Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We may occasionally make forward-looking statements and estimates such as forecasts and projections of our future performance or statements of our plans and objectives. These forward-looking statements may be contained in, but are not limited to, filings with the SEC, including this Form 10-K, press releases made by us, and oral statements made by our officers. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those contained in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks described below.
Macroeconomic and Industry Risks
Our financial results are subject to U.S. economic uncertainty and compliance with laws and regulations.
In 2024, we generated approximately 79% of our net sales in the U.S. Our ability to be profitable depends heavily on varying conditions in the U.S. governmental and municipal markets, as well as the overall U.S. economy. The industrial markets in which we compete are subject to considerable cyclicality and move in response to cycles in the overall business environment. Many of our customers are municipal government agencies; therefore, we are dependent on municipal government spending. Spending by our municipal customers can be affected by federal, state, and local political circumstances, budgetary constraints, changing priorities, actual or potential government shutdowns, and other factors. In January 2025, President Trump established an advisory commission, the “Department of Government Efficiency,” to reform federal government processes and reduce expenditures, and enacted certain spending freezes, which may adversely affect our municipal customers. There is uncertainty regarding federal agency structure and future budget decisions and priorities of the U.S. presidential administration. The U.S. government and municipalities depend heavily on tax revenues as a source of spending, and accordingly, there is a historical correlation that suggests a lag of one to two years between the condition of the U.S. economy and our sales to the U.S. government and municipalities. Therefore, downturns in the U.S. economy are likely to result in decreases in demand for our products. During previous economic downturns, we experienced decreases in sales and profitability, and we expect our business to remain subject to similar economic fluctuations in the future. In addition, the extent of any potential changes to policies, tax laws, and regulations, and how any such changes may impact the Company’s financial results and operations, is currently uncertain. For example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development issued Pillar Two model rules introducing a new global minimum corporate tax of 15%, which became effective in certain countries in 2024. While the U.S. has not yet adopted the Pillar Two rules, various non-U.S. governments have enacted or may in the future enact legislation. Pillar Two does apply to our worldwide operations; however, we do not have material operations in jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the Pillar Two minimum and therefore have not experienced material increases in our global tax costs. We continue to monitor U.S. and global legislative action related to Pillar Two for potential impacts.
Government administrations and agencies, political figures, the investment community, employees, and other stakeholders have previously had an increased focus on sustainability issues and initiatives. Changes in laws and regulations in response to such matters could require material efforts and costs by us, and our suppliers, to comply with such changes. The costs of compliance with the various laws, regulations, and policies applicable to us could be significant and penalties for non-compliance could significantly impact our business.
We have international operations that are subject to compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations and can be impacted by economic and political uncertainties and conflicts and foreign currency rate fluctuations.
Our business is subject to fluctuations in demand and changes in international economic, legal, and political conditions that are beyond our control. In 2024, approximately 21% of our net sales were to customers outside the U.S., and we expect a significant portion of our net sales to come from international sales in the foreseeable future. Operating in the international marketplace exposes us to a number of risks, including the need to comply with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations applicable to our foreign operations, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) Bribery Act, and their counterparts in the other foreign jurisdictions in which we operate, restrictive domestic and international trade regulations, and changes in these laws, regulations, and policies by the U.S. and foreign governments. In addition, we may be exposed to risks and adverse economic effects associated with changes in tax laws, escalation of geopolitical conflicts, actual or threatened imposition of tariffs or trade barriers on our products or materials incorporated into our products, actual or threatened trade disputes, including so-called “trade wars,” political and economic instability in the jurisdictions in which we operate, foreign accounts receivable collection risk, and local labor market conditions. Further, President Trump has indicated that his administration is likely to impose significant tariffs on imported goods. The imposition of such tariffs may strain international trade relations or impact costs of raw materials.
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To the extent that our international operations are affected by adverse foreign economic or political conditions, we may experience disruptions and losses that could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flow. To mitigate the risk of foreign accounts receivable collections, we may obtain letters of credit from international customers to satisfy concerns regarding the collectability of amounts billed to customers.
Some of our contracts are denominated in foreign currencies, which may expose us to risks of fluctuating currency values and exchange rates, hard currency shortages, and controls on currency exchange. Changes in the value of foreign currencies over the long term could increase our U.S. dollar costs for, or reduce our U.S. dollar revenues from, our foreign operations. Any increased costs or reduced revenues as a result of foreign currency fluctuations could adversely affect our results of operations.
Inflation in the U.S. and elsewhere could adversely affect our business.
We are exposed to inflation effects, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operation. The U.S. and other jurisdictions have experienced high levels of inflation in recent years. If the inflation rate increases, it will likely affect our expenses, including, but not limited to, employee compensation and labor expenses and increased costs for supplies, and we may not be successful in offsetting such cost increases through pricing actions.
The execution of our growth strategy is dependent upon the continued availability of credit and third-party financing arrangements for our customers.
Economic downturns result in tighter credit markets, which could adversely affect our customers’ ability to secure financing or to secure financing at favorable terms or interest rates necessary to proceed or continue with purchases of our products and services. Further, certain government agencies, including the U.S. Treasury, have previously implemented policies that have resulted and may continue to result in significantly increased interest rates and borrowing costs. Although the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (“FRB”) cut certain benchmark interest rates twice in the second half of 2024, it is uncertain if the FRB will raise or lower interest rates in the future and, if so, to what level and for how long. Our customers’ or potential customers’ inability to secure financing for projects could result in the delay, cancellation, or downsizing of new purchases or the suspension of purchases already under contract, which could cause a decline in the demand for our products and services and negatively impact our financial position, results of operations, or cash flow.
We operate in highly competitive markets.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. Many of our competitors have significantly greater financial resources than we do. The intensity of this competition, which is expected to continue, can result in price discounting and margin pressures throughout the industry and may adversely affect our ability to increase or maintain prices for our products. In addition, certain of our competitors may have lower overall labor or material costs. In some cases, our contracts with municipal and other governmental customers are awarded and renewed through competitive bidding. We may not be successful in obtaining or renewing these contracts, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.
Significant consolidation of our larger customers or suppliers could further increase competition in our markets and result in pricing and market pressures. Concentration of our customers may enable our customers to have increased buying influence, which could negatively impact our pricing strategy and make us more vulnerable to changes in demand. Additionally, concentrations of our suppliers could lead to reduced or limited resources of material or increased costs. This consolidation could have an adverse impact on our margins and results of operations.
Strategic and Operational Risks
The inability to obtain raw materials, component parts, and/or finished goods in a timely and cost-effective manner could adversely affect our ability to manufacture and market our products.
We purchase raw materials, component parts, and finished goods from suppliers to be used in the manufacturing and sale of our products. In addition, we may incorporate vehicle chassis provided directly by our customers in our production process. Although the vast majority of our raw materials and component parts are sourced domestically, certain of our suppliers are based overseas, and certain of our domestic suppliers may source subcomponents from overseas. Global markets for various products and goods have suffered, and could continue to suffer, material disruptions to certain supply chains, in part due to geopolitical conflicts, including the war between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Additionally, the war in Ukraine has led to economic sanctions imposed against Russia by the U.S. and certain European nations, including a prohibition on doing business with certain Russian companies which may lead to retaliatory trade restrictions from Russia. Such sanctions may impact companies in many sectors and lead to disruption and volatility in the U.S. and global markets. For example, the U.S. indicated it intends to impose additional tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and
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China. The imposition of these tariffs and any response from other countries is still evolving, and there is a possibility that such sanctions, tariffs, or trade restrictions may be expanded, or new sanctions, tariffs, or trade restrictions may be imposed by the U.S., Russia, Canada, Mexico, China, or other countries, which could further disrupt supply chains and increase volatility of pricing. Changes in our relationships with suppliers, shortages in availability of materials, production delays, regulatory restrictions, public health crises, labor stoppages, or other supply chain disruptions, whether due to our suppliers or customers, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to timely manufacture and deliver products to our customers. In addition, our profit margins could decrease if prices of purchased raw materials, component parts, and/or finished goods increase and we are unable to pass on those increases to our customers.
Challenges within global logistics networks, including shortages in trucking and chassis and in labor availability, have contributed to, and could continue to contribute to, delays in receiving key manufacturing components, increases in order backlogs, and higher transportation costs. Such logistical disruption may cause us to incur higher freight costs to expedite the receipt of components from our suppliers or the delivery of products to our customers and may also result in longer lead times for our customers.
Although supply chain conditions improved in 2023 and 2024 as compared to prior years, certain of our businesses continue to experience supply challenges and extended lead times for some components and raw materials, including certain classes of chassis that are important to our manufacturing processes, especially in light of geopolitical conflicts discussed elsewhere. When facing supply-related challenges, we may increase our inventory levels and purchase commitments to shorten lead times and to help maintain adequate inventory levels to meet customer expectations. While we actively monitor and take steps in an effort to mitigate supply chain risk, there can be no assurance that our ongoing mitigation plans will prevent disruptions that may arise from shortages of materials that we use in the production of our products.
Global supply chain disruptions may continue to adversely affect our business and our outlook. If we are unable to recover a substantial portion of the increase in material and transportation costs from our customers through price adjustments and/or surcharges, our business or results of operations could be adversely affected. We may also experience an increase in order cancellations if any such pricing actions are not accepted by our customers.
Failure to keep pace with technological developments may adversely affect our operations.
We are engaged in an industry that will be affected by future technological developments. The introduction of products or processes utilizing new technologies, including those resulting from any new environmental, safety, or other regulations, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, could require us and our suppliers to make significant changes to existing products or processes in order for them to remain marketable and competitive. Our success will depend upon our ability to source, develop, and introduce, on a timely and cost-effective basis, new products, applications, and processes that keep pace with technological developments and applicable regulations and address increasingly sophisticated customer requirements. We may not be successful in identifying, sourcing, developing, and marketing new products, applications, and processes and product or process enhancements. These technologies present unique business opportunities along with rapidly changing legal and regulatory risks, and if we implement emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence and machine learning into our products and services, we may not be able to anticipate vulnerabilities, flaws, or security threats resulting from the use of such technology and develop adequate protection measures. We may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction, and marketing of product or process enhancements or new products, applications, or processes. Our products, applications, or processes may not adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace and achieve market acceptance. Our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow could be materially and adversely affected if we or our suppliers were to incur delays in developing new products, applications, or processes or product or process enhancements, or if our products do not gain market acceptance.
