HELIOS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

I

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2021

OR

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 0-21835

HELIOS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

941/362-1200

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

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 for 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, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth 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.

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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The aggregate market value of the shares of voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price of such shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC, as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $1,167,758,700.

The Registrant had 32,193,734 shares of common stock, par value $.001, outstanding as of February 19, 2021.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held June 3, 2021, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about April 23, 2021, have been incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

PART 1

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Our Business

Overview and Strategy

Helios Technologies, Inc. (“Helios,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a global industrial technology leader that develops and manufactures solutions for both the hydraulics and electronics markets. We were originally founded in 1970 as Sun Hydraulics Corporation, which designed and manufactured cartridge valves for hydraulics systems. We changed the Company’s legal name on June 13, 2019, from Sun Hydraulics Corporation to Helios Technologies, Inc.  

Today we operate under two business segments: Hydraulics and Electronics. These businesses design and manufacture hydraulic cartridge valves, hydraulic quick release couplings and customized electronic controls systems and displays for a variety of end markets, as well as design complete hydraulic systems.  

A little over five years ago, we set out a 10-year vision to achieve $1 billion in sales through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions and to deliver operating margins in excess of 20%.

In addition to our expectation of compounded annual organic growth in the high single digits to low double digits, we have an active pipeline and a history of acquiring companies with niche technologies as well as strong profitability. We are augmenting our strategy with additional value streams that will help us to execute on our goals and potentially accelerate the achievement of our strategic vision. We believe the value streams will deliver growth, diversification and market leading financial performance as we develop into a more sophisticated, globally oriented, customer centric and learning organization. These are:

Our strategy is underpinned by the execution of acquisitions which we expect to include bolt-on flywheel type acquisitions (up to $100 million in enterprise value) and the evaluation of more transformative type acquisitions ($100 million to $1 billion in enterprise value). The objective of our acquisition strategy is to enhance Helios by:

To support the execution of our strategy, our financial strategy is oriented on delivering industry leading margins, a strong balance sheet and sufficient financial flexibility to support organic and acquisitive growth.

We align our internal key performance indicators with our strategy to ensure our short-term actions will deliver long-term expectations.

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A primary focus of our strategic thinking is the identification of megatrends that will impact the future capital equipment and industrial goods markets. We have identified three megatrends: globalization, growing sophistication of safe machinery and equipment and increased computing power, as further described below:

Globalization. We believe global population growth and urbanization, driven predominantly by Asian mega-cities, will generate ongoing demand for infrastructure projects, resources and food production, all of which require equipment and machinery from our key end markets.  

Sophistication of safe machinery and equipment. Machine users increasingly demand safety, productivity, efficiency, and automated control. Advancements in the design of these machines require continuous evolution of critical components such as hydraulic and electronic functionality and control.  

Increased computing power. In the current electronic and digital age, electronics are increasingly used to activate processes which were once activated only manually or mechanically. Information is increasingly being converted into a form that allows it to be processed, stored and transmitted digitally, resulting in both time and energy savings.  

Our culture of innovation is at the core of our business. We have approximately 200 engineers in support of product innovation, as well as technical support and customer service. We believe our product innovation will aid organic growth and fill the expected demand resulting from the identified megatrends. All growth initiatives are intended to preserve Helios’s history of superior profitability and financial strength.

Acquisitions

We initiated our strategy to diversify and grow in 2016 with an acquisition in the electronics industry which served a variety of end markets.  Since then, our acquisitions have further diversified our product offerings and the markets we serve as well as expanded our geographic presence.

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Business Segments

Our Hydraulics segment includes products sold under the Sun Hydraulics, Faster and Custom Fluidpower brands. The Electronics segment includes products sold under the Enovation Controls, Murphy and Balboa Water Group brands. Financial information about our business segments is presented in Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.  

Hydraulics

There are three key technologies within our Hydraulics segment:  cartridge valve technology (“CVT”), quick-release hydraulic couplings solutions (“QRC”) and hydraulic system design (“Systems”). Our CVT products provide functions important to a hydraulic system: to control rates and direction of fluid flow and to regulate and control pressures. We pioneered a fundamentally different design platform employing a floating construction that results in a self-alignment characteristic. This design provides better performance and reliability advantages compared with most competitors’ product offerings. Our cartridge valves are offered in five size ranges and include both electrically actuated and hydro-mechanical products. They are designed to be able to operate reliably at higher pressures, making them equally suitable for both industrial and mobile applications.  

Hydraulic systems are increasingly taking signals from on-board electronic control systems, making it necessary for hydraulic products to be capable of digital communication. In response to this we have aggressively expanded our CVT offering of electrically actuated cartridge valves. In 2017, we introduced FLeX™, a new electro-hydraulic product line offering high-performance electro-hydraulic products. Since 2018, we have continued to introduce new products under the FLeX™ Series, further expanding our electro-hydraulic product offering for both the mobile and industrial hydraulics markets.

QRC products allow users to connect and disconnect quickly from any hydraulic circuit without leakage and ensure high-performance under high temperature and pressure using one or multiple couplers. Quick connection of multiple hydraulic lines can be accomplished through the use of a MultiFaster or casting solution. Simultaneous connection of several lines is an important feature in many applications and allows for dramatic reduction of connection time, even when the system is under pressure. We design, engineer and distribute hydraulic coupling solutions primarily in the agriculture, construction equipment and industrial markets.  

Systems provides engineered solutions for machine users, manufacturers or designers to fulfill complete system design requirements including electro-hydraulic, remote control, electronic control and programmable logic controller systems, as well as automation of existing equipment. The systems we manufacture:

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Electronics

We are an international leader in custom-tailored solutions for many industrial and commercial applications, including engines, engine-driven equipment and specialty vehicles with a broad range of rugged and reliable instruments such as displays, controls and instrumentation products through our Enovation Controls, Zero Off, Murphy and HCT brands. With the Balboa brand, we are also an industry leader in the health and wellness market providing comprehensive, electronic control systems with proprietary and patented technology for therapy bath and spas from a single source.

As an innovative manufacturer of electronic controls and displays, we serve a variety of markets including off-highway, recreational and commercial marine, power sports and specialty vehicles, agriculture and water pumping, power generation, engine-driven industrial equipment and health and wellness. We partner directly with OEMs and support a worldwide network of authorized distributors and systems integrators. We make significant investments to garner an intense understanding of unique applications to solve complex system challenges.

Our focus is on creating customized systems that solve complex problems for niche mid-market volume customers.  This allows us to target customers or industries that see value in this level of integration, and as a result, our customer list contains a wide variety of OEM applications. Product categories include traditional mechanical and electronic gauge instrumentation, plug and go CAN-based instruments, robust environmentally sealed controllers, hydraulic controllers, pumps and water flow systems, engineered panels, process monitoring instrumentation, printed circuit board assembly and wiring harness design. Our technologies can be used in both mobile, or DC power applications, as well as fixed, or AC power applications.  

We offer our customers the ability to customize software on their products from the graphics for our PowerView®™ line of LCD displays. Our displays offer easy-to-read, bonded LCD graphical views with the industry's best readability even in direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions. Our controllers are built with the ability to withstand a wide ambient temperature range. User friendly software configuration tools allow engineers and non-engineers alike to create customized systems that solve complex problems on their equipment making the user experience more seamless.  

Our panel solutions offer customized design and simple, turnkey solutions and our Industrial Panel Division offers engineers dedicated to applications, wire harnesses, panels and software development. Engineers focus entirely on custom and standard solutions built to desired specifications. Our services for design and development include on-site installation and testing with reviews to ensure the solution works with the application out of the box.  

Globally, electronics products are sold primarily direct to OEM customers, with about 25% sold through independent, authorized channel partners in 2020. We continue to implement a strategic initiative to further diversify our channels to market, our geographic reach and end markets served. In addition to acquisitions such as Balboa, this effort includes the development of distribution partners globally. These efforts assist in our ability to diversify our global customer base, allowing us to grow more quickly, diversify the end-markets we serve, and expand our customer base.

Engineering

Subsequent to the end of 2020, we established the Helios Center of Engineering Excellence, LLC to serve both our segments. Helios Engineering will play an important role in all aspects of our business including design, manufacturing, sales, marketing and technical support. Importantly, Helios Engineering will advance ongoing joint product development efforts to address the megatrend of the electrification of machines.

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Engineering teams work cross-functionally between the segments where engineers in the Electronics segment bring expertise to enable electrification of products and systems within the Hydraulics segment. While the core value of our products have been critical to our companies’ historical success and will remain important in the future, we see significant opportunities in bringing together the technology of hydraulics and electronics to create new products to better serve future market trends.  

Manufacturing

Hydraulics

We utilize process-intensive manufacturing operations that make extensive use of automated handling and assembly technology, where possible, to perform repetitive tasks, thus promoting manufacturing efficiencies and workplace safety. We employ lean techniques to continually improve our productivity and efficiency. Our hydraulics business is capital intensive which affords us the ability to choose whether we produce in-house and/or out-source component parts and finishing processes. We have manufacturing hubs in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) and APAC providing “in the region, for the region” support to our customers. In 2019, we added manufacturing capacity and capability in China, further extending our global footprint as part of that element of our strategy.

We hold significant raw materials, work in process and finished goods in all of the businesses within the Hydraulics segment. The raw materials used, primarily aluminum and steel, are commercially available from multiple sources.  Finished goods consist of customer orders that are completed but have not been shipped.  

We have negotiated certain long-term agreements (“LTA”) with our key suppliers. Terms and conditions of these agreements include pricing, annual quantity estimates, quality standards, safety stock quantities and lead time expectations. The LTAs are intended to provide the Company and the supplier with a framework for effective long-term planning and utilization of assets.

Electronics

We offer a wide range of advanced manufacturing and engineering capabilities, including mechanical and electrical hardware design, software design, product testing, harness engineering and more. State-of-the-art manufacturing and test capabilities include LCD bonding, surface mount technology (“SMT”) with 3D solder paste inspection, 3D automated optical inspection, x-ray inspection and highly accelerated life test and highly accelerated stress screen (“HALT” and “HASS”) chambers for accelerated product lifecycle testing. Multipoint functional testing is conducted to ensure quality control of our products before they are delivered to our customers. Products are serialized, and test data is captured against serial numbers and stored in a manufacturing execution system (“MES”) database.

Our global operating system is tied together via an enterprise and manufacturing resource planning system, and we deploy Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles and tools to drive ongoing quality and productivity improvements. This allows us to identify and remove variation and waste in our manufacturing and business processes while driving continuous improvements in lead times and quality.

We are a customer focused, project-based organization engaging with customers in long-term product plans and contracts, backed by vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities. Our strategic investment in vertically integrated manufacturing processes such as wire processing, sheet metal fabrication, LCD bonding, and surface mount technology enable speed to market in developing highly engineered electronics engine and machine control solutions for OEMs.  

