# Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) FY 2023 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from Vertiv Holdings Co's 10-K for fiscal year 2023.

SEC filing source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1674101/000162828024006498/vrt-20231231.htm
Accession: 0001628280-24-006498
Filing date: 2024-02-23
Report date: 2023-12-31
Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary.
Confidence: high

Company profile: /company/VRT/
All MD&A years: /company/VRT/mda/
Previous year: /company/VRT/mda/fy2022/ (FY 2022)
Next year: /company/VRT/mda/fy2024/ (FY 2024)

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

Unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, references to (1) “the Company,” “Vertiv,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Vertiv Holdings Co, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries; and (2) “GSAH” refers to GS Acquisition Holdings Corp prior to the Business Combination. In addition, dollar amounts are stated in millions, except for per share amounts. You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

We have omitted the discussion on our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 which discussion was previously included in Item 7 of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023.

Overview

We are a global leader in the design, manufacturing and servicing of critical digital infrastructure technology that powers, cools, deploys, secures and maintains electronics that process, store and transmit data. We primarily provide this technology to data centers, communication networks and commercial & industrial environments worldwide. We aim to help create a world where critical technologies always work, and where we empower the vital applications of the digital world.

Key Developments

Below is a summary of selected key developments affecting our business in 2023:

•Stock Repurchase Program: As discussed in Item 5, on November 29, 2023, the Company announced authorization of a stock repurchase program of up to $3.0 billion through December 31, 2027. Repurchases of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock under the program may be made from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, Rule 10b5-1 plans, accelerated stock repurchases, block trades, derivative contracts or otherwise, including in compliance with Rule 10b-18. The specific timing of any repurchases will be determined in management's discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including available liquidity, the Company's stock price, the Company's financial outlook, and alternative investment options. The stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of shares of Class A common stock and the Board's authorization of the program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time.

Outlook and Trends

Below is a summary of trends and events that are currently affecting, or may in the future affect, our business, operations and short-term outlook:

•Capacity Expansion: We have invested in capacity expansion to meet current and anticipated additional customer demand. For example, since acquiring E&I in late 2021, we have approximately doubled our manufacturing capacity for switchgear, busbar and integrated modular solutions by opening new facilities and adding production to existing facilities. We anticipate continuing to invest in having capacity in place globally with the geographic presence that our customers need, the ability to rapidly scale and to ensure resiliency.

•Artificial Intelligence ("AI"): Increased maturity and adoption of AI and high-performance compute is currently impacting the data center industry driving technology innovation and could lead to increased demand. The Company has invested in developing new product, services, and solutions to serve this industry trend, is increasing capacity to support additional demand for AI infrastructure as necessary and we will continue to invest to support additional growth driven by AI.

•Thermal Management Portfolio Expansion - Liquid Cooling: In December of 2023, we acquired CoolTera Ltd., an existing technology partner and provider of coolant distribution infrastructure for data center cooling technology. This acquisition further strengthens advanced cooling technology, deep domain expertise, control systems, and testing for AI and other high density compute cooling requirements to our existing thermal management portfolio.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year ended December 31, 2023 compared to year ended December 31, 2022

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["(Dollars in millions)","2023","","2022","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","$","6,863.2","","","$","5,691.5","","","$","1,171.7","","","20.6","%"],["Cost of sales","4,462.7","","","4,075.4","","","387.3","","","9.5","%"],["Gross profit","2,400.5","","","1,616.1","","","784.4","","","48.5","%"],["Selling, general and administrative expenses","1,312.3","","","1,178.3","","","134.0","","","11.4","%"],["Amortization of intangibles","181.3","","","215.8","","","(34.5)","","","(16.0)","%"],["Restructuring costs","28.6","","","0.7","","","27.9","","","3,985.7","%"],["Foreign currency (gain) loss, net","16.0","","","3.7","","","12.3","","","332.4","%"],["Other operating expense (income)","(9.9)","","","(5.8)","","","(4.1)","","","70.7","%"],["Operating profit (loss)","872.2","","","223.4","","","648.8","","","290.4","%"],["Interest expense, net","180.1","","","147.3","","","32.8","","","22.3","%"],["Loss on extinguishment of debt","0.5","","","\u2014","","","0.5","","","100.0","%"],["Change in fair value of warrant liabilities","157.9","","","(90.9)","","","248.8","","","(273.7)","%"],["Income tax expense","73.5","","","90.4","","","(16.9)","","","(18.7)","%"],["Net income (loss)","$","460.2","","","$","76.6","","","$","383.6","","","500.8","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Net Sales

Net sales were $6,863.2 in 2023, an increase of $1,171.7, or 20.6%, compared with $5,691.5 in 2022. The increase in sales is primarily due to higher sales volumes and price realization of $470 compared to the prior year, and partially offset by the negative impacts from foreign currency of $43.7. By product offering, critical infrastructure & solutions sales increased $973.8, which included negative impacts from foreign currency of $22.5. Services & spares sales increased $111.4, including the negative impacts from foreign currency of $15.1. Integrated rack solutions sales increased $86.5, including the negative impacts from foreign currency of $6.1.