Our efforts to develop new products and services or enhance existing products and services involve substantial research, development, and marketing expenses, and the resulting new or enhanced products or services may not generate sufficient revenues to justify the expense.
We place a high priority on developing new products and services as well as enhancing our existing products and services. As a result of these efforts, we may be required to expend substantial research, development, and marketing resources, and the time and expense required to develop a new product or service or enhance an existing product or service are difficult to predict. We may not succeed in developing, introducing, or marketing new products or services or product or service enhancements. In addition, we cannot be certain that any new or enhanced product or service will generate sufficient revenue to justify the expense and resources devoted to the related product diversification effort.
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Disruptions within our dealer network or the inability of our dealers to secure adequate access to capital could adversely affect our business.
We rely on national and global dealer networks to market certain of our products and services. As a result, our business with respect to these products and services is influenced by our ability to manage new and existing relationships with dealers. While we have relatively low turnover of dealers, from time to time, we or a dealer may choose to terminate the relationship as a result of difficulties that our dealers experience in operating their businesses due to economic conditions or other factors. While we do not believe our business is dependent on any single dealer, a disruption in our dealer network, or with a significant dealer, or within a specific market, could have an adverse impact on our business within the affected market. For example, any significant consolidation within our dealer network could increase competition for access to distributors or increase the influence of dealers over our pricing strategy. In addition, our dealers require adequate liquidity to finance their operations, including purchases of our products. Dealers are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could unfavorably affect their liquidity positions, including, among other things, continued access to adequate financing sources on a timely basis on reasonable terms. These sources of financing are vital to our ability to sell products through our dealer network. Significant or sustained increases in interest rates, including those experienced in 2023, and any future deterioration in the liquidity or credit worthiness of our dealers could have a significant adverse effect on our business. From time to time, we may provide financing assistance to dealers or consider taking ownership positions. The loss or termination of a significant dealer, or a significant number of dealers, could cause difficulties in marketing and distributing our products and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.
We may be unsuccessful in our future acquisitions, if any, which may have an adverse effect on our business.
Our long-term strategy includes exploring acquisitions of companies or businesses to facilitate our growth, enhance our global market position, and broaden our product offerings. Such acquisitions may help us expand into adjacent markets, add complementary products and services, or allow us to leverage our distribution channels. In connection with this strategy, we could face certain risks and uncertainties in addition to those we face in the day-to-day operations of our business. We also may be unable to identify suitable targets for acquisition or to make acquisitions at favorable prices. If we identify a suitable acquisition candidate, our ability to successfully implement the acquisition would depend on a variety of factors, including our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, especially with interest rates at comparatively high levels. In addition, our acquisition activities could be disrupted by overtures from competitors for the targeted companies, governmental regulation, and rapid developments in our industry that decrease the value of a potential target’s products or services.
Acquisitions involve risks, including those associated with the following:
•integrating the operations, financial reporting, disparate systems and processes, and personnel of acquired companies;
•managing geographically dispersed operations;
•diverting management’s attention from other business concerns;
•changing the competitive landscape, including disrupting existing sales channels or markets;
•entering markets or lines of business in which we have either limited or no direct experience; and
•losing key employees, customers, and strategic partners of acquired companies.
We also may not achieve anticipated revenue and cost benefits associated with our acquisitions. Acquisitions may not be accretive to our earnings and may negatively impact our results of operations as a result of, among other things, the incurrence of debt, acquisition costs, impairment of goodwill, and amortization of other intangible assets. In addition, future acquisitions could result in dilutive issuances of equity securities.
Businesses acquired by us may have liabilities that are not known to us.
We may assume liabilities in connection with the acquisition of businesses. There may be liabilities that we fail or are unable to discover in the course of performing due diligence investigations on the acquired businesses, or that may be more material than we expected. In these circumstances, we cannot assure that our rights to indemnification will be sufficient in amount, scope, or duration to fully offset the possible liabilities associated with the businesses or property acquired. Further, these liabilities could result in unexpected legal or regulatory exposure, unexpected increases in taxes, or other adverse effects on our business. Any such liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.
We could incur restructuring and impairment charges as we continue to evaluate opportunities to restructure our business and rationalize our manufacturing operations in an effort to optimize our cost structure.
We continue to evaluate opportunities to restructure our business and rationalize our manufacturing operations in an effort to optimize our cost structure. These actions could result in significant charges that could adversely affect our financial condition
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and results of operations. Future actions could result in restructuring and related charges, including, but not limited to, impairments, employee termination costs, and charges for pension and other postretirement contractual benefits and pension curtailments that could be significant and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.
Indebtedness Risk
We are subject to a number of restrictive debt covenants.
Our credit facility contains certain restrictive debt covenants and customary events of default. Our ability to comply with these restrictive covenants may be affected by the other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section, as well as other factors outside of our control. Failure to comply with one or more of these restrictive covenants may result in an event of default that, if not cured by us or waived by our lenders, allows our lenders to declare all amounts outstanding as due and payable. Such an acceleration of the maturity of our indebtedness may cause us to incur substantial costs and may prevent or limit us from engaging in transactions that benefit us, including responding to changing business and economic conditions and taking advantage of attractive business opportunities.
Human Capital and Labor Risks
Our ability to operate effectively could be impaired if we fail to attract and retain key personnel.
Our ability to operate our businesses and implement our strategies depends in part on the efforts of our executive officers and other key employees. In addition, our future success will depend on, among other factors, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. The loss of the services of any key employee or the failure to attract or retain other qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business or business prospects.
Additionally, availability of labor in the markets in which we operate has declined in recent years and competition for such labor has increased. A significant increase in wages paid by competitors for employees similar to our work force could result in insufficient availability of workers and/or increase our labor costs. In the event prevailing wage rates continue to increase in the markets in which we operate, we may be required to concurrently increase the wages paid to our employees to maintain the quality of our work force and customer service. If the supply of skilled labor is constrained or our costs of attracting and maintaining a workforce increase, our profit margins could decrease and our ability to maximize production and meet customer demand could be negatively impacted.
Our business may be adversely impacted by work stoppages and other labor relations matters.
As a portion of our workforce is unionized, we are subject to risk of work stoppages and other labor relations matters. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 10% of our U.S. hourly workers were represented by labor unions and were covered by collective bargaining agreements with various unions. Any strikes, threats of strikes, or other organized disruptions in connection with the negotiation of new labor agreements or other negotiations could materially adversely affect our business as well as impair our ability to implement further measures to reduce costs and improve production efficiencies. In addition, the stoppage of work for a prolonged period of time at one, or several, of our principal manufacturing facilities, due to public health concerns, or any other reason, could materially adversely affect our business.
Our pension funding requirements and expenses are affected by certain factors outside of our control, including the performance of plan assets, the discount rate used to value liabilities, actuarial assumptions and experience, and legal and regulatory changes.
Our funding obligations and pension expense for our defined benefit pension plans are driven by the performance of assets set aside in trusts for these plans, the discount rate used to value the plans’ liabilities, actuarial assumptions and experience, and legal and regulatory funding requirements. Changes in these factors could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. In addition, a portion of our pension plan assets are invested in equity securities, which can experience significant declines if financial markets weaken. The level of the funding of our defined benefit pension plan liabilities was approximately 93% as of December 31, 2024. Funding of the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan is determined in accordance with guidelines set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Our future pension expenses and funding requirements could increase significantly due to the effect of adverse changes in the discount rate, asset values, or the estimated expected return on plan assets. In addition, we could become legally required to make increased cash contributions to the pension plans, and these contributions could be material and negatively affect our cash flow.
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Data Security and Intellectual Property Risks
Increased IT security threats, including more sophisticated cybersecurity attacks, pose a risk to our systems, networks, products, and operations, and related changes in laws, regulations, policies, and contractual obligations could adversely affect our business.
We rely upon IT systems and networks, some of which are managed by third parties, to support a variety of business processes and activities, and to comply with regulatory, legal, and tax requirements. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, we collect and store sensitive information relating to our businesses, customers, suppliers, and employees. Sensitive information may also be stored by our vendors and on the platforms and networks of third-party providers. Further, third-party providers may incorporate generative artificial intelligence or other emerging technologies into their operations, and these tools may not meet existing or rapidly evolving regulatory or industry standards with respect to privacy and data protection. The secure operation of these IT systems and networks and processing and maintenance of this information is critical to the Company’s business operations and strategy.
These IT systems and networks may be susceptible to damage, disruptions, or shutdowns due to hardware failures, computer viruses, cybersecurity attacks, telecommunication failures, user errors, catastrophic events, or other factors. Further, IT security threats are growing in frequency and sophistication. Accordingly, we have implemented and continue to implement measures to address cybersecurity incidents and mitigate potential risks to our systems from these IT-related disruptions. Despite the information security measures we have taken, our systems and networks remain potentially vulnerable to cybersecurity incidents, as do those of our vendors and third-party providers. Cybersecurity incidents with respect to the Company, our vendors, or our third-party providers could potentially result in the compromising of confidential information, misuse of our systems and networks, manipulation and destruction of data, misappropriation of assets or production stoppages, and supply shortages, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.
Additionally, the legal and regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy in the U.S. and international jurisdictions is constantly evolving. Violation or non-compliance with any of these laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, and financial condition, as well as subject us to significant fines, third party damages, and other liability.