Our globally aligned raw materials and finished goods inventory strategies allow us to maintain high service levels for customers. Electronics raw materials long lead times are carefully planned and managed to ensure we meet demand.

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Sales and Marketing

In 2020, no single customer made up more than 6% of consolidated net sales across the company.  

Hydraulics

In 2020, 78% of Helios’s sales were derived from the Hydraulics segment. Our 2020 Hydraulics segment sales were distributed fairly evenly among our three major geographic regions with 32% to the Americas, 32% to EMEA and 36% to APAC.

We market and sell hydraulic products through value-add distributors and directly to OEMs. Our global channel partner network includes representation in many industrialized markets, and approximately 60% of segment sales are attributed to our channel partners who generally combine our products with other hydraulic components to design a complete hydraulic system. Sales direct to OEMs for integration in their machines make up the remaining 40%. We rely heavily on our distribution network in the U.S. with 72% of segment sales in this region going through channel partners. In EMEA and APAC, sales are split more evenly between OEMs and distributors. Technical support is provided by local experts based at each of our global operations.

We provide end users with technical information through the websites of our operating companies and catalogs in multiple languages, including all information necessary to specify and obtain our products. We believe this approach helps stimulate demand for our products.  

Electronics

Electronic products are sold globally both to OEM customers and through distributors. OEM sales constituted 75% of total Electronics segment sales in 2020. Building strong partnerships with OEMs is a priority. We rely on direct customer contacts to stimulate demand for our products. We work closely with our OEM customers to design and deliver innovative reliable products for specific applications. Our hardware and software products are designed and modified with the customer utilizing our extensive application knowledge to create unique system level products that cannot be easily replaced by simply switching out components. Twenty-four-hour customer service support and an in-house technical service department is available before, during and after the initial sale to create sustainable partnerships with our customers.  

Our OEM sales team collaborates with large OEMs, whereas the Distributor sales team works with a large number of distributors of varying sizes. Over the last few years, we reconstituted our sales teams to create a heavier focus on distributor sales. Overall, approximately 25% of 2020 segment sales were derived from independent, authorized distributor channel partners.

Geographically, our 2020 Electronics segment sales represented 81% to the Americas, 9% to EMEA and 10% to APAC. There is a well-defined initiative to grow sales in EMEA and APAC as part of our growth strategy. Additionally, synergies identified at the time of acquisition utilize customer relationships from the Hydraulics segment to create pull through of electronic products, and joint product development has created additional sales opportunities for both segments.  

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Competition

Hydraulics

Competitors in the hydraulics market are broken down into three categories: full-line hydraulics system producers, component-only producers of CVT or QRC products, and low-cost producers. Most competitors market globally.  Full-line producers, such as Parker Hannifin and Danfoss, can provide complete hydraulic systems to their customers, including components functionally like those manufactured in our Hydraulics segment. Similar to Helios, component-only producers are entities that offer only CVT or QRC products, while additional parts of the hydraulics system are obtained from other manufacturers. These include HydraForce, Inc. and Delta Power Company.  Low-cost producers, such as Winner and Valvole Italia, are competitors who have emerged in low-cost production areas such as APAC and Europe. These competitors will typically copy our products and like products designed by competitors. Low-cost producers generally have a limited product range compared with full line or cartridge valve and quick release coupling only producers, which restricts their ability to be competitive.

We believe that we compete based upon the quality, reliability, price, value, speed of delivery and technological characteristics of our products and services.

Electronics

Competition within the electronics market is very broad with competitors ranging from large multinational companies with full electronics offerings, such as Continental and Garmin, to small niche companies that specialize in one product type. Enovation Controls is a niche player in the displays, controllers, gauges and instrumentation panel markets. Balboa is a niche player providing single source control and water flow systems in the health and wellness industry.

The market for products designed and manufactured by Enovation Controls is relatively fragmented with the top four to six companies comprising the majority of the market, mostly servicing the automotive space. Enovation Controls differentiates itself through product quality, customization ability and service with a focus on mid-market niche markets that are not well served by the large competitors. Our engagement and speed to market set us apart from larger competitors.

Balboa Water Group is the largest supplier of integrated end-to-end solutions for the therapy and wellness spa and bath market and is the only supplier capable of providing the full spectrum of components, from controls and displays to pumps and jets. By providing integrated architecture of hardware and software that is customized to match specific OEM products, Balboa creates a high cost to switch suppliers.

Our overall position in our key markets is defensible due to high barriers to switching suppliers, such as up-front engineering and programming costs, and positive perceptions among core customers on key selection criteria, including quality and service.

Human Capital

We believe our employees are fundamental to our success. We are focused on continuing to attract and retain strong talent and furthering the development of our workforce through programs that not only enhance technical abilities but also strengthen leadership, communication and collaboration skills that contribute to our high performing, team-oriented culture. Helios is committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce. In our core values, we believe that we should treat others as they want to be treated, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for our colleagues and their ideas.

At the end of our 2020 fiscal year we employed over 2,000 colleagues worldwide. Approximately 54% of our employees are located in the Americas region, 27% in the EMEA region and 19% in APAC. In addition, we have a committed service agreement with a third party that supports nearly 1,200 jobs in Mexico and serves as an integral part of our supply chain. We also hire consultants, independent contractors and temporary workers as needed to augment our workforce.

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Employees are guided by our core values and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Company and its employees believe that respecting others means recognizing the dignity of every person and embracing diversity around the globe. Helios is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and encourages diversity in its hiring and employment practices. Our leadership and employees strive to “do the right thing by living with integrity,” which includes caring for communities around the world and the people they employ.

We continue to promote diversity throughout our organization. Notably, sixty percent (60%) of our executive officers are female and our executive team represents three different national origins.

As part of our talent development initiatives, and to support our diversity and inclusion efforts, we partner with a third-party consulting firm with whom we have developed and launched multiple programs including the Helios Leadership Development Program (“HLDP”), with employees based in six different countries. The in-depth year-long program reinforces the importance of diversity & inclusion, as well as many elements of business acumen. Also core to the program was the establishment of a global mentoring program to help guide these future leaders of our Company.

Our employees also participate in a 3C Triad Coaching Program, a three-month online coaching program which focuses on the core elements of Coaching, Communication & Collaboration. The Triad Program goals are to build leadership capabilities while developing skills to support the growth and development of peers, and involves participants from nine countries across all of our businesses.

The Company is committed to the safety of its employees. Each company within our group maintains environmental, health and safety policies that seek to promote the operation of our business in a manner that is protective of the health and safety of the public and our employees. Several of our businesses have onsite medical clinics for employees and their families. Our companies offer several health and welfare programs to employees to promote fitness and wellness and preventative healthcare. In addition, our employees are offered a confidential employee assistance program that provides professional counseling to employees and their family members.

We have approximately 440 employees in Italy who are represented by a union. We have constructive and productive dialog on a regular basis with union leaders. To the best of our knowledge, there is no labor dispute, strike, controversy, slowdown, work stoppage or lockout pending or threatened against or affecting the Company, nor is there any basis for any of the foregoing.  

Patents and Trademarks

In addition to trade secrets, unpatented know-how, and other intellectual property rights, we own approximately 270 active patents and trademarks relating to certain of our products and businesses. We believe that the growth of our business is dependent upon the quality and functional performance of our products and our relationship with the marketplace, rather than on any single patent, trademark, copyright or other item of intellectual property or group of patents, trademarks or copyrights. However, our patents are important in the defense of our intellectual property from competitors who exploit product development that is not otherwise legally protected by its creator.

Governmental Regulations

We are subject to a variety of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including in foreign jurisdictions, relating to our business practices, labor and employment, construction, land use, and taxation, among others. These laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. Compliance with government regulations, including environmental regulations, has not had, and based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, is not expected to have a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. However, laws and regulations may be changed, accelerated or adopted that impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon our company and which could negatively impact our operating results. See Item 1A - Risk Factors.

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Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Laws and Regulations

We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and anti-corruption laws, and similar laws in foreign countries, such as the UK Anti-Bribery Act. Any violation of these laws by us or our agents or distributors could create substantial liability for us, subject our officers and directors to personal liability, and cause a loss of reputation in the market. Increased business in higher risk countries could subject us and our officers and directors to increased scrutiny and increased liability. In addition, becoming familiar with and implementing the infrastructure necessary to comply with laws, rules and regulations applicable to new business activities and mitigating and protecting against corruption risks could be quite costly.

Export Controls and Trade Policies

We are subject to numerous domestic and foreign regulations relating to our operations worldwide. In particular, we are subject to trade and import and export regulations in multiple jurisdictions, including sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Asset Controls of the U.S. Treasury Department (OFAC). Our businesses may also be impacted by additional domestic or foreign trade regulations ensuring fair trade practices, including trade restrictions, tariffs and sanctions.

Environmental Regulations

Our operations and properties are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including those governing air emissions, water discharges, waste management and workplace safety. We use, generate and dispose of hazardous substances and waste in our operations and could be subject to material liabilities relating to the investigation and clean-up of contaminated properties and related claims. We are required to conform our operations and properties to these laws and adapt to regulatory requirements in all countries as these requirements change. In connection with our acquisitions, we may assume significant environmental liabilities, some of which we may not be aware of, or may not be quantifiable, at the time of acquisition. In addition, new laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new requirements could increase our costs or subject us to new or increased liabilities.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

The Company's operations are subject to extensive and stringent governmental regulations including regulations related to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and similar safety and health regulations promulgated in other countries. The Company's employees in its manufacturing facilities operate complicated machinery that may cause substantial injury or death upon malfunction or improper operation. The Company's manufacturing locations are subject to the workplace safety rules and regulations of OSHA and local safety and health laws. The Company believes that it is in compliance with the requirements of these laws. However, in the event that the Company is unable to comply with OSHA or other environmental requirements, the Company could be subject to substantial sanctions, including restrictions on its business operations, monetary liability and criminal sanctions, any of which could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business.

Sustainability

Corporate responsibility and sustainability are reflected in the Company’s business strategy. The board of directors recently reviewed the Company’s historical commitment to principles of corporate and social responsibility. The Company is committed to reducing emissions, recycling, and minimizing its environmental footprint and has implemented several strategies to achieve these goals. The Company is also fully committed to the safety of its employees and the safety of those who use its products. Additionally, the Company actively seeks to support diversity initiatives in its hiring and employment practices. The Board and its committees will continue to assist the Company in its oversight of corporate social responsibilities, significant public policy issues, health and safety, and climate-change related trends.

