ | 297.3 |
During 2024, the decrease in cash generated by operating activities compared to the prior year was primarily driven by lower operating performance, partially offset by decreases in working capital in the current year due to a reduction in net sales driving lower inventory purchases and lower accounts receivable. For information on significant non-cash operating activities related to our discontinued operations, see Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Investing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Additions to property, plant and equipment | $ | (25.3 | ) | $ | (60.7 | ) | ||
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 0.2 | 71.2 | ||||||
| Acquisition of a business | (45.1 | ) | — | |||||
| Other | 13.0 | 20.4 | ||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities | $ | (57.2 | ) | $ | 30.9 |
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During 2024, the decrease in cash generated by investing activities compared to the prior year was primarily due to lower cash of $71.0 million driven by proceeds collected in the prior year on the sale of property, plant and equipment and cash paid of $45.1 million in the current year related to the Casa Transaction, partially offset by higher cash of $35.4 million driven by a reduction of capital expenditures in the current year. Capital expenditures related to our discontinued operations were $0.7 million in 2024 compared to $5.2 million in the prior year. Cash generated by other investing activities in the current year included proceeds of $13.0 million on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets. Cash generated by other investing activities in the prior year period included proceeds of $11.1 million related to the sale of an equity investment and proceeds of $9.3 million on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets.
Financing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Long-term debt repaid | $ | (4,338.6 | ) | $ | (32.0 | ) | ||
| Long-term debt repurchases | — | (142.6 | ) | |||||
| Long-term debt proceeds | 4,350.0 | — | ||||||
| Cash paid for debt discount | (59.4 | ) | — | |||||
| Debt issuance costs | (33.1 | ) | — | |||||
| Tax withholding payments for vested equity-based compensation awards | (1.9 | ) | (9.1 | ) | ||||
| Other | — | 2.0 | ||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (83.0 | ) | $ | (181.7 | ) |
In 2024, we completed certain refinancing transactions including the issuance of $1,000 million in aggregate principal amount of 9.500% senior secured notes due 2031 and entry into the new senior secured term loan facility due December 2029 with an initial aggregate principal amount of $3,150.0 million. We used the net proceeds, together with cash on hand and $200.0 million of borrowings under our asset-based revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility), to refinance in full the Company’s existing 2026 Term Loan and redeem all of the approximately $1,274.6 million in outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 2025 Notes. In connection with the refinancing transactions, we paid approximately $59.4 million of original issuance discount and $33.1 million of debt issuance costs.
In 2024, we paid quarterly scheduled amortization payments totaling $24.0 million on the 2026 Term Loan prior to the refinancing.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $200.0 million of outstanding borrowings and the remaining availability was $449.3 million, reflecting a borrowing base subject to maximum capacity of $719.2 million reduced by $69.9 million of letters of credit issued under our Revolving Credit Facility.
In 2023, we repurchased $133.1 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.25% senior notes due 2027, $58.4 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.125% senior notes due 2028 and $25.4 million aggregate principal amount of our 2025 Notes, for total cash consideration paid of $142.6 million. We also paid four quarterly scheduled amortization payments totaling $32.0 million on our 2026 Term Loan during 2023. We did not borrow under our Revolving Credit Facility during 2023.
In 2024, we paid dividends of $65.2 million in additional shares due under the Convertible Preferred Stock. In 2023, we paid dividends of $61.8 million in additional shares due under the Convertible Preferred Stock. During 2024, employees surrendered shares of our common stock to satisfy their tax withholding requirements on vested restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs), which reduced cash flows by $1.9 million compared to $9.1 million in the prior year.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
We believe that presenting certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances an investor’s understanding of our financial performance. We further believe that these financial measures are useful in assessing our operating performance from period to period by excluding certain items that we believe are not representative of our core business. We also use certain of these financial measures for business planning purposes and in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors.
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We believe these financial measures are commonly used by investors to evaluate our performance and that of our competitors. However, our use of the term “non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA” may vary from that of others in our industry. This financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to operating income (loss), net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP as measures of operating performance, operating cash flows or liquidity.
Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in this section, but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions.
Consolidated
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | (461.0 | ) | $ | (1,095.8 | ) | $ | (1,430.1 | ) | |||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 51.7 | 97.4 | (91.3 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest income | (10.9 | ) | (11.1 | ) | (2.8 | ) | ||||||
| Interest expense | 686.9 | 675.8 | 588.9 | |||||||||
| Other income, net | (10.2 | ) | (65.9 | ) | — | |||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 256.5 | $ | (399.6 | ) | $ | (935.3 | ) | ||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 236.5 | 301.0 | 400.1 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 36.7 | 25.1 | 41.8 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 25.2 | 38.6 | 49.7 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | 571.4 | 1,119.6 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs (1) | 63.4 | 27.1 | 35.1 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments (2) | — | 1.3 | 5.4 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | (1.0 | ) | (3.5 | ) | 1.7 | |||||||
| Recovery of Russian accounts receivable | — | (2.0 | ) | 2.7 | ||||||||
| Cyber incident costs (3) | — | 5.5 | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 82.9 | 99.4 | 100.2 | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA | $ | 700.2 | $ | 664.3 | $ | 821.0 |
(1)
In 2024 and 2023, primarily reflects transaction costs related to certain CommScope NEXT initiatives. In 2022, primarily reflects transformation costs related to certain CommScope NEXT initiatives and integration costs related to the ARRIS International plc (ARRIS) acquisition.
(2)
In 2023 and 2022, reflects ARRIS acquisition accounting adjustments related to reducing deferred revenue to its estimated fair value.
(3)
In 2023, primarily reflects costs of the identification, investigation, defense, recovery and litigation efforts related to a cyber incident that occurred in late March of 2023.
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Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA is provided as a performance measure in Note 18 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Below we reconcile segment adjusted EBITDA for each segment individually to operating income (loss) for that segment to supplement the reconciliation of the total segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated operating income (loss) in that footnote.
The corporate and other line item as presented in Note 18 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements represents general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the OWN segment, DAS business unit and Home segment. These indirect costs are classified as continuing operations since they were not directly attributable to these discontinued operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, the corporate and other costs related to the Home segment have been reallocated to the Company’s remaining segments and partially offset by income from the Vantiva TSA. The corporate and other costs related to the OWN segment and DAS business unit will be reallocated to our remaining segments beginning in the first quarter of 2025.
Connectivity and Cable Solutions Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 466.1 | $ | 132.8 | $ | 453.5 | |||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 72.3 | 75.5 | 99.5 | ||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 1.2 | 13.8 | 17.0 | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 10.1 | 15.0 | 14.2 | ||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | 99.1 | — | ||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 15.6 | 1.7 | 10.6 | ||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | (1.0 | ) | — | 1.7 | |||||||
| Recovery of Russian accounts receivable | — | (2.0 | ) | 2.7 | |||||||
| Cyber incident costs | — | 2.6 | — | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 54.8 | 60.2 | 57.9 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 619.1 | $ | 398.9 | $ | 657.1 |
Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | (44.7 | ) | $ | 57.6 | $ | (70.6 | ) | ||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 50.7 | 50.7 | 51.0 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 3.1 | 7.7 | 6.4 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 6.8 | 9.1 | 10.4 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 10.1 | 6.9 | 2.1 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | — | 1.2 | 2.0 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | — | (3.5 | ) | — | ||||||||
| Cyber incident costs | — | 0.7 | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 6.8 | 9.7 | 11.5 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 32.8 | $ | 139.9 | $ | 12.8 |
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Access Network Solutions Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating loss | $ | (80.9 | ) | $ | (476.0 | ) | $ | (1,164.8 | ) | |||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 110.8 | 173.9 | 247.2 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs (credits), net | 31.8 | (6.0 | ) | 12.2 | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 7.2 | 11.5 | 16.4 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | 472.3 | 1,119.6 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 17.5 | 17.3 | 14.0 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | — | 0.2 | 3.3 | |||||||||
| Cyber incident costs | — | 1.0 | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 18.1 | 23.3 | 23.6 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 104.5 | $ | 217.6 | $ | 271.7 |
Note: Components may not sum to total due to rounding.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and their underlying assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other objective sources. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revises its estimates, as appropriate, when changes in events or circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary.
The following critical accounting policies and estimates reflected in our financial statements are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events. While we have generally not experienced significant deviations from our critical estimates in the past, it is reasonably possible that these estimates may ultimately differ materially from actual results. See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of all our significant accounting policies.
Asset Impairment Reviews
Impairment Reviews of Goodwill
We test goodwill at the reporting unit level for impairment annually as of October 1 and on an interim basis when events occur or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of our reporting units with the carrying amount, including goodwill. We recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
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We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow (DCF) method or, as appropriate, a combination of the DCF method and a market approach known as the guideline public company method. Under the DCF method, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The significant assumptions in the DCF model primarily include, but are not limited to, forecasts of annual revenue growth rates, annual EBITDA margin and the discount rate used to determine the present value of the cash flow projections. When determining these assumptions and preparing these estimates, we consider historical performance trends, terminal growth rates, industry data, insight derived from customers, relevant changes in the reporting unit’s underlying business and other market trends that may affect the reporting unit. The discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital as of the test date of market participants in the industry in which the reporting unit operates and is commensurate with the risk and uncertainty inherent in each reporting unit and in internally developed forecasts. Under the guideline public company method, we estimate the fair value based upon market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. The weighting of the fair value derived from the market approach may vary depending on the level of comparability of these publicly-traded companies to the reporting unit. When comparable public companies are not meaningful or not available, we may estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using only the DCF method.
Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit involves uncertainties because it requires management to develop numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the future growth and potential volatility in revenues and costs, capital expenditures, industry economic factors and future business strategy. Changes in projected revenue growth rates, projected EBITDA margins or estimated discount rates due to uncertain market conditions, loss of one or more key customers, changes in our strategy, changes in technology or other factors could negatively affect the fair value in one or more of our reporting units and result in a material impairment charge in the future.
To assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our reporting units, we also compare the sum of the reporting units’ fair values to our market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units’ fair values over the market capitalization). If the implied control premium is not reasonable, we will reevaluate the fair value estimates of the reporting units by adjusting the discount rates and/or other assumptions.
2024 Interim and Annual Goodwill Analysis
Interim Test
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. As of January 1, 2024, we assessed goodwill for impairment due to changes in the composition of certain reporting units and performed impairment testing immediately before and after the change once goodwill was reallocated and determined that no goodwill impairment existed. During the third quarter of 2024, we completed an impairment analysis for goodwill recorded within the NICS reporting unit, which is impacted by the divestiture of the DAS business. The quantitative assessment was used, and the Company determined that the fair value of the impacted reporting unit exceeded the carrying value and that no impairment existed immediately prior to or subsequent to allocating goodwill to the disposal group that includes our DAS business.
Annual Test
The annual test of goodwill impairment was performed for each of the reporting units with goodwill balances as of October 1, 2024. For the 2024 annual goodwill test, we determined the fair value of each reporting unit using a DCF model and a guideline public company approach, with 75% of the value determined using the DCF model and 25% of the value determined using the market approach. The range of discount rates used in our annual tests was 9.5% to 14.5% for 2024. We determined that the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the carrying value and that no impairment existed.
Considering the low headroom going forward for the ANS reporting unit, there is a risk for future impairment in the event of further declines in general economic, market or business conditions or any significant unfavorable change in the forecasted cash flows, weighted average cost of capital or growth rates. If current and long-term projections for the ANS reporting unit is not realized or decrease materially, we may be required to recognize additional goodwill impairment charges, and these charges could be material to our results of operations.
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The following table provides summary information regarding our reporting units with goodwill balances as of December 31, 2024 that have the lowest level of headroom. The table presents key assumptions used in our annual goodwill analysis, along with sensitivity analysis showing the effect of a change in certain key assumptions, assuming all other assumptions remain constant, to the resulting fair value using an income approach.
| Key Assumptions | Goodwill | Excess of Fair Value to Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reporting Unit | Discount Rate | Terminal Growth Rate | Balance as of December 31, 2024 | % of Total Assets | Result of Interim Goodwill Test as of October 1, 2024 | Decrease of 10% in Cash Flows | Decrease of 0.5% in Long-term Growth Rate | Increase of 0.5% in Discount Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | 12.5 | % | 1.0 | % | $ | 266.0 | 3.0 | % | $ | 119.9 | $ | 7.1 | $ | 97.5 | $ | 67.9 |
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets
Management reviews definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable. This analysis differs from our goodwill impairment analysis in that an intangible or other long-lived asset impairment is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. If the forecasted net cash flows are less than the carrying value, then the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Other than certain assets impaired as a result of restructuring actions, we did not identify any impairments of definite-lived intangible assets or other long-lived assets in 2024. Changes in the estimates of forecasted net cash flows or changes in classification from held for use may result in future asset impairments that could be material to our results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue based on the satisfaction of distinct obligations to transfer goods and services to customers. Our revenue is generated primarily from product or equipment sales. We apply a five-step approach as defined in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when a corresponding performance obligation is satisfied. Most contracts with customers are to provide distinct products or services within a single contract. However, if a contract is separated into more than one performance obligation, the total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation in an amount based on the estimated relative standalone selling price.
Product sales, to end-customers or distributors, represent over 90% of our revenue and are generally recognized at the point in time when products have been shipped, right to payment has been obtained and risk of loss has been transferred. Certain of our product performance obligations include proprietary operating system software, which typically is not considered separately identifiable. Therefore, sales of these products and the related software are considered one performance obligation.
License contracts include revenue recognized for the licensing of intellectual property, including software, sold separately without products. Functional intellectual property licenses do not meet the criteria for revenue to be recognized over time, and revenue is most commonly recognized upon delivery of the license/software to the customer.
Revenue is measured based on the consideration to which we expect to be entitled based on customer contracts. Sales are adjusted for variable consideration amounts, including, but not limited to, estimated discounts, rebates, distributor price protection programs and returns. These estimates are determined based upon historical experience, contract terms, inventory levels in the distributor channel and other related factors. Adjustments to variable consideration estimates are recorded when circumstances indicate revisions may be necessary. Variable consideration is primarily related to sales to our distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers.
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Contingencies and Litigation
We are a party to lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of our business, including intellectual property infringement matters, those pertaining to labor and employment contracts and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. We assess these matters in order to determine if a contingent liability should be recorded. In making this determination, management may, depending on the nature of the matter, consult with internal and external legal counsel and technical experts. We expense legal fees associated with consultations and defense of lawsuits as incurred. We accrue for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. Gain contingencies are recognized when they are realized.
Litigation outcomes are difficult to predict and are often resolved over long periods of time, making our estimates highly judgmental. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as future changes in facts and circumstances, differing interpretations of the law, assessments of the amount of damages and other factors beyond our control. There is the potential for a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows if one or more matters are resolved in a particular period in an amount materially in excess of what we anticipated. Alternatively, if the judgments and estimates made by management are incorrect and a particular contingent loss does not occur, the contingent loss recorded would be reversed, thereby favorably impacting our results of operations.
Inventory Reserves
We maintain reserves to reduce the value of inventory based on the lower of cost or net realizable value, including allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. These reserves are based on management’s assumptions about and analysis of relevant factors including current levels of orders and backlog, forecasted demand, market conditions and new products or innovations that diminish the value of existing inventories. If actual market conditions deteriorate from those anticipated by management, additional allowances for excess and obsolete inventory could be required and may be material to our results of operations.
Tax Valuation Allowances and Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits
We establish an income tax valuation allowance when available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider the amounts, character, source and timing of expected future deductions or carryforwards as well as sources of taxable income and tax planning strategies that may enable utilization. We maintain an existing valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Changes in the amount or timing of expected future deductions or taxable income may have a material impact on the level of income tax valuation allowances. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, an increase to an income tax valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination was made.
We also establish allowances related to value-added and similar recoverable taxes when it is considered probable that those assets are not recoverable. Changes in the probability of recovery or in the estimates of the amount recoverable are recognized in the period such determination is made and may be material to our gain (loss) from continuing operations.
We recognize income tax benefits related to particular tax positions only when it is considered more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained if examined on its technical merits by tax authorities. The amount of benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is evaluated to be greater than 50% likely to be realized. Considerable judgment is required to evaluate the technical merits of various positions and to evaluate the likely amount of benefit to be realized. Lapses in statutes of limitations, developments in tax laws, regulations and interpretations, and changes in assessments of the likely outcome of uncertain tax positions could have a material impact on the overall tax provision.
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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-24-022519.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with the year ended December 31, 2022. This comparison should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” included in Part I, Item 1A or in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2023.
OVERVIEW
We are a global provider of infrastructure solutions for communication, data center and entertainment networks. Our solutions for wired and wireless networks enable service providers, including cable, telephone and digital broadcast satellite operators and media programmers, to deliver media, voice, Internet Protocol (IP) data services and Wi-Fi to their subscribers and allow enterprises to experience constant wireless and wired connectivity across complex and varied networking environments. Our solutions are complemented by services including technical support, systems design and integration. We are a leader in digital video and IP television distribution systems, broadband access infrastructure platforms and equipment that delivers data and voice networks to homes. Our global leadership position is built upon innovative technology, broad solution offerings, high-quality and cost-effective customer solutions, and global manufacturing and distribution scale.
CommScope NEXT
Since 2021, we have been engaged in a transformation initiative referred to as CommScope NEXT, which is designed to drive shareholder value through three pillars: profitable growth, operational efficiency and portfolio optimization. We believe these efforts are critical to making us more competitive and allowing us to invest in growth, de-leverage our indebtedness and maximize stockholder and other stakeholder value in the future. In 2022, CommScope NEXT generated positive impacts on net sales, profitability and cash flow from our execution on pricing initiatives, capacity expansion and operational efficiencies. In 2023, we experienced headwinds related to a slow-down in spending by our customers as discussed further below, but we continued to execute under CommScope NEXT to improve our profitability and cash flows by continuing to drive operational efficiencies and focusing on portfolio optimization that should enable us to take advantage of the expected recovery in demand in the second half of 2024. To that end, we incurred $29.7 million, $63.0 million and $85.1 million of net restructuring costs and $27.1 million, $35.1 million and $50.6 million of transaction, transformation and integration costs during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, primarily related to CommScope NEXT initiatives. We expect to continue to incur such costs during 2024 as we continue executing on CommScope NEXT initiatives, and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
In 2021, as a step in our CommScope NEXT transformation plan, we announced a plan to separate the Home Networks (Home) segment and began analyzing the financial results of our “Core” business separately from Home. On October 2, 2023, we entered into a Call Option Agreement with Vantiva SA, a société anonyme organized under the Laws of France (Vantiva), pursuant to which we granted Vantiva a binding call option to acquire our Home segment and substantially all of the associated segment assets and liabilities (Home business), which was subsequently exercised and a Purchase Agreement signed on December 7, 2023. The transaction closed on January 9, 2024.
We determined the anticipated sale of our Home business met the “held for sale” criteria and the “discontinued operations” criteria in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) No. 360-10, Impairment and Disposal of Long Lived Assets, and ASC No. 205-20, Presentation of Financial Statements: Discontinued Operations in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to its relative size and strategic rationale. For all periods presented, amounts have been recast to reflect the discontinuation of our Home business in accordance with ASC 205-20. Unless otherwise noted, the following discussions relate solely to our continuing operations. For further discussion of the discontinued operation related to our Home business, see Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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The results of our recast continuing operations do not align with our historical “Core” measures, which excluded the Home segment. Our continuing operations results include general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the Home segment. These indirect costs, reflected on the corporate and other line item within our segment information below, are classified as continuing operations, since they were not directly attributable to the discontinued operations of the Home segment. In future years, these costs will be reallocated to our remaining segments and will be at least partially offset by income from our transition services agreement with Vantiva or eliminated with future restructuring actions.
