UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024
OR
For the transition period from ____ to ____
Commission file number: 1-13648
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | |||||||
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (845 ) 326-5600
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| (Check one): | ☑ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | Emerging growth company | |||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
As of October 17, 2024, the registrant had 32,507,716 shares of its Common Stock, $.06 2/3 par value, outstanding.
BALCHEM CORPORATION
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page No. | ||||||||||||||
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
| Assets | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Current assets: | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $ | ||||||||||||||
| Inventories, net | ||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Other current assets | ||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | ||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets with finite lives, net | ||||||||||||||
| Right of use assets - operating leases | ||||||||||||||
| Right of use assets - finance lease | ||||||||||||||
| Other non-current assets | ||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Trade accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued compensation and other benefits | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends payable | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes payable | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - current | ||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities - current | ||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Revolving loan | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - non-current | ||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities - non-current | ||||||||||||||
| Other long-term obligations | ||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) | ||||||||||||||
| Stockholders' equity: | ||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, $ | ||||||||||||||
Common stock, $ | ||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | ||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | ||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses, net: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense (income), net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income tax expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings per common share - basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings per common share - diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in postretirement benefit plans | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
| Total Stockholders' Equity | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ( | — | ( | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock, including excise tax | ( | — | — | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares and options issued under stock plans | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2024 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ( | — | ( | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock, including excise tax | ( | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares and options issued under stock plans | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - June 30, 2024 | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock, including excise tax | ( | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares and options issued under stock plans | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (continued)
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
| Total Stockholders' Equity | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock, including excise tax | ( | — | — | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares and options issued under stock plans | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ( | — | ( | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock, including excise tax | ( | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares and options issued under stock plans | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - June 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ( | — | ( | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock, including excise tax | ( | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares and options issued under stock plans | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||
| Stock compensation expense | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Provision for doubtful accounts | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on foreign currency transactions and deferred compensation | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Asset impairment and loss on disposal of assets | ||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ||||||||||||||
| Inventories | ( | |||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | |||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Income taxes | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures and intangible assets acquired | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | |||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of assets | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge | ||||||||||||||
| Investment in affiliates | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from revolving loan | ||||||||||||||
| Principal payments on revolving loan | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Principal payments on finance lease | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from stock options exercised | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends paid | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Repurchases of common stock | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | ||||||||||||||
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents end of period | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
BALCHEM CORPORATION
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(All dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
NOTE 1 – CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the December 31, 2023 consolidated financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes, which appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the operations of Balchem Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Balchem"). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements furnished in this Form 10-Q include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”) governing interim financial statements and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and therefore do not include some information and notes necessary to conform to annual reporting requirements. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results expected for the full year or any interim period.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." The new guidance is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures by requiring disaggregated information about a reporting entity's effective tax rate reconciliation and information on income taxes paid. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendment in this update should be applied on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2023-09 will have to the financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures." The ASU expands reportable segment disclosure requirements by requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of a segment's profit or loss. The ASU also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of a segment's profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. Additionally, ASU 2023-07 requires all segment profit or loss and assets disclosures to be provided on an annual and interim basis. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The adoption of this guidance will not affect the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the guidance will have on its disclosures.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
9
NOTE 2 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company’s results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 reflected the following stock-based compensation cost, and such compensation cost had the following effects on net earnings:
| Increase/(Decrease) for the | Increase/(Decrease) for the | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
As allowed by ASC 718, the Company has made an estimate of expected forfeitures based on its historical experience and is recognizing compensation cost only for those stock-based compensation awards expected to vest.
The Company's omnibus incentive plan ("the Plan") allows for the granting of stock awards and options to purchase common stock. Both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options can be awarded under the plan. No option will be exercisable for longer than ten years after the date of grant. The Company has approved and reserved a number of shares to be issued upon exercise of the outstanding options that is adequate to cover all exercises. As of September 30, 2024, the Plan had 829,101 shares available for future awards, which included an additional 800,000 shares approved by the Company's shareholders during its annual meeting of shareholders held on June 22, 2023. Compensation expense for stock options and stock awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, generally to five years for stock options, three years for employee restricted stock awards, three years for employee performance share awards, and three years for non-employee director restricted stock awards. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plans) or other qualifying events.
Option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 is summarized below:
| For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 | Shares (000s) | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canceled | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable as of September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | Shares (000s) | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canceled | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable as of September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
10
ASC 718 requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The weighted average fair values of the stock options granted under the Plan were calculated using either the Black-Scholes model or the Binomial model, whichever was deemed to be most appropriate. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of the grant using the following weighted average assumptions for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively: dividend yields of 0.6 % and 0.5 %; expected volatilities of 28 % and 28 %; risk-free interest rates of 4.1 % and 3.9 % and expected lives of 5.0 years and 4.8 years.
The Company used a projected expected life for each award granted based on historical experience of employees’ exercise behavior. Expected volatilities are based on the Company’s historical volatility levels. Dividend yields are based on the Company’s historical dividend yields. Risk-free interest rates are based on the implied yields currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life.