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Available Information

Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, as well as our proxy statements and other materials which are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are made available, free of charge, on or through the Helios website under the heading “Investors” and “SEC Filings” as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

The Company’s executive offices are located at 1500 West University Parkway, Sarasota, Florida 34243, and our telephone number is (941) 362-1200. Our websites include www.heliostechnologies.com, www.sunhydraulics.com, www.enovationcontrols.com, www.fastercouplings.com, www.custom.com.au and www.balboawatergroup.com.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

FACTORS INFLUENCING FUTURE RESULTS - FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, our beliefs, and assumptions made by us, including (i) our strategies regarding growth, including our intention to develop new products and undertake acquisitions; (ii) our financing plans; (iii) trends affecting our financial condition or results of operations; (iv) our ability to continue to control costs and to meet our liquidity and other financing needs; (v) the declaration and payment of dividends; and (vi) our ability to respond to changes in customer demand domestically and internationally, including as a result of standardization.  In addition, we may make other written or oral statements, which constitute forward-looking statements, from time to time.  Words such as “may,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals also are forward-looking statements.  These statements are not guaranteeing future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this report.  Our actual results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) conditions in the capital markets, including the interest rate environment and the availability of capital; (ii) changes in the competitive marketplace that could affect our revenue and/or cost bases, such as increased competition, lack of qualified engineering, marketing, management or other personnel, and increased labor and raw materials costs; (iii) risks related to heath epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, including, without limitation, the current COVID-19 pandemic, which may have material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows; (iv) new product introductions, product sales mix and the geographic mix of sales nationally and internationally; and (v) the following risk factors:

Risks Relating to Our Business: Global Regulatory and Economic Conditions

General global economic trends and industry trends may affect our sales. The capital goods industry in general, and our businesses, are subject to economic cycles, which directly affect customer orders, lead times and sales volume. Economic downturns generally have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, as they did in 2009. Cyclical economic expansions such as those of 2017 and 2018, provide a context where demand for capital goods is stimulated, creating higher incoming order rates for the products we produce. Higher demand can lead to part shortages which drive costs up.  If demand gets too strong, lead times can be extended which may cause some customers to cancel orders.  In the Electronics segment, our business is dependent on the general economy and widespread adoption of advanced digital control solutions that integrate technologies such as high-resolution displays, configurable software GPS navigation, vehicle management systems, engine safety diagnostics and engine energy efficiency. If one or more of these expected industry trends fails to occur, or occurs at a slower rate than expected, our sales growth will be negatively impacted, and our business will be adversely affected. In the future, continued weakening or improvement in the economy will directly affect orders and influence results of operations.

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Our business could be harmed by adverse global and regional economic and political conditions. In June 2016, voters in the UK approved the UK’s exit (“Brexit”) from the European Union (“EU”) and officially exited on January 31, 2020. A transition period ended on December 31, 2020, during which the UK and the EU negotiated the terms of the UK’s relationship with the EU going forward. Despite the implementation of the UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement beginning on January 1, 2021, it is still unclear how Brexit will ultimately impact relationships within the UK and between the UK and other countries on many aspects of fiscal policy, cross-border trade and international relations. The effects of and the perceptions as to the impact from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU has affected and may continue to adversely affect business activity and economic and market conditions in the UK, EU and globally, and could contribute to instability in global financial and foreign exchange markets, including volatility in the value of the pound sterling and the euro. In addition, Brexit could lead to additional political, legal, and economic instability in the EU. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others we cannot anticipate, could adversely affect our business in the UK, as well as our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. It is also unclear what long-term economic, financial, trade, and legal implications the withdrawal of the UK from the EU will have and how such withdrawal will affect our customers and our operations in the UK and EU. If the UK were to significantly alter its regulations affecting the manufacturing industry, we could face significant new costs. Any of the effects of Brexit could adversely affect our business, business opportunities, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Further, uncertainty still remains regarding the potential for the future imposition of tariffs on imports across EU borders. In addition, Brexit could lead to legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the UK determines which EU laws to replace or replicate.  Any of these effects could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our operations and transactions also depend upon favorable trade relations between the U.S. and those foreign countries in which our customers and suppliers have operations. A protectionist trade environment in either the U.S. or those foreign countries in which we do business or sell products, such as a change in the current tariff structures, export compliance laws, government subsidies, or other trade policies, may adversely affect our ability to economically source materials, sell our products, or do business in foreign markets. Trade restrictions, including withdrawal from or modification of existing trade agreements, negotiation of new trade agreements, including a possible new trade agreement with the UK, and imposition of new (and retaliatory) tariffs against certain countries or covering certain products, including developments in U.S.-China trade relations, could limit our ability to capitalize on current and future growth opportunities in international markets and impair our ability to expand the business. These trade restrictions, and changes in, or uncertainty surrounding, global trade policies may affect our competitive position. Our overall success as a global business depends, in part, upon our ability to succeed in differing economic, social and political conditions. We may not succeed in developing and implementing policies and strategies to counter the foregoing factors effectively in each location where we do business and the foregoing factors may cause a reduction in our sales, profitability, or cash flows, or cause an increase in our liabilities.

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Failure to comply with laws, regulations and policies, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and UK Bribery Act or other applicable anti-corruption legislation, could result in fines, criminal penalties and an adverse effect on our business. We are subject to regulation under a wide variety of U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. laws, regulations and policies, including anti-corruption laws, due to our global operations. In particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the UK Bribery Act of 2010 and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies, their agents, consultants and other business partners from making improper payments to government officials or other persons (i.e., commercial bribery) for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or other improper advantage.  The laws also impose recordkeeping and internal control provisions on companies such as ours. We operate and/or conduct business, and any acquisition target may operate and/or conduct business, in some parts of the world, such as China, India and Russia, that are recognized as having governmental and commercial corruption and in such countries, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices.  We cannot provide assurance that our or any acquisition target’s internal control policies and procedures have protected us, or will protect us, from unlawful conduct of our employees, agents, consultants and other business partners. In the event that we believe or have reason to believe that violations of anti-corruption laws may have occurred, we may be required to investigate and/or have outside counsel investigate the relevant facts and circumstances, which can be expensive and require significant time and attention from senior management. Violation may result in substantial civil and/or criminal fines, disgorgement of profits, sanctions and penalties, debarment from future work with governments, curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions and imprisonment of the individuals involved.  As a result, any such violations may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business. Any of these impacts could have a material, adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Our business is subject to a variety of governmental regulations that may restrict our business and may result in costs and penalties. We are subject to a variety of federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to foreign business practices, labor and employment, construction, land use, and taxation, among others. These laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including assessment of monetary penalties and the imposition of corrective requirements. From time to time, as part of the regular overall evaluation of our operations, including newly acquired operations, we may be subject to compliance audits by regulatory authorities. In addition, any failure to comply with regulations related to the government procurement process at the federal, state or local level, or restrictions on political activities and lobbying may result in administrative or financial penalties including being barred from providing services to governmental entities, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our operations expose us to risks of non-compliance with numerous countries’ import and export laws and regulations. Due to our significant foreign sales, we are subject to trade and import and export regulations in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s regulations. As a result, compliance with multiple trade sanctions and embargoes and import and export laws and regulations pose a constant challenge and risk to us. Furthermore, the laws and regulations concerning import activity, export recordkeeping and reporting, export control and economic sanctions are complex and constantly changing. Any failure to comply with applicable legal and regulatory trading obligations could result in criminal and civil penalties and sanctions, such as fines, imprisonment, debarment from governmental contracts, seizure of shipments, loss of import and export privileges, reputational damage and a reduction in the value of our common stock.

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Risks Relating to Our Business: Environmental, Health & Safety

We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, which may have material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows. We face various risks related to health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, including the global outbreak of COVID-19. The continued spread of COVID-19 has led to disruption and volatility in the global capital markets, which increases the cost of capital and adversely impacts access to capital. If significant portions of our workforce are unable to work effectively, including because of illness, quarantines, government actions, facility closures or other restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, our operations will likely be impacted. We may be unable to perform fully on our contracts and our costs may increase as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. These cost increases may not be fully recoverable or adequately covered by insurance.

It is possible that the continued spread of COVID-19 could also cause further disruption in our supply chain; cause delay, or limit the ability of customers to perform, including in making timely payments to us; impact investment performance; and cause other unpredictable events.

We continue to work with our stakeholders (including customers, employees, suppliers and local communities) to responsibly address this global pandemic. We continue to monitor the situation to assess further possible implications to our business, supply chain and customers, and to take actions in an effort to mitigate adverse consequences.

As a result of current economic conditions and expected future impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, the carrying value of goodwill with respect to certain of our assets was impaired, resulting in impairment charges that negatively impacted our results of operations. We may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future if the COVID-19 pandemic continues. We cannot predict the amount and timing of any such additional charges, which could adversely impact our results of operations.

We cannot at this time predict the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.

Our operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, and we may face significant costs or liabilities associated with environmental, health and safety matters.  We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations concerning, among other things: the discharge of pollutants into the soil, air and water; the generation, storage, handling, use, release, disposal and transportation of hazardous materials and wastes; environmental cleanup; and the health and safety of our employees. Environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations continue to evolve, and we may become subject to increasingly stringent environmental standards in the future, particularly related to air quality and water quality, which could require us to make changes to our operations or incur significant costs relating to compliance. We are also required to obtain and maintain environmental, health and safety permits and approvals for our facilities and operations. In addition, the potential impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain. Although the financial impact of these potential changes is not reasonably estimable at this time, our operations in certain locations and those of our customers and suppliers could potentially be adversely affected, which could adversely affect our sales, profitability and cash flows. Our failure to comply with such laws, regulations, permits and approvals could subject us to increased employee healthcare and workers’ compensation costs, liabilities, fines and other penalties or compliance costs, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Risks Relating to Our Business: Growth Strategy

We are subject to various risks relating to our growth strategy. In pursuing our growth strategy, we intend to expand our presence in existing markets, enter new markets and pursue acquisitions and joint ventures to complement our business. Many of the expenses arising from expansion efforts may have a negative effect on operating results until such time, if at all, that these expenses are offset by increased revenues. We cannot assure that we will be able to improve our market share or profitability, recover our expenditures or successfully implement our growth strategy.

The expansion strategy also may require substantial capital investment for the construction of new facilities and their effective operation. We can give no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms favorable to us, or at all.

We may fail to successfully acquire or integrate companies that provide complementary products or technologies. A key component of our growth strategy and financial goals depends upon our ability to successfully identify and integrate acquisition targets that complement our existing products and services. Such a strategy involves the potential risks inherent in assessing the value, strengths, weaknesses, contingent or other liabilities, and potential profitability of acquisition candidates, as well as integrating the operations of acquired companies. In addition, any acquisitions of businesses with foreign operations or sales may increase our exposure to risks inherent in doing business outside the U.S. From time to time, we may have acquisition discussions with potential target companies both domestically and internationally. Any acquisition may or may not occur and, if an acquisition does occur, it may not be successful in enhancing our business for one or more of the following reasons:

Inherent in any future acquisition is the risk of transitioning company cultures and facilities. The failure to efficiently and effectively achieve such transitions could increase our costs and decrease our profitability.

We also may incur significant costs such as transaction fees, professional service fees and other costs related to future acquisitions, as well as integration costs following the completion of any such acquisitions. Although we expect that the realization of efficiencies related to the integration of any acquired businesses will offset the incremental transaction and acquisition-related costs over time, this net financial benefit may not be achieved in the near term, or at all.