As a result of the divestiture of the Home business, we are now reporting financial performance based on the following remaining four operating segments, which excludes our Home segment: Connectivity and Cable Solutions (CCS), Outdoor Wireless Networks (OWN), Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions (NICS) and Access Network Solutions (ANS). For all periods presented, amounts have been recast to reflect these operating segment changes.
Impacts of Current Economic Conditions
In 2023, macroeconomic factors such as higher interest rates and concerns about continued inflation and a global economic slow-down softened demand for our products, with certain customers reducing purchases as they right-sized their inventories and others pausing capital spending. This negatively impacted net sales in our CCS, OWN and ANS segments for the year ended December 31, 2023 and may continue to have a material negative impact on net sales into at least the first half of 2024. Conversely, in our NICS segment, we saw higher demand and favorable pricing impacts that partially offset the impact of lower demand in our other segments for the full year of 2023. However, NICS segment net sales were down in the fourth quarter of 2023 as we saw order rates decline as channel partners paused to digest inventory.
We saw lower input costs across most of our segments as inflation settled during the year. We proactively implemented cost savings initiatives that favorably impacted our profitability for the year ended December 31, 2023 and should enable us to take advantage of the expected recovery in demand in the second half of 2024. If the expected recovery in demand of our products does not occur in 2024, our outlook will be materially impacted.
For more discussion on risks related to our customers, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 with the year ended December 31, 2022
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,789.2 | 100.0 | % | $ | 7,524.7 | 100.0 | % | $ | (1,735.5 | ) | (23.1 | )% | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,148.3 | 37.1 | 2,594.0 | 34.5 | (445.7 | ) | (17.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating loss | (112.9 | ) | (2.0 | ) | (613.1 | ) | (8.1 | ) | 500.2 | (81.6 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Core segment adjusted EBITDA (1) | 1,022.2 | 17.7 | 1,250.4 | 16.6 | (228.2 | ) | (18.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (2) | 999.0 | 17.3 | 1,223.4 | 16.3 | (224.4 | ) | (18.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | (851.3 | ) | (14.7 | ) | (1,184.7 | ) | (15.7 | ) | 333.4 | (28.1 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Diluted loss from continuing operations per share | $ | (4.33 | ) | $ | (6.00 | ) | $ | 1.67 | (27.8 | ) |
(1)
Core segment adjusted EBITDA reflects the results of our CCS, OWN, NICS and ANS segments, in the aggregate, and excludes general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the Home segment and are now classified as continuing operations, since the costs were not directly attributable to the discontinued operations of the Home segment. See the Segment Results section below for illustration of the aggregation of Core segment adjusted EBITDA.
(2)
See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Net sales
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,789.2 | $ | 7,524.7 | $ | (1,735.5 | ) | (23.1 | )% | |||||||
| Domestic | 3,750.0 | 5,018.1 | (1,268.1 | ) | (25.3 | ) | ||||||||||
| International | 2,039.2 | 2,506.6 | (467.4 | ) | (18.6 | ) |
Net sales in 2023 decreased $1,735.5 million, or 23.1%, compared to the prior year primarily driven by decreased sales volumes as certain customers reduced purchases as they right-size their inventories and others paused capital spending, partially offset by higher pricing. The decrease was driven by lower net sales in the CCS segment of $1,079.4 million, the OWN segment of $587.9 million and the ANS segment of $246.2 million, partially offset by higher net sales of $178.0 million in the NICS segment. For further details by segment, see the discussion of Segment Results below.
From a regional perspective in 2023, net sales decreased in the U.S. by $1,268.1 million, the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by $184.4 million, the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by $114.0 million, the Caribbean and Latin American (CALA) region by $106.9 million, and Canada by $62.1 million. Net sales to customers located outside of the U.S. comprised 35% of total net sales for 2023 compared to 33% for 2022. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on our net sales during 2023. For additional information on regional sales by segment, see discussion of Segment Results below and Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Gross profit, SG&A expense and R&D expense
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 2,148.3 | $ | 2,594.0 | $ | (445.7 | ) | (17.2 | )% | |||||||
| As a percent of sales | 37.1 | % | 34.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| SG&A expense | 873.3 | 1,040.9 | (167.6 | ) | (16.1 | ) | ||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 15.1 | % | 13.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| R&D expense | 459.7 | 543.6 | (83.9 | ) | (15.4 | ) | ||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 7.9 | % | 7.2 | % |
Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales)
Gross profit decreased in 2023 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower net sales volumes, partially offset by lower freight and material costs and favorable product mix.
Selling, general and administrative expense
For 2023, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense decreased by $167.6 million compared to 2022, primarily due to cost saving initiatives, lower variable incentive compensation expense of $59.3 million and lower bad debt expense. Bad debt expense in 2022 was driven by a $20.9 million reserve related to an OWN segment customer. Although our transaction, transformation, and integration costs have decreased year-over-year, we expect to continue to incur these costs in 2024 due to ongoing CommScope NEXT initiatives, and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
We also incurred costs of $5.5 million in 2023 related to the identification, investigation, defense, recovery efforts and litigation claims connected to a cyber incident that occurred in late March of 2023. The incident resulted in minimal impact to our business operations, and we do not expect significant additional costs related to the recovery effort.
Research and development expense
Research and development (R&D) expense for 2023 decreased by $83.9 million primarily due to lower spending across all segments. R&D activities generally involve ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the evolving technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to market and modifying existing products to better serve our customers.
Amortization of purchased intangible assets, Restructuring costs, net and Asset impairments
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | $ | 327.1 | $ | 440.0 | $ | (112.9 | ) | (25.7 | )% | |||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 29.7 | 63.0 | (33.3 | ) | (52.9 | ) | ||||||||||
| Asset impairments | 571.4 | 1,119.6 | (548.2 | ) | (49.0 | ) |
Amortization of purchased intangible assets
The amortization of purchased intangible assets was lower in 2023 compared to the prior year because certain of our intangible assets became fully amortized.
Restructuring costs, net
The net restructuring costs recorded in 2023 were primarily related to CommScope NEXT and reflected a gain of $33.9 million, primarily related to selling owned properties, including an international manufacturing facility, along with U.S. office and warehouse facilities. We received proceeds of $67.6 million related to these sales. Excluding the impacts of these facility sales, our restructuring costs were $63.6 million, and we paid $110.8 million to settle restructuring liabilities. We expect to pay an additional $11.7 million in 2024 related to the restructuring actions that have been initiated. Additional restructuring actions related to CommScope NEXT are expected to be identified and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
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Asset impairments
We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $472.3 million and $99.1 million in 2023 related to our ANS and Building Data Center Connectivity (BDCC) reporting units, respectively. The ANS reporting unit is the same as our ANS segment and the BDCC reporting unit is in our CCS segment. See the discussion below under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” for more information regarding the goodwill impairment tests performed during 2023. We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1,119.6 million in 2022 related to our ANS reporting unit.
Other income (expense), net
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency loss | $ | (13.9 | ) | $ | (4.6 | ) | $ | (9.3 | ) | 202.2 | % | |||||
| Other income, net | 73.6 | 4.1 | 69.5 | NM | ||||||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
Foreign currency loss
Foreign currency loss includes the net foreign currency gains and losses resulting from the settlement of receivables and payables, foreign currency contracts and short-term intercompany advances in a currency other than the subsidiary’s functional currency. The change in foreign currency loss in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily driven by certain unhedged currencies.
Other income, net
The change in other income, net in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily driven by a gain of $74.3 million on the early extinguishment of debt related to our debt repurchases as further discussed in Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Interest expense, Interest income and Income taxes
| Year Ended December 31, | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | (675.8 | ) | $ | (588.9 | ) | $ | (86.9 | ) | 14.8 | % | |||||
| Interest income | 11.1 | 2.8 | 8.3 | 296.4 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax (expense) benefit | (133.4 | ) | 15.0 | (148.4 | ) | (989.3 | ) |
Interest expense and Interest income
The increase in interest expense in 2023 compared to 2022 was driven by the increased variable interest rate on our senior secured term loan due 2026 (2026 Term Loan) as a result of the Federal Reserve’s increases in interest rates. Our weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including the impact of the interest rate swap contracts and the amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, was 7.22% at December 31, 2023 and 6.91% at December 31, 2022. Our interest expense will continue to increase if the Federal Reserve raises interest rates.
Income tax (expense) benefit
For 2023, we recognized income tax expense of $133.4 million on a pretax loss of $717.9 million. Our tax expense on a pretax loss was less than the statutory rate of 21.0% in 2023 primarily due to the unfavorable impact related to a goodwill impairment charge of $571.4 million, for which minimal tax benefits were recorded. Our tax expense was also unfavorably impacted by an additional net $165.4 million of valuation allowance recorded during the year. Our tax expense was also impacted unfavorably by the U.S. anti-deferral provisions and non-creditable withholding taxes, partially offset by tax benefits related to federal tax credits. See Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more discussion of our income tax (expense) benefit.
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For 2022, we recognized an income tax benefit of $15.0 million on a pretax loss of $1,199.7 million. Our tax benefit was less than the statutory rate of 21.0% in 2022 primarily due to a goodwill impairment charge of $1,119.6 million, for which minimal tax benefits were recorded. Our tax benefit was also impacted by the unfavorable impacts of U.S. anti-deferral provisions and non-creditable withholding taxes, partially offset by tax benefit related to federal tax credits.
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Segment Results
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCS | $ | 2,710.2 | 46.8 | % | $ | 3,789.6 | 50.4 | % | $ | (1,079.4 | ) | (28.5 | ) | % | |||||||||||||
| OWN | 880.0 | 15.2 | 1,467.9 | 19.5 | (587.9 | ) | (40.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| NICS | 1,117.7 | 19.3 | 939.7 | 12.5 | 178.0 | 18.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | 1,081.3 | 18.7 | 1,327.5 | 17.6 | (246.2 | ) | (18.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 5,789.2 | 100.0 | % | $ | 7,524.7 | 100.0 | % | $ | (1,735.5 | ) | (23.1 | ) | % | |||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCS | $ | 121.9 | 4.5 | % | $ | 438.3 | 11.6 | % | $ | (316.4 | ) | (72.2 | ) | % | |||||||||||||
| OWN | 130.5 | 14.8 | 189.0 | 12.9 | (58.5 | ) | (31.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| NICS | 127.0 | 11.4 | (51.2 | ) | (5.4 | ) | 178.2 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | (462.5 | ) | (42.8 | ) | (1,149.6 | ) | (86.6 | ) | 687.1 | (59.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Core segment operating income (loss) (1) | (83.1 | ) | (1.4 | ) | (573.5 | ) | (7.6 | ) | 490.4 | (85.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other (1) | (29.8 | ) | NM | (39.6 | ) | NM | 9.8 | (24.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating loss | $ | (112.9 | ) | (2.0 | ) | % | $ | (613.1 | ) | (8.1 | ) | % | $ | 500.2 | (81.6 | ) | % | ||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCS | $ | 389.6 | 14.4 | % | $ | 643.6 | 17.0 | % | $ | (254.0 | ) | (39.5 | ) | % | |||||||||||||
| OWN | 178.1 | 20.2 | 269.7 | 18.4 | (91.6 | ) | (34.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| NICS | 225.2 | 20.1 | 51.9 | 5.5 | 173.3 | 333.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | 229.3 | 21.2 | 285.2 | 21.5 | (55.9 | ) | (19.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Core segment adjusted EBITDA (1) | 1,022.2 | 17.7 | 1,250.4 | 16.6 | (228.2 | ) | (18.3 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and other (1) | (23.2 | ) | NM | (27.0 | ) | NM | 3.8 | (14.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP consolidated adjusted EBITDA (2) | $ | 999.0 | 17.3 | % | $ | 1,223.4 | 16.3 | % | $ | (224.4 | ) | (18.3 | ) | % | |||||||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
(1)
Core financial measures reflect the results of our CCS, OWN, NICS and ANS segments, in the aggregate, and exclude general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the Home segment reflected on the corporate and other line item. These indirect costs are classified as continuing operations since they were not directly attributable to the discontinued operations of the Home segment. In future years, these costs will be reallocated to our remaining segments and will be at least partially offset by income from our transition services agreement with Vantiva or eliminated with future restructuring actions.
(2)
See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Connectivity and Cable Solutions Segment
Net sales for the CCS segment decreased in 2023 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower sales volumes as certain customers paused spending as they right-size their inventory levels. From a regional perspective in 2023, net sales decreased in the U.S. by $783.2 million, the EMEA region by $169.9 million, the APAC region by $50.0 million, Canada by $43.4 million and the CALA region by $32.9 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on CCS segment net sales during 2023.
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For 2023, CCS segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA were unfavorably impacted by lower sales volumes, partially offset by lower SG&A, material, freight and R&D costs, and favorable product mix. The reductions in SG&A costs impacting both operating income and adjusted EBITDA were primarily due to lower variable incentive compensation expense and cost savings initiatives, partially offset by higher bad debt expense. In 2023, CCS segment operating income was unfavorably impacted by a goodwill impairment charge of $99.1 million, but this was partially offset by a reduction of $24.0 million in amortization expense, a gain on the sale of an international manufacturing facility of $20.2 million that was recorded as a reduction to restructuring costs, a reduction of $8.9 million in transaction, transformation and integration costs and a $2.0 million recovery of accounts receivable that we had previously reserved during the prior year for $2.7 million when we determined they were uncollectible due to the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Goodwill impairment charges, amortization expense, restructuring costs, transaction, transformation and integration costs and the charges and recoveries related to accounts receivable that were determined to be uncollectible as a result of the Russia/Ukraine conflict are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See the discussion below under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” for more information regarding the annual goodwill impairment test performed during 2023. Also see “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Outdoor Wireless Networks Segment
For 2023, OWN segment net sales decreased compared to the prior year primarily due to lower sales volumes as a result of reductions in spending by certain North American operators. From a regional perspective in 2023, OWN segment net sales decreased in the U.S. by $513.0 million, the APAC region by $23.7 million, Canada by $24.5 million, the CALA region by $15.6 million and the EMEA region by $11.1 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on OWN segment net sales during 2023.
For 2023, OWN segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA decreased compared to the prior year primarily due to lower sales volumes and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by lower freight, material, SG&A and R&D costs. The reductions in SG&A costs impacting both operating income and adjusted EBITDA were primarily due to lower bad debt expense, lower variable incentive compensation expense and cost savings initiatives. The bad debt expense in 2022 was driven by a $20.9 million reserve related a distributor customer. OWN segment operating income was favorably impacted by a reduction of $15.8 million in restructuring costs, a reduction of $12.0 million in amortization expense and a reduction of $3.9 million in transaction, transformation and integration costs. Amortization expense, restructuring costs and transaction, transformation and integration costs are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions Segment
Net sales for the NICS segment increased in 2023 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher sales volumes of our Ruckus products as well as our distributed antenna systems products and was favorably impacted by pricing, although to a lesser degree than volume. From a regional perspective in 2023, net sales increased in the U.S. by $124.1 million, the EMEA region by $35.5 million, the APAC region by $13.8 million, Canada by $4.5 million and the CALA region by $0.1 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on NICS segment net sales during 2023.
For 2023, NICS segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA increased compared to the prior year primarily due to higher sales volumes, increased pricing and lower freight, R&D, material and SG&A costs. NICS segment operating income was unfavorably impacted by $4.0 million in higher transaction, transformation and integrations cost but was favorably impacted by a gain of $3.5 million related to the settlement of an intellectual property litigation claim. Transaction, transformation and integration costs and intellectual property litigation costs are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Access Network Solutions Segment
Net sales for our ANS segment decreased in 2023 due to lower sales volume as a result of a pause in customer spending. From a regional perspective in 2023, net sales decreased in the U.S. by $96.0 million, the CALA region by $58.5 million, the APAC region by $54.1 million and the EMEA region by $38.9 million but increased in Canada by $1.3 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes did not have a material impact on ANS segment net sales during 2023.
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In 2023, ANS segment operating loss and adjusted EBITDA were impacted unfavorably by lower sales volumes but benefited from lower freight, SG&A and R&D costs compared to the prior year. The reductions in SG&A costs impacting both operating income and adjusted EBITDA were primarily due to cost savings initiatives and lower variable incentive compensation expense. For 2023, ANS segment operating loss was negatively impacted by a goodwill impairment charge of $472.3 million, and an increase of $3.3 million in transaction, transformation and integration costs. These negative impacts were partially offset by a decrease of $18.2 million in restructuring costs and reductions of $73.3 million in amortization expense in 2023. The reduction in restructuring costs reflects a gain on the sale of a U.S. warehouse facility of $19.4. Goodwill impairment charges, transaction, transformation and integration costs, amortization expense and restructuring expense are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See the discussion below under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” for more information regarding the annual goodwill impairment test performed during 2023. Also see “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes certain key measures of our liquidity and capital resources:
| December 31, | $ | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | ||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 543.8 | $ | 373.0 | $ | 170.8 | 45.8 | % | |||||||||
| Working capital, net of assets and liabilities held for sale (1) and excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt | 970.1 | 1,178.4 | (208.3 | ) | (17.7 | ) | |||||||||||
| Availability under Revolving Credit Facility | 688.0 | 908.8 | (220.8 | ) | (24.3 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current portion | 9,278.6 | 9,501.6 | (223.0 | ) | (2.3 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total capitalization (2) | 7,471.9 | 9,055.9 | (1,584.0 | ) | (17.5 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization | 124.2 | % | 104.9 | % |
(1)
Working capital is net of assets and liabilities held for sale and consists of current assets of $2,584.1 million less current liabilities of $1,102.2 million as of December 31, 2023 and current assets of $3,104.3 million less current liabilities of $1,584.9 million as of December 31, 2022.
(2)
Total capitalization includes long-term debt, including the current portion, Series A convertible preferred stock (Convertible Preferred Stock) and stockholders’ deficit.
Our principal sources of liquidity on a short-term basis are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows provided by operations and availability under our credit facilities. On a long-term basis, our potential sources of liquidity also include raising capital through the issuance of additional equity and/or debt.
In the second quarter of 2023, we amended our 2026 Term Loan to replace LIBOR with an adjusted Secured Overnight Financing Rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (SOFR) as the reference interest rate in anticipation of the cessation of LIBOR. The changes were effective July 1, 2023 and we do not anticipate a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows with the transition to SOFR in our variable rate debt.
The primary uses of liquidity include debt service requirements, voluntary debt repayments, redemptions or purchases on the open market, working capital requirements, capital expenditures, business separation transaction costs, transformation costs, restructuring costs, dividends related to the Convertible Preferred Stock if we elect to pay such dividends in cash, litigation settlements, income tax payments and other contractual obligations.
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We currently believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and cash flows from operations, combined with availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs. However, we may be required to obtain additional financing in the future to address our liquidity needs, and, subject to market conditions, we may from time to time seek to amend, refinance, restructure, exchange or repurchase our outstanding indebtedness and/or raise additional equity or other financing. Any debt we incur in the future may have terms (including cash interest rate, financial covenants and covenants limiting our operating flexibility or ability to obtain additional financings) that are not favorable to us, and any such additional equity financing may dilute the economic and/or voting interests of our existing stockholders, may be preferred in right of payment to our outstanding common stock or confer other privileges to the holders and may contain financial or operational covenants that restrict our operating flexibility or ability to obtain additional financings. Furthermore, our failure to obtain any necessary financing, amendment, refinancing, restructuring, exchange or repurchases could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity.
We may experience volatility in cash flows between periods due to, among other reasons, variability in the timing of vendor payments and customer receipts. We may, from time to time, seek to obtain alternative sources of financing, by borrowing additional amounts under our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility), issuing debt or equity securities or incurring other indebtedness, if market conditions are favorable, utilizing trade credit, selling assets (including businesses or business lines) or securitizing receivables to meet future cash needs or to reduce our borrowing costs. Any issuance of equity or debt may be for cash or in exchange for our outstanding securities or indebtedness, or a combination thereof.