Excluding intercompany sales, net sales were $3,844.5 in the Americas, $1,527.8 in Asia Pacific and $1,490.9 in Europe, Middle East & Africa. Movements in net sales by segment and offering are each detailed in the Business Segments section below.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales were $4,462.7 in 2023, an increase of $387.3, or 9.5% compared to 2022. The increase in cost of sales was primarily driven by the impact of higher volumes and increased commodity and logistics costs. Gross profit was $2,400.5 in 2023, or 35.0% of sales, compared to $1,616.1, or 28.4% of sales in 2022. Margin increased primarily due to higher sales volume, pricing actions more than offsetting higher commodity and logistics costs, and improved leverage of fixed costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (or “SG&A”) were $1,312.3 in 2023, an increase of $134.0 compared to 2022. SG&A as a percentage of sales were 19.1% in 2023 compared with 20.7% in 2022. The increase in SG&A was primarily driven by $60.1 of higher commissions in the Americas reportable segment as a result of increased order volume and $41.2 of higher compensation costs due to increased bonus and long-term incentives.

Other Operating Expenses

The remaining other operating expenses include amortization of intangibles, restructuring costs, foreign currency (gain) loss, asset impairments and other operating expense (income). These remaining other expenses were $216.0 for 2023, which was a $1.6 increase from 2022. The increase was primarily due to a $27.9 increase in restructuring costs, and a $12.3 increase in foreign currency loss, offset by decreased amortization of intangibles of $34.5.

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Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities

Change in fair value of warrant liabilities represents the mark-to-market fair value adjustments to the outstanding Private Placement Warrants. The change in fair value of the outstanding Private Placement Warrants during 2023 and 2022 resulted in a loss of $157.9 and a gain of $90.9, respectively. The change in fair value of these warrants was the result of changes in market prices of our common stock and other observable inputs deriving the value of the financial instruments and the exercise of 5,266,666 of the Private Placement Warrants in February 2023. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 5,266,667 and 10,533,333 Private Placement Warrants outstanding, respectively.

Interest expense

Interest expense, net, was $180.1 in 2023 compared to $147.3 in 2022. The $32.8 increase reflects a $72.0 increase due to the Term Loan due 2027, partially offset by a $36.5 decrease due to net settlement payments on our interest rate swaps as described in “Note 12 — Financial Instruments and Risk Management” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. To the extent that interest rates continue to increase, our interest expense will increase as well, although the effect will be mitigated by our interest rate swaps.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $73.5 in 2023 compared to $90.4 in 2022. The effective rate in 2023 was primarily influenced by the mix of income between our U.S. and non-U.S. operations, net of changes in valuation allowances and uncertain tax positions, and reflects the impact of non-deductible changes in fair value of the warrant liabilities, as well as a discrete tax adjustment related to legislative changes enacted in the period. In 2022, income tax expense was primarily influenced by the mix of income between our U.S. and non-U.S. operations, net of changes in valuation allowances and uncertain tax positions, and reflects the impact of non-deductible changes in fair value of warrant liabilities, as well as discrete tax adjustments related to legislation changes enacted in the period.

The tax expense in 2023 was $16.9 lower than 2022 primarily due to the change in mix of income, non-U.S. tax elections and changes in valuation allowances in the U.S. and a discrete tax adjustment related to legislative changes enacted in the period.

Business Segments

The following are business segment results for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Segment profitability is defined as operating profit (loss). Segment margin represents segment operating profit (loss) expressed as a percentage of segment net sales. For reconciliations of segment net sales and earnings to our consolidated results, see “Note 14 — Segment Information”, of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Segment net sales are presented excluding intercompany sales.

Americas

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["(Dollars in millions)","December 31, 2023","","December 31, 2022","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","$","3,844.5","","","$","2,728.6","","","$","1,115.9","","","40.9","%"],["Operating profit (loss)","958.8","","","426.1","","","532.7","","","125.0","%"],["Margin","24.9","%","","15.6","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Americas net sales of $3,844.5 in 2023 increased $1,115.9, or 40.9% from 2022. The increase in sales was primarily driven by higher sales volumes and price realization compared to prior year. By product offering, net sales increased in critical infrastructure & solutions by $952.1, integrated rack solutions increased by $95.1, and service & spares increased by $68.7 due to improved customer site availability. Americas net sales were positively impacted from foreign currency of approximately $8.1.