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We are subject to intense competition. Our products in both the Hydraulics and Electronics segments currently, and will continue to, face significant competition, both from other companies and from incumbent technologies. In the case of our Hydraulics segment, some of our competitors are full-line hydraulic system producers and others are niche suppliers like us. In the case of our Electronics segment, our competitors include companies that have substantially longer operating histories, larger customer bases, name recognition, and financial and marketing resources than we do. Our competitors also include companies that have emerged in low cost production areas such as Asia and Eastern Europe with look-alike products. We believe that we compete with our competitors based upon quality, reliability, price, value, speed of delivery and technological characteristics. However, we cannot provide assurance that we will continue to be able to compete effectively with these companies.

Currently, certain of our customers purchase parts or products from us to meet a specific need in a system that cannot be filled by a component that they make themselves. However, given their superior technological capabilities and financial resources, our competitors could be engaged in the internal development of products and technologies that are similar to, or may compete with, certain of our products and technologies.

The future prospects for our products are dependent upon our customers’ acceptance of our products as an alternative to their internally developed products. Future sales prospects also are dependent upon acceptance of third-party sourcing for products as an alternative to in-house development. In the future, customers may continue to use internally developed components. They also may decide to develop or acquire products that are similar to, or that may be substituted for, our products.

We also sell products into competitive markets. Within our primary markets, we compete with a range of companies that offer certain individual components of our full system solutions. Particularly within our Electronics segment, the components of our overall systems most commonly include displays, panels, sensors, valves, and other end-devices. If our customers fail to accept our full system products or seek to internally develop alternatives to our full system products using component parts sourced from our competitors, or if we are otherwise unable to develop or maintain strong relationships with our customers, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.

Competitive actions, such as price reductions, consolidation in the industry, improved delivery and other actions, could adversely affect our revenue and earnings. We could experience a material adverse effect to the extent that our competitors are successful in reducing our customers’ purchases of products and services from us. Competition could also cause us to lower our prices, which could reduce our margins and profitability.

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Risks Relating to Our Business: Operations

If we are unable to continue our technological innovation and successful introduction of new commercial products in an efficient, cost-effective manner, our business will be adversely affected. Our business involves a significant level of product development activities, generally in connection with our customers’ development activities. Industry standards, customer expectations or other products may emerge that could render one or more of our products or services less desirable or obsolete. Maintaining our market position requires continued investment in research and development, particularly in the Electronics segment, which experiences ongoing technological change and product improvement. Our future growth will depend on our ability to gauge the direction of the commercial and technological progress in our markets, as well as our ability to acquire new product technologies or to fund and successfully develop, manufacture and market products in this constantly changing environment. During an economic downturn or a subsequent recovery, we may need to maintain our investment in research and development, which may limit our ability to reduce these expenses in proportion to a sales shortfall. In addition, increased investments in research and development may divert resources from other potential investments in our business, such as acquisitions or investments in our facilities, processes and operations. If these activities are not as successful as currently anticipated, are not completed on a timely basis, or are more costly than currently anticipated, or if we are not able to produce newly developed products at a cost that meets the anticipated product cost structure, then our future sales, margins and/or earnings could be lower than expected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, if we fail to keep pace with evolving technological innovations in the markets we serve, our business will be adversely affected.

We are subject to fluctuations in the prices of parts and raw materials, and dependent on our suppliers of these parts. We are dependent upon suppliers for parts and raw materials used in the manufacture of components that we sell to our customers, and some of our raw material costs are subject to commodity market price fluctuations. We may experience an increase in costs for parts or raw materials that we source from our suppliers, or we may experience a shortage of parts or raw materials for various reasons, such as the loss of a significant supplier, high overall demand creating shortages in parts and supplies we use, financial distress, work stoppages, natural disasters, fluctuations in commodity prices or production difficulties that may affect one or more of our suppliers. In particular, current or future global economic uncertainty may affect our key suppliers in terms of their operating cash flow and access to financing. This may, in turn, affect their ability to perform their obligations to us. In addition, quality and sourcing issues that our suppliers may experience can also adversely affect the quality and effectiveness of our products and services and may result in liability or reputational harm to us. Our customers rely on us to provide on-time delivery and have certain rights if our delivery standards are not maintained. A significant increase in our supply costs, including for raw materials that are subject to commodity price fluctuations, or a protracted interruption of supplies for any reason, could result in the delay of one or more of our customer contracts, or could damage our reputation and relationships with our customers. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Unforeseen or recurring operational problems at any of our facilities, or other catastrophic loss of one of our key manufacturing facilities, may cause significant lost production and adversely affect our results of operations.  Our manufacturing process could be affected by operational problems that could impair our production capability. Many of our manufacturing facilities contain high cost and sophisticated machines that are used in our manufacturing processes. Disruptions or shutdowns at any of our facilities could be caused by: 

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If some of our facilities are shut down, they may experience prolonged startup periods, regardless of the reason for the shutdown. Those startup periods could range from several days to several weeks or longer, depending on the reason for the shutdown and other factors. Any prolonged disruption in operations at any of our facilities could cause a significant loss of production and adversely affect our results of operations and negatively impact our customers and dealers.

We currently have operations located in geographies susceptible to severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes. A catastrophic event, whether resulting from severe weather or otherwise, could result in the loss of the use of all or a portion of one of our manufacturing facilities. Although we carry property and business interruption insurance, our coverage may not be adequate to compensate us for all losses that may occur. Any of these events individually or in the aggregate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. 

A disruption in our supply chain or other factors impacting the distribution of our products could adversely affect our business. A disruption within our logistics or supply chain network at any of the freight companies that deliver components for our manufacturing operations or ship our fully-assembled products to our customers could adversely affect our business and result in lost sales or harm to our reputation. Our supply chain is dependent on third-party ocean-going container ships, rail, barge and trucking systems and, therefore, disruption in these logistics services because of weather-related problems, strikes, bankruptcies or other events could adversely affect our financial performance and financial condition, negatively impacting sales, profitability and cash flows.  Additionally, we rely on supplied labor through a third-party provider to support key operations in Mexico.  A disruption in the ability of this provider to deliver qualified personnel and to operate our facility in Mexico could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Risks Relating to Our Business: Financial

We may need additional capital in the future, and it may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. We may require additional capital in the future to:

We can give no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. The terms of available financing may place limits on our financial and operating flexibility. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be forced to reduce our operations or to delay, limit or abandon expansion opportunities. Moreover, even if we are able to continue our operations, the failure to obtain additional financing could reduce our competitiveness. Our senior credit facility limits our ability to incur additional debt and therefore we likely would have to issue additional equity to raise additional capital. If we issue additional equity, a shareholder’s interest in us will be diluted.

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Our existing indebtedness could adversely affect our business and growth prospects. As of January 2, 2021, we had total indebtedness of approximately $462 million. Our indebtedness, or any additional indebtedness we may incur, could require us to divert funds identified for other purposes for debt service and impair our liquidity position. If we cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt, we may need to refinance our debt, dispose of assets or issue equity to obtain necessary funds. We do not know whether we would be able to take any of these actions on a timely basis, on terms satisfactory to us or at all.

Our indebtedness, the cash flow needed to satisfy our debt and the covenants contained in our senior credit facility have important consequences, including:

More specifically, under the terms of our senior credit facility, we have agreed to certain financial covenants. In addition, our senior credit facility places limitations on our ability to acquire other companies. Any failure by us to comply with the financial or other covenants set forth in our senior credit facility in the future, if not cured or waived, could result in our senior lender accelerating the maturity of our indebtedness or preventing us from accessing availability under our senior credit facility. If the maturity of our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not have sufficient cash resources to satisfy our debt obligations and we may not be able to continue our operations as planned.

If our long-lived assets, goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired, we may be required to record significant non-cash charges to our earnings. We recognize impairments of goodwill when the fair value of any of our reporting units becomes less than its carrying value. Our estimates of fair value are based on assumptions about future cash flows of each reporting unit, discount rates applied to these cash flows and current market estimates of value. Based on the uncertainty of future revenue growth rates and other assumptions used to estimate our reporting units’ fair value, future reductions in our expected cash flows could cause material non-cash impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We also have certain long-lived assets and other intangible assets which could be at risk of impairment or may require reserves based upon anticipated future benefits to be derived from such assets. Any change in the valuation of such assets could have a material effect on our profitability.

Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect our operating results and impact our financial condition. Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar may increase or decrease our sales or earnings. Because our consolidated financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, when we generate sales or earnings in other currencies, or we pay expenses in other currencies, the translation of those results into U.S. dollars can result in a significant increase or decrease in the reported amount of those sales or earnings. If the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to the value of the local currency, we may be less competitive. In addition, our debt service requirements are predominantly in U.S. dollars and a portion of our cash flow is generated in British pounds, euros and other foreign currencies. Significant changes in the value of the foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar could impair our cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.

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In addition, fluctuations in currencies relative to the U.S. dollar may make it more difficult to perform period-to-period comparisons of our reported results of operations. For purposes of accounting, the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated using period-end exchange rates, and the revenues and expenses of our foreign operations are translated using average exchange rates during each period.

In addition to currency translation risks, we incur currency transaction risk whenever we enter into either a purchase or a sales transaction using a currency other than U.S. dollars. Given the volatility of exchange rates, we may not be able to effectively manage our currency or translation risks. Volatility in currency exchange rates may decrease our sales and profitability and impair our financial condition. We periodically evaluate our need to hedge our exposures to foreign currencies and enter into forward foreign exchange contracts as we deem necessary.

Changes in tax rates, laws or regulations and the resolution of tax disputes could adversely impact our financial results. As a global company, we are subject to taxation in the U.S. and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required to determine our consolidated income tax provision and related liabilities. The Company’s effective tax rate, cash flows and operating results could be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, as well as by changes in the local tax laws and regulations, or the interpretations thereof. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was signed into law. The TCJA made comprehensive changes to U.S. federal income tax laws, including lowering the statutory rate and moving from a global to a modified territorial tax regime. As the U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS continue to issue regulations interpreting the implications of the TCJA, we continue to examine the impact that this tax reform legislation may have on our business. In addition, the Company’s tax returns are subject to regular review and audit by U.S. and non-U.S. tax authorities. While we believe our tax provisions are appropriate, the final outcome of tax audits or disputes could result in adjustments to the Company’s tax liabilities, which could adversely affect our financial results.

Risks Relating to Our Business: Intellectual Property

The inability to protect our intellectual property could reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage and reduce our sales and profitability, and the cost of protecting our intellectual property may be significant.  We have obtained and applied for some U.S. and foreign trademark and patent registrations and will continue to evaluate the registration of additional trademarks and patents, as appropriate. We cannot guarantee that any of our pending patent and trademark applications will be approved. Moreover, even if the applications are approved, third parties may seek to oppose or otherwise challenge them. An inability to obtain registrations in the U.S. or elsewhere could limit our ability to protect our trademarks and technologies and could impede our business. Further, the protection of our intellectual property rights may require expensive investment in protracted litigation and substantial management time, and there is no assurance we ultimately would prevail or that a successful outcome would lead to an economic benefit that is greater than the investment in the litigation. In the Electronics segment, the patents in our portfolio are scheduled to expire at various dates through 2038. In the Hydraulics segment, the patents in our portfolio are schedule to expire at various dates through 2040.  