Our outstanding debt securities and debt under our credit facilities are currently trading at substantial discounts to their respective principal amounts. In order to reduce future cash interest payments, as well as future amounts due at maturity or upon redemption, we may, from time to time, purchase such debt for cash, in exchange for common or preferred stock or debt, or for a combination thereof, in each case in open-market purchases and/or privately negotiated transactions, tender offers or exchange offers and upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine. Any such transactions will be dependent upon several factors, including our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, general market conditions and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors. Whether or not we engage in any such transactions will be determined at our discretion. The amounts involved in any such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.
Our interest payments on long-term debt are expected to total $1,831.1 million over the duration of the debt, with $643.0 million due in 2024 (assuming interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2023 on our variable rate debt). In 2023, the interest payments on our variable rate debt increased as a result of the Federal Reserve’s increase in interest rates. Our interest payments on our variable rate debt will continue to increase if the Federal Reserve continues to increase rates. For additional information regarding our long-term debt obligations, see Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and our discussion of our interest rate risk in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For information on our obligations related to our Convertible Preferred Stock, see Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In July 2023, we entered into a long-term supply contract with a third-party to secure the supply of certain raw materials. Under the terms of the contract, we will make advance payments through 2026 totaling $120.0 million (undiscounted) and based on meeting certain minimum purchase requirements through 2031, such advance payments will be credited and applied to future orders on a quarterly basis beginning in 2027 through 2031. We have committed to purchases of raw material under this agreement beginning in 2023 and growing to a level of approximately $137 million per year by 2026 and continuing through 2032.
We have $115.7 million in unrecognized tax benefits; however, the timing of the related tax payments is highly uncertain. We anticipate a reduction of up to $8.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. See Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
We are contingently liable under open standby letters of credit issued by our banks to support performance obligations of a third-party contractor that totaled $35.9 million as of December 31, 2023. These amounts represent our estimate of the maximum amounts we would expect to incur upon the contractual non-performance of the contractor, but we also have cross-indemnities in place that may enable us to recover some or all of our losses in the event of the contractor’s non-performance. We believe the likelihood of having to perform under these guarantees is remote. There were no material amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements related to third-party guarantee agreements as of December 31, 2023 or 2022.
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Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” section below, but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions, synergies and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions. For the year ended December 31, 2023, our non-GAAP pro forma adjusted EBITDA, as measured pursuant to the indentures governing our notes, was $1,101.2 million, which included annualized savings expected from cost reduction initiatives of $102.2 million so that the impact of cost reduction initiatives is fully reflected in the twelve-month period used in the calculation of the ratios. In addition to limitations under these indentures, our senior secured credit facilities contain customary negative covenants based on similar financial measures. We believe we are in compliance with the covenants under our indentures and senior secured credit facilities at December 31, 2023.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $170.8 million during 2023 as described under the Cash Flow Overview section below. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 44% of our cash and cash equivalents were held outside the U.S.
Working capital, net of assets and liabilities held for sale and excluding cash and cash equivalents and the current portion of long-term debt, decreased during 2023 primarily due to lower accounts receivable with unfavorable operating performance driving lower net sales and lower inventory due to inventory reduction initiatives. These were partially offset by reductions in current liabilities with unfavorable operating performance driving lower accounts payable and lower accrued liabilities due to the pay out of our 2022 variable incentive compensation and a reduced 2023 incentive. During 2023, we sold accounts receivable under customer-sponsored supplier financing agreements. This had an impact of approximately $44 million on working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and the current portion of long-term debt, as of December 31, 2023. Under these agreements, we are able to sell accounts receivable to a bank, and we retain no interest in and have no servicing responsibilities for the accounts receivable sold. The net reduction in total capitalization during 2023 reflected the net loss for the year.
Cash Flow Overview
The cash flows related to discontinued operations have not been segregated. Accordingly, the following cash flow overview includes the results of continuing and discontinued operations. Cash and cash equivalents increased during 2023 primarily driven by cash generated by operating activities of $289.9 million and proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $71.2 million, partially offset by cash paid for debt repurchases of $142.6 million and capital expenditures of $53.3 million. The proceeds on the sale of property, plant and equipment primarily relate to selling an international manufacturing facility, along with U.S. office and warehouse facilities that were closed and consolidated into other locations as part of CommScope NEXT.
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 289.9 | $ | 190.0 | $ | 99.9 | 52.6 | % | ||||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities | 38.3 | (82.1 | ) | 120.4 | NM | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (181.7 | ) | (65.0 | ) | (116.7 | ) | 179.5 | |||||||||
| NM – Not meaningful |
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Operating Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,450.9 | ) | $ | (1,286.9 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash generated by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 561.2 | 696.1 | ||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 47.3 | 61.1 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (183.3 | ) | (118.4 | ) | ||||
| Asset impairments | 1,217.6 | 1,119.6 | ||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 461.7 | (16.0 | ) | |||||
| Inventories | 391.3 | (178.8 | ) | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 45.1 | 30.9 | ||||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | (723.6 | ) | (43.2 | ) | ||||
| Other noncurrent assets | (27.4 | ) | 8.2 | |||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | 55.0 | (88.8 | ) | |||||
| Other | (104.1 | ) | 6.2 | |||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 289.9 | $ | 190.0 |
During 2023, the increase in cash generated by operating activities compared to the prior year was primarily driven by reduced inventory purchases, the impacts of cost saving initiatives and lower cash paid for taxes, partially offset by higher interest payments. For information on significant non-cash operating activities related to our discontinued operations, see Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Investing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Additions to property, plant and equipment | $ | (53.3 | ) | $ | (101.3 | ) | ||
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 71.2 | 0.1 | ||||||
| Other | 20.4 | 19.1 | ||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities | $ | 38.3 | $ | (82.1 | ) |
During 2023, the increase in cash used generated by (used in) investing activities compared to the prior year was primarily driven by $71.2 million of proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and a $48.0 decrease in capital expenditures. Capital expenditures related to our discontinued operations were $2.4 million in 2023 and $4.0 million in 2022. The current period proceeds on the sale of property, plant and equipment primarily relate to the sales of an international manufacturing facility as well as U.S. office and warehouse facilities that were closed as part of CommScope NEXT. Cash generated by other investing activities was favorably impacted in the current year by proceeds of $11.1 million related to the sale of an equity investment and proceeds of $9.3 million on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets. Cash used in other investing activities in the prior year period was favorably impacted by proceeds of $6.9 million related to the sale of an equity method investment, a return of $4.5 million on equity method investments and proceeds of $5.0 million on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets.
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Financing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Long-term debt repaid | $ | (32.0 | ) | $ | (365.0 | ) | ||
| Long-term debt repurchases | (142.6 | ) | — | |||||
| Long-term debt proceeds | — | 333.0 | ||||||
| Debt issuance costs | — | (7.2 | ) | |||||
| Dividends paid on Series A convertible preferred stock | — | (14.9 | ) | |||||
| Tax withholding payments for vested equity-based compensation awards | (9.1 | ) | (14.8 | ) | ||||
| Other | 2.0 | 3.9 | ||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (181.7 | ) | $ | (65.0 | ) |
In 2023, we repurchased $133.1 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.25% senior notes due 2027, $58.4 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.125% senior notes due 2028 and $25.4 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.00% senior notes due 2025, for total cash consideration paid of $142.6 million. We also paid quarterly scheduled amortization payments totaling $32.0 million on the 2026 Term Loan. We did not borrow under our Revolving Credit Facility during 2023.
As of December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the remaining availability was $688.0 million, reflecting a borrowing base subject to maximum capacity of $785.9 million reduced by $97.9 million of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. In the future, the availability under our Revolving Credit Facility will likely be lower with the closing of the divestiture transaction for the Home business and the sale of the related assets.
In 2022, we borrowed $333.0 million and repaid $333.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. We also paid four quarterly scheduled amortization payments totaling $32.0 million on our 2026 Term Loan during 2022. In connection with the refinancing of our Revolving Credit Facility in October 2022, we paid $7.2 million of debt issuance costs.
In 2023, we paid dividends of $61.8 million in additional shares due under the Convertible Preferred Stock. In 2022, we paid cash dividends of $14.9 million and paid $44.1 million of dividends in additional shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock. During 2023, employees surrendered shares of our common stock to satisfy their tax withholding requirements on vested restricted stock units and performance share units which reduced cash flows by $9.1 million compared to $14.8 million in the prior year.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
We believe that presenting certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances an investor’s understanding of our financial performance. We further believe that these financial measures are useful in assessing our operating performance from period to period by excluding certain items that we believe are not representative of our core business. We also use certain of these financial measures for business planning purposes and in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors.
We believe these financial measures are commonly used by investors to evaluate our performance and that of our competitors. However, our use of the term “non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA” may vary from that of others in our industry. This financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to operating income (loss), net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP as measures of operating performance, operating cash flows or liquidity.
Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in this section, but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions.
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Consolidated
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | (851.3 | ) | $ | (1,184.7 | ) | $ | (350.0 | ) | |||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 133.4 | (15.0 | ) | (39.2 | ) | |||||||
| Interest income | (11.1 | ) | (2.8 | ) | (1.9 | ) | ||||||
| Interest expense | 675.8 | 588.9 | 561.2 | |||||||||
| Other (income) expense, net | (59.7 | ) | 0.5 | 26.5 | ||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | (112.9 | ) | (613.1 | ) | $ | 196.6 | ||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 327.1 | 440.0 | 510.0 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 29.7 | 63.0 | 85.1 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 43.6 | 55.3 | 70.8 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | 571.4 | 1,119.6 | — | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs (1) | 27.1 | 35.1 | 50.6 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments (2) | 1.2 | 5.3 | 9.2 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | (3.5 | ) | 1.7 | 3.2 | ||||||||
| Reserve (recovery) of Russian accounts receivable | (2.0 | ) | 2.7 | — | ||||||||
| Cyber incident costs (3) | 5.5 | — | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 111.8 | 113.8 | 117.8 | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA | $ | 999.0 | $ | 1,223.4 | $ | 1,043.3 |
(1)
In 2023, primarily reflects transaction costs related to certain CommScope NEXT initiatives. In 2022, primarily reflects transformation costs related to CommScope NEXT and integration costs related to the ARRIS International plc (ARRIS) acquisition. In 2021, primarily reflects transaction separation costs related to the planned separation of the Home segment from CommScope, transformation costs related to CommScope NEXT and integration costs related to the ARRIS acquisition.
(2)
In 2023, 2022 and 2021, reflects ARRIS acquisition accounting adjustments related to reducing deferred revenue to its fair value.
(3)
In 2023, primarily reflects costs of the identification, investigation, defense, recovery and litigation efforts related to a cyber incident that occurred in late March of 2023.
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Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA is provided as a performance measure in Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Below we reconcile segment adjusted EBITDA for each segment individually to operating income (loss) for that segment to supplement the reconciliation of the total segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated operating income (loss) in that footnote.
The corporate and other line item as presented in Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements represents general corporate costs that were previously allocated to the Home segment. These indirect costs are classified as continuing operations since they were not directly attributable to the discontinued operations of the Home business. In future years, these costs will be reallocated to our remaining segments and will be at least partially offset by income from our transition services agreement with Vantiva or eliminated with future restructuring actions.
Connectivity and Cable Solutions Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 121.9 | $ | 438.3 | $ | 138.4 | |||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 75.5 | 99.5 | 156.7 | ||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 14.0 | 17.1 | 62.0 | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 15.6 | 14.9 | 19.5 | ||||||||
| Asset impairments | 99.1 | — | — | ||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 1.7 | 10.6 | 18.5 | ||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | — | 1.7 | — | ||||||||
| Reserve (recovery) of Russian accounts receivable | (2.0 | ) | 2.7 | — | |||||||
| Cyber incident costs | 2.6 | — | — | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 61.3 | 58.8 | 53.6 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 389.6 | $ | 643.6 | $ | 448.8 |
Outdoor Wireless Networks Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 130.5 | $ | 189.0 | $ | 197.3 | |||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 20.4 | 32.4 | 33.5 | ||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 6.6 | 22.4 | 3.6 | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 6.3 | 7.1 | 8.4 | ||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 0.6 | 4.5 | 8.5 | ||||||||
| Cyber incident costs | 1.1 | — | — | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 12.6 | 14.3 | 15.4 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 178.1 | $ | 269.7 | $ | 266.8 |
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Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 127.0 | $ | (51.2 | ) | $ | (143.5 | ) | ||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 56.8 | 59.7 | 72.0 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 12.4 | 9.9 | 8.5 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 10.6 | 13.5 | 17.4 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 7.0 | 3.0 | 6.2 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | 1.2 | 2.0 | 4.6 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | (3.5 | ) | — | 0.3 | ||||||||
| Cyber incident costs | 0.7 | — | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 13.0 | 15.0 | 19.2 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 225.2 | $ | 51.9 | $ | (15.3 | ) |
Access Network Solutions Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | (462.5 | ) | $ | (1,149.6 | ) | $ | 71.2 | |||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 173.9 | 247.2 | 247.0 | ||||||||
| Restructuring costs (credits), net | (6.0 | ) | 12.2 | 9.2 | |||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 11.0 | 15.8 | 20.9 | ||||||||
| Asset impairments | 472.3 | 1,119.6 | — | ||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 17.3 | 14.0 | 9.4 | ||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | 0.2 | 3.3 | 4.8 | ||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | — | — | 2.9 | ||||||||
| Cyber incident costs | 1.0 | — | — | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 22.1 | 22.5 | 25.8 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 229.3 | $ | 285.2 | $ | 391.1 |
Note: Components may not sum to total due to rounding.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and their underlying assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other objective sources. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revises its estimates, as appropriate, when changes in events or circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary.
The following critical accounting policies and estimates reflected in our financial statements are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events. While we have generally not experienced significant deviations from our critical estimates in the past, it is reasonably possible that these estimates may ultimately differ materially from actual results. See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of all our significant accounting policies.
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Asset Impairment Reviews
Impairment Reviews of Goodwill
We test goodwill at the reporting unit level for impairment annually as of October 1 and on an interim basis when events occur or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of our reporting units with the carrying amount, including goodwill. We recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow (DCF) method or, as appropriate, a combination of the DCF method and a market approach known as the guideline public company method. Under the DCF method, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The significant assumptions in the DCF model primarily include, but are not limited to, forecasts of annual revenue growth rates, annual EBITDA margin and the discount rate used to determine the present value of the cash flow projections. When determining these assumptions and preparing these estimates, we consider historical performance trends, terminal growth rates, industry data, insight derived from customers, relevant changes in the reporting unit’s underlying business and other market trends that may affect the reporting unit. The discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital as of the test date of market participants in the industry in which the reporting unit operates and is commensurate with the risk and uncertainty inherent in each reporting unit and in internally developed forecasts. Under the guideline public company method, we estimate the fair value based upon market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. The weighting of the fair value derived from the market approach may vary depending on the level of comparability of these publicly-traded companies to the reporting unit. When comparable public companies are not meaningful or not available, we may estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using only the DCF method.
Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit involves uncertainties because it requires management to develop numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the future growth and potential volatility in revenues and costs, capital expenditures, industry economic factors and future business strategy. Changes in projected revenue growth rates, projected EBITDA margins or estimated discount rates due to uncertain market conditions, loss of one or more key customers, changes in our strategy, changes in technology or other factors could negatively affect the fair value in one or more of our reporting units and result in a material impairment charge in the future.
To assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our reporting units, we also compare the sum of the reporting units’ fair values to our market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units’ fair values over the market capitalization). If the implied control premium is not reasonable, we will reevaluate the fair value estimates of the reporting units by adjusting the discount rates and/or other assumptions.
2023 Interim and Annual Goodwill Analysis
Interim Test
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. During the third quarter of 2023, we concluded that a triggering event occurred, primarily due to a sustained decrease in the market value of our debt and common stock affecting the overall business and changes in expected future cash flows due to reduced earnings forecasts and current macroeconomic conditions, including a rising interest rate environment. We performed an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test for our ANS and BDCC reporting units, which were most sensitive to negative performance and outlook, to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to their carrying amounts, including the goodwill. The ANS reporting unit is the same as the ANS segment, and the BDCC reporting unit is part of the CCS segment.
The fair value of the reporting unit was determined using a DCF model and a guideline public company approach, with 75% of the value determined using the DCF model and 25% of the value determined using the guideline public company approach. Under the DCF method, the fair value of a reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. To determine the fair value of our ANS and BDCC reporting units, we developed a revised forecast for 2023 and updated the annual forecasts for the years beyond 2023. We used a discount rate of 15% for the ANS reporting unit, which reflects increased risk from our 2022 annual test due to higher market uncertainty, and 12% for the BDCC reporting unit. Under the guideline public company method, the fair value is based upon market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit.
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As a result of our interim goodwill impairment test, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $425.9 million during the third quarter of 2023 to partially write down the carrying amount of the ANS reporting unit goodwill. There was no impairment identified in our BDCC reporting unit in the Q3 2023 interim goodwill impairment test.
Annual Test
The annual test of goodwill impairment was performed for each of the reporting units with goodwill balances as of October 1, 2023. For the 2023 annual goodwill test, we determined the fair value of each reporting unit using a DCF model and a guideline public company approach, with 75% of the value determined using the DCF model and 25% of the value determined using the market approach. The range of discount rates used in our annual tests was 11.0% to 15.0% for 2023. The Company determined the goodwill balance in the ANS and BDCC reporting units was impaired and recorded partial impairment charges of $46.3 million and $99.1 million, respectively. The impairment charges resulted from the Company's assessment in the fourth quarter of further lower revenue growth and EBITDA margins, due to adverse impacts of market conditions on the current year profitability and estimated future business results and cash flows. We used a discount rate of 15% for the ANS reporting unit and 12% for the BDCC reporting unit, which were consistent with the Q3 2023 interim test.
Considering the low headroom going forward for each of the ANS and BDCC reporting units, there is a risk for future impairment in the event of further declines in general economic, market or business conditions or any significant unfavorable change in the forecasted cash flows, weighted average cost of capital or growth rates. If current and long-term projections for the ANS and BDCC reporting units are not realized or decrease materially, we may be required to recognize additional goodwill impairment charges, and these charges could be material to our results of operations.
The following table provides summary information regarding our reporting units with goodwill balances as of December 31, 2023 that have the lowest level of headroom. The table presents key assumptions used in our annual goodwill analysis, along with sensitivity analysis showing the effect of a change in certain key assumptions, assuming all other assumptions remain constant, to the resulting fair value using an income approach.
| Key Assumptions | Goodwill | Deficit of Fair Value to Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reporting Unit | Discount Rate | Terminal Growth Rate | Balance at December 31, 2023 | % of Total Assets | Result of Annual Goodwill Test as of October 1, 2023 | Decrease of 10% in Cash Flows | Decrease of 0.5% in Long-term Growth Rate | Increase of 0.5% in Discount Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | 15.0 | % | 1.0 | % | $ | 261.4 | 2.8 | % | $ | (46.3 | ) | $ | (154.6 | ) | $ | (62.5 | ) | $ | (86.7 | ) | ||||||||||||
| BDCC | 12.0 | % | 1.5 | % | 881.5 | 9.4 | % | (99.1 | ) | (208.9 | ) | (126.0 | ) | (154.6 | ) |
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets
Management reviews definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable. This analysis differs from our goodwill impairment analysis in that an intangible or other long-lived asset impairment is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. If the forecasted net cash flows are less than the carrying value, then the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Other than certain assets impaired as a result of restructuring actions, we did not identify any impairments of definite-lived intangible assets or other long-lived assets in 2023. Changes in the estimates of forecasted net cash flows or changes in classification from held for use may result in future asset impairments that could be material to our results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue based on the satisfaction of distinct obligations to transfer goods and services to customers. Our revenue is generated primarily from product or equipment sales. We apply a five-step approach as defined in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when a corresponding performance obligation is satisfied. Most contracts with customers are to provide distinct products or services within a single contract. However, if a contract is separated into more than one performance obligation, the total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation in an amount based on the estimated relative standalone selling price.
