Annual Statements Open main menu

nVent Electric plc - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2021    
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 001-38265
nVent Electric plc
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Ireland98-1391970
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification number)
The Mille, 1000 Great West Road, 8th Floor (East), London, TW8 9DW, United Kingdom
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 44-20-3966-0279

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading symbolName of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary Shares, nominal value $0.01 per shareNVTNew York Stock Exchange
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 (§223.405 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.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting 
company 
Emerging growth
company 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No
On March 31, 2021, 167,677,815 shares of Registrant's common stock were outstanding.


Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
 
 Page
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 6.


2

Table of Contents
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
nVent Electric plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Three months ended
In millions, except per-share dataMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Net sales$548.9 $520.9 
Cost of goods sold339.9 325.6 
Gross profit209.0 195.3 
Selling, general and administrative117.2 123.1 
Research and development11.4 11.9 
Operating income80.4 60.3 
Net interest expense8.1 9.9 
Other expense
0.6 0.8 
Income before income taxes 71.7 49.6 
Provision for income taxes6.3 31.0 
Net income$65.4 $18.6 
Comprehensive income, net of tax
Net income$65.4 $18.6 
Changes in cumulative translation adjustment3.0 (23.5)
Changes in market value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax
19.3 17.0 
Comprehensive income$87.7 $12.1 
Earnings per ordinary share
Basic
$0.39 $0.11 
Diluted
$0.39 $0.11 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding
Basic167.7 169.8 
Diluted168.8 171.0 
Cash dividends paid per ordinary share$0.175 $0.175 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
In millions, except per-share data
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$104.9 $122.5 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowances of $5.8 and $6.2, respectively
351.7 313.8 
Inventories237.9 235.2 
Other current assets104.5 92.9 
Total current assets799.0 764.4 
Property, plant and equipment, net282.7 289.4 
Other assets
Goodwill2,094.3 2,098.2 
Intangibles, net1,088.7 1,105.5 
Other non-current assets133.3 108.6 
Total other assets3,316.3 3,312.3 
Total assets$4,398.0 $4,366.1 
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings$20.0 $20.0 
Accounts payable176.9 171.1 
Employee compensation and benefits76.3 70.4 
Other current liabilities190.6 188.5 
Total current liabilities463.8 450.0 
Other liabilities
Long-term debt923.2 928.0 
Pension and other post-retirement compensation and benefits228.7 237.9 
Deferred tax liabilities229.4 230.1 
Other non-current liabilities102.9 110.3 
Total liabilities1,948.0 1,956.3 
Equity
Ordinary shares $0.01 par value, 400.0 authorized, 167.7 and 168.2 issued at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
1.7 1.7 
Additional paid-in capital2,464.5 2,482.6 
Retained earnings56.7 20.7 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(72.9)(95.2)
Total equity 2,450.0 2,409.8 
Total liabilities and equity$4,398.0 $4,366.1 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Operating activities
Net income$65.4 $18.6 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
Depreciation9.7 9.6 
Amortization15.9 16.0 
Deferred income taxes(1.5)26.0 
Share-based compensation(0.2)1.9 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business acquisitions
Accounts and notes receivable(42.2)(2.6)
Inventories(6.2)(6.1)
Other current assets(12.6)(5.7)
Accounts payable10.1 (33.3)
Employee compensation and benefits7.1 (9.3)
Other current liabilities2.5 (8.6)
Other non-current assets and liabilities1.9 0.2 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities49.9 6.7 
Investing activities
Capital expenditures(9.9)(10.2)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment0.1 1.1 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(3.9)(27.0)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(13.7)(36.1)
Financing activities
Net receipts of revolving long-term debt— 150.0 
Repayments of long-term debt(5.0)(3.8)
Dividends paid(29.4)(29.7)
Shares issued to employees, net of shares withheld2.0 3.0 
Repurchases of ordinary shares(20.0)(3.2)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(52.4)116.3 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(1.4)(5.4)
Change in cash and cash equivalents(17.6)81.5 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period122.5 106.4 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$104.9 $187.9 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited)