Although we have not suffered any significant cybersecurity incidents that have had a material business impact, we and our vendors have been the target of malicious cybersecurity threats and attacks. While various procedures and controls have been and are being utilized to mitigate IT risks, there can be no guarantee that the actions and controls that we and our third-party providers have implemented will be sufficient to protect our systems, information, or other property.
See Item 1C, Cybersecurity, of this Form 10-K for more information on our cybersecurity risk management and governance.
Infringement of, or an inability to protect, our intellectual property rights could adversely affect our business.
We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights, nondisclosure agreements, IT security systems, physical security, and other measures to protect our proprietary intellectual property and the intellectual property of certain customers and suppliers. However, we cannot be certain that our efforts to protect these intellectual property rights will be sufficient. Intellectual property protection is subject to applicable laws in various jurisdictions where interpretations and protections differ or can be unpredictable and costly to enforce. Further, our ability to protect our intellectual property rights may be limited in certain foreign jurisdictions that do not have, or do not enforce, strong intellectual property rights. Any failure to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.
Legal and Financial Risks
We may incur material losses and costs as a result of lawsuits or claims that may be brought against us that are related to product liability, warranty, product recalls, intellectual property, client service interruptions, or other matters.
We are exposed to product liability and warranty claims in the normal course of business in the event that our products actually or allegedly fail to perform as expected, or the use of our products results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury and/or property damage. For example, we have been sued by firefighters seeking damages claiming that exposure to our sirens has impaired their hearing and that the sirens are, therefore, defective. In addition, we are subject to other claims and litigation from time to time, as further described in the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements. We could experience material product liability or warranty costs in the future and incur significant costs to defend ourselves against these claims. While we carry insurance and maintain reserves for product liability claims, our insurance coverage may be inadequate if such claims do arise, and any defense costs and liability not covered by insurance could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. A future claim could involve the imposition of punitive damages, the award of which, pursuant to state laws, may not be covered by insurance. In addition, warranty and certain other claims are not
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typically covered by insurance. Any product liability or warranty issues may adversely impact our reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality, safe products and may have a material adverse effect on our business.
The costs associated with complying with environmental, safety, and other regulations could lower our margins.
We, like other manufacturers, continue to face significant governmental regulation of our products, especially in the areas of the environment and employee health and safety. Several significant administrative law cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024 may result in additional legal challenges to regulations and guidance issued by federal regulatory agencies. Successful challenges of certain regulations, any increased regulatory uncertainty, or delay or other impacts to the federal agency rulemaking process could adversely impact our business and operations. Increased public awareness and concern regarding climate change and other related matters at numerous levels of government in various jurisdictions may lead to additional international, national, regional, and local legislative and regulatory responses, and compliance with any new rules could be difficult and costly. These regulations could include environmental requirements applicable to manufacturing and vehicle emissions and regulations impacting our supply chain both nationally and internationally. Complying with environmental, safety, and other regulations has added and will continue to add to the cost of our products, could increase the capital required to support our business, and could affect the products and services that we offer. While we believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with these laws and regulations, we may be adversely impacted by costs, liabilities, or claims with respect to our operations under existing laws or those that may be adopted. These requirements are complex, change frequently, and have tended to become more stringent over time. Therefore, we could incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, fines, and civil or criminal sanctions as a result of violation of, or liabilities under, environmental laws and safety regulations. Further, climate change regulations at the federal, state, or local level or in international jurisdictions could require us to limit emissions, change our manufacturing processes or product offerings, or undertake other activities which may require us to incur additional expense. For example, on March 6, 2024, the SEC adopted final rules that would require new climate-related disclosure in SEC filings, including certain climate-related metrics, greenhouse gas emissions, and information about climate-related targets and goals. The SEC stayed the final rules pending outcome of legal challenges in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. If implemented, these requirements may increase the cost of our products, which may diminish demand for those products. Additionally, uneven application of environmental, safety, and other regulations could place our products at a cost or features disadvantage, which could reduce our revenues and profitability.
An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill, intangible assets, or long-lived assets could negatively affect our financial position and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2024, goodwill and intangible assets represented 27% and 11% of total consolidated assets, respectively. Rental equipment and properties and equipment are long-lived assets, which also collectively represented 22% of our total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2024. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Definite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In evaluating the potential for impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets, we make assumptions regarding future operating performance, business trends, competition, and market and general economic conditions. Such analyses further require us to make certain assumptions about our net sales, operating margins, growth rates, and discount rates. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors. An impairment charge may result from, among other things, a significant decline in operating results, adverse market conditions, unfavorable changes in applicable laws or regulations, or a variety of other factors. Our total consolidated assets and results of operations for the applicable period could be materially adversely affected if any such charge is recorded.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
The Company does not believe that there are currently any known risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. However, the Company could face risks from cybersecurity threats in the future that could have a material adverse effect on its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. For more information on the Company’s cybersecurity-related risks, see Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Form 10-K.
Risk Management and Strategy
The Company’s processes for identifying, assessing, and managing material cybersecurity risks are incorporated into its overall Enterprise Risk Management process. The Company maintains a comprehensive cybersecurity risk management program,
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overseen by the Chief Information Officer (“CIO”) and Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”), to support the security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its critical IT systems and information.
The Company conducts internal risk assessments, with the assistance of independent third parties, against standards including the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework. The assessment results are used to develop responsive cybersecurity controls and risk mitigation strategies. The Company’s cybersecurity risk management program provides the structure for managing the respective risks through the use of a combination of automated tools, technologies, and third-party monitoring, as well as ongoing employee education via cybersecurity training and security awareness communications.
The Company’s cybersecurity risk management program includes an incident response plan, which provides a documented framework to support the timely and effective resolution of actual or attempted cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents across the Company, and relevant third-party service providers, are tracked and significant incidents, as applicable, are promptly escalated to a cross-functional cybersecurity task force so that decisions regarding public disclosure can be made in a timely manner by management and the Board.
The Company’s Internal Audit function performs audits to evaluate and report on compliance with cybersecurity policies and procedures, reviews internal control certifications from relevant third-party service providers, and tests IT system and network controls as part of its annual assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls. Additionally, the Company engages third-party specialists to conduct periodic tests, incident simulations, and assessments to verify and continuously enhance its cybersecurity risk management program.
Governance
The Board has overall responsibility for the oversight of risk management and has delegated oversight of cybersecurity risk management to the Audit Committee. The Company’s CIO and CISO regularly report to the Audit Committee on cybersecurity risks, updates on key initiatives, and progress toward the Company’s objectives. In addition, the CIO provides updates to the Board, at least annually, on the Company’s broader IT strategy and key initiatives.
The CIO and CISO have primary responsibility over the Company’s cybersecurity risk management program. Quarterly updates are provided to the Company’s IT Council, which is comprised of executive, business unit, and IT leaders from across the organization, regarding IT initiatives and risk management processes.
Item 2. Properties.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company utilized 17 principal manufacturing plants located throughout the U.S., as well as two in Europe, three in Canada, and one in South Africa. The Company also leases facilities within the U.S., Europe, and Canada from which we provide sales, service, and/or equipment rentals. As of December 31, 2024, the Company devoted approximately 2.4 million square feet to manufacturing and 1.2 million square feet to sales, service, warehousing, and office space. Of the total square footage, approximately 83% is devoted to the Environmental Solutions Group and 17% to the Safety and Security Systems Group. Approximately 67% of the total square footage is owned by the Company with the remaining 33% being leased. Owned facilities are subject to liens under the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 21, 2022 (the “2022 Credit Agreement”).
The Company believes its properties, and related machinery and equipment, are well-maintained, suitable, and adequate for their intended purposes. In the aggregate, these facilities are of sufficient capacity for the Company’s current business needs. However, the Company may make additional investments in certain facilities in the future in response to increased demand for the Company’s products.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
The information concerning the Company’s legal proceedings is included in Note 13 – Legal Proceedings in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in Part II of this Form 10-K.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
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Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
The Company’s common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FSS.”
Holders
As of January 31, 2025, there were 1,387 holders of record of the Company’s common stock.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation
Information concerning the Company’s equity compensation plans is included in Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, of Part III of this Form 10-K.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no sales of unregistered securities by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Dividends
See Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for a discussion of cash dividends declared on our common stock.
Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides a summary of the Company’s repurchase activity for its common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2024:
(a) In March 2020, the Board authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $75.0 million of the Company’s common stock, with the remaining
authorization under our previously described repurchase program adopted in 2014 being subject to the March 2020 program.
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Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative five-year total return to stockholders of the Company’s common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the Russell 2000 index, the S&P Midcap 400 index, the S&P 500 Industrials index, and the S&P 600 Capital Goods index. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in the Company’s common stock, and in each index, was $100 on December 31, 2019 and assumes reinvestment of all dividends through December 31, 2024.
Copyright© 2025 Russell Investment Group. All rights reserved.
Copyright© 2025 Standard & Poor’s, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved.
As of December 31,
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. Notwithstanding anything set forth in any of our previous filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, which might be incorporated into future filings in whole or part, including this Form 10-K, the preceding performance graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any such filings.
Item 6.[Reserved].
Not applicable.
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Objective
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide information that is supplemental to, and shall be read together with, the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in this Form 10-K. Information in MD&A is intended to provide an analysis of our financial condition and results of operations from management’s perspective and assist the reader in obtaining an understanding of (i) the consolidated financial statements, (ii) the Company’s business segments and how the results of those segments impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition as a whole, and (iii) how certain accounting principles affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and to provide discussion of material events and uncertainties known to management that are reasonably likely to cause reported financial information not to be indicative of future operating results or future financial condition.
See below for discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2024, for a detailed discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Executive Summary
The Company is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of (i) vehicles and equipment for maintenance and infrastructure end-markets, including sewer cleaners, industrial vacuum loaders, safe-digging trucks, street sweepers, waterblasting equipment, road-marking and line-removal equipment, dump truck bodies, trailers, metal extraction support equipment, and multi-purpose maintenance vehicles, and (ii) public safety equipment, such as vehicle lightbars and sirens, industrial signaling equipment, public warning systems, and general alarm/public address systems. In addition, we engage in the sale of parts, service and repair, equipment rentals, and training as part of a comprehensive aftermarket offering to our customer base. We operate 23 manufacturing facilities in five countries and provide products and integrated solutions to municipal, governmental, industrial, and commercial customers in all regions of the world.