Other information pertaining to option activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 is as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average fair value of options granted | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-vested restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 is summarized below:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares (000s) | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | Shares (000s) | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-vested balance as of December 31 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-vested balance as of September 30 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-vested performance share activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 is summarized below:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares (000s) | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | Shares (000s) | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-vested balance as of December 31 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-vested balance as of September 30 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
11
The performance share (“PS”) awards provide the recipients the right to receive a certain number of shares of the Company’s common stock in the future, subject to an EBITDA performance hurdle, where vesting is dependent upon the Company achieving a certain EBITDA percentage growth over the performance period, and relative total shareholder return ("TSR") where vesting is dependent upon the Company’s TSR performance over the performance period relative to a comparator group consisting of the Russell 2000 index constituents. Expense is measured based on the fair value of the grant at the date of grant. A Monte-Carlo simulation has been used to estimate the fair value. The assumptions used in the fair value determination were risk free interest rates of 4.2 % and 4.2 %; dividend yields of 0.0 % and 0.5 %; volatilities of 25 % and 32 %; and initial TSR’s of 10.3 % and 4.2 %, in each case for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Expense is estimated based on the number of shares expected to vest, assuming the requisite service period is rendered and the probable outcome of the performance condition is achieved. The estimate is revised if subsequent information indicates that the actual number of shares likely to vest differs from previous estimates. Expense is ultimately adjusted based on the actual achievement of service and performance targets. The PS will cliff vest 100 % at the end of the third year following the grant in accordance with the performance metrics set forth. Grants may be subject to a mandatory holding period of one year from the vesting date. For PS grants made for the 2024-2026 performance period, grants are subject to such holding period.
As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, there were $24,300 and $22,470 , respectively, of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. As of September 30, 2024, the unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years. The Company estimates that share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 will be approximately $16,996 .
Repurchase of Common Stock
NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES
Inventories, net of reserves at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Raw materials | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Work in progress | ||||||||||||||
| Finished goods | ||||||||||||||
| Total inventories | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
12
NOTE 4 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows:
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Land | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Building | ||||||||||||||
| Equipment | ||||||||||||||
| Construction in progress | ||||||||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
NOTE 5 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company had goodwill in the amount of $781,109 and $778,907 as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, subject to the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.” The increase in goodwill is due to changes in foreign currency translation.
Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows:
| Amortization Period (in years) | Gross Carrying Amount at September 30, 2024 | Accumulated Amortization at September 30, 2024 | Gross Carrying Amount at December 31, 2023 | Accumulated Amortization at December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships & lists | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks & trade names | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed technology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of identifiable intangible assets was approximately $3,795 and $15,380 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $6,947 and $21,132 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. Assuming no change in the gross carrying value of identifiable intangible assets, estimated amortization expense is $3,747 for the remainder of 2024, $15,659 for 2025, $15,444 for 2026, $14,916 for 2027, $14,517 for 2028 and $14,091 for 2029. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were no
13
NOTE 6 - EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT
In 2013, the Company and Eastman Chemical Company formed a joint venture (66.66 % / 33.34 % ownership), St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC, to design, develop, and construct an expansion of the Company’s St. Gabriel aqueous choline chloride plant. The Company contributed the St. Gabriel plant, at cost, and all continued expansion and improvements are funded by the owners. The joint venture became operational as of July 1, 2016. St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC is a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) because the total equity at risk is not sufficient to permit the joint venture to finance its own activities without additional subordinated financial support. Additionally, voting rights (2 votes each) are not proportionate to the owners’ obligation to absorb expected losses or receive the expected residual returns of the joint venture. The Company generally receives up to 2/3 of the production offtake capacity, which (percentage of offtake) may be adjusted from time to time to the extent the owners agree as such, and absorbs operating expenses approximately proportional to the actual percentage of offtake. The joint venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting since the Company is not the primary beneficiary as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the joint venture that most significantly impact its economic performance. The Company recognized a loss of $124 and $367 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $118 and $396 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, relating to its portion of the joint venture's expenses in other expense. The Company made capital contributions to the investment totaling $33 and $113 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $69 and $141 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The carrying value of the joint venture at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $3,822 and $4,076 , respectively, and is recorded in "Other non-current assets" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
NOTE 7 – REVOLVING LOAN
On July 27, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "2022 Credit Agreement") with certain lenders in the form of a senior secured revolving credit facility, due on July 27, 2027. The 2022 Credit Agreement allows for up to $550,000 of borrowing. The loans may be used for working capital, letters of credit, and other corporate purposes and may be drawn upon at the Company’s discretion. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the total balance outstanding on the 2022 Credit Agreement amounted to $227,000 and $309,569 , respectively. There are no installment payments required on the revolving loans; they may be voluntarily prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty, and all outstanding amounts are due on the maturity date.
Amounts outstanding under the 2022 Credit Agreement are subject to an interest rate equal to a fluctuating rate as defined by the 2022 Credit Agreement plus an applicable rate. The applicable rate is based upon the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio, as defined in the 2022 Credit Agreement, and the interest rate was 6.070 % at September 30, 2024. The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving loan, which is based on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio as defined in the 2022 Credit Agreement and ranges from 0.150 % to 0.225 % (0.175 % at September 30, 2024). The unused portion of the revolving loan amounted to $323,000 at September 30, 2024. The Company is also required to pay, as applicable, letter of credit fees, administrative agent fees, and other fees to the arrangers and lenders.
Costs associated with the issuance of the revolving loans are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the 2022 Credit Agreement, which is not materially different than the effective interest method. Capitalized costs net of accumulated amortization were $814 and $1,030 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and are included in "Other non-current assets" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amortization expense pertaining to these costs totaled $72 and $216 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $71 and $215 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, and are included in "Interest expense, net" in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.
The 2022 Credit Agreement contains quarterly covenants requiring the consolidated leverage ratio to be less than a certain maximum ratio and the consolidated interest coverage ratio to exceed a certain minimum ratio. At September 30, 2024, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. Indebtedness under the Company’s loan agreements is secured by assets of the Company.
14
NOTE 8– NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following presents a reconciliation of the net earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted net earnings per share:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Earnings - Basic and Diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares (000s) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Common Shares - Basic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of Dilutive Securities – Stock Options, Restricted Stock, and Performance Shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted Average Common Shares - Diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Earnings Per Share - Basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Earnings Per Share - Diluted | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The number of anti-dilutive shares were 189,830 and 326,020 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and 332,339 and 355,419 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. Anti-dilutive shares could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in future periods and therefore, were not included in diluted earnings per share.
NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES
The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, was 22.9 % and 20.3 %, respectively, and 22.2 % and 21.3 % for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The higher effective tax rate for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to lower tax benefits from stock-based compensation and certain higher state taxes.
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and would establish a valuation allowance if it believed that such assets may not be recovered, taking into consideration historical operating results, expectations of future earnings, changes in its operations and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences.
The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes utilizing ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes". ASC 740-10 clarifies whether or not to recognize assets or liabilities for tax positions taken that may be challenged by a tax authority. It prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosures. The application of ASC 740-10 requires judgment related to the uncertainty in income taxes and could impact our effective tax rate.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in various states and foreign countries. As of September 30, 2024, in the major jurisdictions where the Company operates, it is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019. The Company had approximately $4,825 and $4,650 of unrecognized tax benefits, which are included in "Other long-term obligations" on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The Company includes interest expense or income as well as potential penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of "Income tax expense" in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Total accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were approximately $1,588 and $1,413 , respectively, and are included in "Other long-term obligations" on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
15
The European Union ("EU") member states formally adopted the EU's Pillar Two Directive on December 15, 2022, which was established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Pillar Two generally provides for a 15 percent minimum effective tax rate for the jurisdictions where multinational enterprises operate. While the Company does not anticipate that this will have a material impact on its tax provision or effective tax rate, the Company continues to monitor evolving tax legislation in the jurisdictions in which it operates.
NOTE 10 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
Balchem Corporation reports three reportable segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products. Sales and production of products outside of our reportable segments and other minor business activities are included in "Other and Unallocated".
The segment information is summarized as follows:
| Business Segment Assets | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition and Health | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition and Health | ||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | ||||||||||||||
Other and Unallocated (1) | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Business Segment Net Sales | Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition and Health | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition and Health | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other and Unallocated (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes | Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition and Health | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition and Health | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other and Unallocated (2) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation/Amortization | Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition and Health | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition and Health | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other and Unallocated (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
16
Capital Expenditures | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition and Health | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition and Health | ||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | ||||||||||||||
Other and Unallocated (2) | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
(1) Other and Unallocated assets consist of certain cash, capitalized loan issuance costs, other assets, investments, and income taxes, which the Company does not allocate to its individual business segments. It also includes assets associated with a few minor businesses which individually do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate presentation. | ||
(2) Other and Unallocated consists of a few minor businesses which individually do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate presentation and corporate expenses that have not been allocated to a segment. Unallocated corporate expenses consist of: (i) Transaction and integration costs of $ | ||
NOTE 11 – REVENUE
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to realize in exchange for those goods.
The following table presents revenues disaggregated by revenue source. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product Sales Revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royalty Revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents revenues disaggregated by geography, based on the shipping addresses of customers:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Countries | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Product Sales Revenues
The Company’s primary operation is the manufacturing and sale of health and nutrition ingredient products, in which the Company receives an order from a customer and fulfills that order. The Company’s product sales are considered point-in-time revenue.
Royalty Revenues
Royalty revenue consists of agreements with customers to use the Company’s intellectual property in exchange for a sales-based royalty. Royalties are considered over time revenue and are recorded in the Human Nutrition and Health segment.
17
Contract Liabilities
The Company records contract liabilities when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance, including amounts which are refundable.
The Company’s payment terms vary by the type and location of customers and the products offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain products or services and customer types, the Company requires payment before the products are delivered to the customer.
Practical Expedients and Exemptions
The Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling and marketing expenses.
The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which it has the right to invoice for products shipped.
NOTE 12 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 for income taxes and interest is as follows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Income taxes | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Interest | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
NOTE 13 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net foreign currency translation adjustment | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change of cash flow hedge (see Note 19 for further information) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net of tax | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 14 for further information) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of (gain) loss | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior service loss arising during the period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total before tax | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net of tax | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
18
Included in "Net foreign currency translation adjustment" were losses of $0 and $1,455 related to a net investment hedge, which were net of tax benefits of $0 and $1,114 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The Company settled its derivative instruments on their maturity date of June 27, 2023. See Note 19, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | Cash flow hedge | Postretirement benefit plan | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NOTE 14 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company sponsors one 401(k) savings plan for eligible employees, which allows participants to make pretax or after tax contributions and the Company matches certain percentages of those contributions. The plan also has a discretionary profit sharing portion and matches 401(k) contributions with shares of the Company’s Common Stock. All amounts contributed to the plan are deposited into a trust fund administered by independent trustees.
Postretirement Medical Plans
The Company provides postretirement benefits in the form of two unfunded postretirement medical plans; one that is under a collective bargaining agreement and covers eligible retired employees of the Verona facility and one for officers of the Company pursuant to the Balchem Corporation Officer Retiree Program.
Net periodic benefit costs for such retirement medical plans were as follows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Interest cost | ||||||||||||||
| Amortization of (gain) loss | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit cost | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The amounts recorded for these obligations on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are $1,381 and $1,395 , respectively, and are included in "Other long-term obligations" on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. These plans are unfunded and approved claims are paid from Company funds. Historical cash payments made under such plans have typically been less than $200 per year.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
On May 27, 2019, the Company acquired Chemogas Holding NV, a privately held specialty gases company headquartered in Grimbergen, Belgium ("Chemogas"), which has an unfunded defined benefit pension plan. The plan provides for the payment of a lump sum at retirement or payments in case of death of the covered employees. The amounts recorded for these obligations on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were $405 and $420 , respectively, and were included in "Other long-term obligations" on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets.
19
Net periodic benefit costs for such benefit pension plans were as follows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Service cost with interest to end of year | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Interest cost | ||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Total net periodic benefit cost | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Deferred Compensation Plan
NOTE 15 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is obligated to make rental payments under non-cancelable operating and finance leases. Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under these leases at September 30, 2024 are disclosed in Note 18, Leases.