We may also face difficulties protecting our intellectual property rights in foreign countries. The laws of foreign countries in which our products are sold or manufactured may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. For example, we are increasing our technical capabilities and sales in China, where laws may not afford the same intellectual property protections.

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If we are alleged to have infringed upon the intellectual property rights owned by others, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Competitors or other third parties may allege that we, or consultants or other third parties retained or indemnified by us, infringe on their intellectual property rights. We also may face allegations that our employees have misappropriated intellectual property rights of their former employers or other third parties. From time to time, we receive notices from other companies that allege we may be infringing certain of their patents or other rights. If we are unable to resolve these matters satisfactorily, or to obtain licenses on acceptable terms, we may face litigation. Given the potential risks and uncertainties of intellectual property-related litigation, the assertion of an infringement claim against us may cause us to spend significant amounts to defend the claim (even if we ultimately prevail), pay significant money damages, lose significant revenues, be prohibited from using the relevant technologies or other intellectual property rights, cease offering certain products or services, or incur significant license royalty, or technology development expenses. Even in instances where we believe that claims and allegations of intellectual property infringement against us are without merit, defending against such claims is time consuming and expensive and could result in the diversion of time and attention of our management and employees. In addition, although in some cases a third party may have agreed to indemnify us for such costs, such indemnifying party may refuse or be unable to uphold its contractual obligations.

If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position would be harmed. We maintain trade secrets, confidential, and proprietary information in the course and scope of our business. In the Electronics segment particularly, we rely significantly on trade secrets such as unpatented software algorithms, know-how, technology and other proprietary information to maintain our competitive position. We seek to protect software algorithms through encryption mechanisms in the distribution of our binary files used in programming our engine control products. However, we cannot guarantee that these encryption techniques can protect all or any portion of these binary files. In practice, we seek to protect our trade secrets by entering into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to them, such as our employees, corporate collaborators, outside scientific collaborators, contract manufacturers, consultants, advisors and other third parties. The agreements obligate them to assign to us any inventions developed in the course of their work for us. However, we cannot guarantee that we have executed these agreements with each party that may have or has had access to our trade secrets or that the agreements we have executed will provide adequate protection. Despite these efforts, any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. As a result, we may be forced to bring claims against third parties, or defend claims that they bring against us, to determine ownership of what we regard as our intellectual property. Monitoring unauthorized disclosure is difficult and we do not know whether the procedures we have followed to prevent such disclosure are, or will be, adequate. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, some courts inside and outside the U.S. may be less willing or unwilling to protect trade secrets. If any of our trade secrets were to be disclosed to, or independently developed by, a competitor, our competitive position would be harmed, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Our use of open source software may expose us to additional risks. We use open source software in our business, including in some of our products. While we try to monitor all use of open source software in our business to ensure that no open source software is used in such a way as to require us to disclose the source code to critical or fundamental elements of our software or technology, we cannot be certain that such use may not have inadvertently occurred in deploying our solutions. Furthermore, the terms of many open source licenses have not been interpreted by U.S. courts. As a result, there is a risk that these licenses could be construed in a way that could impose unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to commercialize our products. The risks associated with usage of open source software cannot be eliminated and could potentially have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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Risks Relating to Our Business: Other

We are subject to risks relating to international sales.  International sales represent a significant proportion of our consolidated sales. Approximately 62% and 59% of our net sales were outside of the U.S. during 2020 and 2019, respectively. We will continue to expand the scope of operations outside the U.S., both through direct investment and distribution, and expect that international sales will continue to account for a substantial portion of net sales in future periods.

Our future results could be harmed by a variety of factors, including:

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Our international operations and sales also expose us to different local political, regulatory and business risks and challenges. For example, we are faced with potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations and we have to design local solutions to manage credit and legal risks of local customers and channel partners, which may not be effective. In addition, because some of our international sales are to suppliers that perform work for foreign governments, we are subject to the political and legal risks associated with foreign government projects. For example, certain foreign governments may require suppliers for a project to obtain products solely from local manufacturers or may prohibit the use of products manufactured in certain countries.

International growth and expansion into markets such as Europe, Asia and Latin America may cause us difficulty due to greater regulatory barriers than in the U.S., the necessity of adapting to new regulatory systems, problems related to entering new markets with different economic, social and political systems and conditions, and significant competition from the primary participants in these markets, some of which may have substantially greater resources and political influence than we do. For example, unstable political conditions or civil unrest could negatively impact our order levels and sales in a region or our ability to collect receivables from customers or operate or execute projects in a region.

We are dependent upon key individuals and skilled personnel. Our success depends, to some extent, upon a number of key individuals. The loss of the services of one or more of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on our business. Future operating results depend to a significant degree upon the continued contribution of key management, technical personnel and the skilled labor force. As the Company continues to expand internationally, additional management and other key personnel will be needed. Competition for management and engineering personnel is intense, and other employers may have greater financial and other resources to attract and retain these employees. We conduct a substantial part of our operations in Sarasota, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Rivolta D’adda, Italy; various locations across Australia; Costa Mesa, California and Baja, Mexico. Our continued success is dependent on our ability to attract and retain a skilled labor force at these locations. There are no assurances that we will continue to be successful in attracting and retaining the personnel required to develop, manufacture and market our products and expand our operations.

Increased IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our systems, networks, products, solutions and services. We are dependent on various information technologies throughout our Company to administer, store and support multiple business activities. Increased global IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including employee training, comprehensive monitoring of our networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and protective systems, our systems, networks, products, solutions and services remain potentially vulnerable to advanced persistent threats. Depending on their nature and scope, such threats could potentially lead to the compromising of confidential information, improper use of our systems and networks, manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes, and operational disruptions, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness, and results of operations.

Due to the nature of our business and products, we may be liable for damages based on product liability and other tort and warranty claims. We face an inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event that the failure, use or misuse of our products results, or is alleged to result, in death, bodily injury, property damage, or economic loss. In the past, we have been subject to product liability claims relating to our products, and we may be subject to additional product liability claims in the future for both past and current products.

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Although we currently maintain product liability coverage, which we believe to be adequate for the continued operation of our business, such insurance may become difficult or impossible to obtain in the future on terms acceptable to us. Moreover, our insurance coverage includes customary exclusions and conditions, may not cover certain specialized applications and generally does not cover warranty or recall claims. A successful product liability claim or series of claims against us, including one or more consumer claims purporting to constitute class actions or claims resulting from extraordinary loss events, in excess of or outside our insurance coverage, or a significant warranty claim or series of claims against us, could materially decrease our liquidity, impair our financial condition and adversely affect our results of operations. Furthermore, regardless of the outcome, product liability claims can be expensive to defend, divert the attention of management and other personnel for significant periods of time and cause reputational damage.

We are subject to a variety of claims, investigations and litigation that could adversely affect our results of operations and harm our reputation. In the normal course of our business, we are subject to claims and lawsuits, including from time to time claims for damages related to product liability and warranties, investigations by governmental agencies, litigation alleging the infringement of intellectual property rights and litigation related to employee matters and commercial disputes. Defending these lawsuits and becoming involved in these investigations may divert our management’s attention, and may cause us to incur significant expenses, even if there is no evidence that our systems or components were the cause of the claim. In addition, we may be required to pay damage awards, penalties or settlements, or become subject to injunctions or other equitable remedies, that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Moreover, any insurance or indemnification rights that we have may be insufficient or unavailable to protect us against potential loss exposures.

We are subject to risks related to sustainability, corporate social responsibility and reputation. Many factors influence our reputation and the value of our brands including the perception held by our customers, business partners, investors, other key stakeholders and the communities in which we do business. Our business faces increasing scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance activities and disclosures and risk of damage to our reputation and the value of our brands if we fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, such as environmental stewardship, supply chain management, climate change, diversity and inclusion, workplace conduct, human rights, philanthropy and support for local communities. Any harm to our reputation could impact employee engagement and retention and the willingness of customers and our partners to do business with us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, how governments act to mitigate climate and related environmental risks, as well as associated changes in the behavior and preferences of businesses and consumers, could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results. Changes in climate and related environmental risks, perceptions of them, and governmental responses to them, may also occur more rapidly than we are able to adapt without disrupting our business and impairing our financial results.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

Future sales of our common stock in the public market or the issuance of securities senior to our common stock could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and our ability to raise funds in new stock offerings. Sales by us or our shareholders of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public markets, or the perception that these sales might occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline or could impair our ability to raise capital through a future sale of, or pay for acquisitions using, our equity securities.

We may issue common stock or equity securities senior to our common stock in the future for a number of reasons, including to finance our operations and business strategy, as consideration in acquisitions or for other reasons. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales or issuances of shares of our common stock or other equity securities, or the availability of shares of our common stock or any other equity securities for future sale or issuance, will have on the trading price of our common stock.

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Additional issuances of equity securities would dilute the ownership of existing shareholders and could reduce our earnings per share. We may issue equity securities in the future in connection with capital raising activities, acquisitions, strategic transactions or for other purposes. To the extent we issue additional equity securities, the ownership of our existing shareholders would be diluted and our earnings per share could be reduced.

We may not pay dividends on our common stock. Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as our board of directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments and as permitted by our debt agreements. Although historically we have paid a continuous quarterly dividend and a periodic special dividend, we are not required to declare cash dividends on our common stock, and the payment of future quarterly and special dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors. In determining the amount of any future quarterly or special dividends, our board of directors will consider economic and market conditions, our financial condition and operating results. Any change in our historical dividend practice could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. If our board of directors decides not to pay dividends in the future, then a return on investment in our common stock will only occur if our stock price appreciates.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

Corporate Office

We lease office space in Sarasota, FL that is used as our corporate headquarters.

Segments

The table below presents information on the primary operating facilities in our Hydraulics and Electronics segments. These locations are generally used for manufacturing and distribution activities as well as sales, engineering and administrative functions.

In addition to our primary operating facilities, we also lease office space that is used for sales, engineering and administrative activities in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India and Vietnam.

We believe that our properties have been adequately maintained, are generally in good condition, and are suitable and adequate for our business as presently conducted. The extent of utilization of our properties varies from time to time and among our facilities.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time we are involved in routine litigation incidental to the conduct of our business.  We do not believe that any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY,

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our Common Stock has been trading publicly under the symbol HLIO on the Nasdaq Global Select Market since June 17, 2019 and previously under the symbol SNHY since our initial public offering on January 9, 1997.