As described in Note 17 – Segment Information in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in this Form 10-K the Company’s business units are organized in two reportable segments: the Environmental Solutions Group and the Safety and Security Systems Group.
Operating and Financial Performance in 2024
Conditions in our end markets remained strong throughout 2024, with robust demand for our products and services. We continued to execute against our organic growth initiatives, and with contributions from our recent value-added acquisitions and additional efficiency gains resulting from the application of our eighty-twenty initiatives, we were able to sustain a high level of financial performance. As the year progressed, we saw improvement in supply chain conditions, which facilitated increased production levels at several of our facilities, and despite some supply chain-related operational inefficiencies early in the year, we were able to deliver record financial results for our stockholders, with 8% net sales growth, double-digit earnings improvement, expansion of margins, and significant improvement in cash flow generation.
Included among the Company’s highlights in 2024 were the following:
•Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $1.86 billion, the highest level in our history, and an increase of $139 million, or 8% from last year.
•Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $281.4 million, an increase of $56.9 million, or 25%, from last year.
•Operating margin for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 15.1%, compared to 13.0% in the prior year.
•Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $216.3 million, an increase of $58.9 million, or 37%, from last year.
•Adjusted EBITDA* for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $350.6 million, an increase of $64.6 million, or 23%, from last year.
•Adjusted EBITDA margin* for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 18.8%, up from 16.6% last year.
•Orders for the year were $1.85 billion, the second highest annual orders reported in the Company’s history, contributing to a backlog of $997 million at December 31, 2024.
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•Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $231 million, an increase of $37 million, or 19%, from last year.
•With our strong balance sheet, positive operating cash flow, and capacity under our credit facility, we are well positioned to continue to invest in internal growth initiatives, pursue strategic acquisitions, and consider ways to return value to stockholders, as we did during 2024:
◦Our capital expenditures in 2024 were approximately $41 million and included a number of strategic investments in new machinery and equipment aimed at gaining operating efficiencies and expanding capacity at certain production facilities.
◦We continue to invest in new product development and anticipate that these efforts will provide additional opportunities to further diversify our customer base, penetrate new end-markets, and/or gain access to new geographic regions.
◦We continued to execute on our disciplined M&A strategy with the acquisition of Standard. We have now completed 12 acquisitions since 2016.
◦We demonstrated our commitment to returning value to our stockholders by paying cash dividends of $29.3 million and spending $6.7 million to repurchase shares of our common stock under our authorized repurchase program.
*The Company uses adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”) and the ratio of adjusted EBITDA to net sales (“adjusted EBITDA margin”) as additional measures to assist it in comparing its performance on a consistent basis for purposes of business decision making by removing the impact of certain items that management believes are not representative of its underlying performance and to improve the comparability of results across reporting periods. Refer to the Results of Operations section for further discussion regarding these non-GAAP metrics and a reconciliation of each to the most comparable GAAP measure for each of the periods presented.
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Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our Consolidated Statements of Operations as of, and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, and illustrates the key financial indicators used to assess our consolidated financial results:
For the Years Ended December 31, Change
Selling, engineering, general and administrative expenses 234.0 210.1 23.9
Acquisition and integration-related expenses, net 2.6 0.4 2.2
Pension settlement charges 3.8 — 3.8
Other expense, net 1.2 1.8 (0.6)
Other data:
Adjusted EBITDA margin (a) 18.8 % 16.6 % 2.2 %
Diluted earnings per share $ 3.50 $ 2.56 $ 0.94
Depreciation and amortization 65.3 60.4 4.9
(a)The Company uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin as additional measures to assist it in comparing its performance on a consistent basis for purposes of business decision making by removing the impact of certain items that management believes are not representative of its underlying performance and to improve the comparability of results across reporting periods. The Company believes that investors use versions of these metrics in a similar manner. For these reasons, the Company believes that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are meaningful metrics to investors in evaluating the Company’s underlying financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents the total of net income, interest expense, net, pension settlement charges, acquisition and integration-related expenses, net, purchase accounting effects, other expense, net, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization expense, where applicable. Adjusted EBITDA margin is a non-GAAP measure that represents the total of net income, interest expense, net, pension settlement charges, acquisition and integration-related expenses, net, purchase accounting effects, other expense, net, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization expense, where applicable, divided by net sales for the applicable period(s). Other companies may use different methods to calculate adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin.
Year ended December 31, 2024 vs. year ended December 31, 2023
Net sales
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $138.8 million, or 8%, compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher sales volumes, inclusive of the effects of acquisitions, and pricing actions, partially offset by a $11.6 million reduction in chassis sales. The Environmental Solutions Group reported a net sales increase of $119.2 million, or 8%, primarily due to a $18.9 million improvement in aftermarket revenues and increases in sales of dump truck bodies of $36.5 million, sewer cleaners of $23.1 million, road-marking and line-removal equipment of $14.1 million, street sweepers of $13.1 million, industrial vacuum loaders of $10.5 million, refuse trucks of $7.2 million, multi-purpose maintenance vehicles of $6.8 million, metal extraction support equipment of $4.3 million, and hoists of $2.7 million. Partially offsetting these improvements were reductions in sales of trailers of $13.4 million and safe-digging trucks of $9.1 million, as well as a $3.3 million unfavorable foreign currency translation impact. Within the Safety and Security Systems Group, net sales increased by $19.6 million, or 7%, primarily due to improvements in sales of public safety equipment of $19.5 million and warning systems of $2.6 million, partially offset by a $2.6 million reduction in sales of industrial signaling equipment.
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Cost of sales
For the year ended December 31, 2024, cost of sales increased by $56.0 million, or 4%, compared to the prior year, largely due to an increase of $53.4 million, or 5%, within the Environmental Solutions Group, primarily related to increased sales volumes, inclusive of the effects of acquisitions, and a $4.6 million increase in depreciation expense, partially offset by a $3.6 million favorable foreign currency translation impact and reduced chassis costs of $10.7 million. Within the Safety and Security Systems Group, cost of sales increased by $2.6 million, or 1%, primarily related to higher sales volumes, partially offset by favorable product mix and lower material costs.
Gross profit
For the year ended December 31, 2024, gross profit increased by $82.8 million, or 18%, compared to the prior year, primarily due to a $65.8 million improvement within the Environmental Solutions Group and a $17.0 million increase within the Safety and Security Systems Group. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales (“gross profit margin”) for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 28.6%, compared to 26.1% in the prior year, primarily driven by a 240 basis point improvement within the Environmental Solutions Group and a 310 basis point improvement within the Safety and Security Systems Group.
Selling, engineering, general and administrative (“SEG&A”) expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2024, SEG&A expenses increased by $23.9 million, or 11%, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increases of $13.9 million in the Environmental Solutions Group, $7.4 million in the Safety and Security Systems Group, and $2.6 million in Corporate. As a percentage of net sales, SEG&A expenses were 12.6% in the current year, compared to 12.2% in the prior year.
Operating income
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $56.9 million, or 25%, compared to the prior year, largely due to the $82.8 million improvement in gross profit and a $0.2 million reduction in amortization expense, partially offset by the $23.9 million increase in SEG&A expenses and a $2.2 million increase in acquisition and integration-related costs. Consolidated operating margin for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 15.1%, compared to 13.0% in the prior year.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by $7.2 million, or 37%, compared to the prior year, largely due to reductions in average debt levels.
Pension settlement charges
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company announced a limited-time voluntary lump-sum pension offering to
eligible participants of its U.S. defined benefit plan. In 2024, the Company paid a total of $6.8 million in lump-sum benefit payments, using assets of the plan. As total settlement payments during the year ended December 31, 2024 exceeded the sum of the service and interest cost, the Company was required to remeasure the liabilities of the benefit plans and recognized a pension settlement charge of $3.8 million. For further discussion, see Note 11 – Pension and Other Post-Retirement Plans in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Other expense, net
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Other expense, net, decreased by $0.6 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to the non-recurrence of an $0.8 million environmental remediation charge recorded in the prior-year period associated with a business discontinued in 2009, partially offset by higher net periodic pension expense.
Income tax expense
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company filed amended U.S. federal income tax returns for the 2015 through 2018 tax years to claim a worthless stock deduction. As of December 31, 2023, the amended tax returns were under examination by the applicable tax authorities and recovery of the refund claim was not considered more-likely-than-not. Accordingly, the aggregate refund claim of $13.6 million, including interest of $1.8 million, was recorded as an income tax receivable as of December 31, 2023, fully offset by a corresponding liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the tax authorities notified the Company that the amended tax returns had been approved, at which point receipt of the refund claim was considered more-likely-than-not. As a result, the Company released the associated liability for unrecognized tax benefits and recognized a $13.0 million discrete tax benefit for the refund claim, net
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of taxes on the associated interest, during the year ended December 31, 2024. Following the receipt of the U.S. federal income tax refund during the second quarter of 2024, the Company began amending applicable state tax returns to reflect the worthless stock deduction, resulting in the recognition of additional discrete state tax benefits aggregating to $2.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2024.
The Company recognized income tax expense of $47.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $45.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in income tax expense in 2024 was primarily due to higher earnings, partially offset by the aforementioned discrete tax benefits, which aggregated to $15.9 million, and the recognition of $5.1 million in excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation activity. Including these items, the Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 18.0%, compared to 22.5% in 2023. The Company’s income tax expense and effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 also included the effects of the recognition of $3.9 million in excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation activity. For further discussion, see Note 10 – Income Taxes in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Net income
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $58.9 million, or 37%, compared to the prior year, largely due to the increased operating income and the reductions in interest expense, net, and other expense, net, partially offset by the $3.8 million pension settlement charge and a $2.0 million increase in income tax expense.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $350.6 million, compared to $286.0 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 18.8%, compared to 16.6% in the prior year.