The Company’s Verona, Missouri facility, while held by a prior owner, Syntex Agribusiness, Inc. (“Syntex”), was designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") as a Superfund site and placed on the National Priorities List in 1983 because of dioxin contamination on portions of the site. Remediation was conducted by Syntex under the oversight of the EPA and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Company is indemnified by the sellers under its May 2001 asset purchase agreement covering its acquisition of the Verona, Missouri facility for potential liabilities associated with the Superfund site. One of the sellers, in turn, has the benefit of certain contractual indemnification by Syntex in relation to the implementation of the above-described Superfund remedy. In June 2023, in response to a Special Notice Letter received from the EPA in 2022, BCP Ingredients, Inc. ("BCP"), the Company's subsidiary that operates the site, Syntex, EPA, and the State of Missouri entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent (“ASAOC”) for a focused remedial investigation/feasibility study ("RI/FS") under which (a) BCP will conduct a source investigation of potential source(s) of releases of 1,4-dioxane and chlorobenzene at a portion of the site and (b) BCP and Syntex will complete a RI/FS to determine a potential remedy, if any is required. Activities under the ASAOC are underway and are expected to continue for some period of time.
Separately, in June 2022, the EPA conducted an inspection of BCP’s Verona, Missouri facility (“2022 EPA Inspection”) which was followed by BCP entering into an Administrative Order for Compliance on Consent (“AOC”) with the EPA in relation to its risk management program at the Verona facility. Further, in January 2023, BCP entered into an Amended AOC with the EPA whereby the parties agreed to the extension of certain timelines. BCP timely completed all requirements under the Amended AOC. In November 2023, BCP received a notice from the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S Department of Justice (“DOJ”) primarily related to the 2022 EPA Inspection, which extended the opportunity to discuss alleged violations of Sections 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act and regulations in 40 C.F.R. Part 68, commonly known as the Risk Management Plan Rule (“RMP Rule”). BCP has engaged in, and intends to continue to participate in, such discussions in 2024. In connection with the 2022 EPA Inspection, the Company believes that a loss contingency in this matter is probable and reasonably estimable and has recorded a loss contingency in an amount that is not material to its financial performance or operations.
In addition to the above, from time to time, the Company is a party to various legal proceedings, litigation, claims and assessments. While it is not possible to predict the ultimate disposition of each of these matters, management believes that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows.
20
NOTE 16 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company has a number of financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes. The Company estimates that the fair value of all financial instruments at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values of its financial instruments recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value, and, accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value as the interest rate is based on market and the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Company’s financial instruments also include cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, which are carried at cost and approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 includes $10,088 and $959 in money market funds and other interest-bearing deposit accounts, respectively.
NOTE 17 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company provides services under a contractual agreement to St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC. These services include accounting, information technology, quality control, and purchasing services, as well as operation of the St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC plant. The Company also sells raw materials to St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC. These raw materials are used in the production of finished goods that are, in turn, sold by Saint Gabriel CC Company, LLC to the Company for resale to unrelated parties. As such, the sale of these raw materials to St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC in this scenario lacks economic substance and therefore the Company does not include them in net sales within the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.
Payments for the services the Company provided amounted to $1,109 and $3,321 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $1,094 and $3,294 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The raw materials purchased and subsequently sold amounted to $7,616 and $21,249 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $7,274 and $27,069 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. These services and raw materials are primarily recorded in cost of goods sold, net of the finished goods received from St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC of $5,766 and $16,450 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $5,903 and $22,198 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had receivables of $2,446 and $8,314 , respectively, recorded in accounts receivable from St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC for services rendered and raw materials sold. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had payables of $1,588 and $6,050 , respectively, recorded in accounts payable for finished goods received from St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC. The Company had payables in the amount of $296 and $329 , respectively, related to non-contractual monies owed to St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC, recorded in accounts payable as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
21
NOTE 18 – LEASES
The Company has both real estate leases and equipment leases. The main types of equipment leases include forklifts, trailers, printers and copiers, railcars, and trucks. Leases are categorized as both operating leases and finance leases. The Company elected the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components and recognizes the combined amount on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Management determined that since the Company has a centralized treasury function, the parent company would either fund or guarantee a subsidiary's loan for borrowing over a similar term. As such, the Company's management determined it is appropriate to utilize a corporate based borrowing rate for all locations. The Company developed four tranches of leases based on lease terms and these tranches reflect the composition of the current lease portfolio. The Company's borrowing history shows that interest rates of a term loan or a line of credit depend on the duration of the loan rather than the nature of the assets purchased by those funds. Based on this understanding, the Company elected to use a portfolio approach to discount rates, applying corporate rates to the tranches of leases based on lease terms. Based on the Company's risk rating, the Company applied the following discount rates for new leases entered into during the third quarter of 2024: (1) 1 -2 years, 6.75 % (2) 3 -4 years, 7.34 % (3) 5 -9 years, 7.68 % and (4) 10 + years, 8.40 %.
Right of use assets and lease liabilities at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows:
| Right of use assets | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Operating leases | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Finance leases | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities - current | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Operating leases | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Finance leases | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities - non-current | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Operating leases | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Finance leases | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
22
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company's total lease costs were as follows, which included amounts recognized in earnings, amounts capitalized on the balance sheets, and the cash flows arising from lease transactions:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of ROU asset | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total finance lease | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total lease cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities, net of right-of-use assets disposed | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Rent expense charged to operations under operating lease agreements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 aggregated to approximately $1,365 and $4,057 , respectively, and $1,326 and $3,972 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.
Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under all non-cancelable operating and finance leases at September 30, 2024 are as follows:
| Year | |||||
| October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 | $ | ||||
| 2025 | |||||
| 2026 | |||||
| 2027 | |||||
| 2028 | |||||
| 2029 | |||||
| Thereafter | |||||
| Total minimum lease payments | $ | ||||
23
NOTE 19 – DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
On May 28, 2019, the Company entered into a pay-fixed (2.05 %), receive-floating interest rate swap with a notional amount of $108,569 and a maturity date of June 27, 2023, which was designated as cash flow hedge. The net interest income related to the interest rate swap contract was $0 and $1,518 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. There was no
On May 28, 2019, the Company also entered into a pay-fixed (0.00 %), receive-fixed (2.05 %) cross-currency swap to manage foreign exchange risk related to the Company's net investment in Chemogas, which was designated as net investment hedge. The derivative had a notional amount of $108,569 , an effective date of May 28, 2019, and a maturity date of June 27, 2023. The interest income related to the cross-currency swap contract was $0 and $1,119 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. There was no
The Company settled its derivative instruments on their maturity date of June 27, 2023 and had no other derivatives outstanding as of September 30, 2024. The proceeds from the settlement of the cross-currency swap in the amount of $2,740 were classified as investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the second quarter of 2023.
Losses on our hedging instruments were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and categorized as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. There were no such losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024:
| Location within Statements of Comprehensive Income | Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedge (interest rate swap), net of tax | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| Net investment hedge (cross-currency swap), net of tax | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(All amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect our expectation or belief concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "outlook," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar expressions generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actions and performance could differ materially from what is contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Factors that might cause differences from the forward-looking statements include those referred to or identified in Item 1A of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other factors that may be identified elsewhere in this report. Reference should be made to such factors and all forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
24
Factors that may affect our forward-looking statements include, among other things: (1) adverse impacts to our business operations due to pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies; (2) our ability to manage risks associated with our sales to customers and manufacturing operations outside the United States; (3) supply chain disruptions due to political unrest, terrorist acts, and national and international conflicts; (4) reliability and sufficiency of our manufacturing facilities; (5) our ability to recruit and retain a highly qualified and diverse workforce; (6) our ability to effectively manage labor relations; (7) the effects of global climate change or other unexpected events, including global health crises, that may disrupt our operations; (8) our ability to manage risks related to our information technology and operational technology systems and cybersecurity; (9) our reliance on third-party vendors for many of the critical elements of our global information and operational technology infrastructure and their failure to provide effective support for such infrastructure; (10) disruption and breaches of our information systems; (11) increased competition and our ability to anticipate evolving trends in the market; (12) global economic conditions, including inflation, recession, changes in tariffs and trade relations; (13) raw material shortages or price increases; (14) currency translation and currency transaction risks; (15) interest rate risks; (16) our ability to successfully consummate and manage acquisitions, joint ventures and divestitures; (17) our ability to effectively manage and implement restructuring initiatives or other organizational changes; (18) changes in our relationships with our vendors, changes in tax or trade policy, interruptions in our operations or supply chain; (19) adverse publicity or consumer concern regarding the safety or quality of food products containing our products; (20) the outcome of any litigation, governmental investigations or proceedings; (21) product liability claims and recalls; (22) our ability to protect our brand reputation and trademarks; (23) claims of infringement of intellectual property rights by third parties; (24) risks related to corporate social responsibility and reputational matters; (25) improper conduct by any of our employees, agents or business partners; (26) changes to, or changes in interpretations of, current laws and regulations, and loss of governmental permits and approvals; and (27) ability of our customers to use the ethylene oxide process to sterilize medical devices.
Overview
We develop, manufacture, distribute and market specialty performance ingredients and products for the nutritional, food, pharmaceutical, animal health, performance gases, plant nutrition and industrial markets. Our three reportable segments are strategic businesses that offer products and services to different markets: Human Nutrition & Health, Animal Nutrition & Health, and Specialty Products. Sales and production of products outside of our reportable segments and other minor business activities are included in "Other and Unallocated".
Balchem is committed to solving today's challenges to shape a healthier tomorrow by operating responsibly and providing innovative solutions for the health and nutritional needs of the world. Sustainability is at the heart of our company's vision to make the world a healthier place, and we proudly support the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Our Sustainability Framework focuses on the most critical Environmental, Social, and Governance topics relevant to our business and stakeholders. We are very proud of our significant progress relating to the Company's corporate social responsibilities and will continue to foster these fundamental principles broadly along our entire value chain, develop new ideas and technologies that help us work smarter, and help build a world that is a better place to live.
As of September 30, 2024, we employed approximately 1,300 full time employees worldwide. We are seeing some modest improvement in most relevant labor markets and we believe that we have been successful in attracting skilled and experienced personnel in a competitive environment and that our human capital resources are adequate to perform all business functions. In addition, we continue to enhance technology to further optimize productivity and performance.
25
Segment Results
We sell products for all three segments through our own sales force, independent distributors, and sales agents.
The following tables summarize consolidated net sales by segment and business segment earnings from operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
| Business Segment Net Sales | Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition & Health | $ | 152,283 | $ | 144,455 | $ | 452,955 | $ | 412,777 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition & Health | 52,906 | 53,944 | 156,384 | 180,162 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | 33,191 | 30,004 | 99,898 | 94,961 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other and Unallocated (1) | 1,560 | 1,545 | 4,443 | 5,840 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 239,940 | $ | 229,948 | $ | 713,680 | $ | 693,740 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Business Segment Earnings From Operations | Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition & Health | $ | 35,578 | $ | 31,275 | $ | 102,202 | $ | 77,209 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition & Health | 3,529 | 5,070 | 8,282 | 22,230 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | 10,516 | 8,740 | 29,943 | 25,984 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other and Unallocated (1) | (1,631) | (1,471) | (4,962) | (4,565) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 47,992 | $ | 43,614 | $ | 135,465 | $ | 120,858 | ||||||||||||||||||
(1) Other and Unallocated consists of a few minor businesses which individually do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate presentation and corporate expenses that have not been allocated to a segment. Unallocated corporate expenses consist of: (i) Transaction and integration costs of $223 and $795 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $384 and $1,600 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, and (ii) Unallocated amortization expense of $0 and $0 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $0 and $312 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, related to an intangible asset in connection with a company-wide ERP system implementation. | ||
Results of Operations - Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Net Earnings
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 239,940 | $ | 229,948 | $ | 9,992 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 85,361 | 76,544 | 8,817 | 11.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 37,369 | 32,930 | 4,439 | 13.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from operations | 47,992 | 43,614 | 4,378 | 10.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other expenses | 4,099 | 7,139 | (3,040) | (42.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 10,056 | 7,400 | 2,656 | 35.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 33,837 | $ | 29,075 | $ | 4,762 | 16.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
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Net Sales
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition & Health | $ | 152,283 | $ | 144,455 | $ | 7,828 | 5.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition & Health | 52,906 | 53,944 | (1,038) | (1.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | 33,191 | 30,004 | 3,187 | 10.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,560 | 1,545 | 15 | 1.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 239,940 | $ | 229,948 | $ | 9,992 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
•The increase in net sales within the Human Nutrition & Health segment for the third quarter of 2024 as compared to the third quarter of 2023 was primarily driven by higher sales within both the minerals and nutrients business and the food and beverage markets. Total sales for this segment grew 5.4%, with volume and mix contributing 4.7%, average selling prices contributing 0.6%, and the change in foreign currency exchange rates contributing 0.1%.