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Product sales, to end-customers or distributors, represent over 90% of our revenue and are generally recognized at the point in time when products have been shipped, right to payment has been obtained and risk of loss has been transferred. Certain of our product performance obligations include proprietary operating system software, which typically is not considered separately identifiable. Therefore, sales of these products and the related software are considered one performance obligation.
License contracts include revenue recognized for the licensing of intellectual property, including software, sold separately without products. Functional intellectual property licenses do not meet the criteria for revenue to be recognized over time, and revenue is most commonly recognized upon delivery of the license/software to the customer.
Revenue is measured based on the consideration to which we expect to be entitled based on customer contracts. Sales are adjusted for variable consideration amounts, including, but not limited to, estimated discounts, rebates, distributor price protection programs and returns. These estimates are determined based upon historical experience, contract terms, inventory levels in the distributor channel and other related factors. Adjustments to variable consideration estimates are recorded when circumstances indicate revisions may be necessary. Variable consideration is primarily related to sales to our distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers.
Contingencies and Litigation
We are a party to lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of our business, including intellectual property infringement matters, those pertaining to labor and employment contracts and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. We assess these matters in order to determine if a contingent liability should be recorded. In making this determination, management may, depending on the nature of the matter, consult with internal and external legal counsel and technical experts. We expense legal fees associated with consultations and defense of lawsuits as incurred. We accrue for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. Gain contingencies are recognized when they are realized.
Litigation outcomes are difficult to predict and are often resolved over long periods of time, making our estimates highly judgmental. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as future changes in facts and circumstances, differing interpretations of the law, assessments of the amount of damages and other factors beyond our control. There is the potential for a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows if one or more matters are resolved in a particular period in an amount materially in excess of what we anticipated. Alternatively, if the judgments and estimates made by management are incorrect and a particular contingent loss does not occur, the contingent loss recorded would be reversed, thereby favorably impacting our results of operations.
Inventory Reserves
We maintain reserves to reduce the value of inventory based on the lower of cost or net realizable value, including allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. These reserves are based on management’s assumptions about and analysis of relevant factors including current levels of orders and backlog, forecasted demand, market conditions and new products or innovations that diminish the value of existing inventories. If actual market conditions deteriorate from those anticipated by management, additional allowances for excess and obsolete inventory could be required and may be material to our results of operations.
Tax Valuation Allowances and Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits
We establish an income tax valuation allowance when available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider the amounts, character, source and timing of expected future deductions or carryforwards as well as sources of taxable income and tax planning strategies that may enable utilization. We maintain an existing valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Changes in the amount or timing of expected future deductions or taxable income may have a material impact on the level of income tax valuation allowances. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, an increase to an income tax valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination was made.
We also establish allowances related to value-added and similar recoverable taxes when it is considered probable that those assets are not recoverable. Changes in the probability of recovery or in the estimates of the amount recoverable are recognized in the period such determination is made and may be material to our loss from continuing operations.
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We recognize income tax benefits related to particular tax positions only when it is considered more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained if examined on its technical merits by tax authorities. The amount of benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is evaluated to be greater than 50% likely to be realized. Considerable judgment is required to evaluate the technical merits of various positions and to evaluate the likely amount of benefit to be realized. Lapses in statutes of limitations, developments in tax laws, regulations and interpretations, and changes in assessments of the likely outcome of uncertain tax positions could have a material impact on the overall tax provision.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-23-003856.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared with the year ended December 31, 2021. This comparison should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" included in Part I, Item 1A or in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2022.
OVERVIEW
We are a global provider of infrastructure solutions for communication, data center and entertainment networks. Our solutions for wired and wireless networks enable service providers, including cable, telephone and digital broadcast satellite operators and media programmers, to deliver media, voice, Internet Protocol (IP) data services and Wi-Fi to their subscribers and allow enterprises to experience constant wireless and wired connectivity across complex and varied networking environments. Our solutions are complemented by services including technical support, systems design and integration. We are a leader in digital video and IP Television distribution systems, broadband access infrastructure platforms and equipment that delivers data and voice networks to homes. Our global leadership position is built upon innovative technology, broad solution offerings, high-quality and cost-effective customer solutions, and global manufacturing and distribution scale.
In 2021, we announced a transformation initiative referred to as CommScope NEXT designed to drive shareholder value through three pillars: profitable growth, operational efficiency and portfolio optimization. We believe these efforts are critical to making us more competitive and allowing us to invest in growth, de-leverage and maximize stockholder and other stakeholder value. We have incurred $62.9 million and $91.9 million of restructuring costs and $38.2 million and $90.3 million of transaction, transformation and integration costs during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, primarily related to CommScope NEXT. We expect to continue to incur restructuring costs and transaction, transformation and integration costs related to CommScope NEXT in 2023 and such costs could be material.
As a step to optimize our portfolio through CommScope NEXT, as of January 1, 2022, we reorganized our internal management and reporting structure to align our portfolio of products and solutions more closely with the markets we serve and provide better performance comparability with our competitive peer set across our businesses. The reorganization changed the information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. As a result, we are now reporting financial performance based on the following operating segments: Connectivity and Cable Solutions (CCS), Outdoor Wireless Networks (OWN), Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions (NICS), Access Network Solutions (ANS) and Home Networks (Home). Prior to this change, we operated and reported four operating segments: Broadband Networks, Outdoor Wireless Networks, Venue and Campus Networks and Home Networks. The Home segment was unchanged in this realignment. All prior period amounts have been recast to reflect these operating segment changes.
Also as a step in our CommScope NEXT transformation plan, in 2021, we announced a plan to separate the Home Networks business. Due to the impact of the uncertain supply chain environment, capital spending patterns of customers and other macroeconomic factors related to the Home Networks business, we have delayed our separation plan, but we continue to analyze the financial results of our "Core" business separately from Home. As such, below we refer to certain supplementary Core financial measures, which reflect the results of our CCS, OWN, NICS and ANS segments in the aggregate. See the Segment Results section below for the aggregation of our Core financial measures.
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Impacts of Supply Chain Constraints and Inflation
As in many industries, we have seen the negative impacts of COVID-19 recede and a recovery in demand for our products over the past year, but this has created negative indirect consequences such as inflation, shortages in materials and components and increased logistics costs. Prices for certain commodities and other raw materials that we use have experienced significant volatility as a result of changes in the levels of global demand, supply disruptions, including port, transportation and distribution delays or interruptions, and other factors. As a result, we have seen a significant increase in costs that has negatively impacted our results of operations. We are also experiencing limited supply of memory devices, capacitors and silicon chips, which has increased our costs and has impacted our ability to deliver products on a timely basis due to extended lead times. We have mitigated some of our increased component and logistics costs by implementing higher prices on our products and services. We are also mitigating certain shortages by purchasing components in advance and maintaining higher levels of inventory, finding alternate vendors for some components or in certain cases, product redesign.
We believe the global supply chain challenges and their adverse impact on our business and financial results will continue to improve in 2023 but certain shortages could continue throughout 2023. We also believe certain macroeconomic pressures in the U.S. and the global economy, such as rising interest rates and energy prices as well as customer concern about an economic slow-down, could impact the timing and amount of capital spending by our customers in 2023, which could negatively impact our results of operations.
For more discussion, see Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and their underlying assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other objective sources. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revises its estimates, as appropriate, when changes in events or circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary.
The following critical accounting policies and estimates reflected in our financial statements are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events. While we have generally not experienced significant deviations from our critical estimates in the past, it is reasonably possible that these estimates may ultimately differ materially from actual results. See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of all our significant accounting policies.
Asset Impairment Reviews
Impairment Reviews of Goodwill
We test goodwill at the reporting unit level for impairment annually as of October 1 and on an interim basis when events occur or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of our reporting units with the carrying amount, including goodwill. We recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
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We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow (DCF) method or, as appropriate, a combination of the DCF method and a market approach known as the guideline public company method. Under the DCF method, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The significant assumptions in the DCF model primarily include, but are not limited to, forecasts of annual revenue growth rates, annual operating income margin, the terminal growth rate and the discount rate used to determine the present value of the cash flow projections. When determining these assumptions and preparing these estimates, we consider historical performance trends, industry data, insight derived from customers, relevant changes in the reporting unit’s underlying business and other market trends that may affect the reporting unit. The discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital as of the test date of market participants in the industry in which the reporting unit operates and is commensurate with the risk and uncertainty inherent in each reporting unit and in internally developed forecasts. Under the guideline public company method, we estimate the fair value based upon market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. The weighting of the fair value derived from the market approach may vary depending on the level of comparability of these publicly-traded companies to the reporting unit. When comparable public companies are not meaningful or not available, we may estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using only the DCF method.
Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit involves uncertainties because it requires management to develop numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the future growth and potential volatility in revenues and costs, capital expenditures, industry economic factors and future business strategy. Changes in projected revenue growth rates, projected operating income margins or estimated discount rates due to uncertain market conditions, loss of one or more key customers, changes in our strategy, changes in technology or other factors could negatively affect the fair value in one or more of our reporting units and result in a material impairment charge in the future.
To assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our reporting units, we also compare the sum of the reporting units’ fair values to our market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units’ fair values over the market capitalization). If the implied control premium is not reasonable, we will reevaluate the fair value estimates of the reporting units by adjusting the discount rates and/or other assumptions.
2022 Interim and Annual Goodwill Analysis
Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. We assessed goodwill for impairment due to a change in the composition of certain reporting units resulting from the new segment structure as of January 1, 2022. We performed impairment testing immediately before and after the change and determined that no goodwill impairment existed.
The annual test of goodwill impairment was performed for each of the reporting units with goodwill balances as of October 1, 2022. For the 2022 annual goodwill test, we determined the fair value of each reporting unit using a DCF model and a guideline public company approach, with 75% of the value determined using the DCF model and 25% of the value determined using the market approach. The range of discount rates used in our annual tests were 10.0% to 12.0% for 2022. During the annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter of 2022 and in conjunction with the development of our 2023 and long-range plans, we identified changes in our ANS reporting unit's expected future cash flows due to various market trends expected to affect the business, including technology shifts affecting hardware sales, trends affecting bandwidth growth and other operational challenges, as well as an increase in the cost of capital. As a result, we determined the goodwill balance in the ANS reporting unit was partially impaired and recorded a $1,119.6 million impairment charge. The ANS reporting unit has remaining goodwill allocated of $734.0 million as of October 1, 2022. The ANS reporting unit is the same as our ANS reportable segment.
As discussed, our ANS reporting unit failed the annual goodwill impairment test and a partial impairment was recorded as of October 1, 2022. Also, the amount by which our Building and Data Center Connectivity (BDCC) reporting unit's fair value exceeded its carrying value was lower year over year. The BDCC reporting unit is in our CCS reportable segment. Considering the headroom going forward for each of the ANS and BDCC reporting units, there is a risk for future impairment in the event of declines in general economic, market or business conditions or any significant unfavorable change in the forecasted cash flows, weighted average cost of capital or growth rates. If current and long-term projections for our ANS and BDCC reporting units are not realized or decrease materially, we may be required to recognize additional goodwill impairment charges and these charges could be material to our results of operations.
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The following table provides summary information regarding our reporting units with goodwill balances as of December 31, 2022 that have the lowest level of headroom. The table presents key assumptions used in our annual goodwill analysis, along with sensitivity analysis showing the effect of a change in certain key assumptions, assuming all other assumptions remain constant, to the resulting fair value using an income approach.
| Key Assumptions | Goodwill | Excess (Deficit) of Fair Value to Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reporting Unit | Discount Rate | Terminal Growth Rate | Balance at December 31, 2022 | % of Total Assets | Result of Annual Goodwill Test as of October 1, 2022 | Decrease of 10% in Cash Flows | Decrease of 0.5% in Long-term Growth Rate | Increase of 0.5% in Discount Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | 10.0 | % | 1.0 | % | $ | 734.0 | 6.3 | % | $ | (1,119.6 | ) | $ | (1,265.5 | ) | $ | (1,165.8 | ) | $ | (1,196.6 | ) | ||||||||||||
| BDCC | 11.5 | % | 1.5 | % | 975.9 | 8.4 | % | 290.4 | 161.5 | 258.5 | 231.3 |
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets
Management reviews definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable. This analysis differs from our goodwill impairment analysis in that an intangible or other long-lived asset impairment is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. If the forecasted net cash flows are less than the carrying value, then the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. We performed a recoverability test for our ANS reporting unit because of the goodwill impairment recognized in the fourth quarter of 2022. Our Home Networks reporting unit also had an indicator of impairment as its carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value. We did not identify any impairments of definite-lived intangible assets as a result of these tests. Changes in the estimates of forecasted net cash flows or changes in classification from held for use may result in future asset impairments that could be material to our results of operations. We impaired certain other long-lived assets as a result of restructuring actions in 2022.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue based on the satisfaction of distinct obligations to transfer goods and services to customers. Our revenue is generated primarily from product or equipment sales. We also generate revenue from custom design and installation services as well as bundled sales arrangements that include product, software and services. We apply a five-step approach as defined in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in determining the amount and timing of revenue to be recognized: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when a corresponding performance obligation is satisfied. Most contracts with customers are to provide distinct products or services within a single contract. However, if a contract is separated into more than one performance obligation, the total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation in an amount based on the estimated relative standalone selling price.
Product sales, to end-customers or distributors, represent over 90% of our revenue and are recognized at a point-in-time, which is generally at the point in time when products have been shipped, right to payment has been obtained and risk of loss has been transferred. Certain of our product performance obligations include proprietary operating system software, which typically is not considered separately identifiable. Therefore, sales of these products and the related software are considered one performance obligation.
License contracts include revenue recognized for the licensing of intellectual property, including software, sold separately without products. Functional intellectual property licenses do not meet the criteria for revenue to be recognized over time and revenue is most commonly recognized upon delivery of the license/software to the customer.
The Company has service arrangements where net sales are recognized over time. These arrangements include a variety of post-contract support service offerings, which are generally recognized over time as the services are provided, including the following: maintenance and support services provided under annual service-level agreements; “Day 2” professional services to help customers maximize their utilization of deployed systems; and installation services related to the routine installation of equipment ordered by the customer at the customer’s site.
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Revenue is measured based on the consideration to which we expect to be entitled based on customer contracts. Sales are adjusted for variable consideration amounts, including but not limited to estimated discounts, rebates, distributor price protection programs and returns. These estimates are determined based upon historical experience, contract terms, inventory levels in the distributor channel and other related factors. Adjustments to variable consideration estimates are recorded when circumstances indicate revisions may be necessary. Variable consideration is primarily related to sales to our distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers.
A contract liability for deferred revenue is recorded when consideration is received or is unconditionally due from a customer prior to transferring control of goods or services to the customer under the terms of a contract. Deferred revenue balances typically result from advance payments received from customers for product contracts or from billings in excess of revenue recognized on project or services arrangements.
Unbilled receivables are recorded when revenues are recognized in advance of invoice issuance. These assets are presented on a combined basis with accounts receivable and are converted to accounts receivable once our right to the consideration becomes unconditional, which varies by contract but is generally based on achieving certain acceptance milestones. We recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset would be one year or less.
We include shipping and handling costs billed to customers in net sales and include the costs incurred to transport product to customers as well as certain internal handling costs, which relate to activities to prepare goods for shipment, as cost of sales. Shipping and handling costs incurred after control is transferred to the customer are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are not accounted for as separate revenue obligations.
Contingencies and Litigation
We are a party to lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of our business, including intellectual property infringement matters, those pertaining to labor and employment contracts and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. We assess these matters in order to determine if a contingent liability should be recorded. In making this determination, management may, depending on the nature of the matter, consult with internal and external legal counsel and technical experts. We expense legal fees associated with consultations and defense of lawsuits as incurred. We accrue for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. Gain contingencies are recognized when they are realized.
Litigation outcomes are difficult to predict and are often resolved over long periods of time, making our estimates highly judgmental. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as future changes in facts and circumstances, differing interpretations of the law, assessments of the amount of damages and other factors beyond our control. There is the potential for a material adverse effect on our results of operation and cash flows if one or more matters are resolved in a particular period in an amount materially in excess of what we anticipated. Alternatively, if the judgments and estimates made by management are incorrect and a particular contingent loss does not occur, the contingent loss recorded would be reversed, thereby favorably impacting our results of operations.
Inventory Reserves
We maintain reserves to reduce the value of inventory based on the lower of cost or net realizable value, including allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. These reserves are based on management’s assumptions about and analysis of relevant factors including current levels of orders and backlog, forecasted demand, market conditions and new products or innovations that diminish the value of existing inventories. If actual market conditions deteriorate from those anticipated by management, additional allowances for excess and obsolete inventory could be required and may be material to our results of operations.
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Product Warranty Reserves
We recognize a liability for the estimated claims that may be paid under our customer assurance-type warranty agreements to remedy potential deficiencies of quality or performance of our products. The product warranties extend over various periods, depending upon the product subject to the warranty and the terms of the individual agreements. We record a provision for estimated future warranty claims based upon the historical relationship of warranty claims to sales and specifically identified warranty issues. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revise our estimates, as appropriate, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events, it is reasonably possible that they may ultimately differ materially from actual results, including in the case of a significant product failure, and may be material to our results of operations.
Tax Valuation Allowances and Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits
We establish an income tax valuation allowance when available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider the amounts, character, source and timing of expected future deductions or carryforwards as well as sources of taxable income and tax planning strategies that may enable utilization. We maintain an existing valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Changes in the amount or timing of expected future deductions or taxable income may have a material impact on the level of income tax valuation allowances. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, an increase to an income tax valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination was made.
We recognize income tax benefits related to particular tax positions only when it is considered more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained if examined on its technical merits by tax authorities. The amount of benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is evaluated to be greater than 50% likely to be realized. Considerable judgment is required to evaluate the technical merits of various positions and to evaluate the likely amount of benefit to be realized. Lapses in statutes of limitations, developments in tax laws, regulations and interpretations, and changes in assessments of the likely outcome of uncertain tax positions could have a material impact on the overall tax provision.
We establish deferred tax liabilities for the estimated tax cost associated with foreign earnings that we do not consider permanently reinvested (primarily foreign withholding and state income taxes). These liabilities are subject to adjustment if there is a change in the assertion of whether the foreign earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested.
We also establish allowances related to value-added and similar recoverable taxes when it is considered probable that those assets are not recoverable. Changes in the probability of recovery or in the estimates of the amount recoverable are recognized in the period such determination is made and may be material to our net loss.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 with the year ended December 31, 2021
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 9,228.1 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,586.7 | 100.0 | % | $ | 641.4 | 7.5 | % | ||||||||||||
| Core net sales (1) | 7,524.7 | 81.5 | 6,737.4 | 78.5 | 787.3 | 11.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,804.1 | 30.4 | 2,684.3 | 31.3 | 119.8 | 4.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | (713.8 | ) | (7.7 | ) | 48.6 | 0.6 | (762.4 | ) | (1,568.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Core operating income (loss) (1) | (573.6 | ) | (7.6 | ) | 263.5 | 3.9 | (837.1 | ) | (317.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (2) | 1,276.7 | 13.8 | 1,117.0 | 13.0 | 159.7 | 14.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Core adjusted EBITDA (1) | 1,250.4 | 16.6 | 1,091.5 | 16.2 | 158.9 | 14.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | (1,286.9 | ) | (13.9 | ) | (462.6 | ) | (5.4 | ) | (824.3 | ) | 178.2 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted loss per share | $ | (6.49 | ) | $ | (2.55 | ) | $ | (3.94 | ) | 154.1 |
(1)
Core financial measures reflect the results of our CCS, OWN, NICS and ANS segments, in the aggregate, and exclude the results of our Home segment. See the Segment Results section below for illustration of the aggregation of our Core financial measures.