The following table summarizes the Company’s adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin and reconciles net income to adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Add:
Interest expense, net 12.5 19.7
Pension settlement charges 3.8 —
Acquisition and integration-related expenses, net 2.8 0.4
Purchase accounting effects (a) 1.1 0.7
Other expense, net 1.2 1.8
Depreciation and amortization 65.3 60.4
Adjusted EBITDA margin 18.8 % 16.6 %
(a)Purchase accounting effects represent the step-up in the valuation of equipment acquired in recent business combinations that was sold during the periods presented. Excludes purchase accounting expense effects included within depreciation and amortization of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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Environmental Solutions
The following table summarizes the Environmental Solutions Group’s operating results as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
For the Years Ended December 31, Change
Other data:
Depreciation and amortization 60.9 56.0 4.9
Year ended December 31, 2024 vs. year ended December 31, 2023
Total orders decreased by $36.4 million, or 2%, for the year ended December 31, 2024, including the effects of lower chassis orders of $23.5 million. U.S. orders decreased by $60.2 million, or 5%, primarily due to reductions in orders for street sweepers of $81.4 million, safe-digging trucks of $39.1 million, sewer cleaners of $23.2 million, multi-purpose maintenance vehicles of $5.0 million, and metal extraction support equipment of $2.7 million. Partially offsetting these reductions were improvements in orders of dump truck bodies of $48.3 million, aftermarket offerings of $11.8 million, road-marking and line-removal equipment of $7.7 million, waterblasting equipment of $4.5 million, trailers of $3.1 million, and industrial vacuum loaders of $2.7 million. Non-U.S. orders increased by $23.8 million, or 8%, primarily due to improvements in orders for refuse trucks of $17.0 million, street sweepers of $5.5 million, multi-purpose maintenance vehicles of $5.0 million, dump truck bodies of $2.8 million, and metal extraction support equipment of $2.7 million. Additionally, non-U.S. aftermarket orders increased by $7.6 million. Partially offsetting these improvements were reductions in orders for sewer cleaners of $8.8 million, safe-digging trucks of $4.8 million, industrial vacuum loaders of $1.7 million, and waterblasting equipment of $1.1 million, as well as a $3.3 million unfavorable foreign currency translation impact.
Net sales increased by $119.2 million, or 8%, for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher sales volumes, inclusive of the effects of acquisitions and pricing actions, partially offset by lower chassis sales of $11.6 million. U.S. sales increased by $102.7 million, or 9%, largely due to a $12.9 million increase in aftermarket revenues and increases in sales of dump truck bodies of $31.9 million, sewer cleaners of $21.3 million, street sweepers of $12.0 million, industrial vacuum loaders of $10.5 million, road-marking and line-removal equipment of $10.1 million, refuse trucks of $8.0 million, metal extraction support equipment of $3.1 million, and hoists of $2.8 million. Partially offsetting these improvements were reductions in shipments of trailers of $13.4 million and safe-digging trucks of $7.7 million. Non-U.S. sales increased by $16.5 million, or 6%, largely due to a $6.0 million improvement in aftermarket revenues and increases in sales of multi-purpose maintenance vehicles of $4.9 million, dump truck bodies of $4.6 million, road-marking and line removal equipment of $4.0 million, sewer cleaners of $1.8 million, and metal extraction support equipment of $1.2 million. Partially offsetting these improvements were reductions in shipments of waterblasting equipment of $2.0 million and safe-digging trucks of $1.4 million, as well as a $3.3 million unfavorable foreign currency translation impact.
Cost of sales increased by $53.4 million, or 5%, for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily related to increased sales volumes, inclusive of the effects of acquisitions, and a $4.6 million increase in depreciation expense, partially offset by a $3.6 million favorable foreign currency translation impact and reduced chassis costs of $10.7 million. Including these factors, gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 26.0%, compared to 23.6% in the prior year, with the improvement primarily attributable to improved operating leverage from higher sales volumes, benefits from pricing actions, and a reduction in lower margin chassis sales.
SEG&A expenses increased by $13.9 million, or 12%, for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to additional costs from acquired businesses, as well as increases in sales commissions and incentive-based compensation expense. As a percentage of net sales, SEG&A expenses were 8.2% in the current year, compared to 7.9% in the prior year.
Operating income increased by $52.0 million, or 25%, for the year ended December 31, 2024, largely due to a $65.8 million increase in gross profit and a $0.2 million reduction in amortization expense, partially offset by the $13.9 million increase in SEG&A expenses and a $0.1 million increase in acquisition-related costs.
Backlog was $940 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $967 million at December 31, 2023.
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Safety and Security Systems
The following table summarizes the Safety and Security Systems Group’s operating results as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
For the Years Ended December 31, Change
Other data:
Depreciation and amortization 3.9 4.2 (0.3)
Year ended December 31, 2024 vs. year ended December 31, 2023
Total orders increased by $14.1 million, or 5%, for the year ended December 31, 2024. U.S. orders increased by $28.3 million, or 16%, compared to the prior year, driven by improvements in orders for public safety equipment of $22.9 million and industrial signaling equipment of $5.9 million, partially offset by a $0.5 million reduction in orders of warning systems. Non-U.S. orders decreased by $14.2 million, or 12%, primarily due to a $16.6 million reduction in orders for public safety equipment in comparison to the prior-year period, which included large fleet orders from customers in Mexico and Europe, as well as a $2.5 million reduction in orders for industrial signaling equipment. Partially offsetting these reductions was a $4.9 million improvement in orders for warning systems.
Net sales increased by $19.6 million, or 7%, for the year ended December 31, 2024, inclusive of the effects of higher sales volumes and pricing actions. U.S. sales increased by $28.9 million, or 16%, driven by improvements in sales of public safety equipment of $24.4 million, industrial signaling equipment of $2.4 million, and warning systems of $2.1 million. Non-U.S. sales decreased by $9.3 million, or 8%, largely due to reductions in industrial signaling equipment of $5.0 million and public safety equipment of $4.9 million, partially offset by a $0.5 million improvement in sales of warning systems.
Cost of sales increased by $2.6 million, or 1%, for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily related to higher sales volumes, partially offset by favorable product mix and lower material costs. Gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 42.0%, compared to 38.9% in the prior year, with the increase primarily attributable to improved operating leverage from higher sales volumes, favorable sales mix, lower material costs, and benefits from pricing actions.
SEG&A expenses increased by $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher sales commissions and incentive-based compensation expense. As a percentage of net sales, SEG&A expenses were 20.9% in the current year, compared with 19.7% in the prior year.
Operating income increased by $9.6 million, or 18%, for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to a $17.0 million increase in gross profit, partially offset by the $7.4 million increase in SEG&A expenses.
Backlog was $57 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $59 million at December 31, 2023.
Corporate Expense
Corporate operating expenses were $44.2 million in 2024 and $39.5 million in 2023.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, corporate operating expenses increased by $4.7 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to a $2.1 million increase in acquisition-related expenses, including the impact of the non-recurrence of a $2.1 million benefit recognized in 2023 associated with a reduction in the estimated fair value of contingent consideration, as well as higher stock compensation, incentive-based compensation, and information technology costs in the current year. Partially offsetting these increases were lower post-retirement expenses and the recognition of a $1.8 million gain associated with an insurance recovery in 2024.
The Company’s hearing loss litigation has historically been managed by the Company’s legal staff resident at the corporate office and not by management at either segment. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, Segment Reporting, which provides that segment reporting should follow the management of the item and that certain expenses may be
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corporate expenses, these legal expenses (which are not part of the normal operating activities of any of our reportable segments) are reported and managed as corporate expenses.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company uses its cash flow from operations to fund growth and to make capital investments that sustain its operations, reduce costs, or both. Beyond these uses, remaining cash is used to pay down debt, repurchase shares, fund dividend payments, and make pension contributions. The Company may also choose to invest in the acquisition of businesses. In the absence of significant unanticipated cash demands, we believe that the Company’s existing cash balances, cash flow from operations, and borrowings available under the 2022 Credit Agreement will provide funds sufficient for these purposes. The net cash flows associated with the Company’s rental equipment transactions are included in cash flows from operating activities.
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $91.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and $61.0 million as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, $22.6 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries. Cash and cash equivalents held by subsidiaries outside the U.S. typically are held in the currency of the country in which it is located. The Company uses this cash to fund the operating activities of its foreign subsidiaries and for further investment in foreign operations. Generally, the Company has considered such cash to be indefinitely reinvested in its foreign operations and the Company’s current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate such cash to fund U.S. operations. However, in the event that these funds were needed to fund U.S. operations or to satisfy U.S. obligations, they generally could be repatriated. The repatriation of these funds may cause the Company to incur additional U.S. income tax expense and withholding taxes, as applicable, dependent on income tax laws and other circumstances at the time any such amounts were repatriated.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $231.3 million in 2024 and $194.4 million in 2023. The increase in cash generated by operating activities in 2024 compared to the prior year was primarily due to working capital improvements and higher net income, partially offset by increased rental fleet investments to support demand for rentals and used equipment and higher income tax payments, incentive-based compensation payments, and pension contributions.
Net cash used for investing activities totaled $78.9 million in 2024 and $83.7 million in 2023. In both years, cash was used to fund the purchase of properties and equipment, with capital expenditures of $40.6 million in 2024 and $30.3 million in 2023. During 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Standard for initial consideration of $39.7 million. During 2023, the Company made payments of $41.9 million to acquire Trackless Vehicles Limited, Trackless Vehicles Asset Corp, and the wholly-owned subsidiary Work Equipment Ltd. (collectively, “Trackless”) and $13.0 million to acquire Blasters, Inc. and Blasters Technologies, LLC (collectively, “Blasters”) .