In millionsOrdinary sharesAdditional paid-in capitalRetained earningsAccumulated
other
comprehensive loss
 Total
NumberAmount
Balance - December 31, 2020168.2 $1.7 $2,482.6 $20.7 $(95.2)$2,409.8 
Net income — — — 65.4 — 65.4 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — 22.3 22.3 
Dividends declared— — — (29.4)— (29.4)
Share repurchases(0.9)— (20.0)— — (20.0)
Exercise of options, net of shares tendered for payment0.2 — 4.1 — — 4.1 
Issuance of restricted shares, net of cancellations0.3 — — — — — 
Shares surrendered by employees to pay taxes(0.1)— (2.0)— — (2.0)
Share-based compensation— — (0.2)— — (0.2)
Balance - March 31, 2021167.7 $1.7 $2,464.5 $56.7 $(72.9)$2,450.0 
 
In millionsOrdinary sharesAdditional paid-in capitalRetained earningsAccumulated
other
comprehensive loss
 Total
NumberAmount
Balance - December 31, 2019169.5 $1.7 $2,502.7 $186.7 $(98.6)$2,592.5 
Net income— — — 18.6 — 18.6 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax— — — — (6.5)(6.5)
Dividends declared— — — (29.8)— (29.8)
Share repurchases(0.2)— (3.2)— — (3.2)
Exercise of options, net of shares tendered for payment
0.3 — 6.4 — — 6.4 
Issuance of restricted shares, net of cancellations
0.3 — — — — — 
Shares surrendered by employees to pay taxes(0.1)— (3.3)— — (3.3)
Share-based compensation— — 1.9 — — 1.9 
Balance - March 31, 2020169.8 $1.7 $2,504.5 $175.5 $(105.1)$2,576.6 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)


1.Basis of Presentation and Responsibility for Interim Financial Statements
Business
nVent Electric plc ("nVent," "we," "us," "our" or the "Company") is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. The Company is comprised of three reporting segments: Enclosures, Electrical & Fastening Solutions and Thermal Management.
The Company was incorporated in Ireland on May 30, 2017. Although our jurisdiction of organization is Ireland, we manage our affairs so that we are centrally managed and controlled in the United Kingdom (the "U.K.") and have tax residency in the U.K.
Basis of presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of nVent have been prepared following the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for interim reporting. As permitted under those rules, certain footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") can be condensed or omitted.
We are responsible for the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this document. The financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments that are considered necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position and operating results. As these are condensed financial statements, one should also read our consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Revenues, expenses, cash flows, assets and liabilities can and do vary during each quarter of the year. Additionally, in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared novel coronavirus 2019 (“COVID-19”) a pandemic. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have had and may continue to have an unfavorable impact on our business. The broader implication of COVID-19 on our results of operations and overall financial performance remains uncertain. We may experience reduced customer demand or constrained supply that could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and overall financial performance in future periods. Therefore, the results and trends in these interim financial statements may not be indicative of those for a full year.
7

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

2.Revenue
Disaggregation of revenue
We disaggregate our revenue from contracts with customers by geographic location and vertical for each of our segments, as we believe these best depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.
Geographic net sales information, based on geographic destination of the sale, was as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
In millionsEnclosuresElectrical & Fastening SolutionsThermal ManagementTotal
U.S. and Canada$175.7 $103.9 $63.8 $343.4 
Developed Europe (1)
73.4 30.8 30.5 134.7 
Developing (2)
24.4 9.0 27.0 60.4 
Other Developed (3)
3.5 4.2 2.7 10.4 
Total$277.0 $147.9 $124.0 $548.9 

Three months ended March 31, 2020
In millionsEnclosuresElectrical & Fastening SolutionsThermal ManagementTotal
U.S. and Canada$174.1 $102.5 $70.6 $347.2 
Developed Europe (1)
61.9 27.2 29.6 118.7 
Developing (2)
19.4 8.7 16.9 45.0 
Other Developed (3)
3.1 3.5 3.4 10.0 
Total$258.5 $141.9 $120.5 $520.9 

(1) Developed Europe includes Western Europe and Eastern Europe included in European Union.
(2) Developing includes China, Eastern Europe not included in European Union, Latin America, Middle East and Southeast Asia.
(3) Other Developed includes Australia and Japan.
Vertical net sales information was as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
In millionsEnclosuresElectrical & Fastening SolutionsThermal ManagementTotal
Industrial$172.1 $24.4 $50.6 $247.1 
Commercial & Residential28.6 75.9 44.3 148.8 
Infrastructure55.6 43.6 3.8 103.0 
Energy20.7 4.0 25.3 50.0 
Total$277.0 $147.9 $124.0 $548.9 