(2)
See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Net sales
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 9,228.1 | $ | 8,586.7 | $ | 641.4 | 7.5 | % | ||||||||
| Domestic | 5,750.5 | 4,960.5 | 790.0 | 15.9 | ||||||||||||
| International | 3,477.6 | 3,626.2 | (148.6 | ) | (4.1 | ) |
Net sales in 2022 increased $641.4 million, or 7.5%, compared to the prior year driven by higher pricing. Core net sales in 2022 increased $787.3 million, or 11.7%, compared to the prior year with increases in the CCS segment of $735.8 million, the NICS segment of $77.8 million and the OWN segment of $50.8 million, partially offset by a decrease of $77.1 million in the ANS segment. Net sales in 2022 in the Home segment decreased $145.9 million compared to the prior year. During 2022, we continued to experience supply shortages and extended lead times for certain materials that negatively affected our ability to meet customer demand for certain of our products. We expect these shortages and delays to improve for some components, but we expect to continue to experience shortages and delays for others into 2023. For further details by segment, see the discussion of Segment Results below.
From a regional perspective in 2022, net sales increased in the U.S. by $790.0 million and Canada by $94.4 million, but these increases were partially offset by decreases in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region of $114.1 million, the Caribbean and Latin American (CALA) region of $103.3 million and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region of $25.6 million. Net sales to customers located outside of the U.S. comprised 38% of total net sales for 2022 compared to 42% for 2021. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted net sales unfavorably by approximately 2% for 2022 compared to the prior year. For additional information on regional sales by segment, see discussion of Segment Results below and Note 16 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
51
Gross profit, SG&A expense and R&D expense
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 2,804.1 | $ | 2,684.3 | $ | 119.8 | 4.5 | % | ||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 30.4 | % | 31.3 | % | ||||||||||||
| SG&A expense | 1,135.0 | 1,233.9 | (98.9 | ) | (8.0 | ) | ||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 12.3 | % | 14.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| R&D expense | 657.4 | 683.2 | (25.8 | ) | (3.8 | ) | ||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 7.1 | % | 8.0 | % |
Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales)
Gross profit increased in 2022 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher net sales, partially offset by higher material and freight costs and unfavorable product mix.
Selling, general and administrative expense
For 2022, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense decreased by $98.9 million compared to 2021, primarily due to a decrease in transaction, transformation, and integration costs of $52.1 million and cost savings initiatives. We expect to continue to incur transaction, transformation and integration costs related to CommScope NEXT in 2023 and such costs could be material. Also included in 2022 SG&A expense is $20.9 million of bad debt expense related to deterioration in the credit profile of a certain distributor in the OWN segment; and similarly, in 2021, we recorded bad debt expense of $30.3 million related to the credit deterioration of a specific Home segment value added reseller.
Research and development expense
Research and development (R&D) expense for 2022 decreased primarily due to lower spending on ANS segment products of $27.3 million. Spending on OWN and Home segment products also declined but was offset by higher spending on CCS and NICS segment products. R&D activities generally relate to ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the evolving technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to market and modifying existing products to better serve our customers.
Amortization of purchased intangible assets, Restructuring costs, net and Asset impairments
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | $ | 543.0 | $ | 613.0 | $ | (70.0 | ) | (11.4 | )% | |||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 62.9 | 91.9 | (29.0 | ) | (31.6 | ) | ||||||||||
| Asset impairments | 1,119.6 | 13.7 | 1,105.9 | 8,072.3 |
Amortization of purchased intangible assets
The amortization of purchased intangible assets was lower in 2022 compared to the prior year because certain of our intangible assets became fully amortized.
Restructuring costs, net
The net restructuring costs recorded in 2022 included $59.3 million related to CommScope NEXT. From a cash perspective, we paid $49.4 million to settle CommScope NEXT restructuring liabilities during 2022 and expect to pay an additional $58.2 million in 2023 and $0.5 million in 2024 related to restructuring actions that have been initiated. The net restructuring costs recorded in 2021 included $90.7 million related to CommScope NEXT. Additional restructuring actions related to CommScope NEXT are expected to be identified and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.
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Asset impairments
We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1,119.6 million in 2022 related to our ANS reporting unit which is the same as our ANS segment. See the discussion above under “Critical Accounting Policies” for more information regarding the annual goodwill impairment test performed during 2022. We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $13.7 million during 2021 related to our Home Networks reporting unit within our Home segment.
Other expense, net
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency loss | $ | (4.1 | ) | $ | (4.4 | ) | $ | 0.3 | (6.8 | )% | ||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 4.0 | (19.4 | ) | 23.4 | NM | |||||||||||
| NM - Not meaningful |
Foreign currency loss
Foreign currency loss includes the net foreign currency gains and losses resulting from the settlement of receivables and payables, foreign currency contracts and short-term intercompany advances in a currency other than the subsidiary’s functional currency. The change in foreign currency loss in 2022 compared to 2021 was not significant.
Other income (expense), net
The change in other income (expense), net in 2022 compared to 2021 was primarily due to a redemption fee paid in 2021 of $34.4 million related to the refinancing of our 5.50% senior secured notes due March 2024 (2024 Secured Notes). The remaining change is due to changes in income derived from equity method investments and other miscellaneous investments.
Interest expense, Interest income and Income taxes
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | (588.9 | ) | $ | (561.2 | ) | $ | (27.7 | ) | 4.9 | % | |||||
| Interest income | 2.8 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 47.4 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | 13.1 | 71.9 | (58.8 | ) | (81.8 | ) |
Interest expense and Interest income
Interest expense increased in 2022 compared to 2021. The increase was driven by higher interest expense related to our senior secured term loan due 2026 (2026 Term Loan) due to the increased variable interest rate compared to 2021. This increase was partially offset by lower interest on our fixed rate debt due to the refinancing of our 2024 Secured Notes in 2021. We expect our interest expense will increase in 2023 as a result of the Federal Reserve's increase in interest rates in 2022 and the expectation that they will continue to raise interest rates into 2023. Our weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including the impact of the interest rate swap and the amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, was 6.91% at December 31, 2022 and 5.74% at December 31, 2021.
Income tax benefit
For 2022, we recognized an income tax benefit of $13.1 million on a pretax loss of $1,300.0 million. Our tax benefit was less than the statutory rate of 21.0% in 2022 primarily due to a goodwill impairment charge of $1,119.6 million, for which minimal tax benefits were recorded. Our tax benefit was also impacted by the unfavorable impacts of U.S. anti-deferral provisions and non-creditable withholding taxes, partially offset by tax benefit related to federal tax credits. See Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more discussion of our income tax benefit.
For 2021, our effective tax rate was 13.5% and we recognized an income tax benefit of $71.9 million on a pretax loss of $534.5 million. Our tax benefit was less than the statutory rate primarily due to the impact of $37.4 million of tax expense related to a foreign tax rate change.
53
Segment Results
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCS | $ | 3,789.6 | 41.1 | % | $ | 3,053.8 | 35.6 | % | $ | 735.8 | 24.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| OWN | 1,467.9 | 15.9 | 1,417.1 | 16.5 | 50.8 | 3.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| NICS | 939.7 | 10.2 | 861.9 | 10.0 | 77.8 | 9.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | 1,327.5 | 14.4 | 1,404.6 | 16.4 | (77.1 | ) | (5.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Core net sales (1) | 7,524.7 | 81.5 | 6,737.4 | 78.5 | 787.3 | 11.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Home | 1,703.4 | 18.5 | 1,849.3 | 21.5 | (145.9 | ) | (7.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 9,228.1 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,586.7 | 100.0 | % | $ | 641.4 | 7.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCS | $ | 438.2 | 11.6 | % | $ | 138.5 | 4.5 | % | $ | 299.7 | 216.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| OWN | 189.0 | 12.9 | 197.3 | 13.9 | (8.3 | ) | (4.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| NICS | (51.2 | ) | (5.4 | ) | (143.5 | ) | (16.6 | ) | 92.3 | (64.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| ANS | (1,149.6 | ) | (86.6 | ) | 71.2 | 5.1 | (1,220.8 | ) | (1,714.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Core operating income (loss) (1) | (573.6 | ) | (7.6 | ) | 263.5 | 3.9 | (837.1 | ) | (317.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Home | (140.2 | ) | (8.2 | ) | (214.9 | ) | (11.6 | ) | 74.7 | (34.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating income (loss) | $ | (713.8 | ) | (7.7 | ) | % | $ | 48.6 | 0.6 | % | $ | (762.4 | ) | (1,568.7 | ) | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CCS | $ | 643.6 | 17.0 | % | $ | 448.9 | 14.7 | % | $ | 194.7 | 43.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| OWN | 269.7 | 18.4 | 266.8 | 18.8 | 2.9 | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| NICS | 51.9 | 5.5 | (15.3 | ) | (1.8 | ) | 67.2 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| ANS | 285.2 | 21.5 | 391.1 | 27.8 | (105.9 | ) | (27.1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Core adjusted EBITDA (1) | 1,250.4 | 16.6 | 1,091.5 | 16.2 | 158.9 | 14.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Home | 26.3 | 1.5 | 25.5 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 3.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP consolidated adjusted EBITDA (2) | $ | 1,276.7 | 13.8 | % | $ | 1,117.0 | 13.0 | % | $ | 159.7 | 14.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
| NM - Not meaningful |
(1)
Core financial measures reflect the results of our CCS, OWN, NICS and ANS segments, in the aggregate, and exclude the results of our Home segment.
(2)
See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Connectivity and Cable Solutions Segment
Net sales for the CCS segment increased in 2022 compared to the prior year primarily due to increased demand for our products and services as service providers continued to enhance their networks to keep pace with increasing broadband demand. We were able to meet this increased demand with the additional production enabled by our capacity expansion. CCS segment net sales also significantly benefitted from pricing increases. The supply shortages with certain of our network cable products experienced during the first half of the year eased in the second half and are expected to continue to improve into 2023. From a regional perspective in 2022, net sales increased in the U.S. by $690.0 million, the EMEA region by $23.9 million, Canada by $20.1 million and the CALA region by $10.2 million but decreased in the APAC region by $8.4 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted CCS segment net sales unfavorably by approximately 2% during 2022.
54
For 2022, CCS segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA both benefitted from pricing increases, higher sales volumes and operational efficiencies compared to the prior year. These benefits were partially offset by higher material costs, unfavorable product mix, increases in SG&A costs, higher freight costs and increases in R&D costs. In 2022, CCS segment operating income was favorably impacted by reductions of $57.2 million in amortization expense, $44.9 million in restructuring expense and $7.9 million in transaction, transformation and integration costs but was unfavorably impacted by a $2.7 million net charge to establish an allowance against certain accounts receivable determined to be uncollectible as a result of the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Amortization expense, restructuring expense, transaction, transformation and integration costs and the charge related to certain uncollectible accounts receivable resulting from the Russia/Ukraine conflict are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Outdoor Wireless Networks Segment
For 2022, OWN segment net sales increased compared to the prior year primarily due to favorable pricing impacts. From a regional perspective in 2022, OWN segment net sales increased in the U.S. by $168.3 million but decreased in the EMEA region by $54.4 million, the APAC region by $29.9 million, Canada by $21.4 million and the CALA region by $11.8 million. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted OWN segment net sales unfavorably by approximately 2% during 2022.
For 2022, OWN segment operating income decreased and adjusted EBITDA increased compared to the prior year. Both operating income and adjusted EBITDA benefitted from favorable pricing impacts, favorable product mix and benefits from decreases in selling and marketing and R&D costs, but these were partially offset by higher material and freight costs and higher bad debt expense, driven by a $20.9 million reserve related to a distribution customer. In addition, OWN segment operating income for 2022 was unfavorably impacted by an increase of $18.8 million in restructuring expense which is not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions Segment
Net sales increased in 2022 compared to the prior year primarily due to the impacts of favorable pricing and to a lesser extent increases in sales volumes particularly in the second half of the year. We experienced material shortages related to our Ruckus products during the first half of 2022 which negatively impacted our sales volumes for the year. We saw some improvement in material shortages in the second half of 2022, but we expect certain shortages to continue into 2023. From a regional perspective in 2022, net sales increased in the U.S. by $49.1 million, the EMEA region by $12.5 million, the APAC region by $11.6 million, Canada by $2.6 million and the CALA region by $2.0 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted NICS segment net sales unfavorably by approximately 2% during 2022.
For 2022, NICS segment operating loss decreased and adjusted EBITDA increased compared to the prior year and both benefitted from favorable pricing impacts on certain products, higher sales volumes, lower SG&A costs and lower freight costs. These favorable impacts were partially offset by higher material costs and higher R&D costs. For 2022, NICS segment operating loss was favorably impacted by reductions of $12.3 million in amortization expense which is not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Access Network Solutions Segment
Net sales decreased in 2022 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower volumes related to the negative impact of supply constraints and also due to projects in the first half of 2021 that did not recur in 2022. These unfavorable impacts to net sales were partially offset by pricing increases on ANS segment products. From a regional perspective in 2022, net sales decreased in the CALA region by $82.5 million, the APAC region by $52.2 million and the EMEA region by $22.5 million but increased in the U.S. by $77.9 million and Canada by $2.2 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted ANS segment net sales unfavorably by approximately 1% during 2022.
55
In 2022, ANS segment operating loss increased and adjusted EBITDA decreased compared to the prior year period. Both ANS segment operating loss and adjusted EBITDA were unfavorably impacted by product mix and decreased sales volumes, but these negative impacts were partially offset by favorable pricing impacts and lower R&D and SG&A costs. For 2022, ANS segment operating loss was unfavorably impacted by a goodwill impairment charge of $1,119.6 million, an increase of $4.6 million of transaction, transformation and integration costs mostly related to the termination of a supply agreement as part of CommScope NEXT and an increase of $3.0 million in restructuring expense but was favorably impacted by a reduction of $2.9 million in intellectual property litigation settlement charges. Goodwill impairment charges, transaction, transformation and integration costs, restructuring expense and intellectual property litigation settlement charges are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See the discussion above under "Critical Accounting Policies" for more information regarding the annual goodwill impairment test performed during 2022. Also see “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Home Networks Segment
Net sales for the Home segment decreased in 2022 compared to the prior year. While net sales of broadband and video products benefitted from favorable pricing impacts, these increases were more than offset by lower net sales volumes across all our Home segment products primarily due to continued supply shortages. Although we are working to secure components from key suppliers, we still expect to experience some supply chain challenges into 2023 for our Home segment products. From a regional perspective in 2022, net sales decreased in the U.S. by $195.3 million, the APAC region by $35.2 million and the CALA region by $21.2 million but increased in Canada by $90.9 million and the EMEA region by $14.9 million compared to the prior year. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted Home segment net sales unfavorably by approximately 2% during 2022.
Home segment operating loss decreased and adjusted EBITDA increased in 2022 compared to the prior year. Both benefitted from favorable pricing impacts, lower bad debt expense and lower warranty costs, but these were partially offset by increased material costs and lower sales volumes. In 2021, Home segment bad debt expense was driven by a $30.3 million charge related to a value-added reseller customer. Home segment operating loss was favorably impacted in 2022 by reductions of $41.6 million in transaction, transformation and integration costs and $7.3 million in restructuring expense. Home segment operating loss in 2021 also included a goodwill impairment charge of $13.7 million. Transaction, transformation and integration costs, restructuring expense and goodwill impairment charges are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes certain key measures of our liquidity and capital resources:
| December 31, | $ | % | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | Change | ||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 398.1 | $ | 360.3 | $ | 37.8 | 10.5 | % | |||||||||
| Working capital (1), excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt | 1,252.6 | 1,068.9 | 183.7 | 17.2 | |||||||||||||
| Availability under Revolving Credit Facility | 908.8 | 684.1 | 224.7 | 32.8 | |||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current portion | 9,501.6 | 9,510.5 | (8.9 | ) | (0.1 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total capitalization (2) | 9,055.9 | 10,410.0 | (1,354.1 | ) | (13.0 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization | 104.9 | % | 91.4 | % |
(1)
Working capital consists of current assets of $3,726.2 million less current liabilities of $2,107.5 million as of December 31, 2022 and current assets of $3,579.7 million less current liabilities of $2,182.5 million as of December 31, 2021.
(2)
Total capitalization includes long-term debt, including the current portion, Series A convertible preferred stock (Convertible Preferred Stock) and stockholders’ equity (deficit).
Our principal sources of liquidity on a short-term basis are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows provided by operations and availability under our credit facilities. On a long-term basis, our potential sources of liquidity also include raising capital through the issuance of additional equity and/or debt.
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On October 19, 2022, we completed the refinancing of our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility), the main result of which was to extend the maturity to September 30, 2027. We continue to have borrowing capacity up to $1.0 billion, subject to certain limitations, but we have added additional assets under the borrowing base which increases our availability. The interest rate in the amended Revolving Credit Agreement is an adjusted Secured Overnight Financing Rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (SOFR) with a spread of 1.25% to 1.50%. In the first half of 2023, we expect to amend our 2026 Term Loan to replace LIBOR with SOFR as the reference interest rate in anticipation of the cessation of LIBOR in 2023. We do not anticipate a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows with the transition to SOFR in our variable rate debt, but the impact is still uncertain.
The primary uses of liquidity include debt service requirements, voluntary debt repayments, redemptions or purchases on the open market, working capital requirements, capital expenditures, business separation transaction costs, transformation costs, restructuring costs, dividends related to the Convertible Preferred Stock if we elect to pay such dividends in cash, litigation settlements, income tax payments and other contractual obligations. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and cash flows from operations, combined with availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs. We may experience volatility in cash flows between periods due to, among other reasons, variability in the timing of vendor payments and customer receipts. We may, from time to time, borrow additional amounts under our Revolving Credit Facility or issue debt or equity securities, if market conditions are favorable, to meet future cash needs or to reduce our borrowing costs.
Our interest payments on long-term debt are expected to total $2,466.4 million over the duration of the debt, with $635.8 million due in 2023 (assuming interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2022 on our variable rate debt). In 2022, the interest payments on our 2026 Term Loan and our Revolving Credit Facility increased as a result of the Federal Reserve's increase in interest rates in 2022, and we expect that they will continue to raise interest rates into 2023. For additional information regarding our long-term debt obligations, see Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and our discussion of our interest rate risk in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For information on our obligations related to our Convertible Preferred Stock, see Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We periodically enter into sell / buy transactions with our contract manufacturers, where we sell certain component inventory to them for use in our finished goods. We are obligated to subsequently repurchase this inventory either as a finished good or the original component inventory if not used after a specific period of time. We record an accounts receivable and a contract manufacturer inventory repurchase liability related to these transactions. We do not record a sale upon shipment of the inventory to the contract manufacturer and the original value of the inventory remains in our inventory balance. Our current accrued liability related to these transactions is $79.1 million as of December 31, 2022, and we expect to repurchase a portion of this inventory either as a finished good or the original component inventory in 2023.
During the normal course of business, to manage manufacturing lead times and help ensure adequate component supply, we enter into agreements with our contract manufacturers and suppliers that allow them to produce and procure inventory based upon our forecasted requirements. We estimate our obligations under these agreements to be $340.0 million as of December 31, 2022. While we believe we have adequate liabilities recorded related to our excess inventory under these purchase commitments, unexpected changes to projected demand may result in us being committed to purchase additional excess inventory to satisfy these commitments and the related charges could be material.
We have $124.0 million in unrecognized tax benefits; however, the timing of the related tax payments is highly uncertain. We anticipate a reduction of up to $7.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. See Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
We are contingently liable under open standby letters of credit issued by our banks to support performance obligations of a third-party contractor that totaled $44.0 million as of December 31, 2022. These amounts represent our estimate of the maximum amounts we would expect to incur upon the contractual non-performance of the contractor, but we also have cross-indemnities in place that may enable us to recover some or all of our losses in the event of the contractor's non-performance. We believe the likelihood of having to perform under these guarantees is remote. There were no material amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements related to third-party guarantee agreements as of December 31, 2022 or 2021.