Operating profit (loss) in 2023 was $958.8, an increase of $532.7 compared with 2022. Margin increased primarily due to higher sales volumes and pricing actions in addition to leveraging our fixed costs.

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Asia Pacific

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["(Dollars in millions)","December 31, 2023","","December 31, 2022","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","$","1,527.8","","","$","1,601.3","","","$","(73.5)","","","(4.6)","%"],["Operating profit (loss)","248.5","","","274.4","","","(25.9)","","","(9.4)","%"],["Margin","16.3","%","","17.1","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Asia Pacific net sales of $1,527.8 in 2023 decreased $73.5, or 4.6% from 2022. Sales decreases were primarily driven by slower than expected economic recovery in China and the negative impact of foreign currency of approximately $66.2, which were partially offset by the impact of stronger sales throughout the rest of Asia Pacific. By product offering, net sales decreased in critical infrastructure & solutions by $37.9, integrated rack solutions decreased by $23.6, and service & spares decreased by $12.0.

Operating profit (loss) in 2023 was $248.5, a decrease of $25.9 compared with 2022 mainly driven by decreased volume and the negative impact of foreign currency.

Europe, Middle East & Africa

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["(Dollars in millions)","December 31, 2023","","December 31, 2022","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net sales","$","1,490.9","","","$","1,361.6","","","$","129.3","","","9.5","%"],["Operating profit (loss)","380.0","","","234.6","","","145.4","","","62.0","%"],["Margin","25.5","%","","17.2","%"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Europe, Middle East & Africa net sales of $1,490.9 in 2023 increased $129.3, or 9.5% from 2022. Sales increases were evenly driven by higher selling prices and increased volume. Europe, Middle East & Africa net sales were positively impacted by foreign currency of approximately $14.4. By product offering, net sales increased in critical infrastructure & solutions by $59.6, service & spares increased by $54.7, and integrated rack solutions increased by $15.0.

Operating profit (loss) in 2023 was $380.0, an increase of $145.4 compared with 2022. Margin increased primarily due to price realization in addition to leveraging our fixed costs which more than offset inflationary pressures.

Vertiv Corporate and Other

Corporate and other costs include costs associated with our headquarters located in Westerville, Ohio, as well as centralized global functions including Finance, Treasury, Risk Management, Strategy & Marketing, IT, Legal, and global product platform development and offering management. Corporate and other costs were $533.8 and $495.9 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Corporate and other costs increased $37.9 compared to 2022 primarily due to higher compensation costs due to bonus and long-term incentive costs of $23.2 and increased foreign currency loss of $12.3.

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Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our primary future cash needs relate to working capital, operating activities, capital spending, strategic investments and debt service.

Capital Expenditures: Our capital expenditures are primarily related to the maintenance of our long-term assets, as well as the investment in projects that support growth and innovation to further our enterprise strategy. Our capital expenditures (including capitalized software) were approximately $134.6 in 2023. We expect to have capital expenditures (including capitalized software) of $175 to $200 in 2024.

We have additional obligations as part of our ordinary course of business, beyond those committed for capital expenditures, which consist of debt obligations, lease obligations and other financial instruments. Refer to “Note 6 — Debt”, “Note 7 — Leases”, and “Note 17 — Commitments and Contingencies” of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information. In addition, we have uncertain tax positions that are further discussed in “Note 9 — Income Taxes” of the consolidated financial statements. We do not have any guarantees or other off-balance sheet financing arrangements, including variable interest entities, which could materially impact our financial condition or liquidity.

We, through our subsidiaries, are party to certain indebtedness arrangements, including the Senior Secured Notes, due 2028, with an outstanding principal amount of $850.0 as of December 31, 2023 (the “Notes”), the Term Loan, due 2027, with an outstanding principal amount of $2,118.1 as of December 31, 2023 (the “Term Loan”), and the ABL Revolving Credit Facility, due 2025, providing up to $570.0 of revolving borrowings, with separate sublimits for letters of credit and swingline borrowings and an uncommitted accordion of up to $30.0, for which none was outstanding as of December 31, 2023 (the “ABL Revolving Credit Facility” and collectively with the Term Loan, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). See “Note 6 — Debt” of the consolidated financial statements for more detailed discussion of the material terms of the Notes and the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

At December 31, 2023, we had $780.4 in cash and cash equivalents, which includes amounts held outside of the U.S., primarily in Europe and Asia. Non-U.S. cash is generally available for repatriation without legal restrictions, subject to certain taxes, mainly withholding taxes. We are not asserting indefinite reinvestment of cash or outside basis for our non-U.S. subsidiaries due to the outstanding debt obligations in instances where alternative repatriation options, other than dividends, are not available. At December 31, 2023, Vertiv had $554.0 of availability (subject to customary borrowing base and other conditions) under the ABL Revolving Credit Facility, net of letters of credit outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $16.0, and taking into account the borrowing base limitations set forth in the ABL Revolving Credit Facility.