Three months ended March 31, 2020
In millionsEnclosuresElectrical & Fastening SolutionsThermal ManagementTotal
Industrial$156.5 $21.0 $46.6 $224.1 
Commercial & Residential31.7 73.1 39.7 144.5 
Infrastructure47.1 43.4 4.0 94.5 
Energy23.2 4.4 30.2 57.8 
Total$258.5 $141.9 $120.5 $520.9 
8

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

In the first quarter of 2021, we determined that revenue in our power utilities, datacom and renewables sub-verticals was better aligned with the infrastructure vertical based on benchmarking of industry peers and for purposes of how we assess performance, rather than the industrial, commercial & residential and energy verticals, where it was previously reported. For comparability, we have the reclassified revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020 to conform to the new presentation. This reclassification of revenue by vertical had no impact on our consolidated financial results.

Contract balances
Contract assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
In millionsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020$ Change% Change
Contract assets$44.8 $45.6 $(0.8)(1.8)%
Contract liabilities12.8 11.3 1.5 13.3 %
Net contract assets$32.0 $34.3 $(2.3)(6.7)%

The $2.3 million decrease in net contract assets from December 31, 2020 to March 31, 2021 was primarily the result of timing of milestone payments. The majority of our contract liabilities at December 31, 2020 were recognized in revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2021. There were no material impairment losses recognized on our contract assets for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Remaining performance obligations
We have elected the practical expedient to disclose only the value of remaining performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or more. On March 31, 2021, we had $95.1 million of remaining performance obligations on contracts with an original expected duration of one year or more. We expect to recognize the majority of our remaining performance obligations on these contracts within the next 12 to 18 months.
9

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)


3.Restructuring
During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, we initiated and continued execution of certain business restructuring initiatives aimed at reducing our fixed cost structure and realigning our business. We executed certain initiatives in response to the decrease in demand attributed to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restructuring related costs included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income included costs for severance and other restructuring costs as follows: 
Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Severance and related costs$0.2 $3.5 
Other0.6 0.8 
Total restructuring costs$0.8 $4.3 
Other restructuring costs primarily consist of asset impairment and various contract termination costs.

Restructuring costs by reportable segment were as follows:
Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Enclosures$1.0 $3.1 
Electrical & Fastening Solutions0.2 — 
Thermal Management0.2 1.1 
Other(0.6)0.1 
Total$0.8 $4.3 

Activity related to accrued severance and related costs recorded in Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is summarized as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2021:
In millions
Beginning balance$6.6 
Costs incurred0.2 
Cash payments and other(3.2)
Ending balance$3.6 

10

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)


4.Earnings Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:
Three months ended
In millions, except per-share dataMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Net income $65.4 $18.6 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding
Basic167.7 169.8 
Dilutive impact of stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units1.1 1.2 
Diluted168.8 171.0 
Earnings per ordinary share
Basic earnings per ordinary share$0.39 $0.11 
Diluted earnings per ordinary share$0.39 $0.11 
Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share2.0 2.9 


5.Acquisitions
On February 10, 2020, we acquired substantially all of the assets of WBT LLC ("WBT") for $29.9 million in cash. The U.S. based WBT business manufactures high-quality cable tray systems that we market as part of the nVent CADDY product line within our Electrical & Fastening Solutions segment and nVent HOFFMAN product line within our Enclosures segment.

The excess purchase price over tangible net assets and identified intangible assets acquired was allocated to goodwill in the amount of $13.8 million, substantially all of which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Identifiable intangible assets acquired included $11.3 million of definite-lived customer relationships with an estimated useful life of 12 years.

On April 1, 2021, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Vynckier Enclosure Systems, Inc. ("Vynckier") for approximately $26.9 million in cash, subject to purchase price adjustments and holdback arrangements. Vynckier is a U.S. based manufacturer of high-quality non-metallic enclosures that we will market as part of the nVent HOFFMAN product line within our Enclosures segment.

The pro forma impact of these acquisitions is not material.

