Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This section and other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continues,” “may,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely results, and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Item 1A — Risk Factors” above. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statement and notes thereto included in Item 8 of this report. We assume no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.
Overview
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc., (“UCT”, the “Company” or “We”) is a leading developer and supplier of critical subsystems, components, parts, and ultra-high purity cleaning and analytical services primarily for the semiconductor industry. UCT offers its customers an integrated outsourced solution for major subassemblies, improved design-to-delivery cycle times, design for manufacturability, prototyping and part and component manufacturing, as well as tool chamber parts cleaning and coating, and micro-contamination analytical services. We report results for two segments: Products and Services. Our Products segment primarily designs, engineers and manufactures production tools, components and parts, and modules and subsystems for the semiconductor and display capital equipment markets. Products include chemical delivery modules, frame assemblies, gas delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, precision robotics, process modules as well as other high-level assemblies. Our Services segment provides ultra-high purity parts cleaning, process tool part recoating, surface encapsulation and high sensitivity micro contamination analysis primarily for the semiconductor device makers and wafer fabrication equipment (“WFE”) markets.
We ship a majority of our products and provide most of our services to U.S. registered customers with both domestic and international locations. In addition to U.S. manufacturing and service operations, we manufacture products and provide parts cleaning and other related services in our Asia Pacific, Europe and Middle East (“EMEA”) facilities to support local and U.S. based customers. We conduct our operating activities primarily through our subsidiaries.
Over the long-term, we believe the semiconductor market we serve will continue to grow due to multi-year industry demand from a broad range of drivers, such as new process architecture (e.g. gate all around) and memory devices (e.g. high bandwidth memory) necessary for cloud, artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning (“ML”) applications. We also believe that semiconductor original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) are increasingly relying on partners like UCT to fulfill their expanding capacity requirements. Additionally, our Services business is benefiting as device manufacturers rely on precision cleaning and coating to achieve ever more advanced devices.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), which require us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosure at the date of our Consolidated Financial Statements. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, income taxes, business combinations, contingent earn-out liabilities and goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. We consider certain accounting policies related to revenue recognition, inventory valuation, accounting for income taxes, business combinations, valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets to be critical policies due to the estimates and judgments involved in each.
29
Table of Contents
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues for fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022, were highly concentrated with a small number of OEM customers in the semiconductor capital equipment industry. We recognize revenue when promised goods or services (performance obligations) are transferred to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We perform the following five steps to determine when to recognize revenue:
1.Identification of the contract(s) with customers – Our standard arrangement for our customers includes a signed purchase order or contract, no right of return of delivered products and no customer acceptance provisions. We assess collectability based on the creditworthiness of the customer and past transaction history. We perform on-going credit evaluations of, and do not require collateral from, our customers.
2.Identification of the performance obligations in the contract – Our performance obligations include delivery of promised goods or services.
3.Determination of the transaction price – The transaction price of our contracts with customers may include both fixed and variable consideration. We include variable consideration in the transaction price to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We generally invoice our customers upon shipment of goods and completion of services with payment due within 30 to 90 days after issuance.
4.Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract – For contracts that contain multiple performance obligations, we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using the relative standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract.
5.Recognition of revenue when, or as, a performance obligation is satisfied – We recognize revenue from products sold at a point in time when we have satisfied our performance obligation by transferring control of the goods to the customer, which typically occurs at shipment or delivery. Revenue from service agreements is recognized upon completion of the services, which typically occurs upon shipment to the customer.
Inventory Valuation
We write down the carrying value of our inventory to net realizable value for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated realizable value based upon inventory age and assumptions about future demand and market conditions. We assess the valuation of all inventories, including raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods and spare parts on a periodic basis.
Obsolete inventory or inventory in excess of our estimated usage is written down to its estimated market value less costs to sell, if less than its cost. The inventory write-downs are established on the basis of obsolete inventory or specifically identified inventory in excess of established usage. Inherent in our estimates of demand and market value in determining inventory valuation are estimates related to economic trends, market conditions, and future demand for our products. If actual demand and market conditions are less favorable than our projections, additional inventory write-downs may be required. If the inventory value is written down to its net realizable value, and subsequently there is an increased demand for the inventory at a higher value, the increased value of the inventory is not realized until the inventory is sold either as a component of a subsystem or as separate inventory.
Accounting for Income Taxes
The determination of our tax provision is highly dependent upon the geographic composition of worldwide earnings and tax regulations governing each region and is subject to judgments and estimates. Management carefully monitors the changes in many factors and adjusts the effective tax rate as required.
We must assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets. If recovery is not more likely than not, we must increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be recoverable. In determining whether the realization of these deferred tax assets may be impaired, we make judgments with respect to whether we are likely to generate sufficient future taxable income to realize these assets. In order to reverse a valuation allowance, U.S. GAAP suggests that we review our recent cumulative income/loss as well as determine our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income to realize our net deferred tax assets. As of December 27, 2024, we maintained a full valuation allowance on our U.S. federal and state and on certain of our foreign deferred tax assets in the amount of $96.3 million as we believe it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized.
30
Table of Contents
In addition, the calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on the results of our operations and financial position. We believe we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions; however, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different than what we expect. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest.
Business Combinations
In accordance with accounting for business combinations, we allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the identified tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. We may engage third-party valuation firms to assist management in reviewing management’s identification and determination of the fair values of acquired intangible assets. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. Management makes estimates of fair value based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable. These estimates are based on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain.
Certain of our acquisition agreements include contingent earn-out arrangements, which are generally based on the achievement of future operating income thresholds. The fair values of these earn-out arrangements are included as part of the purchase price of the acquired companies on their respective acquisition dates. We review and re-assess the estimated fair value of contingent consideration on a quarterly basis, and the updated fair value could differ materially from the initial estimates. Changes in the estimated fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities related to the time component of the present value calculation are reported in other income (expense). Adjustments to the estimated fair value related to changes in all other unobservable inputs are reported in operating income.
Goodwill, Intangibles Assets, and Long-lived Assets
Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the sum of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired less liabilities assumed.
We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite life tradename for impairment, at the reporting unit level, on an annual basis, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. In addition, we evaluate our identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:
•Significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy of our overall business;
•Significant negative changes in revenue of specific products or services;
•Significant negative industry or economic trends; and
•Significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period.
We continually apply judgment when performing these evaluations and continuously monitor for events and circumstances that could negatively impact the key assumptions in determining fair value, including long-term revenue growth projections, undiscounted cash flows, discount rates, recent market valuations from transactions by comparable companies, volatility in our market capitalization and general industry, market and macroeconomic conditions. It is possible that changes in such circumstances, or in the variables associated with the judgments, assumptions and estimates used in assessing fair value, would require us to record a non-cash impairment charge.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53 week period ending on the Friday nearest December 31. Fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022 each contained 52 weeks.
31
Table of Contents
A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for fiscal 2024, compared to fiscal 2023, is presented below. The results of operations for 2023, and the discussion below reflect two months of activity resulting from the acquisition of HIS.
A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for fiscal 2023, compared to fiscal 2022, can be found under Item 7 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2024, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our Investor Relations website at www.uct.com/investors.
Discussion of Results of Operations
Revenues
Year Ended
Products as a percentage of total revenues 88.4 % 86.6 % 87.4 %
Services as a percentage of total revenues 11.6 % 13.4 % 12.6 %
Products revenues increased $352.1 million in fiscal year 2024 over fiscal year 2023, primarily due to an increase in customer demand, along with an overall market improvement in the semiconductor industry and in part due to the acquisition of HIS in October 2023.
Services revenues increased $11.0 million in fiscal year 2024 over fiscal year 2023, primarily due to increase in demand across its customer base.