•The decrease in net sales within the Animal Nutrition & Health segment for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 was driven by lower sales in the monogastric species markets, partially offset by higher sales in the ruminant species markets. Total sales for this segment decreased by 1.9%, with average selling prices contributing -5.3%, the change in foreign currency exchange rates contributing 0.2%, and volume and mix contributing 3.2%.
•The increase in net sales within the Specialty Products segment for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 was due to higher sales in both the performance gases business and the plant nutrition business. Total sales for this segment increased by 10.6%, with volume and mix contributing 6.5%, average selling prices contributing 3.7%, and the change in foreign currency exchange rates contributing 0.4%.
•Sales relating to Other increased slightly from the prior year primarily due to higher volumes and mix, partially offset by lower average selling prices.
•Sales may fluctuate in future periods based on macroeconomic conditions, competitive dynamics, changes in customer preferences, and our ability to successfully introduce new products to the market.
Gross Margin
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | $ | 85,361 | $ | 76,544 | $ | 8,817 | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| % of net sales | 35.6 | % | 33.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross margin dollars increased in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 due to higher sales and a favorable mix.
Operating Expenses
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | $ | 37,369 | $ | 32,930 | $ | 4,439 | 13.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| % of net sales | 15.6 | % | 14.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in operating expenses in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to an increase in compensation-related costs of $3,836 and an increase in transaction costs of $3,339, partially offset by a decrease in amortization expense of $3,168.
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Earnings from Operations
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition & Health | $ | 35,578 | $ | 31,275 | $ | 4,303 | 13.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition & Health | 3,529 | 5,070 | (1,541) | (30.4) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | 10,516 | 8,740 | 1,776 | 20.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other and unallocated | (1,631) | (1,471) | (160) | (10.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from operations | $ | 47,992 | $ | 43,614 | $ | 4,378 | 10.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| % of net sales (operating margin) | 20.0 | % | 19.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
•Human Nutrition & Health segment earnings from operations increased $4,303 primarily due to the gross margin contribution of $5,786. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to the aforementioned higher sales and a favorable mix. This was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses of $1,484 due to the impact of favorable adjustments to transaction costs in the prior year of $2,800 and higher compensation-related costs of $1,882, partially offset by a decrease in amortization expense of $3,121.
•Animal Nutrition & Health segment earnings from operations decreased $1,541 primarily due to higher operating expenses driven by the impact of favorable adjustments to transaction costs in the prior year of $700 and higher compensation-related costs of $378.
•Specialty Products segment earnings from operations increased $1,776 primarily due to the gross margin contribution of $3,460. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to the aforementioned higher sales and a favorable mix. This was partially offset by higher operating expenses of $1,683 primarily due to an increase in compensation-related costs of $1,395.
•The decrease in Other and unallocated was primarily driven by a decrease in gross margin.
Other Expenses (Income)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | 4,071 | $ | 6,594 | $ | (2,523) | (38.3) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense (income), net | 28 | 545 | (517) | (94.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 4,099 | $ | 7,139 | $ | (3,040) | (42.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was primarily related to outstanding borrowings under the 2022 Credit Agreement. The decrease in net interest expense is due to lower outstanding borrowings.
Income Tax Expense
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 10,056 | $ | 7,400 | $ | 2,656 | 35.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 22.9 | % | 20.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The higher effective tax rate was primarily due to lower tax benefits from stock-based compensation and certain higher U.S. state taxes.
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Results of Operations - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Net Earnings
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 713,680 | $ | 693,740 | $ | 19,940 | 2.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 249,869 | 227,063 | 22,806 | 10.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 114,404 | 106,205 | 8,199 | 7.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from operations | 135,465 | 120,858 | 14,607 | 12.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest and other expenses | 13,496 | 16,864 | (3,368) | (20.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 27,077 | 22,099 | 4,978 | 22.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 94,892 | $ | 81,895 | $ | 12,997 | 15.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Sales
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition & Health | $ | 452,955 | $ | 412,777 | $ | 40,178 | 9.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition & Health | 156,384 | 180,162 | (23,778) | (13.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | 99,898 | 94,961 | 4,937 | 5.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 4,443 | 5,840 | (1,397) | (23.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 713,680 | $ | 693,740 | $ | 19,940 | 2.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
•The increase in net sales within the Human Nutrition & Health segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily driven by higher sales within the minerals and nutrients business. Total sales for this segment grew 9.7%, with volume and mix contributing 8.6% and average selling prices contributing 1.2%.
•The decrease in net sales within the Animal Nutrition & Health segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to 2023 was driven by lower sales in both the monogastric and ruminant species markets. Total sales for this segment decreased by 13.2%, with average selling prices contributing -7.4% and volume and mix contributing -5.9%.