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Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” section below, but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions, synergies and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions. For the year ended December 31, 2022, our non-GAAP pro forma adjusted EBITDA, as measured pursuant to the indentures governing our notes, was $1,327.3 million, which included annualized savings expected from cost reduction initiatives of $50.6 million so that the impact of cost reduction initiatives is fully reflected in the twelve-month period used in the calculation of the ratios. In addition to limitations under these indentures, our senior secured credit facilities contain customary negative covenants based on similar financial measures. We believe we are in compliance with the covenants under our indentures and senior secured credit facilities at December 31, 2022.
Cash and cash equivalents increased during 2022 primarily driven by cash generated by operating activities of $190.0 million and proceeds from other investing activities of $19.1 million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $101.3 million, our required amortization payments on our 2026 Term Loan totaling $32.0 million, cash dividends paid for the Convertible Preferred Stock of $14.9 million and tax withholding payments for vested equity-based compensation awards of $14.8 million. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 49% of our cash and cash equivalents were held outside the U.S.
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and the current portion of long-term debt, increased during 2022 primarily due to higher inventory balances as a result of rising material costs and increases in stock as we build inventory waiting for certain materials or components to complete our products for sale and lower accounts payable due to the timing of payments. During 2022, we sold accounts receivable under customer-sponsored supplier financing agreements. This had an impact of approximately $78 million on working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and the current portion of long-term debt, as of December 31, 2022. Under these agreements, we are able to sell accounts receivable to a bank, and we retain no interest in and have no servicing responsibilities for the accounts receivable sold. The net reduction in total capitalization during 2022 reflected the net loss for the year.
Cash Flow Overview
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 190.0 | $ | 122.3 | $ | 67.7 | 55.4 | % | ||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (82.1 | ) | (136.8 | ) | 54.7 | (40.0 | ) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (65.0 | ) | (139.5 | ) | 74.5 | (53.4 | ) |
Operating Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,286.9 | ) | $ | (462.6 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash generated by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 696.1 | 786.3 | ||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 61.1 | 79.6 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (118.4 | ) | (147.5 | ) | ||||
| Asset impairments | 1,119.6 | 13.7 | ||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (16.0 | ) | (59.6 | ) | ||||
| Inventories | (178.8 | ) | (359.8 | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 30.9 | 3.2 | ||||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | (43.2 | ) | 256.0 | |||||
| Other noncurrent assets | 8.2 | (45.5 | ) | |||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | (88.8 | ) | 8.4 | |||||
| Other | 6.2 | 50.1 | ||||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 190.0 | $ | 122.3 |
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During 2022, cash generated by operating activities increased compared to the prior year primarily as a result of better operating performance and lower payments of litigation settlements of $35.1 million, partially offset by higher interest paid of $37.3 million and higher taxes paid of $51.3 million.
Investing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Additions to property, plant and equipment | $ | (101.3 | ) | $ | (131.4 | ) | ||
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 0.1 | 13.1 | ||||||
| Payments upon settlement of net investment hedge | — | (18.0 | ) | |||||
| Other | 19.1 | (0.5 | ) | |||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (82.1 | ) | $ | (136.8 | ) |
During 2022, the decrease in cash used in investing activities compared to the prior year was primarily driven by lower capital expenditures in the current year and a payment of $18.0 million to settle a net investment hedge in the prior year that did not recur. The increased capital expenditures in 2021 related to the capacity expansion in our CCS segment. Our investments in property, plant and equipment generally relate to supporting improvements and expanding production capacity in manufacturing operations and investing in information technology. Cash used in investing activities was also favorably impacted in the current year by proceeds of $8.2 million on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets, $6.9 million related to the sale of an equity method investment and a return of $4.5 million on equity method investments.
Financing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Long-term debt repaid | $ | (365.0 | ) | $ | (1,282.0 | ) | ||
| Long-term debt proceeds | 333.0 | 1,250.0 | ||||||
| Debt issuance costs | (7.2 | ) | (12.0 | ) | ||||
| Debt extinguishment costs | — | (34.4 | ) | |||||
| Dividends paid on Series A convertible preferred stock | (14.9 | ) | (43.0 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of common shares under equity-based compensation plans | 0.1 | 5.6 | ||||||
| Tax withholding payments for vested equity-based compensation awards | (14.8 | ) | (26.4 | ) | ||||
| Other | 3.8 | 2.7 | ||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (65.0 | ) | $ | (139.5 | ) |
In 2022, we borrowed $333.0 million and repaid $333.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility. We also paid four quarterly scheduled amortization payments totaling $32.0 million on our 2026 Term Loan during 2022.
As of December 31, 2022, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the remaining availability was $908.8 million, reflecting a borrowing base subject to maximum capacity of $1,000.0 million reduced by $91.2 million of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. In connection with the refinancing of our Revolving Credit Facility in October 2022, we paid $7.2 million of debt issuance costs. We may continue to look for favorable opportunities to refinance portions of our existing debt to lower borrowing costs, extend the term or adjust the total amount of fixed-rate or floating-rate debt.
In 2021, we issued $1,250.0 million of 4.75% senior secured notes due 2029 (the 2029 Secured Notes) and used the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem and retire $1,250.0 million outstanding under the 2024 Secured Notes. In connection with the issuance of the 2029 Secured Notes, we paid $9.6 million of debt issuance costs. We paid a redemption premium of $34.4 million to retire the 2024 Secured Notes. We also paid four quarterly scheduled amortization payments totaling $32.0 million on our 2026 Term Loan.
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Also impacting cash used in financing activities for 2022 was a decrease of $28.1 million in cash dividends paid for the Convertible Preferred Stock. In 2022, we paid cash dividends of $14.9 million and paid $44.1 million of dividends in additional shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock. In 2021, we paid cash dividends of $43.0 million and paid $14.3 million of dividends in additional shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock. During 2022, employees surrendered shares of our common stock to satisfy their tax withholding requirements on vested restricted stock units and performance share units which reduced cash flows by $14.8 million compared to $26.4 million in the prior year. During 2022, we received proceeds of $0.1 million related to the exercise of stock options compared to $5.6 million in the prior year.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
We believe that presenting certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances an investor’s understanding of our financial performance. We further believe that these financial measures are useful in assessing our operating performance from period to period by excluding certain items that we believe are not representative of our core business. We also use certain of these financial measures for business planning purposes and in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors.
We believe these financial measures are commonly used by investors to evaluate our performance and that of our competitors. However, our use of the term non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA may vary from that of others in our industry. This financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to operating income (loss), net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP as measures of operating performance, operating cash flows or liquidity.
Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in this section, but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions.
Consolidated
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (1,286.9 | ) | $ | (462.6 | ) | $ | (573.4 | ) | |||
| Income tax benefit | (13.1 | ) | (71.9 | ) | (81.1 | ) | ||||||
| Interest income | (2.8 | ) | (1.9 | ) | (4.4 | ) | ||||||
| Interest expense | 588.9 | 561.2 | 577.8 | |||||||||
| Other expense, net | 0.1 | 23.8 | 29.3 | |||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | (713.8 | ) | $ | 48.6 | $ | (51.8 | ) | ||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 543.0 | 613.0 | 630.5 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 62.9 | 91.9 | 88.4 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 61.1 | 79.6 | 115.0 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | 1,119.6 | 13.7 | 206.7 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs (1) | 38.2 | 90.3 | 24.9 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments (2) | 7.3 | 11.5 | 20.6 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | 28.5 | 31.7 | 16.3 | |||||||||
| Executive severance | — | — | 6.3 | |||||||||
| Reserve of Russian accounts receivable | 2.7 | — | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 127.2 | 136.7 | 158.3 | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA | $ | 1,276.7 | $ | 1,117.0 | $ | 1,215.2 |
(1)
In 2022, primarily reflects transformation costs related to CommScope NEXT and integration costs related to the ARRIS acquisition. In 2021, primarily reflects transaction separation costs related to the planned separation of the Home segment from CommScope, transformation costs related to CommScope NEXT and integration costs related to the ARRIS acquisition. In 2020, primarily reflects integration costs related to the ARRIS acquisition.
(2)
In 2022, 2021 and 2020, reflects ARRIS acquisition accounting adjustments related to reducing deferred revenue to its estimated fair value.
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Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA is provided as a performance measure in Note 16 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Below we reconcile segment adjusted EBITDA for each segment individually to operating income (loss) for that segment to supplement the reconciliation of the total segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated operating income (loss) in that footnote.
Connectivity and Cable Solutions Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 438.2 | $ | 138.5 | $ | 169.3 | ||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 99.5 | 156.7 | 161.6 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 17.1 | 62.0 | 25.9 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 14.9 | 19.5 | 28.6 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 10.6 | 18.5 | 7.9 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | 1.7 | — | (1.3 | ) | ||||||||
| Executive severance | — | — | 1.7 | |||||||||
| Reserve of Russian accounts receivable | 2.7 | — | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 58.8 | 53.6 | 53.9 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 643.6 | $ | 448.9 | $ | 447.5 |
Outdoor Wireless Networks Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 189.0 | $ | 197.3 | $ | 179.3 | |||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 32.4 | 33.5 | 45.8 | ||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 22.4 | 3.6 | 15.7 | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 7.1 | 8.4 | 13.8 | ||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 4.5 | 8.5 | 4.2 | ||||||||
| Executive severance | — | — | 1.2 | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 14.3 | 15.4 | 17.2 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 269.7 | $ | 266.8 | $ | 277.3 |
Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating loss | $ | (51.2 | ) | $ | (143.5 | ) | $ | (136.7 | ) | |||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 59.7 | 72.0 | 72.2 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 9.9 | 8.5 | 8.0 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 13.5 | 17.4 | 22.6 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 3.0 | 6.2 | 2.5 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | 2.0 | 4.6 | 7.3 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | — | 0.3 | 15.0 | |||||||||
| Executive severance | — | — | 0.8 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 15.0 | 19.2 | 21.0 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 51.9 | $ | (15.3 | ) | $ | 12.8 |
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Access Network Solutions Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | (1,149.6 | ) | $ | 71.2 | $ | 11.6 | ||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 247.2 | 247.0 | 247.0 | ||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 12.2 | 9.2 | 8.8 | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 15.8 | 20.9 | 27.8 | ||||||||
| Asset impairments | 1,119.6 | — | — | ||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 14.0 | 9.4 | 4.1 | ||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | 3.3 | 4.8 | 11.4 | ||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | — | 2.9 | 3.0 | ||||||||
| Executive severance | — | — | 1.5 | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 22.5 | 25.8 | 31.1 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 285.2 | $ | 391.1 | $ | 346.3 |
Home Networks Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating loss | $ | (140.2 | ) | $ | (214.9 | ) | $ | (275.4 | ) | |||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 104.1 | 103.9 | 103.9 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 1.3 | 8.6 | 30.0 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 9.9 | 13.4 | 22.1 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | 13.7 | 206.7 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 6.2 | 47.8 | 6.2 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.9 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | 26.9 | 28.5 | (0.3 | ) | ||||||||
| Executive severance | — | — | 1.2 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 16.6 | 22.7 | 35.1 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 26.3 | $ | 25.5 | $ | 131.3 |
Note: Components may not sum to total due to rounding
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices
We continually attempt to minimize the effect of inflation on earnings by controlling our operating costs and adjusting our selling prices. The principal raw materials and components purchased by us (aluminum, copper, steel, bimetals, optical fiber, plastics and other polymers, capacitors, memory devices and silicon chips) are subject to changes in market price as they are influenced by commodity markets and other factors. Prices for these items have, at times, been volatile. As a result, we have adjusted our prices for certain products and may have to adjust prices again in the future. To the extent that we are unable to pass on cost increases to customers quickly and without a significant decrease in sales volume or must implement price reductions in response to a rapid decline in raw material costs, these cost changes could have a material adverse impact on the results of our operations.
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-22-001374.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared with the year ended December 31, 2020. This comparison should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" included in Part I, Item 1A or in other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2021.
OVERVIEW
We are a global provider of infrastructure solutions for communication and entertainment networks. Our solutions for wired and wireless networks enable service providers including cable, telephone and digital broadcast satellite operators and media programmers to deliver media, voice, Internet Protocol (IP) data services and Wi-Fi to their subscribers and allow enterprises to experience constant wireless and wired connectivity across complex and varied networking environments. Our solutions are complemented by a broad array of services including technical support, systems design and integration. We are a leader in digital video and IP Television distribution systems, broadband access infrastructure platforms and equipment that delivers data and voice networks to homes. Our global leadership position is built upon innovative technology, broad solution offerings, high-quality and cost-effective customer solutions, and global manufacturing and distribution scale.
In the first quarter of 2021, we announced a transformation initiative referred to as CommScope NEXT designed to drive shareholder value through three pillars: profitable growth, operational efficiency and portfolio optimization. We believe these efforts are critical to making us more competitive and allowing us to invest in growth and maximize stockholder and stakeholder value. We have incurred $91.9 million of restructuring costs and $90.3 million of transaction, transformation and integration costs during the year ended December 31, 2021, both primarily related to CommScope NEXT. We expect to continue to incur restructuring costs and transaction, transformation and integration costs related to CommScope NEXT and such costs could be material.
As a step in the CommScope NEXT transformation plan, in April 2021, we announced a plan to spin-off the Home Networks business in 2022. After thorough consideration of the current supply chain environment and its impact on the Home Networks business, we have decided to delay the execution of the spin-off. We remain committed to the spin-off of the Home Networks business from CommScope, but we currently do not have a firm timeline for restarting the plan. Accordingly, management now analyzes the financial results of our "Core" business separately from Home Networks. These supplementary Core financial measures reflect the results of our Broadband Networks (Broadband), Outdoor Wireless Networks (OWN) and Venue and Campus Networks (VCN) segments, in the aggregate. Our Core financial measures exclude the results and performance of our Home Networks (Home) segment. See the Segment Results section below for illustration of the aggregation of our Core financial measures. These metrics represent the business segments as we have reported them. However, the ultimate definition of the Home Networks business that we expect to separate may vary, and future results may differ materially.
In the second quarter of 2021, we shifted certain product lines from our Broadband segment to our Home segment to better align with how those businesses are being managed. All prior period amounts have been recast to reflect these operating segment changes.
COVID-19 Update
The COVID-19 outbreak had an adverse impact on our financial performance in 2020 primarily related to decreased demand, supply constraints due to the temporary shutdown of certain of our facilities and increased business continuity costs. We took a variety of actions in 2020 to help mitigate the financial impacts such as headcount reductions, lower capital spending and lower discretionary spending. The negative impact of COVID-19 on our financial performance has eased during 2021, with network strain driving increased demand for our Broadband segment products in particular. The recovery in demand has also indirectly had unfavorable business impacts, including commodity inflation (primarily copper and resins), logistics cost increases, extended lead times and certain component part shortages. We expect certain of these unfavorable impacts to continue into 2022.
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The extent of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the pandemic, including new variants, the effectiveness and adoption of vaccines and related actions taken by domestic and international jurisdictions to maintain and prevent disease spread, and the extent of any financial recession resulting from the pandemic, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and their underlying assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other objective sources. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revises its estimates, as appropriate, when changes in events or circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary.
The following critical accounting policies and estimates reflected in our financial statements are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events. While we have generally not experienced significant deviations from our critical estimates in the past, it is reasonably possible that these estimates may ultimately differ materially from actual results. See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of all our significant accounting policies.
Asset Impairment Reviews
Impairment Reviews of Goodwill
We test goodwill at the reporting unit level for impairment annually as of October 1 and on an interim basis when events occur or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value may no longer be recoverable. We compare the fair value of our reporting units with the carrying amount, including goodwill. We recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value.
We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow (DCF) method or, as appropriate, a combination of the DCF method and a market approach known as the guideline public company method. Under the DCF method, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The significant assumptions in the DCF model primarily include, but are not limited to, forecasts of annual revenue growth rates, annual operating income margin, the terminal growth rate and the discount rate used to determine the present value of the cash flow projections. When determining these assumptions and preparing these estimates, we consider historical performance trends, industry data, insight derived from customers, relevant changes in the reporting unit’s underlying business and other market trends that may affect the reporting unit. The discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital as of the test date of market participants in the industry in which the reporting unit operates and is commensurate with the risk and uncertainty inherent in each reporting unit and in internally developed forecasts. Under the guideline public company method, we estimate the fair value based upon market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. The weighting of the fair value derived from the market approach may vary depending on the level of comparability of these publicly-traded companies to the reporting unit. When comparable public companies are not meaningful or not available, we may estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using only the DCF method.
Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit involves uncertainties because it requires management to develop numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the future growth and potential volatility in revenues and costs, capital expenditures, industry economic factors and future business strategy. Changes in projected revenue growth rates, projected operating income margins or estimated discount rates due to uncertain market conditions, loss of one or more key customers, changes in our strategy, changes in technology or other factors could negatively affect the fair value in one or more of our reporting units and result in a material impairment charge in the future.
To assess the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our reporting units, we also compare the sum of the reporting units’ fair values to our market capitalization and calculate an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units’ fair values over the market capitalization). If the implied control premium is not reasonable, we will reevaluate the fair value estimates of the reporting units by adjusting the discount rates and/or other assumptions.
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2021 Interim and Annual Goodwill Analysis
During the second quarter of 2021, we realigned certain of our product lines that changed the composition of our reporting units and resulted in the reallocation of $13.7 million of goodwill from the Network and Cloud (N&C) reporting unit to the Home Networks reporting unit. Goodwill was assessed for impairment due to a change in the composition of reporting units. We performed impairment testing immediately before and after the change and determined that no goodwill impairment existed.
The annual test of goodwill impairment was performed for each of the reporting units with goodwill balances as of October 1, 2021. For the 2021 annual goodwill test, we determined the fair value of each reporting unit using a DCF model and a guideline public company approach, with 75% of the value determined using the DCF model and 25% of the value determined using the market approach. The range of discount rates used in our annual tests were 9.0% to 12.0% for 2021. During the annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter of 2021 and in conjunction with the development of our 2022 and long range plans, we identified further weakness in our Home Networks reporting unit forecast resulting from a continuing decline in demand for video products from both U.S. and international service providers as well as the negative impact of supply shortages and delays on our ability to meet customer demand for video products. As a result, we determined the goodwill balance in the Home Networks reporting unit was impaired and recorded a $13.7 million impairment charge. See Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
The following table provides summary information regarding our reporting units with goodwill balances as of December 31, 2021 that have the lowest level of headroom. The table presents key assumptions used in our annual goodwill analysis, along with sensitivity analysis showing the effect of a change in certain key assumptions, assuming all other assumptions remain constant, to the resulting fair value using an income approach. Accordingly, if performance is worse than anticipated for these reporting units, future impairment tests could result in impairment charges that could be material to our results of operations. The Enterprise reporting unit is in our VCN segment and the N&C reporting unit is in our Broadband segment.
| Key Assumptions | Goodwill | Excess of Fair Value to Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reporting Unit | Discount Rate | Terminal Growth Rate | Balance at December 31, 2021 | % of Total Assets | Result of Annual Goodwill Test as of October 1, 2021 | Decrease of 10% in Cash Flows | Decrease of 0.5% in Long-term Growth Rate | Increase of 0.5% in Discount Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise | 10.5 | % | 1.5 | % | $ | 979.6 | 7.4 | % | $ | 519.0 | $ | 377.2 | $ | 475.6 | $ | 440.9 | |||||||||||||||
| N&C | 9.5 | % | 2.0 | % | 2,007.1 | 15.1 | % | 436.1 | 156.8 | 312.7 | 239.9 |
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets
Management reviews definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable. This analysis differs from our goodwill impairment analysis in that an intangible or other long-lived asset impairment is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. If the forecasted net cash flows are less than the carrying value, then the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Other than certain assets impaired as a result of restructuring actions, we did not identify any impairments of definite-lived intangible assets or other long-lived assets in 2021, including the finite lived assets in our Home Network reporting unit for which a goodwill impairment was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2021. Changes in the estimates of forecasted net cash flows may result in future asset impairments that could be material to our results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue based on the satisfaction of distinct obligations to transfer goods and services to customers. Our revenue is generated primarily from product or equipment sales. We also generate revenue from custom design and installation services as well as bundled sales arrangements that include product, software and services. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations in a contract are satisfied through the transfer of control of the good or service at the amount of consideration expected to be received. The following are required before revenue is recognized:
•
Identify the contract with the customer. A variety of arrangements are considered contracts; however, contracts typically take the form of a master purchase agreement or customer purchase orders.