Year Ended
United States as a percentage of total revenues 27.0 % 30.4 % 31.1 %
International as a percentage of total revenues 73.0 % 69.6 % 68.9 %
Revenues by geographic area are categorized based on the customer’s location to which the products were shipped or services were performed.
The increase in U.S. revenues in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to the acquisition of HIS in October 2023, whose customers are primarily U.S. based.
International revenues increased compared to the prior year primarily as a result of market improvement driving higher customer demand.
32
Table of Contents
Cost of Revenues
Year Ended
Products cost as a percentage of total Products revenues 84.7 % 85.9 % 82.5 %
Services cost as a percentage of total Services revenues 70.4 % 71.6 % 65.8 %
Total cost of revenues increased $284.1 million in fiscal year 2024 over fiscal year 2023, due to higher demand for both Products and Services driven by higher customer spending within the semiconductor industry globally.
Cost of Products revenues consists of purchased materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. Cost of products revenues increased $279.2 million for fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023. The increase was due to higher sales volume driving increased material costs of $241.0 million, higher direct labor spending of $24.4 million, and unfavorable absorption of overhead costs of $13.8 million.
Cost of Services revenues consists of direct labor, manufacturing overhead and materials (such as chemicals, gases and consumables). Cost of services revenues increased $4.9 million in fiscal 2024 compared to the prior year driven by higher volumes of service orders, resulting in increase in material costs and overhead costs.
In both segments, costs of revenue as a percent of revenue decreased as certain fixed costs remain regardless of volume.
Gross Margin
Year Ended
Gross Margin by Segment
Gross profit and gross margins fluctuate with revenue levels, product mix, material costs, and labor costs.
Products gross profit and gross margin increased in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 due to higher revenue levels, product shift and volume shift from higher to lower cost regions.
Services gross profit increased in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 due to higher revenue levels.
33
Table of Contents
Operating Margin
Year Ended
Operating Margin by Segment
Total Company 4.3 % 2.0 % 5.1 %
Operating profit and operating margin of Products increased in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 primarily due to increases in business volumes and customer demand partially offset by increases in share-based compensation expense, in outside service spending, and in the amortization of intangible assets in conjunction with the acquisition of HIS.
Operating profit and operating margin of Services increased in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 primarily due to the higher gross profit resulting from increased customer demand.
Research and Development
Year Ended
Research and development as a percentage of total revenues 1.3 % 1.6 % 1.2 %
Research and development expenses consist primarily of activities related to new component testing and evaluation, test equipment and fixture development, product design, the advancement of cleaning and coating and analytical processes, and other product-development activities. Research and development expenses were consistent in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023.
Sales and Marketing
Year Ended
Sales and marketing as a percentage of total revenues 2.7 % 3.0 % 2.3 %
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and commissions paid to our sales employees, salaries paid to our engineers who partner with sales and service employees to help determine the components and configuration requirements for new products and other costs related to the sales of our products. Sales and marketing expenses increased $5.5 million in fiscal year 2024 over fiscal year 2023, due to an increase in headcount.
General and Administrative
Year Ended
General and administrative as a percentage of total revenues 8.6 % 9.3 % 7.8 %
General and administrative expenses increased $17.5 million in fiscal year 2024 over fiscal year 2023, primarily driven by increases in spending for certain third party professional services of $5.8 million, stock-based compensation expense of $4.4 million, amortization of intangible assets acquired through business combinations of $3.6 million, in addition to a combination of other factors, none of which were individually significant.
34
Table of Contents
Interest and Other Income (Expense), net
Year Ended
Other income (expense), net $ 17.7 n/m $ (1.8) (300.0)% $ 0.9
n/m - not meaningful
Interest income increased $0.7 million in fiscal year 2024 over fiscal year 2023 due to higher interest income earned on cash and cash equivalent balances attributed to higher interest rates in the current period.
Interest expense decreased $2.3 million in fiscal year 2024 over fiscal year 2023 due to lower interest rates and due to lower amortization of debt issuance costs due to debt modification.
Other income (expense), net, decreased $19.5 million in fiscal year 2024 over fiscal year 2023, due to the gain from the change of the fair value of contingent earn-out of $31.0 million offset partially by the $4.0 million of debt financing costs and by $7.0 million unfavorable foreign exchange transactions and remeasurements.
Provision for Income Taxes
Year Ended
The change in tax rates in fiscal year 2024 reflects, primarily, the changes in the geographic distribution of our worldwide earnings. For fiscal year 2024, our effective tax rate was higher than the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the valuation allowance in the U.S. and earnings in our foreign subsidiaries subject to local statutory tax rates.
For the year ended December 27, 2024, the Company concluded that a full valuation allowance against its U.S. federal and state net deferred tax assets continues to be necessary. The Company also concluded that some of its foreign deferred tax assets require a valuation allowance. The total U.S. and foreign valuation allowances for deferred tax assets were $79.1 million and $17.2 million, respectively as of December 27, 2024, and $49.8 million and $8.1 million, respectively as of December 29, 2023.
Our ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income. In assessing our future taxable income, we have considered all sources of future taxable income available to realize our deferred tax assets, including the taxable income from future reversal of existing temporary differences, carryforwards, and tax-planning strategies. If changes occur in the assumptions underlying our tax planning strategies or in the scheduling of the reversal of our deferred tax liabilities, the valuation allowance may need to be adjusted in the future.
The Company remitted earnings from one of its subsidiaries in Singapore in 2024. With the possible exception of this Singapore subsidiary, the Company has no plans to remit other foreign earnings. We may change our intent to reinvest certain of our undistributed foreign earnings indefinitely, which could require us to accrue or pay taxes on some or all of these undistributed earnings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash and cash equivalents
The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents:
Year Ended
Total cash and cash equivalents $ 313.9 $ 307.0 $ 6.9
The increase in cash and cash equivalents in fiscal year 2024, compared to fiscal year 2023, was primarily due to cash provided by operating and financing activities of $65.0 million and $9.8 million, respectively offset by cash used in investing activities of $63.5 million.
35
Table of Contents
Cash Flows
Year Ended
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (4.4) 1.9 (2.7)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 6.9 $ (51.8) $ (107.7)
Our primary cash inflows and outflows were as follows:
•We generated net cash from operating activities of $65.0 million in fiscal year 2024, compared to $135.9 million in fiscal year 2023. The $70.9 million decrease in net cash from operating activities was driven by a $127.0 million on unfavorable change in net working capital and by a decrease of $0.6 million from non-cash items offset in part by $56.7 million increase in net income.
•The major contributors to the net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition, in fiscal year 2024 were as follows:
◦Accounts receivable increased $60.3 million primarily due to timing of shipments and collections, inventories and prepaid expenses increased $6.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively due to increased production levels.
◦Accounts payable increased $26.4 million, income taxes payable increased $1.0 million, accrued compensation and related benefits increased $2.4 million and other liabilities increased $1.3 million, primarily due to the timing of payments.
•Cash used in investing activities was $63.5 million in fiscal year 2024 compared to $119.7 million in fiscal year 2023. During fiscal year 2024, net cash used for investing activities primarily consisted of $63.5 million related to purchases of property, plant and equipment. During fiscal year 2023, net cash used for investing activities primarily consisted of $75.8 million related to purchases of property, plant and equipment and $46.1 million related to an acquisition.
•Cash provided by financing activities was $9.8 million in fiscal year 2024 compared to cash used of $69.9 million in fiscal year 2023. During fiscal year 2024, net cash provided by financing activities primarily due to the $23.5 million net cash proceeds from the amended credit agreement, a decrease of $28.4 million in principal payments on bank borrowings, and a $29.4 million decrease in share repurchases offset partially by the additional $2.5 million payment of debt issuance costs. During fiscal year 2023, net cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of debt repayment of $38.6 million and $29.4 million of shares repurchased.