Net cash used for financing activities was $121.0 million in 2024 and $97.9 million in 2023. In 2024, the Company paid down $76.5 million of borrowings under its revolving credit facility and $3.9 million under its term loan facility, funded cash dividends of $29.3 million and share repurchases of $6.7 million, and redeemed $6.1 million of common stock in order to remit funds to tax authorities to satisfy employees’ tax withholdings following the vesting of stock-based compensation and the exercise of stock options. The Company also received $2.0 million from stock option exercises in 2024. In 2023, the Company paid down $64.1 million of borrowings under its revolving credit facility and $0.8 million under its term loan facility, funded cash dividends of $23.8 million and share repurchases of $5.5 million, and redeemed $7.0 million of common stock in order to remit funds to tax authorities to satisfy employees’ tax withholdings following the vesting of stock-based compensation and the exercise of stock options. The Company also received $3.9 million from stock option exercises in 2023.
On October 21, 2022, the Company entered into the 2022 Credit Agreement, by and among the Company and certain of its foreign subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, swingline lender, and issuing lender, PNC Bank, National Association and Truist Bank as syndication agents, and the other lenders and parties signatory thereto.
On May 16, 2024, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the 2022 Credit Agreement. The amendment was largely administrative in nature, including certain language to address ongoing reference rate reform. There were no changes to the term or the Company’s borrowing capacity under the 2022 Credit Agreement.
The 2022 Credit Agreement is a senior secured credit facility which provides the Borrowers access to an aggregate original principal amount of up to $800 million, consisting of (i) a revolving credit facility in an amount up to $675 million (the “Revolver”) and (ii) a term loan facility in an original amount of up to $125 million. The Revolver provides for borrowings in the form of loans or letters of credit up to the aggregate availability under the facility, with a sub-limit of $100 million for letters of credit. Borrowings can be made in denominations of U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, euros, or British pounds (with borrowings in non-U.S. currencies subject to a sublimit of $300 million). In addition, the Company may expand its borrowing capacity under the 2022 Credit Agreement by up to the greater of (i) $400 million and (ii) 100% of Consolidated EBITDA for the applicable four-quarter period preceding such expansion notice, subject to the approval of the applicable lenders providing
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such additional borrowings in the form of increases to their revolving facility commitment, or funding of incremental term loans. Borrowings under the 2022 Credit Agreement may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. The 2022 Credit Agreement matures on October 21, 2027.
The Company’s material domestic subsidiaries provide guarantees for all obligations of the Borrowers under the 2022 Credit Agreement, which is secured by a first priority security interest in (i) all existing or hereafter acquired domestic property and assets of the Company and material domestic subsidiaries, (ii) the stock or other equity interests in each of the material domestic subsidiaries, and (iii) 65% of outstanding voting capital stock of certain first-tier foreign subsidiaries, subject to certain exclusions.
Borrowings under the 2022 Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a base rate or an Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the 2022 Credit Agreement) in the case of borrowings in euros or an adjusted RFR (as defined in the 2022 Credit Agreement) in the case of borrowings in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, and British pound sterling, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges from zero to 0.75% for base rate borrowings and 1.00% to 1.75% for Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate and RFR borrowings. The Company must also pay a commitment fee to the lenders ranging between 0.10% to 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Revolver along with other standard fees. Applicable margin, issuance fees, and other customary expenses are payable on outstanding letters of credit.
The Company is subject to certain net leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio financial covenants under the 2022 Credit Agreement that are to be measured at each fiscal quarter-end. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2024. The 2022 Credit Agreement also includes certain “covenant holiday” periods, which allow for the temporary increase of the minimum net leverage ratio following the completion of a permitted acquisition, or a series of acquisitions, when the aggregate consideration over a period of twelve months exceeds $75 million. In addition, the 2022 Credit Agreement includes customary negative covenants, subject to certain exceptions, restricting or limiting the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: (i) make non-ordinary course dispositions of assets; (ii) make certain fundamental business changes, such as mergers, consolidations, or any similar combination; (iii) make restricted payments, including dividends and stock repurchases; (iv) incur indebtedness; (v) make certain loans and investments; (vi) create liens; (vii) transact with affiliates; (viii) enter into certain sale/leaseback transactions; (ix) make negative pledges; and (x) modify subordinated debt documents.
Under the 2022 Credit Agreement, restricted payments, including dividends and stock repurchases, shall be permitted if (i) the Company’s leverage ratio is less than or equal to 3.25x; (ii) the Company is in compliance with all other financial covenants; and (iii) there are no existing defaults under the 2022 Credit Agreement. If its leverage ratio is more than 3.25x, the Company is still permitted to fund (1) up to $35 million of dividend payments and stock repurchases annually; and (2) additional incremental other cash payments up to the greater of $65 million or 5% of consolidated total assets for the term of the 2022 Credit Agreement.
The 2022 Credit Agreement contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Borrowers may be required immediately to repay all amounts outstanding under the 2022 Credit Agreement and the commitments from the lenders may be terminated.
The 2022 Credit Agreement amended and restated the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended, the “2019 Credit Agreement”), which provided the Company with a $500 million revolving credit facility.
As of December 31, 2024, there was $90.6 million of cash drawn on the Revolver, $120.3 million outstanding under the term loan facility, and $10.1 million of undrawn letters of credit under the 2022 Credit Agreement, with $574.3 million of net availability for borrowings.
The following table summarizes the gross borrowings and gross payments under the Company’s revolving credit facilities:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Aggregate maturities of long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations are $19.4 million in 2025, $10.5 million in 2026, and $193.8 million in 2027, and $0.1 million in 2028. The weighted average interest rate on long-term borrowings was 5.3% at December 31, 2024.
The Company paid interest of $15.3 million in 2024, $22.8 million in 2023, and $9.4 million in 2022.
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The Company paid income taxes of $62.4 million in 2024, $46.2 million in 2023, and $26.9 million in 2022.
The Company paid cash dividends to stockholders of $29.3 million in 2024, $23.8 million in 2023, and $21.8 million in 2022. Additionally, on February 21, 2025, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per common share payable on March 27, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 14, 2025. The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board and depends on various factors that our Board deems relevant to its analysis and decision making, including our net income, financial condition, and cash requirements.
The Company anticipates that capital expenditures for 2025 will be in the range of $40 million to $50 million. The Company believes that its financial resources and major sources of liquidity, including cash flow from operations and borrowing capacity, will be adequate to meet its operating needs, capital needs, and financial commitments.
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations and payments due by period as of December 31, 2024:
Payments Due by Period
Interest payments on long-term debt (a) 29.9 11.0 18.9 — —
Pension contributions (d) 3.6 3.6 — — —
Contingent earn-out payments (e) 4.8 4.2 0.6 — —
(a) Amounts represent estimated contractual interest payments on outstanding long-term debt.
(b) Amounts include contractual obligations associated with lease arrangements with an initial term of twelve months or less, which are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For further discussion, see Note 4 – Leases in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(c) Purchase obligations primarily relate to commercial chassis and other contracts in the ordinary course of business.
(d) The Company expects to contribute up to $3.6 million to the U.S. defined benefit pension plan in 2025. Contributions to the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plan in 2025 are expected to be insignificant. Future contributions to the plans will be based on such factors as (i) annual service cost, (ii) the financial return on plan assets, (iii) interest rate movements that affect discount rates applied to plan liabilities, and (iv) the value of benefit payments made. Due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the potential future cash outflows associated with these plans, the Company is unable to provide a reasonably reliable estimate of the amounts and periods in which any additional liabilities might be paid beyond 2025.
(e) Represents the fair value of the contingent earn-out payments associated with acquisitions. For further discussion, see Note 2 – Acquisitions and Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(f) As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a liability of approximately $1.2 million for unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest. For further discussion, see Note 10 – Income Taxes in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Due to the uncertainties related to these tax matters, the Company generally cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period of cash settlement for this liability. As such, the potential future cash outflows are not included in the table above.
The following table summarizes the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements and the notional amount by expiration period as of December 31, 2024:
Notional Amount by Expiration Period
(in millions of dollars) Total Less than1 Year 2-3 Years 4-5 Years
Financial standby letters of credit (a) $ 10.1 $ 10.1 $ — $ —
Performance and bid bonds (b) 15.5 15.4 0.1 —
Repurchase obligations (c) 2.2 0.6 0.2 1.4
Total off-balance sheet arrangements $ 27.8 $ 26.1 $ 0.3 $ 1.4
(a) Financial standby letters of credit largely relate to casualty insurance policies for the Company’s workers’ compensation, automobile, general liability and product liability policies.
(b) Performance and bid bonds primarily relate to guarantees of performance of certain subsidiaries that engage in transactions with domestic and foreign customers.
(c) Relates to certain transactions that the Company has entered into involving the sale of equipment to certain of its customers which included (i) guarantees to repurchase the equipment for a fixed price at a future date and (ii) guarantees to repurchase the equipment from the third-party lender in the event of default by the customer. For further discussion, see Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company considers the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the amounts assigned to its net assets. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31, 2024.
In testing the goodwill of its reporting units for potential impairment, the Company applies either a qualitative or quantitative test, in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.
A qualitative approach may be applied when the Company concludes that it is not “more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In conducting a qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes a variety of events or factors that may influence the fair value of the reporting unit, including, but not limited to: the results of prior quantitative assessments performed; changes in the carrying amount; actual and projected financial performance; relevant market data for both the Company and its guideline comparable companies; industry outlook; and macroeconomic conditions. Significant judgment is used to evaluate the totality of these events and factors to make the determination of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In this situation, the Company would not be required to perform the quantitative impairment test described below.
A quantitative approach is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired, and no impairment charge is required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, this difference is recorded as an impairment charge not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The Company generally determines the fair value of its reporting units using both the income and market approaches.