We believe our current cash and cash equivalent levels, augmented by the ABL Revolving Credit Facility, will provide adequate near-term liquidity for the next 12 months of independent operations, as well as the resources necessary to invest for growth in existing businesses and manage our capital structure on a short- and long-term basis. We expect to continue to opportunistically access the capital and financing markets from time to time. Access to capital and the availability of financing on acceptable terms in the future will be affected by many factors, including our credit rating, economic conditions, and the overall liquidity of capital markets. There can be no assurance that we will continue to have access to the capital and financing markets on acceptable terms.

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Summary Statement of Cash Flows

Year ended December 31, 2023 compared to year ended December 31, 2022

[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["(Dollars in millions)","2023","","2022","","$ Change","","% Change"],["Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities","$","900.5","","","$","(152.8)","","","$","1,053.3","","","(689.3)","%"],["Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities","(139.1)","","","(112.1)","","","(27.0)","","","24.1"],["Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities","(247.5)","","","100.2","","","(347.7)","","","(347.0)"],["Capital expenditures","(127.9)","","","(100.0)","","","(27.9)","","","27.9"],["Investments in capitalized software","(6.7)","","","(11.0)","","","4.3","","","(39.1)"]]
[[/GREPCENT_TABLE]]

Net Cash provided by (used for) Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $900.5 in 2023, a $1,053.3 increase in cash generation compared to 2022. The change was primarily driven by the improvement in trade working capital from prior year by $515.9 due to our trade working capital initiative, an increase in net income from operations of $383.6, and the non-cash impact of the change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $248.8.

Net Cash provided by (used for) Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was $139.1 in 2023 compared to $112.1 in 2022. The higher use of cash over the comparable period was primarily driven by the acquisition of business for $28.8, increased capital expenditures of $27.9, partially offset by increased proceeds from the disposition of property, plant, and equipment of $12.4, and proceeds from the sale of business of $11.9.

Net Cash provided by (used for) Financing Activities

Net cash used by financing activities was $247.5 in 2023 compared to $100.2 of net cash provided by financing activities in 2022. The change was primarily the result of the year-over-year repayments of $470.0 on the ABL Revolving Credit Facility, $10.7 increase of repayments on the Term Loan in 2023, partially offset by the $100.0 payment under the Tax Receivable Agreement (as defined in “Note 1 — Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the accompanying consolidated financial statements) in 2022 which did not repeat in 2023, and a $25.3 increase in net cash received associated with equity-based compensation activity.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments related to these assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses. We believe these estimates to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience, expected future outcomes, and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We believe that the following accounting estimates are critical to our financial results:

Business Combinations

We allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The amount of purchase price which is in excess of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. The purchase price allocation process requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions with respect to intangible assets. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made are reasonable, they are based in part on historical experience, market conditions and information obtained from management of the acquired companies, and are inherently uncertain.

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The following are critical estimates in valuing intangible assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future and include but are not limited to:

•forecasted earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization;

•forecasted net sales;

•customer attrition rates;

•royalty rates; and

•discount rates.

Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results. Different assumptions may result in materially different values for assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which may impact our financial position and future results of operations.

Goodwill

We account for goodwill acquired in a business combination in conformity with current accounting guidance, which does not allow for goodwill to be amortized. We review goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. The impairment assessment for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level. The Company’s five reporting units are comprised of the Americas; Greater China; India; Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Japan and South Korea (Asia); and Europe, Middle East & Africa. For segment reporting Greater China, India and Asia are aggregated into one reportable business segment, refer to “Note 14 — Segment Reporting” of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information.

We may assess our goodwill for impairment initially using a qualitative approach to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than it’s carrying value. When performing a qualitative test, we assess various factors including industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions and performance of our businesses. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than it’s carrying value, a quantitative impairment analysis would be performed to determine if impairment is required. We may also elect to perform a quantitative analysis initially rather than using a qualitative approach.