We believe we have sufficient capital to fund our working capital needs, satisfy our debt obligations, maintain our existing capital equipment, purchase new capital equipment and make strategic acquisitions from time to time. As of December 27, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $313.9 million compared to $307.0 million as of December 29, 2023. Our cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and borrowings under our term loan described below, were our principal sources of liquidity as of December 27, 2024.
We have an existing factoring arrangement with a financial institution in which a portion of its accounts receivable are sold on a nonrecourse basis. As of December 27, 2024, there were outstanding customer invoices amounting to $6.7 million that we factored under this arrangement.
We anticipate that our existing cash and cash equivalents balance and operating cash flow will be sufficient to service our indebtedness and meet our working capital requirements and technology development projects for at least the next twelve months. The adequacy of these resources to meet our liquidity needs beyond that period will depend on our growth, the size and number of any acquisitions, the state of the worldwide economy, our ability to meet our financial covenants with our credit facility, the cyclical expansion or contraction of the semiconductor capital equipment industry and the other industries we serve and capital expenditures required to meet possible increased demand for our products.
In order to expand our business or acquire additional complementary businesses or technologies, we may need to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings. If required, additional financing may not be available on terms that are favorable to us, if at all. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, our stockholders’ equity interest will be diluted and these securities might have rights, preferences and privileges senior to
36
Table of Contents
those of our current stockholders. We may also require the consent of our new lenders to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings. No assurance can be given that additional financing will be available or that, if available, such financing can be obtained on terms favorable to our stockholders and us.
As of December 27, 2024, we had undistributed earnings of approximately $555.0 million from our foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely invested outside of the U.S. As of December 27, 2024, we have cash of approximately $273.1 million in our foreign subsidiaries.
Borrowing Arrangements
Fluid Solutions Debt Facilities 5.9 7.4 % 6.0 9.4 %
Debt issuance costs (7.2) (6.5)
On April 4, 2024, the Company entered into a Sixth Amendment (the “Sixth Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 27, 2018 (as amended as of October 1, 2018, March 31, 2021, August 19, 2022, June 29, 2023 and July 27, 2023 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”), and the Existing Credit Agreement as further amended by the Sixth Amendment, the “Credit Agreement”). Pursuant to the Sixth Amendment, the Existing Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, (i) extend the final maturity date of the term loan and revolving credit facilities under the Credit Agreement by 30 months; (ii) reduce the interest rate applicable to the term loan facility under the Credit Agreement by 0.25% per annum; and (iii) increase the outstanding amount under the Term Loan of $475.4 million to $500 million.
The Sixth Amendment resulted in the receipts of an additional $67.7 million of debt, net of $1.1 million related lender fees from new or existing syndicate lenders which was offset by syndicate lenders who reduced their positions by $44.2 million. The Company capitalized additional $2.5 million of costs related to this amendment and continued to defer previously capitalized costs of $5.2 million. The Company expensed third party transaction costs and the previously capitalized costs of extinguished debt of $3.6 million which was included in the other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 27, 2024.
On October 8, 2024, the Company entered a Seventh Amendment (the “Seventh Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement to further reduce the interest rate applicable to the term loan facility under the Credit Agreement by 0.25% per annum.
The Term Loan has a maturity date of February 25, 2028. The Company pays monthly interest payments in arrears and quarterly principal payments of 0.625% of the outstanding principal balance as of October 8, 2024, with the remaining principal paid upon maturity.
The revolving credit facility has an available commitment of $150.0 million and a maturity date of August 27, 2027. The Company pays a quarterly commitment fee in arrears equal to 0.25% of the average daily available commitment outstanding. Outstanding letters of credit reduce the availability of the revolving credit facility and, as of December 27, 2024, the Company had $146.5 million, net of $3.5 million of outstanding letters of credit, available under this revolving credit facility.
The letter of credit facility has an available commitment of $50.0 million and a maturity date of August 27, 2027. The Company pays a quarterly fee in arrears equal to 2.5% (subject to certain adjustments to the Term Loan) of the dollar equivalent of all outstanding letters of credit, and a fronting fee equal to 0.125% of the undrawn and unexpired amount of each letter of credit. As of December 27, 2024, the Company had $3.5 million of outstanding letters of credit and $46.5 million of available commitments remaining under the letter of credit facility.
Under the Credit Agreement, the Company may elect that the Term Loan bear interest at a rate per annum equal to either (a) “ABR” (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus the applicable margin or (b) the “Eurodollar Rate” (as defined in the Credit Agreement), based on SOFR, plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for the Term Loan is equal to a rate per annum to either (i) at any time that the Company’s corporate family rating is Ba3 (with a stable outlook) or higher from Moody’s and BB (with a stable outlook) or higher from S&P, (x) 3.00% for such Eurodollar term loans and (y) 2.00% for such ABR term loans or (ii) at all other times, (x) 3.25% for such Eurodollar term loans and (y) 2.25% for such ABR term loans. Interest on the Term Loan is payable on (1) in the case of such ABR term loans, the last day of each calendar quarter
37
Table of Contents
and (2) in the case of such Eurodollar term loans, the last day of each relevant interest period and, in the case of any interest period longer than three months, on each successive date three months after the first day of such interest period.
At December 27, 2024, the Company had an outstanding amount under the Term Loan of $493.8 million, gross of unamortized debt issuance costs of $7.2 million. As of December 27, 2024, the interest rate on the outstanding Term Loan was 7.8%.
The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain certain financial covenants including a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and a consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the last day of any fiscal quarter. The Company currently has no revolving loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of the fiscal year ended December 27, 2024.
The Company has a credit agreement with a local bank in the Czechia that provides for a revolving credit facility in the aggregate of up to 7.0 million euros (approximately $7.3 million). As of December 27, 2024, no debt was outstanding under this revolving credit facility.
Fluid Solutions has a credit facility with a financial institution in Israel that provides borrowing up to $6.0 million. As of December 27, 2024, Fluid Solutions had a $5.9 million outstanding balance under this facility with interest rate of 6.7%.
As of December 27, 2024, the Company’s total bank debt was $492.5 million, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $7.2 million. As of December 27, 2024, the Company had $146.5 million, $0.1 million and $7.3 million available to draw from its credit facilities in the U.S., Israel and Czechia, respectively.
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was based on Level 2 inputs, and fair value was determined using quoted prices for similar liabilities in inactive markets. The Company’s carrying value approximates fair value for the Company’s long term-debt.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures were $63.5 million for the year ended December 27, 2024 and were primarily attributable to the capital invested in our manufacturing facilities worldwide as well as costs associated with the ongoing design and implementation of our new enterprise resource planning system. For the year ended December 27, 2024, capital expenditures for our Products and Services segments were $40.4 million and $23.1 million, respectively, representing 2.2% and 9.5% of the respective segment revenues. To maintain our manufacturing capacity and support our strategic growth plans, capital expenditures are typically in the range of 2-4% of annual segment revenues for our Products segment and between 5-10% of annual segment revenues for our Services segment. Ultimately, the amount of capital expenditures is dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, the timing and implementation of capital projects, the performance of our business, economic and market conditions, the cash needs and investment opportunities for the business, the need for additional capacity to service anticipated customer demand, equipment lead times, and the availability of cash flows from operations or financing activities.
Contractual Obligations
We have commitments to various third parties to primarily purchase inventories and property, plant and equipment totaling approximately $460.5 million on December 27, 2024.