Holders

There were 185 shareholders of record of Common Stock on February 19, 2021. The number of record holders was determined from the records of our transfer agent and does not include beneficial owners of Common Stock whose shares are held in the names of securities brokers, dealers, and registered clearing agencies.  

Dividends

We have historically paid regular quarterly dividends of $0.09 per share. Our board of directors currently intends to continue to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share during 2021. However, the declaration and payment of future dividends is subject to the sole discretion of the board of directors, and any determination as to the payment of future dividends will depend upon our profitability, financial condition, capital needs, acquisition opportunities, future prospects and other factors deemed pertinent by the board of directors.

Equity Compensation Plans

Information called for by Item 5 is provided in Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report (Item 8 of this report).

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We did not repurchase any of our stock during the years ended January 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019.

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Five-Year Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares cumulative total return among Helios, the Russell 2000 Index and the Dow Jones US Diversified Industries Index, from January 2, 2016, to January 2, 2021, assuming $100 invested in each on January 2, 2016. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends for all companies considered within the comparison.  The stock price performance shown in the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

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ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following summary should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes contained herein.  See "Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Item 1.  Business."

We report on a fiscal year that ends on the Saturday closest to December 31st. Each quarter generally consists of thirteen weeks, with a fourteen-week quarter occurring periodically. The 2020 fiscal year contained 53 weeks, with a fourteen-week fourth quarter, and ended January 2, 2021. Fiscal years 2016 through 2019 contained 52 weeks.  

Our acquisition activity impacts the comparability of the selected financial information presented above. We completed the following acquisitions during the periods presented above: Enovation Controls, LLC acquired on December 5, 2016, Faster S.r.l. acquired on April 5, 2018, Custom Fluidpower Pty Ltd acquired on August 1, 2018 and Balboa Water Group acquired on November 6, 2020. The results of operations and estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in our financial statements for all periods subsequent to the acquisition dates. Additional details of our acquisitions are provided in Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report (Item 8 of this report).

Comparability of the selected financial data is further impacted by a goodwill impairment charge totaling $31.9 million, recognized in the 2020 fiscal year as a result of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy. Additional details are provided in Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report (Item 8 of this report).

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The operating results of the Hydraulics and Electronics segments included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are presented on a basis consistent with our internal management reporting. Segment information included in Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report is also presented on this basis. All differences between our internal management reporting basis and accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”), specifically the allocation of certain corporate and acquisition-related costs, are included in Corporate and Other.

Overview

We are an industrial technology leader that develops and manufactures solutions for both the hydraulics and electronics markets, each of which serves as a reportable segment. We were originally founded in 1970 as Sun Hydraulics Corporation, which designed and manufactured cartridge valves for hydraulics systems. We changed the Company’s legal name on June 13, 2019, from Sun Hydraulics Corporation to Helios Technologies, Inc.

On June 17, 2019, shares of Helios began trading on the Nasdaq under the new ticker symbol “HLIO”.

Strategic Vision

Our strategic goals are to achieve $1 billion in sales through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, while remaining a technology leader and delivering superior profitability, with operating margins in excess of 20%. We are augmenting our strategy with value streams that will help us to execute our goals and potentially accelerate the achievement of our strategic vision.

We believe the value streams will deliver growth, diversification and market leading financial performance as we develop into a more sophisticated, globally oriented, customer centric and learning organization. These are:

Our strategy is underpinned by the execution of acquisitions, which we expect to include bolt-on flywheel type acquisitions (up to $100 million in enterprise value) and the evaluation of more transformative acquisitions ($100 million to $1 billion in enterprise value). The objective of our acquisition strategy is to enhance Helios by:

To support the execution of our strategy, our financial strategy is oriented on delivering industry leading margins, a strong balance sheet and sufficient financial flexibility to support organic and acquisitive growth.

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We align our internal key performance indicators with our strategy to ensure our short-term actions will deliver long-term expectations.

We employ several tactics to execute our strategies, which include capitalizing on our unique and deeply rooted values, structured human capital development and differentiated engineering for both products and processes.

Continued product development is a key factor to organic and synergistic growth in both the Hydraulics and Electronics segments, including joint development between the two segments.

In the Hydraulics segment, we continue to invest in our FLeX series of electro-hydraulic cartridge valves for the mobile and industrial markets in both high and low pressure applications. We have already released over 25 new FLeX series valves and will have a significant number of additional introductions to the FLeX family. These products allow us to compete in parts of the market where we could not before, including complete valve solutions. Investments in sustaining engineering and simulation development are delivering performance improvements of our existing valves by reducing manufacturing costs through improved first pass yield. In addition, the sophistication process of coupling solutions and the electrification of these products has now entered the second phase of its development. We have identified new products to be developed and tested with selected customers with the goal of reinforcing the technological advantage we have historically had and so that we can continue to expand in this market.

In the Electronics segment, we have launched our new line of ACE™-configurable MCx controllers. Built for market flexibility, the MCx controller series empowers original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and distribution partners with a machine control hardware and software system solution that can be easily adapted to any application using our intuitive ACE configuration software or the widely used CODESYS platform. ACE software allows users to quickly build a solution using our patented drag-and-drop coding blocks and makes it easy to rapidly incorporate Sun Hydraulics’ components and Enovation Controls’ customizable displays into a project. MCx hardware and ACE software, combined with Sun's XMD drivers and FLeX Series directional valves, provide customers a complete solution for a wide range of electro-hydraulic control applications. Enovation Controls has also launched a complete family of edge-to-edge connected PowerView displays for existing recreational and off-highway customers. With new smaller, higher-resolution screen sizes to fit the needs of customers, this new platform has brought us significant new customer wins.

Acquisitions

Our acquisition activity, driven by our strategic vision, has enabled us to diversify our product offerings and the markets we serve and expand our geographic presence. Prior to 2016, we operated primarily in the Hydraulics market with a small presence in electronics. Since our acquisitions of Enovation Controls in 2016 and Faster and Custom Fluidpower in 2018, we have entered into several new markets, including, marine, power generation, recreational vehicles and mining. We have also expanded our presence in the agricultural, construction equipment, general industrial and material handling end markets. Our product and service portfolio has grown significantly to include quick release hydraulic coupling solutions, complete system design, installation and commissioning, hydraulic system service and repairs, traditional mechanical and electronic gauge instrumentation, plug and go CAN-based instruments, robust environmentally sealed controllers, engineered panels and application specialists, process monitoring instrumentation, proprietary hardware and software development, printed circuit board assembly and wiring harness design and manufacturing.

In November 2020 we acquired Balboa Water Group further diversifying the markets we serve and expanding our technological capabilities in electronics. Balboa is an innovative market leader of electronic controls for the health and wellness industry with proprietary and patented technology that enables end-to-end electronic control systems for therapy baths and spas. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, Balboa’s manufacturing operations are located in Mexico, with sales and warehouse operations in Denmark. This acquisition expanded our electronic control technology with complementary AC (alternating current) capabilities and enabled further diversification of end markets.

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In January 2021, we acquired the assets of BJN Technologies, LLC, an innovative engineering solutions provider that was founded in 2014. With the acquisition, we formed the Helios Center of Engineering Excellence (“Engineering Center”) to centralize our technology advancements and new product development and better leverage existing talents across the electronics segment initially, and then throughout all of Helios.

Global Economic Conditions

Impact of COVID-19 on our business

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and continues to cause, significant economic disruption globally, and substantial uncertainty exists regarding the magnitude and duration of the pandemic and its economic impact. Broad measures taken by governments, businesses and others to limit the spread of the virus are adversely affecting the Company and its customers.

Our primary manufacturing locations are currently fully operational but were impacted throughout the year to differing degrees by various COVID-19 related factors such as:

Employees continue to work from home when necessary, and we have taken significant measures to ensure the health and safety of those working at our facilities.

As of the date of this filing, pandemic related disruptions to our business are minimal. Our outlook for the 2021 fiscal year assumes the global economy continues to recover, however we cannot at this time predict any future impacts. Refer to Item 1A Risk Factors of this Annual Report for additional COVID-19 related discussion.   

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Brexit

In January 2020, the UK exited the EU. During the transition period, which ended on December 31, 2020, existing arrangements between the UK and the EU remained in place while the UK and the EU negotiated a free trade agreement that was entered into on December 24, 2020 and went into effect on January 1, 2021. The Company continues to monitor the situation and plan for potential impact. We have considered the following factors that mitigate the potential impact of Brexit on the import and export of goods to and from the UK:

The ultimate impact of Brexit on the Company’s financial results is uncertain. However, based on the above noted mitigating factors, we do not expect the effects of Brexit to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

Industry Conditions

Market demand for our products is dependent on demand for the industrial goods in which the products are incorporated.  The capital goods industries in general, and the Hydraulics and Electronics segments specifically, are subject to economic cycles.  We utilize industry trend reports from various sources, as well as feedback from customers and distributors, to evaluate economic trends.  We also rely on global government statistics such as Gross Domestic Product and Purchasing Managers Index to understand higher level economic conditions.

Hydraulics

According to the National Fluid Power Association (the fluid power industry’s trade association in the U.S.), the U.S. index of shipments of hydraulic products decreased 17% in 2020, after decreasing 7% in 2019 and increasing 13% in 2018. In Europe, the CEMA Business Barometer reports that in February 2021, the business climate index for the European agricultural machinery industry has risen to a clear boom level after having reached the positive range in October for the first times since mid-2019. The CECE (Committee for European Construction Equipment) business climate index continued its recovery in November as future business expectations reached pre-pandemic levels and the climate index hit the neutral line for the first time since March 2020.

Electronics

The Federal Reserve’s Industrial Production Index, which measures the real output of all relevant establishments located in the U.S., reports sales of semiconductors and other electronics components improved during the fourth quarter of 2020, exceeding fourth quarter 2019 levels. The Institute of Printed Circuits Association reported that total North American printed circuit board shipments in December 2020 increased 4.5% compared with the same month last year; compared with November 2020, December shipments grew 9.8%. In our Electronics segment, we experienced declining sales in excess of the overall market, due to softer demand in recreational and oil and gas end markets as well as a strategic change we made to our customer base during 2019. In addition, several of our large OEM customers had requested to adjust the timing of order request dates into later quarters. For additional information, refer to the discussion of 2020 results of our Electronics segment below.

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2020 Results and Comparison of Years Ended January 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019

The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations:

Consolidated net sales for the 2020 year totaled $523.0 million, down 5.7% compared with 2019. The Company’s acquisition of Balboa on November 6, 2020 added $26.1 million in sales for the year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates favorably impacted sales by $2.0 million for the year. A large portion of the decline in sales compared with 2019 is attributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, customers and end markets. During the month of April, we experienced a considerable impact on sales due to facility closures, customer shut-downs and regulatory restrictions imposed on shipments. Our production capabilities recovered throughout the second quarter, with the third quarter returning to more typical levels while order intake remained soft throughout the year. Towards the end of the year, we began to experience some recovery, with fourth quarter sales of our legacy businesses exceeding second and third quarter levels driven primarily by demand in the European agriculture market and the U.S. recreational marine market.