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•
Identify the performance obligations in the contract. Performance obligations are identified as promised goods or services that are distinct within an arrangement.
•
Determine the transaction price. The transaction price is the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services. The consideration may include fixed or variable amounts or both.
•
Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations. The transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis.
•
Recognize revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied. Revenue is recognized when transfer of control of the promised goods or services has occurred. This is either at a point in time or over time.
Product sales represent over 90% of our revenue. For these sales, revenue is recognized when control of the product has transferred to the customer, which is generally at the point in time when products have been shipped, right to payment has been obtained and risk of loss has been transferred. Certain of our product performance obligations include proprietary operating system software, which typically is not considered separately identifiable. Therefore, sales of these products and the related software are considered one performance obligation.
License contracts include revenue recognized for the licensing of intellectual property, including software, sold separately without products. Functional intellectual property licenses do not meet the criteria for revenue to be recognized over time and revenue is most commonly recognized upon delivery of the license/software to the customer.
Certain customer transactions may be project based and include multiple performance obligations based on the bundling of equipment, software and services. When a multiple performance obligation arrangement exists, the transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations based on the relative standalone selling price, and revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of each deliverable. To determine the standalone selling price, we first look to establish the standalone selling price through an observable price when the good or service is sold separately in similar circumstances. If the standalone selling price cannot be established through an observable price, we will make an estimate based on market conditions, customer specific factors and customer class. We may use a combination of approaches to estimate the standalone selling price.
Other customer contract types include a variety of post-contract support service offerings, which are generally recognized over time as the services are provided, including the following: maintenance and support services provided under annual service-level agreements; “Day 2” professional services to help customers maximize their utilization of deployed systems; and installation services related to the routine installation of equipment ordered by the customer at the customer’s site.
For performance obligations recognized over time, judgment is required to evaluate assumptions, including the total estimated costs to determine progress towards completion of the performance obligation and to calculate the corresponding amount of revenue to recognize. If estimated total costs on any contract are greater than the net contract revenues, the entire estimated loss is recognized in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effects on revenue from revisions to total estimated costs are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and the amounts can be reasonably estimated.
Revenue is measured based on the consideration to which we expect to be entitled based on customer contracts. For sales to distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers, revenue is adjusted for variable consideration amounts, including but not limited to estimated discounts, returns, rebates and distributor price protection programs. These estimates are determined based upon historical experience, contract terms, inventory levels in the distributor channel and other related factors. Adjustments to variable consideration estimates are recorded when circumstances indicate revisions may be necessary.
A contract liability for deferred revenue is recorded when consideration is received or is unconditionally due from a customer prior to transferring control of goods or services to the customer under the terms of a contract. Deferred revenue balances typically result from advance payments received from customers for product contracts or from billings in excess of revenue recognized on project or services arrangements.
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Unbilled receivables are recorded when revenues are recognized in advance of invoice issuance. A contract asset is any portion of unbilled receivables for which the right to consideration is conditional on a factor other than the passage of time, which is common for certain performance obligations related to project contracts. These assets are presented on a combined basis with accounts receivable and are converted to accounts receivable once our right to the consideration becomes unconditional, which varies by contract but is generally based on achieving certain acceptance milestones. We recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset would be one year or less.
We include shipping and handling costs billed to customers in net sales and include the costs incurred to transport product to customers as well as certain internal handling costs, which relate to activities to prepare goods for shipment, as cost of sales. Shipping and handling costs incurred after control is transferred to the customer are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are not accounted for as separate revenue obligations.
Contingencies and Litigation
We are a party to lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the operation of our business, including intellectual property infringement matters, those pertaining to labor and employment contracts and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. We assess these matters in order to determine if a contingent liability should be recorded. In making this determination, management may, depending on the nature of the matter, consult with internal and external legal counsel and technical experts. We expense legal fees associated with consultations and defense of lawsuits as incurred. We accrue for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability.
Litigation outcomes are difficult to predict and are often resolved over long periods of time, making our estimates highly judgmental. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as future changes in facts and circumstances, differing interpretations of the law, assessments of the amount of damages and other factors beyond our control. There is the potential for a material adverse effect on our results of operation and cash flows if one or more matters are resolved in a particular period in an amount materially in excess of what we anticipated. Alternatively, if the judgments and estimates made by management are incorrect and a particular contingent loss does not occur, the contingent loss recorded would be reversed, thereby favorably impacting our results of operations.
Inventory Reserves
We maintain reserves to reduce the value of inventory based on the lower of cost or net realizable value, including allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. These reserves are based on management’s assumptions about and analysis of relevant factors including current levels of orders and backlog, forecasted demand, market conditions and new products or innovations that diminish the value of existing inventories. If actual market conditions deteriorate from those anticipated by management, additional allowances for excess and obsolete inventory could be required and may be material to our results of operations.
Product Warranty Reserves
We recognize a liability for the estimated claims that may be paid under our customer assurance-type warranty agreements to remedy potential deficiencies of quality or performance of our products. The product warranties extend over various periods, depending upon the product subject to the warranty and the terms of the individual agreements. We record a provision for estimated future warranty claims based upon the historical relationship of warranty claims to sales and specifically identified warranty issues. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revise our estimates, as appropriate, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events, it is reasonably possible that they may ultimately differ materially from actual results, including in the case of a significant product failure, and may be material to our results of operations.
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Tax Valuation Allowances and Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits
We establish an income tax valuation allowance when available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider the amounts, character, source and timing of expected future deductions or carryforwards as well as sources of taxable income and tax planning strategies that may enable utilization. We maintain an existing valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Changes in the amount or timing of expected future deductions or taxable income may have a material impact on the level of income tax valuation allowances. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, an increase to an income tax valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination was made.
We recognize income tax benefits related to particular tax positions only when it is considered more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained if examined on its technical merits by tax authorities. The amount of benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is evaluated to be greater than 50% likely to be realized. Considerable judgment is required to evaluate the technical merits of various positions and to evaluate the likely amount of benefit to be realized. Lapses in statutes of limitations, developments in tax laws, regulations and interpretations, and changes in assessments of the likely outcome of uncertain tax positions could have a material impact on the overall tax provision.
We establish deferred tax liabilities for the estimated tax cost associated with foreign earnings that we do not consider permanently reinvested (primarily foreign withholding and state income taxes). These liabilities are subject to adjustment if there is a change in the assertion of whether the foreign earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested.
We also establish allowances related to value-added and similar recoverable taxes when it is considered probable that those assets are not recoverable. Changes in the probability of recovery or in the estimates of the amount recoverable are recognized in the period such determination is made and may be material to our net income (loss).
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 with the year ended December 31, 2020
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 8,586.7 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,435.9 | 100.0 | % | $ | 150.8 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||
| Core net sales (1) | 6,737.4 | 78.5 | 6,028.4 | 71.5 | 709.0 | 11.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,684.3 | 31.3 | 2,747.8 | 32.6 | (63.5 | ) | (2.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | 48.6 | 0.6 | (51.8 | ) | (0.6 | ) | 100.4 | NM | ||||||||||||||||
| Core operating income (1) | 263.5 | 3.9 | 223.6 | 2.7 | 39.9 | 17.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (2) | 1,117.0 | 13.0 | 1,215.2 | 14.4 | (98.2 | ) | (8.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Core adjusted EBITDA (1) | 1,091.5 | 16.2 | 1,083.9 | 12.8 | 7.6 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | (462.6 | ) | (5.4 | ) | (573.4 | ) | (6.8 | ) | 110.8 | (19.3 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Diluted loss per share | $ | (2.55 | ) | $ | (3.20 | ) | $ | 0.65 | (20.3 | ) |
NM – Not meaningful
(1)
Core financial measures reflect the results of our Broadband, OWN and VCN segments, in the aggregate. Core financial measures exclude the results of our Home segment. See the Segment Results section below for illustration of the aggregation of our Core financial measures.
(2)
See "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Net sales
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 8,586.7 | $ | 8,435.9 | $ | 150.8 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||
| Domestic | 4,960.5 | 5,185.3 | (224.8 | ) | (4.3 | ) | ||||||||||
| International | 3,626.2 | 3,250.6 | 375.6 | 11.6 |
Net sales in 2021 increased $150.8 million, or 1.8%, compared to the prior year. Core net sales in 2021 increased $709.0 million, or 11.8%, compared to the prior year with increases in the Broadband segment of $300.6 million, the VCN segment of $241.9 million and the OWN segment of $166.5 million. Net sales in 2021 in the Home segment decreased $558.2 million compared to the prior year. In 2021, all of our segments experienced supply shortages and extended lead times for certain materials that negatively affected our ability to meet customer demand for our products. We expect these shortages and delays to persist into 2022. In addition, our Broadband segment faced capacity constraints that negatively affected net sales in 2021. For further details by segment, see the discussion of Segment Results below.
From a regional perspective, net sales increased in 2021 in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by $141.4 million, the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by $90.4 million, the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region by $88.7 million and Canada by $55.1 million. The increases in international net sales in 2021 were partially offset by a decrease of $224.8 million in the U.S. Net sales to customers located outside of the U.S. comprised 42.2% for 2021 compared to 38.5% for 2020. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted net sales favorably by approximately 1% for 2021 compared to the prior year. For additional information on regional sales by segment, see discussion of Segment Results below and Note 16 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Gross profit, SG&A expense and R&D expense
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 2,684.3 | $ | 2,747.8 | $ | (63.5 | ) | (2.3 | )% | |||||||
| As a percent of sales | 31.3 | % | 32.6 | % | ||||||||||||
| SG&A expense | 1,233.9 | 1,170.7 | 63.2 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 14.4 | % | 13.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| R&D expense | 683.2 | 703.3 | (20.1 | ) | (2.9 | ) | ||||||||||
| As a percent of sales | 8.0 | % | 8.3 | % |
Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales)
Despite higher consolidated net sales, gross profit decreased in 2021 compared to the prior year primarily due to significantly higher material and freight costs. We also experienced substantial sales volume declines in our Home segment and pricing pressures related to certain of our OWN segment products. Increased pricing on certain of our VCN segment products more than offset the OWN segment pricing pressures. In addition, we recorded charges of $48.6 million that reduced gross profit in 2021 related to the settlement of intellectual property assertions, but these charges were partially offset by the recovery of $17.1 million related to a warranty indemnification litigation matter of ARRIS International plc (ARRIS), which was acquired by CommScope in 2019.
Selling, general and administrative expense
In the first quarter of 2021, we announced a transformation initiative called CommScope NEXT, and as a step in our transformation, we announced our commitment to spin-off our Home Networks business from CommScope. As a result of these transformation and separation efforts, we incurred $90.3 million of transaction, transformation and integration costs during 2021 that were recorded in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense. During 2020, we incurred $24.9 million of transaction, transformation and integration costs that were mainly focused on the integration of the ARRIS business. We continue to focus on integrating the ARRIS business, including our work to combine our enterprise resource planning systems. We expect to continue to incur transaction, transformation and integration costs related to CommScope NEXT, the spin-off of the Home Networks business from CommScope, and the integration of the ARRIS business, and such costs could be material.
For 2021, excluding transaction, transformation and integration costs, SG&A expense decreased by $2.4 million compared to 2020. The decrease was primarily due to cost savings initiatives, but the favorable impact of cost savings initiatives was partially offset by higher variable incentive compensation expense of $13.5 million and higher bad debt expense, which was driven by a $30.3 million charge related to a certain value-added reseller customer in the Home segment. We reserved the entire balance due from this customer due to changes in their risk profile, and we are pursuing legal action. Excluding transaction, transformation and integration costs, SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 13.3% and 13.6% for 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Research and development expense
Research and development (R&D) expense for 2021 decreased due to lower spending on Home segment products that was partially offset by increased spending on Core segment products. R&D activities generally relate to ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the evolving technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to market and modifying existing products to better serve our customers.
Amortization of purchased intangible assets, Restructuring costs, net and Asset impairments
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | $ | 613.0 | $ | 630.5 | $ | (17.5 | ) | (2.8 | %) | |||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 91.9 | 88.4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||
| Asset impairments | 13.7 | 206.7 | (193.0 | ) | (93.4 | ) |
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Amortization of purchased intangible assets
The amortization of purchased intangible assets was lower in 2021 compared to the prior year because certain of our intangible assets became fully amortized.
Restructuring costs, net
The restructuring costs recorded in 2021 reflected actions initiated during 2021 and included $90.7 million related to CommScope NEXT and $1.2 million related to integrating the ARRIS business. The restructuring costs recorded during 2020 were primarily related to integrating the ARRIS business. From a cash perspective, we paid $31.6 million to settle restructuring liabilities during 2021 and expect to pay an additional $69.0 million between 2022 and 2023 related to restructuring actions that have been initiated. Additional restructuring actions related to CommScope NEXT are expected to be identified and the resulting charges and cash requirements could be material. The Company does not expect to identify significant additional restructuring actions related to the ARRIS integration.
Asset impairments
We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $13.7 million and $206.7 million during 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to our Home Networks reporting unit within our Home segment. See the discussion above under "Critical Accounting Policies" for more information regarding the annual goodwill impairment test performed during 2021.
Other expense, net
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency loss | $ | (4.4 | ) | $ | (19.2 | ) | $ | 14.8 | (77.1 | )% | ||||||
| Other expense, net | (19.4 | ) | (10.1 | ) | (9.3 | ) | 92.1 |
Foreign currency loss
Foreign currency loss includes the net foreign currency gains and losses resulting from the settlement of receivables and payables, foreign currency contracts and short-term intercompany advances in a currency other than the subsidiary’s functional currency. The foreign currency loss in 2020 was primarily driven by certain unhedged currencies.
Other expense, net
For 2021, other expense, net was driven by the redemption fee of $34.4 million related to the refinancing of our 5.50% senior secured notes due March 2024 (the 2024 Secured Notes) as further described in Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The redemption fee was partially offset by income of $8.1 million on equity method investments and other miscellaneous investments. We also recognized a gain of $2.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the sale of an investment accounted for under the cost method. In addition, we recognized a curtailment gain in other expense, net of $2.5 million reflecting the impacts of a restructuring action on an international defined benefit plan. For 2020, other expense, net was driven by redemption fees of $17.9 million related to the refinancing of our 5.00% senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes) and 5.50% senior notes due June 2024 (the 2024 Notes) and the redemption of $100.0 million of our 6.00% senior notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes), offset partially by income on equity method investments and other miscellaneous investments.
Interest expense, Interest income and Income taxes
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | (561.2 | ) | $ | (577.8 | ) | $ | 16.6 | (2.9 | %) | ||||||
| Interest income | 1.9 | 4.4 | (2.5 | ) | (56.8 | ) | ||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | 71.9 | 81.1 | (9.2 | ) | (11.3 | ) |
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Interest expense and interest income
In 2021, we wrote off $9.9 million of debt issuance costs related to the refinancing of the 2024 Secured Notes as further described in Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For 2020, we wrote off $7.6 million related to the refinancing of the 2021 Notes and 2024 Notes and the partial redemption of the 2025 Notes. Excluding the write-off of debt issuance costs, interest expense decreased in 2021 due to lower variable interest rates on our senior secured term loan due 2026 (the 2026 Term Loan). Our weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including the impact of interest rate swaps and the amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, was 5.74% at December 31, 2021 and 5.86% at December 31, 2020.
Income tax benefit
For 2021, our effective tax rate was 13.5% and we recognized a tax benefit of $71.9 million on a pretax loss of $534.5 million. Our tax benefit was lower than the statutory rate of 21.0% in 2021 primarily due to the impact of $37.4 million of tax expense related to a foreign tax rate change. See Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more discussion of our income tax benefit.
For 2020, our effective tax rate was 12.4% and we recognized a tax benefit of $81.1 million on a pretax loss of $654.5 million. Our tax benefit was less than the statutory rate primarily due to a goodwill impairment charge of $206.7 million, for which minimal tax benefits were recorded. Our tax rate was also impacted unfavorably by excess tax costs of $14.0 million related to equity compensation awards as well as U.S. anti-deferral provisions and foreign withholding taxes. These unfavorable impacts were offset partially by favorable impacts related to federal tax credits and foreign tax rate changes.
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Segment Results
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Net Sales | Amount | % of Net Sales | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Broadband | $ | 3,148.8 | 36.7 | % | $ | 2,848.2 | 33.8 | % | $ | 300.6 | 10.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| OWN | 1,410.2 | 16.4 | 1,243.7 | 14.7 | 166.5 | 13.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| VCN | 2,178.4 | 25.4 | 1,936.5 | 23.0 | 241.9 | 12.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Core net sales (1) | 6,737.4 | 78.5 | 6,028.4 | 71.5 | 709.0 | 11.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Home | 1,849.3 | 21.5 | 2,407.5 | 28.5 | (558.2 | ) | (23.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net sales | $ | 8,586.7 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,435.9 | 100.0 | % | $ | 150.8 | 1.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Broadband | $ | 120.1 | 3.8 | % | $ | 157.2 | 5.5 | % | $ | (37.1 | ) | (23.6 | ) | % | |||||||||||||
| OWN | 199.0 | 14.1 | 181.1 | 14.6 | 17.9 | 9.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| VCN | (55.6 | ) | (2.6 | ) | (114.7 | ) | (5.9 | ) | 59.1 | (51.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Core operating income (1) | 263.5 | 3.9 | 223.6 | 3.7 | 39.9 | 17.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Home | (214.9 | ) | (11.6 | ) | (275.4 | ) | (11.4 | ) | 60.5 | (22.0 | ) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Consolidated operating income (loss) | $ | 48.6 | 0.6 | % | $ | (51.8 | ) | (0.6 | ) | % | $ | 100.4 | NM | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA by segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Broadband | $ | 629.9 | 20.0 | % | $ | 625.4 | 22.0 | % | $ | 4.5 | 0.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| OWN | 267.9 | 19.0 | 278.5 | 22.4 | (10.6 | ) | (3.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| VCN | 193.7 | 8.9 | 180.0 | 9.3 | 13.7 | 7.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Core adjusted EBITDA (1) | 1,091.5 | 16.2 | 1,083.9 | 18.0 | 7.6 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Home | 25.5 | 1.4 | 131.3 | 5.5 | (105.8 | ) | (80.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP consolidated adjusted EBITDA (2) | $ | 1,117.0 | 13.0 | % | $ | 1,215.2 | 14.4 | % | $ | (98.2 | ) | (8.1 | ) | % |
NM – Not meaningful
(1)
Core financial measures reflect the results of our Broadband, OWN and VCN segments, in the aggregate. Core financial measures exclude the results of our Home segment.
(2)
See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Broadband Networks Segment
Net sales increased in 2021 compared to the prior year due to increased demand for our products and services as service providers enhanced their networks to keep pace with broadband demand. We are experiencing capacity constraints and supply shortages with certain of our network cable products, which hindered our ability to meet customer demand for our Broadband segment products in 2021. We are investing to alleviate our capacity constraints and began to see benefits from the expanded capacity in the fourth quarter of 2021. We expect the supply shortages to extend into 2022. From a regional perspective, in 2021, net sales increased in the U.S. by $137.8 million, the CALA region by $111.2 million, the EMEA region by $62.6 million and Canada by $6.3 million but decreased in the APAC region by $17.3 million. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted Broadband segment net sales favorably by approximately 1% during 2021 compared to the prior year.