In conjunction with the sale of our products in the ordinary course of business, we provide standard indemnification against certain liabilities to our customers, which may include claims of losses by their own customers resulting out of property damages, bodily injuries or deaths, or infringement of intellectual property rights by our products. Our potential liability arising out of intellectual property infringement claims by any third party is generally uncapped. As of December 27, 2024, we have not incurred significant costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification arrangements. As a result, we believe the estimated fair value of these arrangements is minimal.
During the periods presented, we do not have unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncement
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects, if any, on UCT’s Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 1, “Organization and Significant Accounting Policies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
38
Table of Contents
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to financial market risks, including credit risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk.
Credit Risk
A substantial majority of our trade receivables are derived from sales to OEMs. We believe the three largest customer net accounts receivable balances (41.9% as of December 27, 2024) do not represent a significant credit risk, based on cash flow forecasts, balance sheet analysis, and past collection experience. For more information about the customers that represent our accounts receivable balance and our consideration related to credit losses, see Note 13, Revenue Recognition.
We have adopted credit policies and standards intended to accommodate industry growth and inherent risk. We believe credit risks are moderated by the financial stability of our major customers. We assess credit risk through quantitative and qualitative analysis. From these analyses, we establish shipping and credit limits and determine whether we will seek to use one or more credit support protection devices, such as obtaining a parent guarantee, prepayment or standby letter of credit.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We operate in international markets, which expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and various foreign currencies. Historically, the majority of our revenue contracts and arrangements with third party suppliers are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Separately, a portion of our expenses, primarily the cost to manufacture, cost of personnel to deliver technical support on our products and professional services, sales and sales support and research and development, are denominated in foreign currencies.
Revenue resulting from selling in currencies and costs incurred in local currencies are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations which can affect our operating income. As foreign currency exchange rates vary, operating income may differ from expectations. Increases in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to other currencies would make our products more expensive relative to competing products priced in such other currencies, which could negatively impact our ability to compete. Conversely, decreases in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to other currencies could result in our foreign suppliers raising their prices in order to continue doing business with us. However, we do not expect foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to have a material effect on our results of operations.
We use derivative instruments, such as foreign currency exchange contracts, to hedge certain exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These contracts reduce, but do not entirely eliminate the impact of currency exchange rates movement on our assets and liabilities.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk due to changing interest rates under our credit facilities. Our Credit Facility is comprised of a Term B loan and a revolving credit agreement with interest rates as described under Note 7 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
At the end of fiscal 2024, the Term B loan had a balance of $493.8 million. A hypothetical 100 basis points increase in our borrowing rates at the end of fiscal 2024, would result in approximately $4.9 million annual increase in interest expense on this existing principal balance.
39
Table of Contents
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023 44
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 50
40
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To theBoard of Directors and Stockholders of Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 27, 2024, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income (loss), of stockholders’ equity, and of cash flows for the year then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 27, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the COSO because material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date as the Company did not design and maintain effective controls relating to the: (i) sufficiency of processes related to identifying and analyzing risks to the achievement of objectives across the Company, (ii) sufficiency of competent personnel to analyze risks of material misstatement and develop internal control activities to support the achievement of the Company’s internal control objectives, (iii) monitoring of control activities in accordance with established policies in a timely manner, (iv) information technology general controls over program change and user access for certain information systems for certain of the Fluid Solutions operating subsidiaries in the Products segment that are relevant to the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and (v) segregation of duties across various business processes, including journal entries for certain other international operating subsidiaries in the Products segment.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weaknesses referred to above are described in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. We considered these material weaknesses in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2024 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in management's report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (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 the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
41
Table of Contents
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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated 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.
Valuation of Inventories – Provisions for Excess or Obsolete Inventories
As described in Notes 1 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company values its inventories at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. Obsolete inventory or inventory in excess of management’s estimated usage is written down to its estimated market value less costs to sell, if less than its cost. As disclosed by management, inherent in the estimates of demand and market value in determining inventory valuation are management’s estimates related to economic trends, market conditions, and future demand for the Company’s products. Inventory write downs inherently involve judgments based on assumptions about expected future demand and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Although the Company believes that the assumptions used in estimating inventory write downs are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions in the future could produce a significantly different result. As of December 27, 2024, the Company’s consolidated inventories balance was $381.0 million.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of inventories, specifically the provisions for excess or obsolete inventories, is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the provisions for excess or obsolete inventories, (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumption related to future demand, and (iii) as previously disclosed by management, a material weakness existed during the year related to this matter.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s provisions for excess or obsolete inventories, including controls over the development of assumption related to future demand. These procedures also included, among others (i) testing management’s process for developing the provisions for excess or obsolete inventories; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of management’s estimates; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used by management in developing the estimate; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumption used by management related to future demand. Evaluating management’s assumption related to future demand involved evaluating whether the assumption used by management was reasonable considering (i) current and past results, and (ii) whether this assumption was consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
February 25, 2025
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2024.
42
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 29, 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended December 29, 2023, and December 30, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 29, 2023 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 29, 2023, and December 30, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Moss Adams LLP
San Francisco, California
March 6, 2024, except for Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements,
as to which the date is February 25, 2025.
We served as the Company’s auditor from 2015 to 2024.
43
Table of Contents
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions, except par value)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 313.9 $ 307.0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 34.1 30.9
Property, plant and equipment, net 325.9 328.3
Deferred tax assets, net 3.1 3.1
Operating lease right-of-use assets 161.0 151.7
Other non-current assets 9.6 10.9
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accrued compensation and related benefits 50.1 47.7
Operating lease liabilities 18.6 18.1
Other current liabilities 38.4 33.7
Bank borrowings, net of current portion 476.5 461.2
Deferred tax liabilities 16.1 19.0
Other liabilities 6.7 37.3
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 10)
Equity:
UCT stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock — $0.001 par value, 10.0 shares authorized; none outstanding — —
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (10.3) (4.4)
Total UCT stockholders' equity 873.6 838.9
Noncontrolling interests 62.2 58.3
(See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
44
Table of Contents
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Year Ended
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
Cost of revenues:
Operating expenses:
Net loss on divestitures — — 77.4
Other income (expense), net 17.7 (1.8) 0.9
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 67.2 (11.3) 88.3
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 10.8 8.9 10.0
Net income (loss) attributable to UCT $ 23.7 $ (31.1) $ 40.4
Net income (loss) per share attributable to UCT common stockholders:
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:
(See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
45
Table of Contents
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Year Ended
(In millions)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in cumulative translation adjustment, net of tax (11.3) 1.5 (9.9)
Change in pension net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax (1.0) 0.4 1.2
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax — (0.4) 1.0
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (12.3) 1.5 (7.7)
Comprehensive income, attributable to noncontrolling interests (4.4) (9.4) (7.5)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to UCT $ 17.8 $ (30.1) $ 35.2
(See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
46
Table of Contents
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Year Ended
(In millions)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Amortization of intangible assets 30.4 24.1 30.0
Amortization of debt issuance costs 3.0 3.9 3.9
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment 1.2 (0.9) (0.2)
Change in the fair value of financial instruments (29.2) 1.7 1.0
Deferred income taxes (3.0) (12.4) (0.2)
Net loss on divestiture — — 77.4
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (3.2) 12.5 (4.5)
Other non-current assets 1.3 — (3.4)