From a geographic perspective, excluding the acquisition and foreign currency impacts, our sales to the Americas and EMEA regions were impacted significantly during the year, declining 20.4% and 9.1% over 2019, respectively. Increased demand and our recent expansion efforts in the APAC region drove sales growth of 4.6% over 2019.

Gross profit margin declined 0.8 percentage points during 2020 from 38.3% to 37.5%. The impact of amortization of acquisition-related inventory step up costs resulting from the Balboa acquisition of $1.9 million accounted for 0.4 percentage points of the decline.

Throughout the year, we implemented multiple cost saving measures to mitigate the effects of the downturn, including decreased use of consultants and contractors, adjustments to our fixed cost labor base by implementing salary reductions, furloughs and layoffs, and reduced travel and other discretionary spending. Our cost saving measures have been partially offset as we have incurred costs related to the purchase of safety equipment, personal protective equipment and higher cleaning costs to ensure our employees’ safety during the pandemic.

During the first quarter of 2020, current and expected economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic led to an impairment charge of $31.9 million of goodwill at our Faster reporting unit. Current year profitability was further impacted by non-recurring costs of $2.6 million related to the transition of two of our officers, including our former Chief Executive Officer and $6.6 million of transaction costs for our acquisition of Balboa. Amortization on Balboa intangible assets totaled $4.0 million during 2020. As a result of these impacts, operating margin for the year declined to 6.8%.

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Segment Results

Hydraulics

The following table sets forth the results of operations for the Hydraulics segment (in millions):

Net sales for the Hydraulics segment totaled $407.2 million in 2020, representing a contraction of $35.6 million, 8.0%, over the prior year. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates favorably impacted sales for the year by $2.0 million. Disruptions caused by the pandemic, including our facility closures and regulatory restrictions on shipments experienced during the first and second quarters, as well as ongoing reduced end market demand and related impacts to our customers, led to the diminished sales during the year.

The following table presents net sales based on the geographic region of the sale for the Hydraulics segment (in millions):

Shipments and demand weakened in the Americas region during 2020 with sales declining $31.8 million, 19.6%, compared with the prior year. Sales to the EMEA region decreased 9.1% after consideration of positive impacts from foreign currency fluctuations totaling $2.5 million during 2020. Sales to the APAC region during 2020 were up $6.6 million, 4.8%, over 2019, due to improved demand in China as well as our recent expansion efforts in the region. After consideration of negative impacts from changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $0.6 million, sales to the APAC region improved 5.2% over 2019.

Hydraulics segment gross profit trended downward in 2020 compared with 2019, due to lower sales volume. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on gross profit for the year of $0.3 million. Gross profit margin improved by 0.5 percentage points in 2020 compared with the prior year. Effective cost management efforts, including adjustment of our fixed cost base by implementing furloughs and temporary salary reductions, savings from our 2019 organizational restructure at Sun Hydraulics and production efficiencies gained from our CVT manufacturing consolidation project, which was completed in the first quarter of 2019 led to the margin gains.

Selling, engineering and administrative expenses (“SEA”) were down 3.8% to $68.3 million in 2020, compared with $71.0 million in the prior year as a result of the aggressive cost management efforts previously noted and reductions in costs related to wages, travel and marketing, professional fees and other discretionary costs. The segment incurred increased costs for safety equipment and cleaning services as well as increased corporate operating costs allocated to the segment that were incurred to support the growth and change in the structure of Helios. Reduced leverage of our fixed cost base on lower sales led to SEA as a percent of sales increasing 0.8 percentage points during the year.

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In the third quarter of 2019, we incurred one-time costs for an organizational restructure which resulted in $1.7 million of early retirement and severance charges. The restructuring plan was executed at Sun Hydraulics to improve the global cost structure of the business while aligning employee talent with the strategic operational goals of the Company. All actions from this restructuring plan have been completed. Also in the third quarter of 2019, we incurred a one-time cost of $2.7 million for a loss on disposal of an intangible asset from the termination of our technology licensing agreement with Sturman Industries, Inc. The termination of the agreement is the result of a phase out of the digital logic valve (“DLV”) related products and technologies.

As a result of the impacts to gross profit and SEA costs noted above, 2020 operating income declined $4.0 million, 4.7%, compared with 2019, while 2020 operating margin improved 0.7 percentage points during the year.

Electronics

The following table sets forth the results of operations for the Electronics segment (in millions):

Net sales for the Electronics segment totaled $115.8 million in 2020, an increase of $3.9 million, 3.5%, over the prior year. The acquisition of Balboa added $26.1 million to current-year sales. Demand in the health and wellness and spa and bath industries has been bolstered by the pandemic as consumers invest in health and home improvements. We have seen the same trend in the recreational marine industry in which demand has remained strong. Decreased demand in many of our other legacy end markets caused by the pandemic has had a significant impact on our 2020 sales, as many of our customers shut down operations for a period of time during the second quarter and several of our large OEM customers requested to adjust the timing of order request dates into later quarters. Demand in the oil and gas end market has been severely impacted, and we continue to experience some decline resulting from our intentional shift in our customer base which included the release of certain contractual obligations to customers that allowed us to leverage all of our products to a broader and more diversified customer base. Changes in exchange rates had a minimal impact on 2020 sales of the Electronics segment.

The following table presents net sales based on the geographic region of the sale for the Electronics segment (in millions):

Impacted by the Balboa acquisition, sales to the Americas region during 2020 declined $2.4 million, 2.5%, while sales to the EMEA and APAC regions increased 28.6% and 54.2%, respectively.

Gross profit contracted by $3.1 million, 6.1%, in 2020, primarily due to the lower sales volume. Gross profit margin declined 4.2 percentage points to 41.3% compared with 45.5% in 2019. Gross margin was heavily impacted by reduced leverage of our fixed cost base on lower sales throughout the year and the addition of spa and bath product sales which have a different margin profile compared with our historical business resulting in higher cost of goods and lower SEA costs. Cost management efforts and a $0.9 million non-recurring benefit from the release of contractual obligations to customers during the 2020 first quarter helped to mitigate the impacts.

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SEA expenses fell $0.5 million, 1.7%, to $28.4 million in 2020 compared with $28.9 million during 2019 and SEA costs as a percentage of sales declined 1.3 percentage points to 24.5%, as cost saving measures focused on managing fixed personnel costs and eliminating non-essential spending. Throughout the year we have continued to invest in the engineering and research and development (“R&D”) necessary to support new product development that will drive revenue growth in 2021 and beyond.

As a result of the impacts to gross profit and SEA costs noted above, operating income declined $2.6 million, 11.8%, over the 2019 year while operating margin decreased 2.9 percentage points, to 16.8%.

Corporate and Other

Certain costs are excluded from business segment results as they are not used in evaluating the results of, or in allocating resources to, our operating segments. For the year ended January 2, 2021, these costs totaled $65.9 million for (i) goodwill impairment of $31.9 million, (ii) transition costs for two of our officers, including our former Chief Executive Officer totaling $2.6 million, (iii) acquisition-related items such as transaction costs of $6.6 million, (iv) charges related to inventory step-up to fair value of $1.9 million, (v) amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $22.1 million and (vi) $0.9 million related to other acquisition and integration activities. For the year ended December 28, 2019, these costs totaled $17.9 million and were for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets.

Interest Expense, net

Net interest expense decreased $2.1 million during 2020 to $13.3 million compared with $15.4 million in 2019. The decrease is attributable to lower average debt levels during 2020 due to our net debt repayments during the year which totaled $48.3 million, excluding the amendment of our credit facility at the end of October which increased borrowings to fund the Balboa acquisition.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the year ended January 2, 2021, was 17.6% of pretax income before non-deductible impairment related charges compared with 20.0% for the year ended December 28, 2019. The 2020 effective tax rate after nondeductible goodwill impairment was 40.9%. These effective rates typically fluctuate relative to the levels of income and different tax rates in effect among the countries in which we sell our products.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has evaluated the various income and payroll tax provisions and expects little or no impact to income tax expense. However, the Company is taking advantage of the various payment deferments allowed and employee retention credits afforded by the CARES Act and other similar state and/or foreign liquidity measures. The CARES Act allows employers to defer the deposit and payment of the employer's share of Social Security taxes. We deferred the payment of $1.5 million of payroll taxes normally due between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. These payroll taxes will be paid during the third quarter of 2021 and are included as accrued compensation and benefits in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 2018, the company had recorded $0.6 million of expense related to the one-time transition tax on mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. The Company elected to pay the transition tax in full.

As of January 2, 2021, the Company had approximately $19.3 million of undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries for which it has not provided for non-U.S. withholding taxes and state taxes because such earnings are intended to be reinvested indefinitely in international operations.

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2019 Results and Comparison of Years Ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018

For the discussion and analysis of our 2019 results compared with our 2018 results, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020. The discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, our primary source of capital has been cash generated from operations. In recent years we have used borrowings on our credit facilities to fund acquisitions, and during 2018 we raised $240.0 million in net proceeds from our public offering of our common stock, which was also used to fund acquisition activity during the year. During 2020, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $108.6 million and as of January 2, 2021 we had $25.2 million of cash on hand and $144.0 million of available credit on our revolving credit facility. We also have a $300.0 million accordion feature available on our credit facility, which is subject to certain pro forma compliance requirements and is intended to support potential future acquisitions.

Our principal uses of cash have been paying operating expenses, paying dividends to shareholders, making capital expenditures, servicing debt and making acquisition-related payments.

We believe that the cash generated from operations and our borrowing availability under our credit facilities will be sufficient to satisfy our operating expenses and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future. In the event that economic conditions were to severely worsen for a protracted period of time, we would have several options available to ensure liquidity in addition to increased borrowing. Capital expenditures could be postponed since they primarily pertain to long-term improvements in operations. Additional operating expense reductions could also be made. Finally, the dividend to shareholders could be reduced or suspended.

Cash flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods (in millions):

Cash on hand increased $3.1 million from $22.1 million at the end of 2019 to $25.2 million at the end of 2020. Cash and cash equivalents were unfavorably impacted by changes in exchange rates during the year ended January 2, 2021 by $7.3 million and favorably impacted during the year ended December 28, 2019 by $2.3 million. Cash balances on hand are a result of our cash management strategy, which focuses on maintaining sufficient cash to fund operations while reinvesting cash in the Company and also paying down borrowings on our credit facilities.