•The increase in net sales within the Specialty Products segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to 2023 was due to higher sales in the performance gases market, partially offset by lower sales in the plant nutrition business. Total sales for this segment increased by 5.2%, with average selling prices contributing 3.7% and volume and mix contributing 1.5%.
•Sales relating to Other decreased from the prior year due to lower average selling prices.
•Sales may fluctuate in future periods based on macroeconomic conditions, competitive dynamics, changes in customer preferences, and our ability to successfully introduce new products to the market.
Gross Margin
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | $ | 249,869 | $ | 227,063 | $ | 22,806 | 10.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| % of net sales | 35.0 | % | 32.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross margin dollars increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to 2023 due to higher sales, a favorable mix and a decrease in cost of goods sold of $2,866. The 0.6% decrease in cost of goods sold was mainly driven by certain lower manufacturing input costs.
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Operating Expenses
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | $ | 114,404 | $ | 106,205 | $ | 8,199 | 7.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| % of net sales | 16.0 | % | 15.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The increase in operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to the impact of favorable adjustments to transaction costs in the prior year of $9,900, an increase in compensation-related costs of $7,353, and an increase in outside services of $1,877, partially offset by a decrease in restructuring-related impairment charges of $7,243, and a decrease in amortization expense of $5,772.
Earnings from Operations
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Human Nutrition & Health | $ | 102,202 | $ | 77,209 | $ | 24,993 | 32.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Animal Nutrition & Health | 8,282 | 22,230 | (13,948) | (62.7) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Products | 29,943 | 25,984 | 3,959 | 15.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other and unallocated | (4,962) | (4,565) | (397) | (8.7) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from operations | $ | 135,465 | $ | 120,858 | $ | 14,607 | 12.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| % of net sales (operating margin) | 19.0 | % | 17.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
•Human Nutrition & Health segment earnings from operations increased $24,993 primarily due to an increase in gross margin of $29,312. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to the aforementioned higher sales, a favorable mix, and certain lower manufacturing input costs.
•Animal Nutrition & Health segment earnings from operations decreased $13,948 primarily due to a decrease in gross margin of $12,313. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to the aforementioned lower sales and unfavorable mix, partially offset by certain lower manufacturing input costs.
•Specialty Products segment earnings from operations increased $3,959 primarily due to an increase in gross margin of $7,152. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to the aforementioned higher sales and certain lower manufacturing input costs. This was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses of $3,193 mainly due to higher compensation-related costs.
•The decrease in Other and unallocated was primarily driven by the aforementioned lower sales, partially offset by lower unallocated corporate expenses.
Other Expenses (Income)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | 13,709 | $ | 17,322 | $ | (3,613) | (20.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income), net | (213) | (458) | 245 | (53.5) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 13,496 | $ | 16,864 | $ | (3,368) | (20.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was primarily related to outstanding borrowings under the 2022 Credit Agreement. The decrease in net interest expense is due to lower outstanding borrowings.
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Income Tax Expense
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | 27,077 | $ | 22,099 | $ | 4,978 | 22.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 22.2 | % | 21.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The higher effective tax rate was primarily due to lower tax benefits from stock-based compensation and certain higher state taxes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, there were no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in the specified contractual obligations set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. We expect our operations to continue generating sufficient cash flow to fund working capital requirements and necessary capital investments. We are actively pursuing additional acquisition candidates. We could seek additional bank loans or access to financial markets to fund such acquisitions, our operations, working capital, necessary capital investments or other cash requirements should we deem it necessary to do so.
Cash
Cash and cash equivalents increased to $73,694 at September 30, 2024 from $64,447 at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, the Company had $71,878 of cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries. We presently intend to permanently reinvest these funds in foreign operations by continuing to make additional plant related investments, and potentially invest in partnerships or acquisitions; therefore, we do not currently expect to repatriate these funds in order to fund U.S. operations or obligations. However, if these funds are needed for U.S. operations, we could be required to pay additional withholding taxes to repatriate these funds. Working capital was $216,549 at September 30, 2024 as compared to $165,751 at December 31, 2023, an increase of $50,798. Significant cash payments during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included net repayments on the revolving loan of $82,569, income taxes paid of $31,575, the payment of the 2023 declared dividend in 2024 of $25,572, and capital expenditures and intangible assets acquired of $22,936.
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows provided by operating activities | $ | 129,682 | $ | 116,355 | $ | 13,327 | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows used in investing activities | (22,777) | (22,948) | 171 | 0.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows used in financing activities | (98,602) | (83,175) | (15,427) | (18.5) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Activities
The increase in cash flows from operating activities was primarily driven by the increase in net earnings.
Investing Activities
We continue to invest in corporate projects, improvements across all production facilities, and intangible assets. Total investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets were $22,936 and $26,177 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Financing Activities
During 2024, we borrowed $26,000 under the 2022 Credit Agreement and made total loan payments of $108,569, resulting in $323,000 available under the 2022 Credit Agreement (see Note 7, Revolving Loan) as of September 30, 2024.
31
We have an approved stock repurchase program. The total authorization under this program is 3,763,038 shares. Since the inception of the program in June 1999, a total of 3,140,215 shares have been purchased. We intend to acquire shares from time to time at prevailing market prices if and to the extent we deem it is advisable to do so based on our assessment of corporate cash flow, market conditions and other factors. Open market repurchases of common stock could be made pursuant to a trading plan established pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which would permit common stock to be repurchased at a time that we might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws or self-imposed trading restrictions. We also purchase (withhold) shares from employees in connection with the tax settlement of vested shares and/or exercised stock options under the Company's omnibus incentive plan. Share repurchases are funded with existing cash on hand.