Accrued compensation and related benefits 2.4 (5.6) 7.1
Income taxes payable 1.0 (5.2) (0.1)
Operating lease assets and liabilities 2.6 0.4 (2.2)
Other liabilities 1.3 (7.9) (1.0)
Net cash provided by operating activities 65.0 135.9 47.2
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (63.5) (75.8) (100.1)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — (46.1) —
Proceeds from sale of equipment — 2.2 0.5
Divestiture of subsidiaries — — 3.4
Net cash used in investing activities (63.5) (119.7) (96.2)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bank borrowings 67.7 — —
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 2.0 0.8 0.7
Extinguishment of bank borrowings (44.2) — —
Principal payments on bank borrowings (10.2) (38.6) (39.7)
Payment of debt issuance costs (2.5) (0.3) (0.7)
Employees’ taxes paid upon vesting of restricted stock units (2.5) (2.2) (3.9)
Payments of dividends to a joint venture shareholder (0.5) (0.2) (0.3)
Repurchase of shares — (29.4) (12.1)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 9.8 (69.9) (56.0)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (4.4) 1.9 (2.7)
47
Table of Contents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 6.9 (51.8) (107.7)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 307.0 358.8 466.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 313.9 $ 307.0 $ 358.8
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net of income tax refunds $ 34.3 $ 31.2 $ 36.8
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Fair value of HIS earn-out at acquisition date $ — $ 27.1 $ —
(See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
48
Table of Contents
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock Treasury shares
(In millions)
Issuance under employee stock plans 0.7 — 0.7 — — — — 0.7 — 0.7
Stock-based compensation expense — 19.1 — — — — 19.1 — 19.1
Dividend payments to a joint venture shareholder — — — — — — — — (0.3) (0.3)
Divestiture of a subsidiary — — — — — — — — (1.9) (1.9)
Other comprehensive loss — — — — — — (5.2) (5.2) (2.5) (7.7)
Issuance under employee stock plans 0.6 — 0.8 — — — — 0.8 — 0.8
Shares transfer to employee stock plans — — (0.5) — — — — — —
Stock-based compensation expense — 12.1 — — — — 12.1 — 12.1
Dividend payments to a joint venture shareholder — — — — — — — — (0.2) (0.2)
Other comprehensive income — — — — — — 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.5
Issuance under employee stock plans 0.6 — 2.0 — — — — 2.0 — 2.0
Stock-based compensation expense — — 17.4 — — — — 17.4 — 17.4
Dividend payments to a joint venture shareholder — — — — — — — — (0.5) (0.5)
Other comprehensive loss — — — — — — (5.9) (5.9) (6.4) (12.3)
(See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)
49
Table of Contents
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc., (the “Company” or “UCT”) a Delaware corporation, was founded in November 2002 and became a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ Global Market in March 2004. The Company is a leading developer and supplier of critical subsystems, components, parts, and ultra-high purity cleaning and analytical services, primarily for the semiconductor industry. UCT offers its customers an integrated outsourced solution for major subassemblies, improved design-to-delivery cycle times, design for manufacturability, prototyping and part and component manufacturing, as well as tool chamber parts cleaning and coating, and micro-contamination analytical services. The Company’s Products business primarily designs, engineers and manufactures production tools, components and parts, and modules and subsystems for the semiconductor and display capital equipment markets. Products include chemical delivery modules, frame assemblies, gas delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, precision robotics, process modules, sub-fab process equipment support racks, as well as other high-level assemblies. The Company’s Services business provides ultra-high purity parts cleaning, process tool part recoating, surface encapsulation and high sensitivity micro contamination analysis primarily for the semiconductor device makers and wafer fabrication equipment markets.
Fiscal Year
The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Friday nearest December 31. All references to quarters refer to fiscal quarters and all references to years refer to fiscal years.
Principles of Consolidation
The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and all intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests are recognized to reflect the portion of the equity of the majority-owned subsidiaries which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the controlling stockholder. The Company’s consolidated entities include partially-owned entities, which are Cinos Co., Ltd (“Cinos Korea”), a South Korean company that provides outsourced cleaning and recycling of precision parts for the semiconductor industry through its operating facilities in South Korea and whose results the Company consolidates, and Cinos Xian Clean Technology, Ltd. (“Cinos China”), a Chinese entity that is majority owned by Cinos Korea. The interest held by others in Cinos Korea and in Cinos China are presented as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. The noncontrolling interests will continue to be attributed its share of gains and losses even if that attribution results in a deficit noncontrolling interests’ balance.
Segments
The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) guidance regarding disclosure about segments in an enterprise and related information establishes standards for the reporting by public business enterprises of information about reportable segments, products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The method for determining what information to report is based on the manner in which management organizes the reportable segments within the Company for making operational decisions and assessments of financial performance. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker is the Chief Executive Officer. The Company operates in two reportable segments: Products and Services. See Note 16 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement
As of December 27, 2024, the functional currency of the Products business’ foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. Dollar except for the subsidiaries of Ham-Let (Israel-Canada) Ltd. (“Ham-Let” or “Fluid Solutions”) in the United Kingdom and Netherlands, which is the local currency. The functional currency of the Services division’s foreign subsidiaries is the local currency, except for that of its Singapore, Scotland and Ireland entities, which is the U.S. Dollar.
For the Company’s foreign subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, the Company translates the financial statements of these subsidiaries to U.S. Dollars using month-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, and average exchange rates for revenue, costs and expenses. Translation gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other
50
Table of Contents
comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) within UCT stockholders’ equity. For the Company’s foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. Dollar is the functional currency and functional currency differs from their local currency, any gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of the assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are recorded in other income (expense), net.
Use of Estimates
The presentation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates and assumptions include, but not limited to, inventory valuation, accounting for income taxes, business combinations, contingent earn-out liabilities, valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. However, future events are subject to change and the best estimates and judgments routinely require adjustments. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers currency on hand, demand deposits, time deposits, and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are held in various financial institutions in the United States and internationally.
Accounts Receivable
The majority of our accounts receivable are derived from sales to large multinational semiconductor capital equipment manufacturers throughout the world, are recorded at their invoiced amount, and do not bear interest.
Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for expected losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company evaluates its allowance for expected credit losses based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where specific invoices are deemed uncollectible, the Company provides a specific allowance against the amount due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount it reasonably believes will be collected. The Company also provides allowances based on its write-off history. Provision for credit loss was not material for fiscal years ended December 27, 2024, December 29, 2023 and December 30, 2022.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally requires no collateral.
Cash is placed on deposit at large global financial institutions. Such deposits may be in excess of insured limits. Management believes that the financial institutions that hold the Company’s cash are creditworthy and, accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to these balances.
Fair Value of Measurements
The Company measures its cash equivalents, derivative contracts, contingent earn-out liabilities and pension obligation at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured and classified in accordance with a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the observability of the inputs available in the market used to measure fair value:
Level 1 — Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 — Inputs that are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be derived from observable market data. Where applicable, these models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates, and credit ratings.
51
Table of Contents
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activities.
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, net, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued compensation and related benefits, and other current liabilities approximate their fair values due to their relatively short maturities as of December 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses forward contracts to hedge a portion of, but not all, existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions typically expected to occur within 24 months. The purpose of the hedge is to mitigate the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on certain foreign currency denominated costs and eventual cash flows. The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The Company records changes in the fair value of the derivatives in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as other income (expense), net, or as a component of AOCI in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. The Company evaluates the valuation of all inventories, including raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods and spare parts on a periodic basis. Obsolete inventory or inventory in excess of management’s estimated usage is written down to its estimated market value less costs to sell, if less than its cost. Inherent in the estimates of market value are management’s estimates related to economic trends and future demand for the Company’s products.
Inventory write downs inherently involve judgments based on assumptions about expected future demand and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Although the Company believes that the assumptions it used in estimating inventory write downs are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions in the future could produce a significantly different result. There can be no assurances that future events and changing market conditions will not result in significant increases in inventory write downs. For further discussion of the Company’s inventories see Note 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Property, Plant andEquipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, or, in the case of equipment under finance leases, the present value of future minimum lease payments at inception of the related lease. The Company also capitalizes interest on borrowings related to eligible capital expenditures. Direct costs incurred to develop software for internal use are capitalized. Costs related to the design or maintenance of internal use software are expensed as incurred.
Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the term of the lease. The estimated useful life of an asset is reassessed whenever applicable facts and circumstances indicate a change in the estimated useful life of such asset has occurred. For further discussion of the Company’s property, plant and equipment see Note 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Long-lived Assets
The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the fair value of the assets based on the amount of the undiscounted future cash flows that the assets are expected to generate and recognizes an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset are less than the carrying value of the asset. If the Company identifies an impairment, the Company reduces the carrying value of the group of assets to comparable market values, when available and appropriate, or to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach.
At the end of fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company assessed the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment as well as its intangible assets and concluded that no impairment was required.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease, or contains a lease, at the inception of the arrangement and reassesses that conclusion if the arrangement is modified. When the Company determines the arrangement is a lease, or contains a lease, at lease inception, it then determines whether the lease is an operating lease or a finance lease. Operating and finance leases with lease terms of greater than one year result in the Company recording a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability on its balance sheet. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease
52
Table of Contents
term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating and finance lease ROU assets and liabilities are initially recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of lease payments, the Company uses the implicit interest rate if readily determinable or when the implicit interest rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate.
The incremental borrowing rate is not a commonly quoted rate and is derived through a combination of inputs including the Company’s credit rating and the impact of full collateralization. The incremental borrowing rate is based on the Company’s collateralized borrowing capabilities over a similar term of the lease payments. The Company utilizes the incremental borrowing rate based on bank loan rates at the respective locations for leases where appropriate and the consolidated group bank loan rate where the Company does not have local bank financings.
The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made in advance and is reduced by any lease incentives. Specific lease terms used in computing the ROU assets and lease liabilities may include options to extend or terminate the lease when the Company believes it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has elected not to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities that arise from short-term (12 months or less) leases for any class of underlying asset. Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets and in operating lease liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.The Company’s finance leases at December 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023 were not significant. For further discussion of the Company’s leases see Note 14 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Finite-lived intangible assets are presented at cost, net of accumulated amortization, and are amortized on either a straight-line method or on an accelerated method over their estimated economic lives. The Company reviews goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value exceeds their fair value, such as when reductions in demand or significant economic slowdowns in the semiconductor industry are present. There were no impairments of the Company’s goodwill and purchased intangible assets in fiscal year 2024 or 2023. For further discussion of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets see Note 6 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Deferred Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs incurred in connection with obtaining debt financing are deferred and presented as a direct deduction from Bank Borrowings in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred costs are amortized on an effective interest method basis over the contractual term.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
The Company has several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of the employees of two of its foreign entities upon termination of their employee services. The benefits for these plans are based on expected years of service and average compensation. The net period costs are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the postretirement benefits. The Company records annual amounts relating to the pension plan based on calculations that incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions, including discount rates, mortality, assumed rates of return, compensation increases and turnover rates. The Company reviews its assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current and expected rates of return and trends when it is appropriate to do so. The effect of modifications to those assumptions is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) and amortized to net periodic cost over future periods using the corridor method. The Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under the plan are reasonable based on its experience and market conditions. For further discussion of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan see Note 9 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies performance obligations as evidenced by the transfer of control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company performs the following five steps to determine when to recognize revenue: (1) identification of the contract(s) with its customers, (2) identification of the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determination of the transaction price, (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognition of revenue when, or as, a performance obligation is satisfied. The Company infrequently sells certain finished goods inventory on a bill and hold basis. The terms of the bill and hold agreement provide that title to the specified inventory is transferred to the customer prior to shipment and the
53
Table of Contents
Company has the right to payment (prior to physical delivery) which results in recorded revenue as determined under the revenue recognition standard. There were no significant bill and hold arrangements for fiscal year 2024, 2023 and 2022. For further discussion of the Company’s revenue recognition see Note 13 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs are included as a component of cost of revenues.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The Company maintains stock-based compensation plans which allow for the issuance of equity-based awards to directors and certain employees. These equity-based awards include restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), performance stock units (“PSUs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The RSAs and RSUs use the closing price of stock price on the day preceding the grant date as a proxy for fair value and compensation expense. The PSUs contain market conditions, and compensation expense is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation model and recognized over the requisite service period based on the expected market performance as of the grant date. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
The Company also maintains an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) that provides for the issuance of shares to all eligible employees of the Company at a discounted price.
For further discussion of the Company’s employee stock plans see Note 12 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Government Subsidies
Government subsidies are recognized where there is reasonable assurance that the subsidy will be received and all attached conditions will be complied with. When the subsidy relates to an expense item, it is recognized as a reduction of that expense on a systematic basis over the periods that the related costs, for which it is intended to compensate, are expensed. When the subsidy relates to an asset, it is recognized as income in equal amounts over the expected useful life of the related asset. When the subsidy does not relate to specific expenses or assets, the income is accounted for in the period where there is reasonable assurance that the subsidy will be received. For further discussion of the Company’s government subsidies see Note 17 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. In evaluating our ability to realize our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In projecting future taxable income, we begin with historical results and incorporate assumptions about the amount of future federal, state, and foreign pretax operating income adjusted for items that do not have tax consequences. The assumptions about future taxable income require significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, we consider recent cumulative income (loss). A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Income tax positions must meet a more likely than not recognition threshold to be recognized. The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the consolidated statements of income as income tax expense.
The Company accounts for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income as period costs when incurred. For further discussion of the Company’s income taxes see Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
54
Table of Contents
Net Income (Loss) per Share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common equivalent shares from dilutive restricted stock using the treasury stock method, except when such shares are anti-dilutive. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718, the assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method include the average unrecognized compensation expense of in-the-money stock options and restricted stock units. This results in the assumed buyback of additional shares, thereby reducing the dilutive impact of equity awards. For further information of the Company’s income per share see Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Business Combinations
The Company recognizes assets acquired (including goodwill and identifiable intangible assets), liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest at fair value on the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of such assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized in earnings, after the expiration of the measurement period, a period not to exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. Acquisition-related expenses and acquisition-related restructuring costs are recognized in earnings in the period in which they are incurred. For further discussion of the Company’s business combinations see Note 2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Accounting Standards Recently Adopted
In November 2023, FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU No. 2023-07”), which requires a public entity to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. ASU No. 2023-07 does not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates them, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments.
The Company adopted ASU No. 2023-07 on December 27, 2024, with retrospective disclosure of prior periods presented. There was no impact to its results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU No. 2023-09”), which amends the guidance in ASC 740, Income Taxes. ASU No. 2023-09 is intended to improve the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. It also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2023-09 prospectively in its fiscal year 2025.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU No. 2024-03”), which requires disaggregated disclosure of certain costs and expenses, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization and depletion, within relevant income statement captions. ASU No. 2024-03 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027 on a retrospective or prospective basis, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2024-03 will have on its financial statement disclosures.
2. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
On October 25, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the shares of HIS Innovations Group (“HIS”), a privately held company based in Hillsboro, Oregon. HIS is a leading supplier to the semiconductor sub-fab segment including the design, manufacturing, and integration of components, process solutions, and fully integrated sub-systems. The acquisition strengthens the Company's leadership in developing and supplying critical products to the semiconductor industry, and extends our reach into the sub-fab area.