Under the income approach, the key assumptions include projected sales and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”). These assumptions are determined by management utilizing our internal operating plan, including growth rates for revenues and margin assumptions. An additional key assumption under this approach is the discount rate, which is determined by reviewing current risk-free rates of capital and current market interest rates and by evaluating the risk premium relevant to the reporting unit. If the Company’s assumptions relative to growth rates were to change, the fair value calculation may change, which could result in impairment.
Under the market approach, the Company estimates fair value using marketplace fair value data from within a comparable industry grouping of publicly traded companies and from pricing multiples implied from sales of companies similar to the Company’s reporting units. The Company’s selection of comparable guideline companies is a key assumption underlying the market approach. Similar to the income approach discussed above, sales, cost of sales, operating expenses, EBITDA and their respective growth rates are also key assumptions utilized. The market prices of the Company’s common stock and other guideline companies are additional key inputs. If these market prices increase, the estimated market value would increase. Conversely, if market prices decrease, the estimated market value would decrease.
The results of these two methods are weighted based upon management’s evaluation of the relevance of the two approaches.
Although the Company believes its estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from estimated financial results due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting units, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both. The Company also compares the sum of the estimated fair values of its reporting units to the overall fair value of the Company implied by its market capitalization. This comparison provides an indication that, in total, assumptions and estimates are reasonable. Future declines in the overall market value of the Company may also result in a conclusion that the fair value of one or more reporting units has declined below its carrying value.
In 2024, the Company performed a combination of qualitative and quantitative impairment tests to assess the goodwill of its reporting units for potential impairment. For one reporting unit, a quantitative impairment test was performed, using a combination of the income and market approaches to determine the fair value of its reporting unit. The valuation was prepared
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by a third-party valuation specialist. One measure of the sensitivity of assumptions used in the impairment analysis is the amount by which the reporting unit “passed” (fair value exceeds the carrying value). The fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 30%. Therefore, no impairment was recognized. For its other reporting units, the Company applied the qualitative approach and concluded that it was not “more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting units was less than their carrying values. Accordingly, further quantitative testing was not required to be performed.
The Company had no goodwill impairments in 2024, 2023, or 2022. For all reporting units, a 10% decrease in the estimated fair value would have had no effect on the carrying value of goodwill at the annual measurement date in 2024. However, adverse changes to the Company’s business environment and future cash flow could cause us to record impairment charges in future periods, which could be material.
See Note 8 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for a summary of the Company’s goodwill by segment.
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
An intangible asset determined to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis at October 31, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset could be below its carrying amount. The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets include trade names associated with acquisitions.
In testing the indefinite-lived intangibles assets for potential impairment, the Company applies either a qualitative test, or a quantitative test, in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. A qualitative approach may be applied when the Company concludes that it is not “more likely than not” that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value. A quantitative impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for the carrying amount in excess of its fair value.
Significant judgment is applied when evaluating whether an intangible asset has an indefinite useful life and in testing for impairment. The Company primarily uses the relief from royalty model to estimate the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets. The relief from royalty model requires management to make a number of business and valuation assumptions including future revenue growth and royalty rates.
In 2024, the Company performed a combination of qualitative and quantitative impairment tests over its indefinite-lived intangible assets. The fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset that was quantitatively tested for impairment exceeded its carrying value by approximately 45%, and, therefore, no impairment was recognized. This valuation was prepared by a third-party valuation specialist. Further, the Company concluded that it was not “more likely than not” that the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets that were qualitatively tested for impairment were less than the carrying amounts. Accordingly, further quantitative testing was not required to be performed.
The Company had no indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments in 2024, 2023, or 2022. Although the Company believes its estimates of fair value are reasonable, actual financial results could differ from estimated financial results due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates. The use of alternative estimates and assumptions could increase or decrease the estimated fair value of the assets and potentially result in different impacts to the Company’s results of operations. Actual results may differ from the Company’s estimates.
See Note 8 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for a summary of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
The Company is subject to market risk associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. To mitigate this risk, the Company may utilize derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes and is not party to leveraged derivatives contracts.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company has certain debt instruments which subject it to market risk associated with movements in interest rates. The fair value of the Company’s total debt obligations held at December 31, 2024 was $223.8 million. From time to time, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps as a means of fixing the floating interest rate component on its variable-rate debt. At December 31, 2024, the Company had two interest rate swaps outstanding. The swaps had an aggregate notional amount of $150.0 million and fixed the floating interest rate component on $150.0 million of the Company’s variable-rate debt. See Note 9 – Debt in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for a description of the Company’s debt agreements and interest rate swaps that were in place during 2024. A hypothetical 1% increase or decrease in variable interest rates on the Company’s total debt obligations as of December 31, 2024 would increase or decrease annual interest expense by approximately $0.7 million.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
Although the majority of the Company’s sales, expenses, and cash flow are transacted in U.S. dollars, the Company has exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the Canadian dollar, euro, and British pound. The impact of currency movements on the Company’s financial results is largely mitigated by natural hedges in its operations. The Canadian operations of JJE and Trackless primarily conduct business in Canadian dollars. Almost all other sales of product from the U.S. to other parts of the world are denominated in U.S. dollars. Sales from and within other currency zones are predominantly transacted in the currency of the country sourcing the product or service. Approximately 79% of the Company’s net sales are conducted within the U.S. and are transacted in U.S. dollars. The Company estimates that a 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar against other currencies would reduce full-year net sales by approximately 2% and operating income by approximately 1%.
The Company may also have foreign currency exposures related to buying and selling in currencies other than the local currency in which it operates and to certain balance sheet positions. If such transactional or balance sheet exposures are material, the Company may enter into matching foreign currency forward contracts from time to time to protect against variability in exchange rates.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34) 31
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 39
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 39
Note 2 – Acquisitions 43
Note 3 – Revenue Recognition 48
Note 4 – Leases 49
Note 5 – Inventories 51
Note 6 – Properties and Equipment, Net 51
Note 7 – Rental Equipment, Net 52
Note 8 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 52
Note 9 – Debt 53
Note 10 – Income Taxes 55
Note 11 – Pension and Other Post-Employment Plans 59
Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies 63
Note 13 – Legal Proceedings 63
Note 14 – Earnings Per Share 64
Note 15 – Stock-based Compensation 65
Note 16 – Stockholders’ Equity 68
Note 17 – Segment Information 70
Note 18 – Fair Value Measurements 73
Note 19 – Subsequent Events 75
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Federal Signal Corporation
Downers Grove, Illinois
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Federal Signal Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill - Refer to Notes 1 and 8 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
In testing the goodwill of its reporting units for potential impairment, the Company applies either a qualitative or quantitative test, in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. A qualitative approach may be applied when the Company concludes that it is not “more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.
A quantitative approach is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount (“quantitative assessment”).
For reporting units tested for impairment using the quantitative assessment, the Company determines the fair value of each reporting unit using both the income and market approaches. The income approach requires management to make a number of business and valuation assumptions for each reporting unit including annual assumptions of projected sales, cost of sales, operating expenses, earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”), and discount rates. The market approach requires management to estimate fair value using marketplace fair value data derived from a comparable industry grouping of publicly traded companies and from pricing multiples implied from sales of companies similar to the Company’s reporting units (“market multiples”). No impairment was recognized in 2024.
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We identified the valuation of goodwill for one of the Company’s reporting units as a critical audit matter due to the reporting unit’s historical performance as compared to projections and because the determination of reporting unit fair value was based on significant assumptions that are sensitive to changes and are affected by expected future market and economic conditions. Auditing management’s judgments used in the quantitative assessment regarding significant assumptions related to projected sales and EBITDA (“forecasts”) as well as the selection of market multiples applied to management’s projected sales and EBITDA estimates for this reporting unit required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the Company’s forecasts and the selection of market multiples for this reporting unit included the following, among others:
•We tested the design and operating effectiveness of controls over the annual goodwill impairment assessment, including those over the forecasts and the market multiples.
•We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast projected sales and EBITDA by comparing actual results to management’s historical forecasts.
•We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts by comparing the forecasts to:
◦Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors.
◦Historical results, third-party economic research, industry performance, and peer company performance.
◦Actual results from the October 31, 2024 annual measurement date to December 31, 2024.
•We performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate the risk of impairment if key assumptions are changed.
•With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the (1) valuation methodology and (2) market multiples by performing certain procedures, that included:
◦Evaluating whether the fair value models being used are appropriate considering the Company’s circumstances and valuation premise identified.
◦Evaluating the market multiples by considering (1) the selected comparable industry grouping of publicly traded companies, (2) the selected sales of companies similar to the Company’s reporting units, and (3) the adjustments made for differences in growth prospects and risk profiles between the reporting unit and the comparable industry grouping of publicly traded companies.