If a quantitative approach is required or elected, we test goodwill for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting units to the related carrying value. The valuation methods used by us to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit include the discounted cash flow approach, the comparable public company approach and the comparable acquisition approach using a weighting of 40%, 40% and 20%, respectively. The discounted cash flow model requires several estimates and assumptions including future sales growth, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (or “EBITDA”) margins, capital expenditures, a discount rate and a terminal net sales growth rate (the net sales growth rate for the period beyond the years forecasted by the reporting units) for each reporting unit. The comparable public company and comparable acquisition approaches require several assumptions, including EBITDA multiples for comparable companies and transactions that operate in the same markets as our reporting units.

We performed our annual goodwill impairment using the qualitative approach in the fourth quarter for each reporting unit. Based on the results of our qualitative impairment assessment, we concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded their carrying value and, therefore, our goodwill was not impaired, and no impairment charges were reported for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Revenue recognition

We recognize revenue from the sale of manufactured products and services when control of promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Control is transferred when the customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain benefits from the goods or services. The majority of our sales agreements contain performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when control is transferred to the customer. Sales for service contracts, including installation, inventory with no alternative use and an enforceable right of payment upon customer termination and other discrete services, generally are recognized over time as the services are provided. Payments received in advance for service arrangements are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized in net sales when the revenue recognition criteria are met. Unbilled revenue is recorded when performance obligations have been satisfied, but we do not have present right to payment.

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For agreements with multiple performance obligations, the Company is required to determine whether performance obligations specified in these agreements are distinct and should be accounted for as separate revenue transactions for recognition purposes. In these types of agreements we allocate sales price to each distinct obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. The majority of revenue from arrangements with multiple performance obligations is recognized when tangible products are delivered, with smaller portions for associated installation and commissioning recognized shortly thereafter. Generally, contract duration is short term, and cancellation, termination or refund provisions apply only in the event of contract breach. These provisions have historically not been invoked.

Payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. Revenue from our sales have not been adjusted for the effects of a financing component as we expect that the period between when we transfer control of the product and when we receive payment to be one year or less. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue are excluded from sales. We record amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling in a sales transaction as revenue. Shipping and handling costs are treated as fulfillment costs and are included in costs of sales.

Private Placement Warrants

As of December 31, 2023, 5,266,667 Private Placement Warrants remain outstanding. The Private Placement Warrants are exercisable on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, and are non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees. If the Private Placement Warrants are held by someone other than the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by us and exercisable by such holders.

We evaluated the Private Placement Warrants under ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity, and concluded that they do not meet the criteria to be classified in stockholders’ equity. Specifically, the SEC release describing SPAC warrant treatment focused in part on provisions in warrant agreements that provide for potential changes to the settlement amounts dependent upon the characteristics of the warrant holder and because the holder of a warrant is not an input into the pricing of a fixed-for-fixed option on equity shares, such provision would preclude the warrant from being classified in equity and thus the warrant should be classified as a liability. Since the Private Placement Warrants meet the definition of a derivative under ASC 815, we recorded these Warrants as liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value, with subsequent changes in their respective fair values recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings (loss) at each reporting date. The Private Placement Warrants are valued using a Black-Sholes-Merton pricing model as described in “Note 12 — Financial Instruments and Risk Management”, to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Changes in the fair value of the Warrants may be material to our future operating results.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Judgment in the forecasting of taxable income using historical and projected future operating results is required in determining our provision for income taxes and the related assets and liabilities. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes paid, currently payable or receivable, and deferred taxes. Under U.S. GAAP, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for the estimated future effects of tax loss and credit carryforwards. The effect on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the enactment date occurs. Valuation allowances are established when necessary on a jurisdictional basis to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. Deferred taxes are not provided on the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries outside of the United States when it is expected that these earnings are indefinitely reinvested. In the event that the actual outcome of future tax consequences differs from our estimates and assumptions due to changes or future events such as tax legislation, geographic mix of earnings, completion of tax audits or earnings repatriation plans, the resulting change to the provision for income taxes could have a material effect on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) and Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The recoverability of deferred tax assets and the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions are subject to our various assumptions and judgment. If actual results differ from our estimates made in establishing or maintaining valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, the resulting change in the valuation allowance would generally impact earnings. Additionally, the positions taken with regard to tax contingencies may be subject to audit and review by tax authorities, which may result in future taxes, interest and penalties.

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In determining the recoverability of deferred tax assets, we give consideration to all available positive and negative evidence including reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future income, tax planning strategies and recent trends in financial results. We attach the most weight to historical earnings as they are more objectively verifiable compared to forecasts. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, we generally consider three years of cumulative income or loss at the jurisdictional taxpayer level as an important factor.