6.Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows:
In millionsDecember 31,
2020
Acquisitions/
divestitures
Foreign currency
translation/other 
March 31,
2021
Enclosures$332.1 $— $(4.7)$327.4 
Electrical & Fastening Solutions1,051.9 0.1 — 1,052.0 
Thermal Management714.2 — 0.7 714.9 
Total goodwill$2,098.2 $0.1 $(4.0)$2,094.3 

Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following:
11

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

 March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
In millionsCostAccumulated amortizationNetCostAccumulated
amortization
Net
Definite-life intangibles
Customer relationships$1,213.7 $(405.2)$808.5 $1,214.5 $(389.6)$824.9 
Proprietary technology and patents16.3 (9.2)7.1 16.3 (8.8)7.5 
Total definite-life intangibles1,230.0 (414.4)815.6 1,230.8 (398.4)832.4 
Indefinite-life intangibles
Trade names273.1 — 273.1 273.1 — 273.1 
Total intangibles$1,503.1 $(414.4)$1,088.7 $1,503.9 $(398.4)$1,105.5 

Identifiable intangible asset amortization expense was $15.9 million and $16.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Estimated future amortization expense for identifiable intangible assets during the remainder of 2021 and the next five years is as follows:
 Q2-Q4     
In millions202120222023202420252026
Estimated amortization expense$47.5 $63.3 $63.1 $62.5 $62.5 $62.5 

12

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

7.Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Inventories
Raw materials and supplies$69.9 $67.3 
Work-in-process26.8 24.4 
Finished goods141.2 143.5 
Total inventories$237.9 $235.2 
Other current assets
Contract assets$44.8 $45.6 
Prepaid expenses45.5 29.8 
Prepaid income taxes10.5 13.4 
Other current assets3.7 4.1 
Total other current assets$104.5 $92.9 
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land and land improvements$40.3 $41.0 
Buildings and leasehold improvements181.7 185.5 
Machinery and equipment465.2 461.4 
Construction in progress27.0 30.3 
Total property, plant and equipment714.2 718.2 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization431.5 428.8 
Total property, plant and equipment, net$282.7 $289.4 
Other non-current assets
Deferred compensation plan assets$18.9 $20.0 
Lease right-of-use assets49.1 45.6 
Deferred tax assets30.4 29.8 
Other non-current assets34.9 13.2 
Total other non-current assets$133.3 $108.6 
Other current liabilities
Dividends payable$29.3 $29.4 
Accrued rebates43.3 40.5 
Contract liabilities12.8 11.3 
Accrued taxes payable24.6 32.8 
Current lease liabilities14.2 14.2 
Other current liabilities66.4 60.3 
Total other current liabilities$190.6 $188.5 
Other non-current liabilities
Income taxes payable$30.1 $31.7 
Deferred compensation plan liabilities18.9 20.0 
Non-current lease liabilities39.2 35.7 
Other non-current liabilities14.7 22.9 
Total other non-current liabilities$102.9 $110.3 


13

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

8.Derivatives and Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage the volatility related to this exposure, we periodically enter into a variety of derivative financial instruments. Our objective is to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The derivative contracts contain credit risk to the extent that our bank counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. The amount of such credit risk is generally limited to the unrealized gains, if any, in such contracts. Such risk is minimized by limiting those counterparties to major financial institutions of high credit quality.
Foreign currency contracts
We conduct business in various locations throughout the world and are subject to market risk due to changes in the value of foreign currencies in relation to our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. We manage our economic and transaction exposure to certain market-based risks through the use of foreign currency derivative financial instruments. Our objective in holding these derivatives is to reduce the volatility in net earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency rates. The majority of our foreign currency contracts have an original maturity date of less than one year.

At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding foreign currency derivative contracts with gross notional U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of $28.8 million and $41.8 million, respectively. The impact of these contracts on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income was not material for any period presented.

Cross currency swaps
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding cross currency swap agreements with a combined notional amount of $316.0 million and $329.0 million, respectively. The agreements are accounted for as either cash flow hedges, to hedge foreign currency fluctuations on certain intercompany debt, or as net investment hedges, to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the Euro-U.S. Dollar exchange rate. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had deferred foreign currency gains of $9.1 million and $6.9 million, respectively, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with our cross currency swap activity.