◦Testing the underlying source information and mathematical accuracy of the calculations.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 26, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Federal Signal Corporation
Downers Grove, Illinois
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Federal Signal Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
As described in Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment, the internal control over financial reporting at Standard Equipment Company, which was acquired on October 4, 2024, and whose financial statements constitute approximately 1% of total assets and 1% of net sales of the consolidated financial statement amounts (excluding goodwill, intangible assets, and operating lease right-of-use assets, which were integrated into the Company’s control environment) for the year ended December 31, 2024. Accordingly, our assessment did not include the internal control over financial reporting at Standard Equipment Company.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 26, 2025
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FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in millions of dollars, except per share data) 2024 2023 2022
Selling, engineering, general and administrative expenses 234.0 210.1 171.7
Acquisition and integration-related expenses (benefits), net 2.6 0.4 (0.5)
Pension settlement charges 3.8 — —
Other expense (income), net 1.2 1.8 (0.4)
Earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding:
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31,
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (14.4) 5.9 (12.6)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (7.7) 2.7 (9.8)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31,
(in millions of dollars, except per share data) 2024 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 91.1 $ 61.0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 24.0 19.6
Properties and equipment, net 218.9 190.8
Operating lease right-of-use assets 27.8 21.0
Deferred tax assets 9.4 12.0
Deferred charges and other long-term assets 16.0 11.5
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accrued liabilities:
Compensation and withholding taxes 45.6 42.3
Current operating lease liabilities 6.8 6.8
Other current liabilities 56.0 48.2
Long-term borrowings and finance lease obligations 204.4 294.3
Long-term operating lease liabilities 21.8 14.9
Long-term pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities 41.7 44.2
Deferred tax liabilities 58.0 53.2
Other long-term liabilities 11.4 16.2
Stockholders’ equity:
Capital in excess of par value 309.8 291.1
Treasury stock, at cost, 9.2 and 9.0 shares, respectively (207.8) (193.7)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (89.0) (81.3)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,765.2 $ 1,620.5
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31,
Operating activities:
Deferred financing costs 0.5 0.5 0.4
Stock-based compensation expense 15.6 13.1 10.2
Pension settlement charges 3.8 — —
Pension-related expense, net of funding (3.8) (1.8) (1.4)
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration (0.2) (2.1) —
Amortization of interest rate swap settlement gain (1.4) (2.4) —
Deferred income taxes, including change in valuation allowance 4.9 (0.3) (4.2)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (9.0) (6.1) (38.0)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1.2) (1.7) (0.5)
Net cash provided by operating activities 231.3 194.4 71.8
Investing activities:
Purchases of properties and equipment (40.6) (30.3) (53.0)
Net cash used for investing activities (78.9) (83.7) (99.7)
Financing activities:
(Decrease) increase in revolving lines of credit, net (76.5) (64.1) 81.2
Payments on long-term borrowings (3.9) (0.8) —
Payments of debt financing fees — — (1.9)
Purchases of treasury stock (6.7) (5.5) (16.1)
Payments for acquisition-related activity — (0.5) —
Cash dividends paid to stockholders (29.3) (23.8) (21.8)
Proceeds from stock compensation activity 2.0 3.9 0.2
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities (121.0) (97.9) 35.5
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 30.1 13.5 7.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 61.0 47.5 40.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 91.1 $ 61.0 $ 47.5
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Total other comprehensive loss (9.8) (9.8)
Cash dividends declared ($0.36 per share) (21.8) (21.8)
Stock-based payments:
Stock-based compensation 9.5 9.5
Stock option exercises and other 0.5 5.7 (10.2) (4.0)
Performance share unit transactions 0.1 (0.1) (1.3) (1.3)
Stock repurchase program (16.1) (16.1)
Total other comprehensive income 2.7 2.7
Cash dividends declared ($0.39 per share) (23.8) (23.8)
Stock-based payments:
Stock-based compensation 12.4 12.4
Stock option exercises and other 0.4 7.0 (6.3) 1.1
Performance share unit transactions 0.1 (0.1) (3.3) (3.3)
Stock repurchase program (5.5) (5.5)
Total other comprehensive loss (7.7) (7.7)
Cash dividends declared ($0.48 per share) (29.3) (29.3)
Stock-based payments:
Stock-based compensation 14.7 14.7
Stock option exercises and other 0.2 4.1 (3.8) 0.5
Performance share unit transactions 0.1 (0.1) (3.6) (3.6)
Stock repurchase program (6.7) (6.7)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization and Description of the Business
Federal Signal Corporation was founded in 1901 and was reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1969. References herein to the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer collectively to Federal Signal Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Products manufactured and services rendered by the Company are divided into two reportable segments: Environmental Solutions Group (“Environmental Solutions”) and Safety and Security Systems Group (“Safety and Security Systems”). The individual operating businesses are organized as such because they share certain characteristics, including technology, marketing, distribution, and product application, which create long-term synergies.
The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31. All references to 2024, 2023, and 2022 relate to the fiscal year unless otherwise indicated.
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements represent the consolidation of Federal Signal Corporation and its subsidiaries and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
New Accounting Standards Adopted in 2024
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which expands annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments, including enhanced disclosures regarding significant segment expenses. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and has included the required disclosures for all periods presented in Note 17 – Segment Information.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topics 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which expands the disclosure requirements for income taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption and retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its financial statement disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires entities to disclose, on an annual and interim basis, disaggregated information about certain income statement expense line items. ASU 2024-03 is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption and retrospective adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its financial statement disclosures.
Non-U.S. Operations
Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries, other than those whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar, are translated at current foreign currency exchange rates with the related translation adjustments reported in stockholders’ equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Accounts within the Consolidated Statements of Operations are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (CONTINUED)
The Company incurs foreign currency transaction gains or losses, related to transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, which are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of Other expense (income), net. The Company realized foreign currency transaction losses of $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity and highly liquid nature of these instruments.
Accounts Receivable
The Company carries accounts receivable at the face amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses as a result of a customer’s inability to make required payments. Management evaluates the aging of the accounts receivable balances, the financial condition of its customers, historical trends, and the time outstanding of specific balances to estimate the amount of accounts receivables that may not be collected in the future and records the appropriate provision.
Inventories
The Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Included in the cost of inventories are raw materials, direct wages, and associated production costs.
Properties and Equipment
Properties and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives generally range from eight to 40 years for buildings and three to 15 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the remaining life of the lease or the useful life of the improvement. Depreciation expense is primarily included as a component of Cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with depreciation expense associated with certain assets used for administrative purposes being presented within Selling, engineering, general and administrative (“SEG&A”) expenses. Depreciation expense, which includes depreciation on rental equipment, was $50.3 million in 2024, $45.2 million in 2023, and $41.8 million in 2022.
Properties and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Rental Equipment
The Company enters into lease agreements with customers related to the rental of certain equipment. All of these leasing agreements are classified as operating leases and are for periods generally not to exceed five years. In accounting for these leases, the cost of the equipment purchased or manufactured by the Company is recorded as an asset and is depreciated over its estimated useful life. Rental income is recognized ratably over the term of the underlying leases.
Rental equipment is depreciated to an estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets and is reviewed for potential impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares non-discounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset group to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on a non-discounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (CONTINUED)
Rental equipment includes certain equipment that is manufactured by the Company and subsequently transferred to the rental fleet, as well as equipment purchased from third-party manufacturers, for the purpose of renting to end-customers. The related cash flow activity associated with these transactions is reflected within operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the amounts assigned to its net assets. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31, 2024.
In testing the goodwill of its reporting units for potential impairment, the Company applies either a qualitative or quantitative test, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.
A qualitative approach may be applied when the Company concludes that it is not “more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. In this situation, the Company would not be required to perform the quantitative impairment test described below.
A quantitative approach is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired, and no impairment charge is required. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, this difference is recorded as an impairment charge not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The Company generally determines the fair value of its reporting units using both the income and market approaches.
Under the income approach, the key assumptions include projected sales, earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”), and the discount rate. Under the market approach, the Company estimates fair value using marketplace fair value data from within a comparable industry grouping. The results of these two methods are weighted based upon management’s evaluation of the relevance of the two approaches.
In 2024, the Company performed a combination of qualitative and quantitative impairment tests to assess the goodwill of its reporting units for potential impairment. For one reporting unit, a quantitative impairment test was performed, using a combination of the income and market approaches to determine the fair value of its reporting unit. The valuation was prepared by a third-party valuation specialist. One measure of the sensitivity of assumptions used in the impairment analysis is the amount by which the reporting unit “passed” (fair value exceeds the carrying value). The fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 30% and, therefore, no impairment was recognized. For its other reporting units, the Company applied the qualitative approach and concluded that it was not “more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting units was less than their carrying values. Accordingly, further quantitative testing was not required to be performed.
The Company had no goodwill impairments in 2024, 2023, or 2022. See Note 8 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for a summary of the Company’s goodwill by segment.
Intangible Assets
Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives and are tested for impairment if indicators exist in a manner similar to that described above for Rental Equipment.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis at October 31, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset could be below its carrying amount. In testing the indefinite-lived intangibles assets for potential impairment, the Company applies either a qualitative test, or a quantitative test, in accordance with ASC 350. A qualitative approach may be applied when the Company concludes that it is not “more likely than not” that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value. A quantitative impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for the carrying amount in excess of its fair value.
In 2024, the Company performed a combination of qualitative and quantitative impairment tests over its indefinite-lived intangible assets. The fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset that was quantitatively tested for impairment exceeded its carrying value by approximately 45%, and, therefore, no impairment was recognized. Further, the Company concluded that it was not “more likely than not” that the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets that were qualitatively tested for impairment were less than the carrying amounts. Accordingly, further quantitative testing was not required to be performed.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (CONTINUED)
The Company had no indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments in 2024, 2023, or 2022. See Note 8 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for a summary of the Company’s intangible assets.
Warranties
Warranties are classified as either assurance-type or service-type warranties. A warranty is considered an assurance-type warranty if it provides the customer with assurance that the product will function as intended. A warranty that goes above and beyond ensuring basic functionality is considered a service-type warranty. The Company offers certain limited warranties that are assurance-type warranties and extended service arrangements that are service-type warranties. Assurance-type warranties are not accounted for as separate performance obligations under the revenue model. If a service-type warranty is sold with a product or separately, revenue is recognized over the life of the warranty.
Sales of many of the Company’s products include assurance-type warranties based on terms that are generally accepted in the Company’s marketplaces. The Company records provisions for estimated warranty costs, which are included within Cost of sales, at the time of sale based on historical experience. The Company periodically adjusts these provisions to reflect actual experience. Infrequently, a material warranty issue can arise that is beyond the scope of the Company’s historical experience. The Company records costs related to these issues as they become probable and estimable.
The Company also sells optional service-type warranty contracts that extend coverage beyond the initial term of the express warranty period. At the time of sale, revenue related to the service-type warranty contract is deferred and typically recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract. Deferred revenue associated with service-type warranty contracts was $4.8 million as of December 31, 2024, and $4.3 million as of December 31, 2023, and was included within Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Costs under service-type warranty contracts are expensed as incurred.
Workers’ Compensation and Product Liability Reserves