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Operating activities

Cash from operations increased $18.1 million, 20.0%, compared with the prior year. $10.7 million of the fluctuation resulted from the 2019 payment on the contingent consideration liability related to the Enovation Controls acquisition, which was included in operating cash flows for the 2019 period as the total payments exceeded the acquisition date fair value of the liability. The remaining increase of $7.4 million resulted from improved cash flow from operating assets and liabilities offset by decreased cash earnings. Changes in inventory, net of acquisitions, increased cash by $0.6 million in 2020 compared with a decrease in cash of $1.5 million during 2019. Days of inventory on hand increased to 100 days for the 2020 year, compared with 91 during the 2019 year, impacted by the softer than expected demand during the year and an increase in certain purchased parts inventories to mitigate the risk of potential supplier constraints. There has been no decline in the net realizable value of our inventory as a result of recent economic conditions. Changes in accounts receivable, net of acquisitions, increased cash by $0.7 million in 2020 compared with $5.7 million in 2019. Days sales outstanding for the 2020 year went up to 50 days, from 44 days during 2019. We have not experienced significant delays in collection of accounts receivable balances from customers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities increased during 2020 by $213.5 million, compared with 2019. The acquisition of Balboa accounted for $217.0 million of the fluctuation. Capital expenditures were $14.6 million during 2020; $10.4 million, 41.6%, lower than the prior year. Due to the economic conditions and uncertainty of future cash flows during the year, capital expenditure projects were evaluated and several were postponed. We only proceeded with high priority and critical projects during the year. Capital expenditures for 2021 are forecasted to be approximately 5% of sales, primarily for investments in machinery and equipment to increase capacity, maintain existing machine efficiencies and improve manufacturing technologies.

Financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities totaled $137.7 million in 2020, compared with cash used in financing activities of $71.7 million in 2019.

During the second quarter, we entered into a term facility with Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A to provide us with additional liquidity of €5.0 million. We also entered into a term loan and a line of credit with Citibank that allows maximum borrowings of RMB 65.0 million in order to facilitate operational expansion in China.

On October 28, 2020, we amended and restated our credit agreement with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. The amendment increased the term loan credit facility to an aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million. The revolving credit facility’s aggregate maximum principal borrowing amount remained unchanged at $400.0 million, and the accordion feature was increased to an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million. The credit facilities will be available through October 28, 2025. We plan to use the proceeds of the amended credit agreement for working capital purposes, to finance acquisitions such as the purchase of Balboa, and for general corporate purposes.

Borrowings on our revolving credit facility and our long-term non-revolving debt with PNC Bank as of January 2, 2021 totaled $255.9 million and $200.0 million, respectively. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for additional information regarding our credit facilities.

During April 2019, we paid $17.8 million to the former owners of Enovation Controls in connection with the last payment due on the contingent consideration liability.

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We have historically declared regular quarterly dividends to shareholders of $0.09 per share. We paid dividends totaling $11.6 million, $11.5 million, and $11.0 million for the years ended January 2, 2021, December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, respectively. The declaration and payment of future dividends is subject to the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, and any determination as to the payment of future dividends will depend upon our profitability, financial condition, capital needs, acquisition opportunities, future prospects and other factors deemed pertinent by the Board of Directors.

Contractual obligations

The timing of payments due under our contractual obligations as of January 2, 2021, are summarized in the table below (in thousands):

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Based on facts and circumstances inherent in developing estimates and assumptions, we believe it is unlikely that applying other such estimates and assumptions would have caused materially different amounts to have been reported. The following policies are considered by management to be the most critical in understanding the judgements, estimates and assumptions that are involved in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires recognition separately from goodwill, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values.  Assigning fair market values to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of an acquisition requires knowledge of current market values, and the values of assets in use, and often requires the application of judgment regarding estimates and assumptions. While the ultimate responsibility resides with management, for certain acquisitions we retain the services of certified valuation specialists to assist with assigning estimated values to certain acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including intangible assets and tangible long-lived assets. Acquired intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are valued using various methodologies such as the discounted cash flow method which is based on future cash flows specific to the type of intangible asset purchased and the relief from royalty method which is based on the present value of savings resulting from the right to manufacture or sell products that incorporate the intangible asset without having to pay a license for its use. These methodologies incorporate various estimates and assumptions, the most significant being estimated royalty rates, projected revenue growth rates, profit margins and forecasted cash flows based on the discount rate.

Goodwill

Goodwill, which represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired, is carried at cost. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, in our third and fourth fiscal quarters, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate a reduction in the fair value below the carrying value. The carrying value of assets is calculated at the reporting unit level. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value.

The assessment of fair value for impairment purposes requires significant judgment by management. We generally use a combination of market and income approach methodologies to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. The income approach is generally based on a discounted cash flow analysis, which estimates the present value of the projected free cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. Assumptions used in the analysis include estimated future revenues and expenses, weighted average cost of capital, capital expenditures and other variables.  Assumptions made for future cash flows are developed based on consideration of current and future economic conditions, recent sales trends, planned timing of product launches or other relevant variables. The market approach estimates the value of reporting units by comparing to guideline public companies or guideline transactions. Various valuation multiples of companies that are economically and operationally similar are used as data points for selecting multiples for the reporting units. Changes in assumptions or estimates could materially affect the estimated fair value of our reporting units and the potential for impairment.

During the first quarter of 2020, the Company determined that, based on current economic conditions and potential future impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Faster reporting unit was less than its carrying value. Upon completion of the interim impairment testing, the Company determined that the carrying value of goodwill was impaired. Upon completion of our subsequent annual goodwill impairment testing for the year ended January 2, 2021, we determined that the remaining carrying amount of goodwill was not impaired. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for goodwill amounts.

Income Taxes

Our income tax policy provides for a balance sheet approach under which deferred income taxes are provided for based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the taxes become payable. These differences result from items reported differently for financial reporting and income tax purposes, primarily depreciation, amortization, accrued expenses and reserves.

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Our annual tax rate fluctuates based on our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective government taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available. Indefinite reinvestment is determined by management’s judgment about, and intentions concerning, our future operations.

We recognize and measure uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740. We report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We file annual income tax returns in multiple taxing jurisdictions around the world. Many years may pass before an uncertain tax position is audited by the relevant tax authorities and finally resolved. While it is often difficult to predict the outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, we believe that our reserves for income taxes are adequate such that we reflect the benefits more likely than not to be sustained in an examination. We adjust these reserves, as well as the related interest and penalties, where appropriate in light of changing facts and circumstances. Settlement of any particular position could require the use of cash. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for income tax amounts, including reserves.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not engage in any off balance sheet financing arrangements. In particular, we do not have any material interest in variable interest entities, which include special purpose entities and structured finance entities.

Inflation

The impact of inflation on our operating results has been moderate in recent years, reflecting generally lower rates of inflation in the economy. While inflation has not had, and we do not expect that it will have, a material impact upon operating results, there is no assurance that our business will not be affected by inflation in the future.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk primarily from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. To reduce such risks, we selectively use financial instruments and other proactive management techniques. All hedging transactions strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. A discussion of our accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included within Notes 2 and 9, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to interest rate risk results from variable debt outstanding under our term loan and revolving credit facility with PNC Bank. We pay interest on outstanding borrowings at interest rates that fluctuate based upon changes in various base rates. As of January 2, 2021, we had $255.9 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $200.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the term loan. Based on our level of variable rate debt outstanding during the year ended January 2, 2021, a one percentage point increase in the reference average interest rate, which generally equaled 3.55%, would have resulted in an approximate $1.4 million increase in financing costs for the year ended January 2, 2021. As of December 28, 2019, we had $208.7 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $92.5 million in borrowings outstanding under the term loan. Based on our level of variable rate debt outstanding during the year ended December 28, 2019, a one percentage point increase in the reference average interest rate, which generally equaled 4.16%, would have resulted in an approximate $1.5 million increase in financing costs for the year ended December 28, 2019.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations relate primarily to our locations in Italy, Australia, Germany, South Korea, the UK, China and India. Our operations in these countries are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency rates primarily from payments received from customers and payments made to suppliers denominated in foreign currencies. During the year ended January 2, 2021 we economically hedged certain foreign currency risks by entering into forward foreign exchange contracts. These contracts were not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. A discussion of our accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included within Notes 2 and 9, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

The strengthening of the U.S. dollar can have an unfavorable impact on our results of operations and financial position as foreign denominated operating results are translated into U.S. dollars. The result of a 10% decrease in the 2020 average exchange rates of the currencies in which our transactions are denominated would have resulted in a decrease in annual sales and net income of $23.0 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for the year ended January 2, 2021. The result of a 10% decrease in the 2019 average exchange rates of the currencies in which our transactions are denominated would have resulted in a decrease in annual sales and net income of $21.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively, for the year ended December 28, 2019. This sensitivity analysis assumes that each exchange rate changed in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar and excludes the potential effects that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may have on actual sales or price levels. Similarly, a 10% decline in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar on our January 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019 financial position would have resulted in a $55.3 million and $45.4 million reduction to equity (accumulated other comprehensive loss), respectively, as a result of non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities being translated into U.S. dollars, our reporting currency.

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ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Helios Technologies, Inc.

Opinion on the financial statements 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Helios Technologies, Inc. (a Florida corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the periods ended January 2, 2021, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of January 2, 2021 and December 28, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the periods ended January 2, 2021, December 28, 2019, and December 29, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2021, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated March 2, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical audit matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing  separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

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Interim Evaluation of the Recovery of Goodwill

As described further in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company performs a test for goodwill impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that a reduction in the fair value of goodwill below its carrying value has occurred. The Company has completed several business combinations in the past five years, which have resulted in the recognition of goodwill. Upon completion of the interim impairment testing for the period ended March 28, 2020, the Company determined that the carrying value of goodwill for one of the reporting units was impaired. In estimating fair value, management utilizes an income approach and a market approach. The income approach determines fair value based on discounted cash flow models derived from the reporting units’ long-term forecasts. The market approach determines fair value based on earnings multiples derived from prices investors paid for the stocks of comparable, publicly traded companies. We identified this interim evaluation of the recovery of goodwill for one of the reporting units to be a critical audit matter.

The principal considerations for our determination that the evaluation of the recovery of goodwill for one of the reporting units was a critical audit matter are the significant judgements by management when developing the fair value measurement and the related auditor judgement that was required to evaluate certain of management’s assumptions used in the Company’s estimate of the fair value of that reporting unit.  Specifically, the growth rate used in financial projections extending several years, the related discount rate and the terminal value were all assumptions with a high level of estimation uncertainty in the discounted cash flow model. The market value model includes key assumptions such as the selection of comparable public companies used to establish market multiples.  Management’s assessment was based on qualitative and quantitative factors, such as the impact from competitors, impact of competing products, market demand forces, discount rates and assumptions, and other considerations that were particularly uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our audit procedures related to the interim evaluation of the recovery of goodwill for the one reporting unit included the following, among others.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP  

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016. 

Tampa, Florida

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March 2, 2021

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Helios Technologies, Inc.

Opinion on internal control over financial reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Helios Technologies, Inc. (a Florida corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 2, 2021, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2021, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended January 2, 2021, and our report dated March 2, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Tampa, Florida

March 2, 2021

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Helios Technologies, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except per share data)

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Helios Technologies, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Helios Technologies, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Helios Technologies, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(in thousands)