Proceeds from stock options exercised were $15,084 and $3,888 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Dividend payments were $25,572 and $22,872 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Other Matters Impacting Liquidity
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we have a liability of $4,825 and $4,650, respectively, for uncertain tax positions, including the related interest and penalties, recorded in accordance with ASC 740-10, for which we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of settlement, if any.
We currently provide postretirement benefits in the form of two retirement medical plans, as discussed in Note 14, Employee Benefit Plans. The liabilities recorded in "Other long-term obligations" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were $1,381 and $1,395, respectively, and the plans are not funded. Historical cash payments made under these plans have typically been less than $200 per year. We do not anticipate any changes to the payments made in the current year for the plans.
Chemogas has an unfunded defined benefit plan. The plan provides for the payment of a lump sum at retirement or payments in case of death of the covered employees. The amounts recorded for this obligation on our balance sheets as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $405 and $420, respectively, and was included in "Other long-term obligations" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
We provide an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan maintained for the benefit of a select group of management or highly compensated employees. Assets of the plan are held in a rabbi trust and are subject to additional risk of loss in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company. The deferred compensation liability as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $11,432 and $10,188, respectively, and was included in "Other long-term obligations" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The related rabbi trust assets were $11,429 and $10,188 as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and were included in "Other non-current assets" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Significant Accounting Policies
There were no changes to our Significant Accounting Policies, as described in our December 31, 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Related Party Transactions
We were engaged in related party transactions with St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Refer to Note 17, Related Party Transactions.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our cash and cash equivalents are held primarily in checking accounts, certificates of deposit, and money market investment funds. In 2019, we entered into an interest rate swap and cross-currency swap for hedging purposes. This derivative settled on its maturity date of June 27, 2023. Refer to details noted above (see Note 19, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities). Additionally, as of September 30, 2024, our borrowings were under a revolving loan bearing interest at a fluctuating rate as defined by the 2022 Credit Agreement plus an applicable rate (See Note 7, Revolving Loan). The applicable rate is based upon our consolidated net leverage ratio, as defined in the 2022 Credit Agreement. A 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates, applied to our borrowings at September 30, 2024, would result in an increase or decrease in annual interest expense and a corresponding reduction or increase in cash flow of approximately $2,270. We are exposed to commodity price risks, including prices of our primary raw materials. Our objective is to seek a reduction in the potential negative earnings impact of raw material pricing arising in our business activities. We manage these financial exposures, where possible, through pricing and operational means. Our practices may change as economic conditions change.
Interest Rate Risk
We have exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates, including the interest rate relating to the 2022 Credit Agreement. In the second quarter of 2019, we began to manage our interest rate exposure through the use of derivative instruments. These derivatives were utilized for risk management purposes, and were not used for trading or speculative purposes. We hedged a portion of our floating interest rate exposure using an interest rate swap (see Note 19, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities), which settled on its maturity date of June 27, 2023.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
The financial condition and results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries are reported in local currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable currency exchange rate for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. Therefore, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk related to these currencies. In 2019, we entered into a cross-currency swap, with a notional amount of $108,569, which we designated as a hedge of our net investment in Chemogas (see Note 19, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities). This derivative settled on its maturity date of June 27, 2023.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Prior to filing this report, we completed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of September 30, 2024. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2024.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls
There have been no changes in the internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Act) during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of business, we are involved in a variety of lawsuits, claims and legal proceedings, from time to time, including commercial and contract disputes, labor and employment matters, product liability claims, environmental liabilities, trade regulation matters, intellectual property disputes and tax-related matters. Further, in connection with normal operations at our plant facilities, our manufacturing sites may, from time to time, be subject to inspections or inquiries by the EPA and other agencies. To the extent any consent orders or other agreements are entered into as a result of findings from such inspections or inquiries, the Company is committed to ensuring compliance with such orders or agreements.
Information with respect to certain legal proceedings is included in Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, to our consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and is incorporated herein by reference.
In our opinion, we do not expect pending legal matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in the Risk Factors identified in the Company's Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. For a further discussion of our Risk Factors, refer to the "Risk Factors" discussion contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table summarizes the share repurchase activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2) | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)(3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 1-31, 2024 | 504 | $ | 140.87 | 504 | $ | 92,895,219 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| February 1-29, 2024 | 35,618 | $ | 144.07 | 35,618 | $ | 89,872,019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 1-31, 2024 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 89,872,019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| First Quarter | 36,122 | 36,122 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 1-30, 2024 | 72 | $ | 152.79 | 72 | $ | 95,300,929 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| May 1-31, 2024 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 95,300,929 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| June 1-30, 2024 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 95,300,929 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Second Quarter | 72 | 72 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 1-31, 2024 | 616 | $ | 180.78 | 616 | $ | 112,647,995 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| August 1-31, 2024 | 299 | $ | 173.19 | 299 | $ | 107,866,715 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| September 1-30, 2024 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 107,866,715 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Third Quarter | 915 | 915 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 37,109 | 37,109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) The Company repurchased (withheld) shares from employees solely in connection with the tax settlement of vested shares and/or exercised stock options under the Company's omnibus incentive plan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(2) Our Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program. The total authorization under this program is 3,763,038 shares. Since the inception of the program in June 1999, a total of 3,140,215 shares have been purchased. Other than shares withheld for tax purposes, as described in footnote 1 above, no share repurchases were made under the Company's stock repurchase program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. There is no expiration for this program. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(3) Dollar amounts in this column equal the number of shares remaining available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program as of the last date of the applicable month multiplied by the monthly average price paid per share. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Item 5. Other Information
No directors or officers adopted terminated
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Item 6. Exhibits
| Exhibit Number | Description | |||||||
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||
* Compensatory plan or arrangement. | ||||||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| BALCHEM CORPORATION | |||||
| By: /s/ Theodore L. Harris | |||||
| Theodore L. Harris, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer | |||||
| By: /s/ Martin Bengtsson | |||||
| Martin Bengtsson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||
| Date: October 25, 2024 | |||||
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