The purchase price of HIS for purposes of the Company’s purchase price allocation was determined to be $73.6 million, which includes initial cash consideration of $46.5 million and the fair value of potential earn-out payments of approximately $27.1 million. These potential earn-out payments represent up to $70.0 million of cash consideration that may be payable based on the financial performance of the acquired business during the fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The fair value of the potential earn-out payments was determined utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. As of
55
Table of Contents
December 27, 2024, the estimated fair value of the earn-out payments was approximately $0.1 million. The change in the accrual is due to lower-than-expected financial performance. See Note 5 Fair Value for further discussion.
The Company has assigned the purchase price of HIS to the tangible assets, liabilities and identifiable intangible assets acquired, based on their estimated fair values. The excess of purchase price over the aggregate fair value was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill associated with the acquisition is primarily attributable to the future technology, market presence and knowledgeable and experienced workforce. The fair value assigned to identifiable intangible assets acquired was determined using the income approach taking into account the Company’s consideration of a number of inputs, including a third-party analysis that was based upon estimates and assumptions provided by the Company. These estimates and assumptions were determined through established and generally accepted valuation techniques and with the assistance of a valuation specialist.
During the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Company completed the acquisition accounting and the valuation of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.
The following table summarizes the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition, including all measurement period adjustments:
(In millions) Amount
Cash and cash equivalents $ 0.4
Accounts receivable 5.6
Inventories 11.4
Prepaid expenses and other assets 2.7
Property, plant and equipment 9.3
Purchased intangible assets 51.6
Operating lease right-of-use assets 7.5
Accounts payable (8.1)
Accrued compensation and related benefits (0.7)
Other current liabilities (0.9)
Deferred tax liabilities (12.1)
Operating lease liabilities (9.6)
Total identifiable net assets $ 57.1
The following table summarizes the intangible assets acquired and the useful lives of these assets:
UsefulLife PurchasedIntangible Assets
(In years) (In millions)
Customer relationships 7 $ 35.2
Developed technology 5 4.6
Total purchased intangible assets $ 51.6
The results of operations for the Company for the year ended December 29, 2023 included operating activities for HIS since its acquisition date of October 25, 2023. Pro forma and historical post-closing results of operations for the HIS acquisition were not material to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, acquisition-related costs of $1.0 million and $4.7 million were included in the results of operations for the year ended December 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023, respectively. Acquisition costs are included in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated results of operations.
3. BUSINESS DIVESTITURES
In 2022, the Company executed the sale of four of its non-semiconductor operating subsidiaries of Fluid Solutions. Each of these entities was reported within the Products reportable segment. The purpose of the divestitures was to allow the
56
Table of Contents
Company to remain focused on its core semiconductor business. As a result of these divestitures, the Company recorded a net loss of $77.4 million during fiscal year 2022, which was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The recorded net loss included the write-off of intangible assets, goodwill and net assets of $27.8 million, $19.7 million and $29.9 million, respectively. Goodwill was allocated to the divestitures based on the relative fair value of each component in relation to its respective reporting unit. See Note 6 Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further discussion.
4. BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
Inventories consisted of the following:
Property, plant and equipment, net, consisted of the following:
(In millions) Useful Life(In years) December 27,2024 December 29,2023
Computer equipment and software 3 - 10 78.2 72.2
Furniture and fixtures 5 4.8 5.0
Construction in progress 37.9 40.5
*Lesser of estimated useful life or remaining lease term
Capitalized interest was not significant for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2024, December 29, 2023 and December 30, 2022.
5. FAIR VALUE
The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The following table summarizes, for assets or liabilities measured at fair value, the respective fair value and the classification by level of input within the fair value hierarchy:
Fair Value Measurement atReporting Date Using
(In millions)
Other non-current assets:
Plan assets $ 0.1 $ — $ — $ 0.1
Other liabilities:
Pension obligation $ 1.7 $ — $ — $ 1.7
Contingent earn-out $ 0.1 $ — $ — $ 0.1
57
Table of Contents
Fair Value Measurement atReporting Date Using
(In millions)
Other non-current assets:
Plan assets $ 1.3 $ — $ — $ 1.3
Other current liabilities:
Forward contracts $ 0.1 $ — $ 0.1 $ —
Other liabilities:
Pension obligation $ 1.6 $ — $ — $ 1.6
Contingent earn-out $ 29.1 $ — $ — $ 29.1
The estimated fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is based upon quoted market prices obtained from independent pricing services for similar derivative contracts and these financial instruments are characterized as Level 2 assets in the fair value hierarchy.
The estimated fair value of pension obligation is based on expected years of service and average compensation. The valuation model used to value pension obligation utilizes mortality rate, inflation, interest rate risks and changes in the life expectancy for pensioners. These assumptions are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent actuary resulting in a Level 3 classification. As of December 27, 2024, the Company's aggregate pension benefit obligations is $12.3 million and was exceeded by the fair value of the pension plan assets of $10.6 million, resulting in underfunded pension benefit obligations of $1.7 million. The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation. Each overfunded plan is recognized as an asset and each underfunded plan is recognized as a liability.
The Company measures its contingent earn-out liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The significant unobservable inputs used in the model include the forecasted operating profit of the acquired business during calendar year 2025. Significant increases or decreases to the forecasted results would result in a significantly higher or lower liability, with a higher liability capped by the contractual maximum of the contingent earn-out obligation. Ultimately, the liability will be equivalent to the amount paid, and the difference between the fair value estimate and amount paid will be recorded in earnings. The amount paid that is less than or equal to the contingent earn-out liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Any amount paid in excess of the contingent earn-out liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. In 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded $29.0 million gain and $2.0 million loss, respectively from changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out related to the acquisition of HIS. These amounts were recorded as other income (expense), net, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
There were no transfers in or out of any level during the fiscal year ended December 27, 2024 or December 29, 2023. Fair value adjustments were noncash, and therefore did not impact the Company’s liquidity or capital resources.
6. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company’s methodology for allocating the purchase price relating to an acquisition is determined through established and generally accepted valuation techniques. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the consideration transferred over the sum of the amounts assigned to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed.
To test goodwill for impairment, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the Company does not proceed to perform a quantitative impairment test. If the Company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative goodwill impairment test will be performed by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. A quantitative impairment analysis, if necessary, considers the income approach, which requires estimates of the present value of expected future cash flows to determine a reporting unit’s fair value. Significant estimates include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. A goodwill impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value. Any loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill and intangible
58
Table of Contents
assets requires significant judgment. The Company regularly monitors current business conditions and other factors including, but not limited to, adverse industry or economic trends and lower projections of profitability that may impact future operating results.
In the fourth quarters of 2024 and 2023, the Company performed qualitative impairment assessments for each of the Company's reporting units. The qualitative assessments indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair values of its reporting units exceeded its carrying value and, therefore, did not result in an impairment.
In connection with the divestiture of certain Fluid Solutions subsidiaries during fiscal year 2022, the Company wrote off goodwill and intangible assets of $19.7 million and $27.8 million, respectively.
Details of aggregate goodwill of the Company are as follows:
(In millions) Products Services Total
HIS Fair value adjustment 0.1 — 0.1
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are generally recorded in connection with a business acquisition. The Company evaluates the useful lives of its intangible assets each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances require revising the remaining period of amortization. In addition, the Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable and evaluates indefinite-lived intangible asset for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Management considers such indicators as significant differences in product demand from the estimates, changes in the competitive and economic environment, technological advances, and changes in cost structure.