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For 2021, Broadband segment operating income and adjusted EBITDA both benefitted from increased sales volumes and favorable geographic and product mix. However, these benefits were largely offset by higher material and freight costs and increased expenses to expand capacity to meet demand. Compared to 2020, Broadband segment operating income in 2021 was unfavorably impacted by a $52.0 million increase in restructuring expense related to the planned closure of an international manufacturing facility and an intellectual property litigation settlement charge of $20.0 million. The intellectual property litigation settlement was partially offset by the recovery of $17.1 million related to a warranty indemnification litigation matter. Restructuring expense and litigation settlements are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Outdoor Wireless Networks Segment
For 2021, OWN segment net sales increased compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase in customer spending on both macro and metro cell solutions. Although OWN segment net sales increased year over year for 2021, net sales were negatively affected by supply shortages of certain materials that hindered our ability to meet customer demand. From a regional perspective, in 2021, OWN segment net sales increased in the U.S. by $71.3 million, the APAC region by $58.3 million, the EMEA region by $25.1 million and Canada by $21.4 million but decreased in the CALA region by $9.6 million. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted OWN segment net sales favorably by approximately 1% during 2021 compared to the prior year.
For 2021, OWN segment operating income increased by $17.9 million but adjusted EBITDA decreased by $10.6 million compared to the prior year. Both operating income and adjusted EBITDA for the OWN segment benefitted from increased sales volumes, but this favorable impact was more than offset by pricing pressures on certain products and higher freight and material costs. In addition, OWN segment operating income for 2021 increased as a result of a $12.3 million reduction in amortization expense and a $12.2 million reduction in restructuring expense compared to the prior year. Amortization expense and restructuring expense are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Venue and Campus Networks Segment
For 2021, VCN segment net sales increased compared to the prior year as higher net sales of our Building and Data Center Connectivity and Ruckus products were partially offset by lower net sales of our Indoor Cellular Networks products. Net sales of Ruckus products were unfavorably impacted in 2021 due to shortages of certain materials that negatively affected our ability to meet customer demand. We expect this supply shortage to continue into 2022. From a regional perspective, in 2021, net sales for the VCN segment were higher across all regions with increases in the U.S. of $90.7 million, the APAC region of $60.6 million, the EMEA region of $51.8 million, the CALA region of $27.3 million and Canada of $11.5 million. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted VCN segment net sales favorably by approximately 1% during 2021 compared to the prior year.
For 2021, VCN segment operating loss decreased and adjusted EBITDA increased compared to the prior year primarily due to favorable pricing impacts on certain products and higher sales volumes. These benefits were partially offset by higher material and freight costs and higher selling expenses. In addition, VCN segment operating loss for 2021 benefitted from a $14.9 million reduction in restructuring expense and a $13.4 million reduction in intellectual property litigation charges compared to the prior year. Restructuring expense and intellectual property litigation charges are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Home Networks Segment
Net sales for the Home segment decreased in 2021 primarily due to the continuing decline in demand for video products from both U.S. and international service providers as well as the negative impact of supply shortages and delays on our ability to meet customer demand. From a regional perspective, in 2021, net sales decreased in the U.S. by $524.6 million, the EMEA region by $49.1 million and the CALA region by $40.2 million and increased in the APAC region by $39.8 million and Canada by $15.9 million. Foreign exchange rate changes impacted Home segment net sales favorably by approximately 1% during 2021 compared to the prior year.
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Excluding goodwill impairment charges in 2021 and 2020 of $13.7 million and $206.7 million, respectively, Home segment operating loss increased and adjusted EBITDA decreased in 2021 compared to the prior year primarily due to lower sales volumes. The Home segment also experienced higher material costs and higher bad debt expense, driven by a $30.3 million reserve related to a certain value-added reseller customer. These higher costs were partially offset by favorable pricing impacts on certain products and benefits from cost savings initiatives in R&D. Home segment operating loss was also unfavorably impacted in 2021 by increases of $41.6 million in transaction, transformation and integration costs and $28.8 million in intellectual property litigation charges, but these were partially offset by a decrease of $21.4 in restructuring expense compared to the prior year. During 2020, the Home segment benefitted from the release of a $23.6 million accrual related to an intellectual property royalty matter that was settled for less than anticipated. Of the $23.6 million accrual release in the prior year, $15.1 million related to pre-acquisition sales and was excluded from the calculation of adjusted EBITDA; the remaining $8.5 million release provided a benefit to Home segment adjusted EBITDA in 2020. Home segment transaction, transformation and integration costs were primarily related to the announced commitment to separate the Home Networks business from CommScope. Transaction, transformation and integration costs, restructuring expense and intellectual property settlements are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA. See “Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA” within this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, below.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes certain key measures of our liquidity and capital resources:
| December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 360.3 | $ | 521.9 | $ | (161.6 | ) | (31.0 | ) | % | |||||||
| Working capital (1), excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt | 1,068.9 | 911.2 | 157.7 | 17.3 | |||||||||||||
| Availability under revolving credit facility | 684.1 | 735.1 | (51.0 | ) | (6.9 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current portion | 9,510.5 | 9,520.6 | (10.1 | ) | (0.1 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total capitalization (2) | 10,410.0 | 10,917.4 | (507.4 | ) | (4.6 | ) | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization | 91.4 | % | 87.2 | % |
(1)
Working capital consists of current assets of $3,579.7 million less current liabilities of $2,182.5 million as of December 31, 2021 and current assets of $3,354.5 million less current liabilities of $1,953.4 million as of December 31, 2020.
(2)
Total capitalization includes long-term debt, including the current portion, Series A convertible preferred stock (the Convertible Preferred Stock) and stockholders’ equity (deficit).
Our principal sources of liquidity on a short-term basis are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows provided by operations and availability under our credit facilities. On a long-term basis, our potential sources of liquidity also include raising capital through the issuance of additional equity and/or debt.
The primary uses of liquidity include debt service requirements, voluntary debt repayments or redemptions, working capital requirements, capital expenditures, business separation transaction costs, transformation costs, acquisition integration costs, dividends related to the Convertible Preferred Stock if we elect to pay such dividends in cash, litigation settlements, income tax payments and other contractual obligations. Our interest payments on long-term debt are expected to total $2,564.2 million over the duration of the debt, with $505.1 million due in 2022. For additional information regarding our long-term debt obligations, see Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and our discussion of our interest rate risk in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For additional information regarding our obligations under our operating lease and restructuring agreements, see Notes 5 and 10, respectively, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
During the normal course of business, to manage manufacturing lead times and help ensure adequate component supply, we enter into agreements with our contract manufacturers and suppliers that allow them to produce and procure inventory based upon our forecasted requirements. We estimate our obligations under these agreements to be $415.7 million due in 2022.
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We have $140.5 million in unrecognized tax benefits; however, the timing of the related tax payments is highly uncertain. We anticipate a reduction of up to $6.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. See Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
We are contingently liable under open standby letters of credit issued by our banks in favor of third parties that totaled $50.0 million as of December 31, 2021. These letters of credit primarily support performance obligations of a third-party contractor. These amounts represent our estimate of the maximum amounts we would expect to incur upon the contractual non-performance of the contractor, but we also have cross-indemnities in place that may enable us to recover some or all of our losses in the event of the contractor's non-performance. We believe the likelihood of having to perform under these guarantees is remote. There were no material amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements related to third-party guarantee agreements as of December 31, 2021 or 2020.
We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and cash flows from operations, combined with availability under our senior secured revolving credit facilities (the Revolving Credit Facility), will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs. We may experience volatility in cash flows between periods due to, among other reasons, variability in the timing of vendor payments and customer receipts. We may, from time to time, borrow additional amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility or issue debt or equity securities, if market conditions are favorable, to meet future cash needs or to reduce our borrowing costs.
Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” section below, but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions, synergies and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our non-GAAP pro forma adjusted EBITDA, as measured pursuant to the indentures governing our notes, was $1,182.6 million, which included annualized synergies expected to be realized within the next year ($2.6 million) and annualized savings expected from cost reduction initiatives ($63.0 million) so that the impact of the synergies and cost reduction initiatives is fully reflected in the twelve-month period used in the calculation of the ratios. In addition to limitations under these indentures, our senior secured credit facilities contain customary negative covenants based on similar financial measures. We believe we are in compliance with the covenants under our indentures and senior secured credit facilities at December 31, 2021.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased during 2021 primarily driven by cash paid for capital expenditures of $131.4 million, costs related to the debt refinancing of $46.4 million, cash dividends paid for the Convertible Preferred Stock of $43.0 million, tax withholding payments for vested equity-based compensation awards of $26.4 million and a payment to settle a net investment hedge of $18.0 million, partially offset by cash generated from operating activities of $122.3 million. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 72% of our cash and cash equivalents were held outside the U.S.
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and the current portion of long-term debt, increased during 2021 primarily due to higher inventory balances as a result of rising material costs and increases in stock as we build inventory waiting for certain materials or components to complete our products for sale. Partially offsetting the increase in inventory was an increase in accounts payable mainly driven by higher inventory balances. During 2021, we sold approximately $45 million of accounts receivable under customer-sponsored supplier financing agreements; however, only $14.0 million of that amount impacted working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and the current portion of long-term debt, as of December 31, 2021. Under these agreements, we are able to sell accounts receivable to a bank, and we retain no interest in and have no servicing responsibilities for the accounts receivable sold.
The net reduction in total capitalization during 2021 reflected the net loss for the year and foreign currency translation losses.
Cash Flow Overview
| Year Ended December 31, | $ | % | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | Change | |||||||||||||
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 122.3 | $ | 436.2 | $ | (313.9 | ) | (72.0 | )% | |||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (136.8 | ) | (120.2 | ) | (16.6 | ) | 13.8 | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (139.5 | ) | (383.8 | ) | 244.3 | (63.7 | ) |
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Operating Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (462.6 | ) | $ | (573.4 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash generated by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 786.3 | 823.3 | ||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 79.6 | 115.0 | ||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (147.5 | ) | (154.7 | ) | ||||
| Asset impairments | 13.7 | 206.7 | ||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (59.6 | ) | 228.4 | |||||
| Inventories | (359.8 | ) | (100.5 | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 3.2 | (17.2 | ) | |||||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | 256.0 | (175.2 | ) | |||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | 8.4 | (4.0 | ) | |||||
| Other noncurrent assets | (45.5 | ) | 28.8 | |||||
| Other | 50.1 | 59.0 | ||||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | $ | 122.3 | $ | 436.2 |
During 2021, operating cash flows decreased compared to the prior year primarily as a result of lower operating performance and increases in working capital in the current year due to improved net sales, higher inventory costs and the building of inventory as we wait for certain materials or components to complete our products for sale.
Investing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Additions to property, plant and equipment | $ | (131.4 | ) | $ | (121.2 | ) | ||
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 13.1 | 5.0 | ||||||
| Cash paid for Cable Exchange acquisition | — | (3.5 | ) | |||||
| Payments upon settlement of net investment hedge | (18.0 | ) | — | |||||
| Other | (0.5 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | (136.8 | ) | $ | (120.2 | ) |
During 2021, the increase in cash used in investing activities was driven by a payment made to settle a net investment hedge of $18.0 million and an increase of $10.2 million in our investment in property, plant and equipment that primarily related to supporting improvements in manufacturing operations, including expanding production capacity and investing in information technology, including software developed for internal use. These were partially offset by an increase in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment mainly driven by proceeds of $10.5 million related to the sale of a manufacturing location.
Financing Activities
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||
| Long-term debt repaid | $ | (1,282.0 | ) | $ | (1,282.0 | ) | ||
| Long-term debt proceeds | 1,250.0 | 950.0 | ||||||
| Debt issuance costs | (12.0 | ) | (11.7 | ) | ||||
| Debt extinguishment costs | (34.4 | ) | (17.9 | ) | ||||
| Dividends paid on Series A convertible preferred stock | (43.0 | ) | (14.3 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of common shares under equity-based compensation plans | 5.6 | 9.0 | ||||||
| Tax withholding payments for vested equity-based compensation awards | (26.4 | ) | (16.9 | ) | ||||
| Other | 2.7 | — | ||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (139.5 | ) | $ | (383.8 | ) |
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In 2021, we issued $1,250.0 million of 4.75% senior secured notes due 2029 (the 2029 Secured Notes) and used the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem and retire $1,250.0 million outstanding under the 2024 Secured Notes. In connection with the issuance of the 2029 Secured Notes, we paid $12.0 million of debt issuance costs. We paid a redemption premium of $34.4 million to retire the 2024 Secured Notes. We also paid four quarterly scheduled amortization payments totaling $32.0 million on the senior secured term loan due in 2026 (the 2026 Term Loan). We may continue to look for favorable opportunities to refinance portions of our existing debt to lower borrowing costs, extend the term or adjust the total amount of fixed-rate or floating-rate debt.
In 2020, we issued $700.0 million of 7.125% senior notes due 2028 (the 2028 Notes) and used the net proceeds from the offering to redeem and retire the $700.0 million outstanding under the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes. We incurred $11.7 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the issuance of the 2028 Notes. In addition, we redeemed $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes, redeemed $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes and paid four quarterly scheduled amortization payments totaling $32.0 million on the 2026 Term Loan. We paid redemption premiums of $11.9 million to retire the 2024 Notes and $6.0 million to partially redeem the 2025 Notes. Also during 2020, we borrowed and repaid $250.0 million under our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility).
As of December 31, 2021, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the remaining availability was $684.1 million, reflecting a borrowing base of $777.6 million reduced by $93.5 million of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Also impacting cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was the increase of $28.7 million in cash dividends paid for the Convertible Preferred Stock. In 2021, the dividends for the Convertible Preferred Stock were paid in cash for three of the four quarters, while in the prior year, the dividends were paid in additional shares of the Convertible Preferred Stock for three of the four quarters. During 2021, we received proceeds of $5.6 million related to the exercise of stock options compared to $9.0 million in the prior year. During 2021, employees surrendered shares of our common stock to satisfy their tax withholding requirements on vested restricted stock units and performance share units, which reduced cash flows by $26.4 million compared to $16.9 million in the prior year.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
We believe that presenting certain non-GAAP financial measures enhances an investor’s understanding of our financial performance. We further believe that these financial measures are useful in assessing our operating performance from period to period by excluding certain items that we believe are not representative of our core business. We also use certain of these financial measures for business planning purposes and in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors.
We believe these financial measures are commonly used by investors to evaluate our performance and that of our competitors. However, our use of the term non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA may vary from that of others in our industry. This financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to operating income (loss), net income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP as measures of operating performance, operating cash flows or liquidity.
Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our senior notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as presented in this section, but also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions and savings from cost reduction initiatives such as facility closures and headcount reductions.
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Consolidated
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (462.6 | ) | $ | (573.4 | ) | $ | (929.5 | ) | |||
| Income tax benefit | (71.9 | ) | (81.1 | ) | (144.5 | ) | ||||||
| Interest income | (1.9 | ) | (4.4 | ) | (18.1 | ) | ||||||
| Interest expense | 561.2 | 577.8 | 577.2 | |||||||||
| Other expense, net | 23.8 | 29.3 | 6.4 | |||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 48.6 | $ | (51.8 | ) | $ | (508.5 | ) | ||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 613.0 | 630.5 | 593.2 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 91.9 | 88.4 | 87.7 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 79.6 | 115.0 | 90.8 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | 13.7 | 206.7 | 376.1 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs (1) | 90.3 | 24.9 | 195.3 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments (2) | 11.5 | 20.6 | 264.2 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | 31.7 | 16.3 | 55.0 | |||||||||
| Executive severance | — | 6.3 | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 136.7 | 158.3 | 143.7 | |||||||||
| Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA | $ | 1,117.0 | $ | 1,215.2 | $ | 1,297.5 |
(1)
In 2021, primarily reflects transaction separation costs related to the planned spin-off of the Home Networks business from CommScope, transformation costs related to CommScope NEXT and integration costs related to the ARRIS acquisition. In 2020, primarily reflects integration costs related to the ARRIS acquisition and in 2019, primarily reflects transaction and integration costs related to the ARRIS acquisition.
(2)
In 2021 and 2020, reflects acquisition accounting adjustments related to reducing deferred revenue to its estimated fair value. In 2019, reflects acquisition accounting adjustments of $218.8 million related to the mark up of inventory to its estimated fair value and acquisition accounting adjustments of $45.4 million related to reducing deferred revenue to its estimated fair value.
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Reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA is provided as a performance measure in Note 16 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Below we reconcile segment adjusted EBITDA for each segment individually to operating income (loss) for that segment to supplement the reconciliation of the total segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated operating (loss) in that footnote.
Broadband Networks Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | $ | 120.1 | $ | 157.2 | $ | (341.7 | ) | |||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 322.1 | 323.1 | 273.2 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 69.8 | 17.8 | 36.9 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 32.6 | 44.4 | 34.8 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | — | 142.1 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 20.4 | 7.9 | 120.2 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | 4.8 | 11.4 | 135.8 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | 2.9 | 3.0 | — | |||||||||
| Executive severance | — | 2.2 | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 57.2 | 58.4 | 55.1 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 629.9 | $ | 625.4 | $ | 456.5 |
Outdoor Wireless Networks Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 199.0 | $ | 181.1 | $ | 200.3 | |||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 33.5 | 45.8 | 49.5 | ||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 3.5 | 15.7 | 6.9 | ||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 8.3 | 13.6 | 12.9 | ||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 8.4 | 4.2 | 19.1 | ||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | — | — | 55.0 | ||||||||
| Executive severance | — | 1.2 | — | ||||||||
| Depreciation | 15.2 | 17.0 | 17.5 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 267.9 | $ | 278.5 | $ | 361.2 |
Venue and Campus Networks Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating loss | $ | (55.6 | ) | $ | (114.7 | ) | $ | (186.7 | ) | |||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 153.6 | 157.7 | 166.6 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 10.0 | 24.9 | 20.7 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 25.4 | 34.9 | 28.3 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | — | — | 41.2 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 13.8 | 6.7 | 58.3 | |||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | 4.6 | 7.3 | 100.6 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | 0.3 | 13.7 | — | |||||||||
| Executive severance | — | 1.7 | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 41.6 | 47.8 | 40.4 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 193.7 | $ | 180.0 | $ | 269.3 |
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Home Networks Segment
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||
| Operating loss | $ | (214.9 | ) | $ | (275.4 | ) | $ | (180.4 | ) | |||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of purchased intangible assets | 103.9 | 103.9 | 103.9 | |||||||||
| Restructuring costs, net | 8.6 | 30.0 | 23.2 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 13.4 | 22.1 | 14.8 | |||||||||
| Asset impairments | 13.7 | 206.7 | 192.8 | |||||||||
| Transaction, transformation and integration costs | 47.8 | 6.2 | (2.3 | ) | ||||||||
| Acquisition accounting adjustments | 1.9 | 1.9 | 27.8 | |||||||||
| Patent claims and litigation settlements | 28.5 | (0.3 | ) | — | ||||||||
| Executive severance | — | 1.2 | — | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 22.7 | 35.1 | 30.7 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 25.5 | $ | 131.3 | $ | 210.5 |
Note: Components may not sum to total due to rounding
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices
We continually attempt to minimize the effect of inflation on earnings by controlling our operating costs and adjusting our selling prices. The principal raw materials and components purchased by us (aluminum, copper, steel, bimetals, optical fiber, plastics and other polymers, capacitors, memory devices and silicon chips) are subject to changes in market price as they are influenced by commodity markets and other factors. Prices for these items have, at times, been volatile. As a result, we have adjusted our prices for certain products and may have to adjust prices again in the future. To the extent that we are unable to pass on cost increases to customers without a significant decrease in sales volume or must implement price reductions in response to a rapid decline in raw material costs, these cost changes could have a material adverse impact on the results of our operations.