Details of intangible assets were as follows:
*The Company concluded that the asset life of UCT tradename of $9.0 million is indefinite and is therefore not amortized but is reviewed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
The Company amortizes its intangible assets on a straight-line or accelerated basis over the estimated economic life of the assets. Amortization expense was approximately $30.4 million for the year ended December 27, 2024, $24.1 million for the year ended December 29, 2023, and $30.0 million for the year ended December 30, 2022. Amortization expense related to recipes, standard operating procedures, developed technology and certain intellectual property/know-how is charged to cost of revenues and the remainder is charged to general and administrative expense. As of December 27, 2024, future
59
Table of Contents
estimated amortization expense is expected to be as follows:
(In millions) AmortizationExpense
7. BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS
On April 4, 2024, the Company entered into a Sixth Amendment (the “Sixth Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 27, 2018 (as amended as of October 1, 2018, March 31, 2021, August 19, 2022, June 29, 2023 and July 27, 2023 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”), and the Existing Credit Agreement as further amended by the Sixth Amendment, the “Credit Agreement”). Pursuant to the Sixth Amendment, the Existing Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, (i) extend the final maturity date of the term loan and revolving credit facilities under the Credit Agreement by 30 months; (ii) reduce the interest rate applicable to the term loan facility under the Credit Agreement by 0.25% per annum; and (iii) increase the outstanding amount under the Term Loan of $475.4 million to $500 million.
The Sixth Amendment resulted in the receipts of an additional $67.7 million of debt, net of $1.1 million related lender fees from new or existing syndicate lenders which was offset by syndicate lenders who reduced their positions by $44.2 million. The Company capitalized additional $2.5 million of costs related to this amendment and continued to defer previously capitalized costs of $5.2 million. The Company expensed the third party transaction costs and the previously capitalized costs of extinguished debt of $3.6 million which was included in the other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 27, 2024.
On October 8, 2024, the Company entered a Seventh Amendment (the “Seventh Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement to further reduce the interest rate applicable to the term loan facility under the Credit Agreement by 0.25% per annum.
The Term Loan has a maturity date of February 25, 2028. The Company pays monthly interest payments in arrears and quarterly principal payments of 0.625% of the outstanding principal balance as of October 8, 2024, with the remaining principal paid upon maturity.
The revolving credit facility has an available commitment of $150.0 million and a maturity date of August 27, 2027. The Company pays a quarterly commitment fee in arrears equal to 0.25% of the average daily available commitment outstanding. Outstanding letters of credit reduce the availability of the revolving credit facility and, as of December 27, 2024, the Company had $146.5 million, net of $3.5 million of outstanding letters of credit, available under this revolving credit facility.
The letter of credit facility has an available commitment of $50.0 million and a maturity date of August 27, 2027. The Company pays a quarterly fee in arrears equal to 2.5% (subject to certain adjustments to the Term Loan) of the dollar equivalent of all outstanding letters of credit, and a fronting fee equal to 0.125% of the undrawn and unexpired amount of each letter of credit. As of December 27, 2024, the Company had $3.5 million of outstanding letters of credit and $46.5 million of available commitments remaining under the letter of credit facility.
Under the Credit Agreement, the Company may elect that the Term Loan bear interest at a rate per annum equal to either (a) “ABR” (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus the applicable margin or (b) the “Eurodollar Rate” (as defined in the Credit Agreement), based on SOFR, plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for the Term Loan is equal to a rate per annum to either (i) at any time that the Company’s corporate family rating is Ba3 (with a stable outlook) or higher from Moody’s and BB (with a stable outlook) or higher from S&P, (x) 3.00% for such Eurodollar term loans and (y) 2.00% for such ABR term loans or (ii) at all other times, (x) 3.25% for such Eurodollar term loans and (y) 2.25% for such ABR term loans. Interest on the Term Loan is payable on (1) in the case of such ABR term loans, the last day of each calendar quarter and (2) in the case of such Eurodollar term loans, the last day of each relevant interest period and, in the case of any interest period longer than three months, on each successive date three months after the first day of such interest period.
At December 27, 2024, the Company had an outstanding amount under the Term Loan of $493.8 million, gross of unamortized debt issuance costs of $7.2 million. As of December 27, 2024, the interest rate on the outstanding Term Loan was 7.8%.
60
Table of Contents
The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain certain financial covenants including a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and a consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the last day of any fiscal quarter. The Company currently has no revolving loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of the fiscal year ended December 27, 2024.
The Company has a credit agreement with a local bank in the Czechia that provides for a revolving credit facility in the aggregate of up to 7.0 million euros (approximately $7.3 million). As of December 27, 2024, no debt was outstanding under this revolving credit facility.
Fluid Solutions has a credit facility with a financial institution in Israel that provides borrowing up to $6.0 million. As of December 27, 2024, Fluid Solutions had an $5.9 million outstanding balance under this facility with interest rate of 6.7%.
As of December 27, 2024, the Company’s total bank debt was $492.5 million, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $7.2 million. As of December 27, 2024, the Company had $146.5 million, $0.1 million and $7.3 million available to draw from its credit facilities in the U.S., Israel and Czechia, respectively.
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was based on Level 2 inputs, and fair value was determined using quoted prices for similar liabilities in inactive markets. The Company’s carrying value approximates fair value for the Company’s long term-debt.
As of December 27, 2024, the Company’s future debt principal payment obligations for the respective fiscal years were as follows:
(In millions) Debt(Principal only)
8. INCOME TAXES
Income before provision for income taxes was generated from the following geographic areas:
Year Ended
The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
Year Ended
Current:
Deferred:
61
Table of Contents
The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as follows:
Year Ended
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit (8.1) % 48.5 % (1.6) %
Effect of foreign operations (11.0) % 21.5 % (6.7) %
Change in valuation allowance 37.4 % (34.0) % 24.3 %
Foreign income inclusions 18.9 % (141.2) % 4.0 %
Nondeductible executive compensation 1.4 % (7.0) % 1.8 %
Stock-based compensation (0.5) % (3.7) % (0.3) %
Acquisition related expenses (9.1) % (8.0) % —
Tax credits (0.7) % 6.2 % (0.7) %
Tax reserves (1.5) % (0.1) % 1.1 %
Other 0.9 % 0.3 % — %
Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
Year Ended
Deferred tax assets:
Interest expense limitation $ 39.5 $ 29.4
Operating lease liabilities 28.3 27.3
Tax loss carryforwards 40.4 19.9
Capitalized research and development costs 12.5 10.9
Inventory valuation and basis difference 7.4 5.3
Other timing differences 8.2 7.1
Valuation allowance (96.3) (57.9)
Total deferred tax assets 51.1 53.7
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating lease right-of-use assets (27.2) (26.1)
Depreciation (3.6) (9.0)
Total deferred tax liabilities (64.1) (69.6)
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (13.0) $ (15.9)
As of December 27, 2024, the Company had undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries of approximately $555.0 million that are considered indefinitely reinvested and on which we have not recognized deferred taxes. It is not practicable to determine the tax liability that might be incurred if these earnings were to be distributed. For undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries which are not considered indefinitely reinvested deferred taxes have been accrued.
As of December 27, 2024, a valuation allowance of $96.3 million was established for deferred tax assets related to U.S. federal and state assets and certain foreign assets. For fiscal 2024, the valuation allowance increased by $38.4 million. The increase in the valuation allowance is primarily due to an increase in deferred tax assets attributable to U.S. taxable losses
62
Table of Contents
and additional capital losses recognized by one of our subsidiaries in Israel on its income tax return related to divestitures of certain of its subsidiaries.
The Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023 was $2.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively. If the remaining balance of unrecognized tax benefits were recognized in a future period, it would result in a tax benefit of $1.4 million as of December 27, 2024 ($2.1 million as of December 29, 2023) and a reduction in the effective tax rate. Increases or decreases to interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included in the income tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest related to uncertain tax positions for the periods ended December 27, 2024, December 29, 2023 and December 30, 2022, was not material. There are no penalties accrued within the liability for unrecognized benefits.
Although it is possible some of the unrecognized tax benefits could be settled within the next twelve months, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the outcome at this time.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):