Interest rate swaps
We are also exposed to interest rate risk fluctuations in connection with the planned issuance of long-term debt. To manage the volatility related to this exposure, we may use forward starting interest rate swaps to fix a portion of the interest cost associated with anticipated future financings. In 2020, we entered into a forward starting interest rate swap to hedge the variability of cash flows attributable to changes in the benchmark swap interest rate (London Inter-Bank Offer Rate) associated with the anticipated refinancing of the 2023 Notes (as defined below). The interest rate swap contract has a notional amount of $200.0 million and is expected to mature in 2023. The interest rates swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges since they hedge the risk of an increase in treasury rates for the forecasted interest payments of an anticipated fixed-rate debt issuance. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had deferred gains of $19.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively, in Accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with our interest rate swap activity.

Fair value of financial instruments
The following methods were used to estimate the fair values of each class of financial instruments: 
short-term financial instruments (cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts and notes payable and variable-rate debt) — recorded amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity period;
long-term fixed-rate debt, inbizcluding current maturities — fair value is based on market quotes available for issuance of debt with similar terms, which are inputs that are classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy defined by the accounting guidance;
foreign currency contract and interest rate swap agreements — fair values are determined through the use of models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curves, as well as other relevant economic measures, which are inputs that are classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy defined by the accounting guidance; and
deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds, common/collective trusts and cash equivalents for payment of certain non-qualified benefits for retired, terminated and active employees) — fair value of mutual funds and cash equivalents are based on quoted market prices in active markets that are classified as Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy defined by the
14

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

accounting guidance; fair value of common/collective trusts are valued at net asset value ("NAV"), which is based on the fair value of underlying securities owned by the fund divided by the number of shares outstanding.
The recorded amounts and estimated fair values of total debt, excluding unamortized issuance costs and discounts, were as follows:
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
In millionsRecorded
Amount
Fair
Value
Recorded
Amount
Fair
Value
Variable rate debt$147.1 $147.1 $152.1 $152.1 
Fixed rate debt800.0 898.8 800.0 915.2 
Total debt$947.1 $1,045.9 $952.1 $1,067.3 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
Recurring fair value measurementsMarch 31, 2021
In millionsLevel 1Level 2Level 3NAVTotal
Foreign currency contract liabilities$— $(5.7)$— $— $(5.7)
Foreign currency contract assets— 3.5 — — 3.5 
Interest rate swap assets— 19.3 — — 19.3 
Deferred compensation plan assets14.5 — — 4.4 18.9 
Total recurring fair value measurements$14.5 $17.1 $— $4.4 $36.0 

Recurring fair value measurementsDecember 31, 2020
In millionsLevel 1Level 2Level 3NAVTotal
Foreign currency contract liabilities$— $(14.3)$— $— $(14.3)
Foreign currency contract assets— 0.9 — — 0.9 
Interest rate swap assets— 2.1 — — 2.1 
Deferred compensation plan assets 15.6 — — 4.4 20.0 
Total recurring fair value measurements$15.6 $(11.3)$— $4.4 $8.7 

15

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

9.Debt
Debt and the average interest rates on debt outstanding were as follows:
In millionsAverage interest rate at March 31, 2021Maturity
Year
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Revolving credit facility1.484%2023$34.6 $34.6 
Senior notes - fixed rate3.950%2023300.0 300.0 
Senior notes - fixed rate4.550%2028500.0 500.0 
Term loan facility1.484%2023112.5 117.5 
Unamortized debt issuance costs and discountsN/AN/A(3.9)(4.1)
Total debt943.2 948.0 
Less: Current maturities and short-term borrowings
(20.0)(20.0)
Long-term debt$923.2 $928.0 

Senior notes
In March 2018, nVent Finance S.à r.l. (“nVent Finance” or "Subsidiary Issuer"), a 100-percent owned subsidiary of nVent, issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.950% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes") and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.550% senior notes due 2028 (the "2028 Notes" and, collectively with the 2023 Notes, the "Notes"). Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year.
The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to payment by nVent (the "Parent Company Guarantor"). There are no subsidiaries that guarantee the Notes. The Parent Company Guarantor is a holding company that has no independent assets or operations unrelated to its investments in consolidated subsidiaries. The Subsidiary Issuer is a holding company that has no independent assets or operations unrelated to its investments in consolidated subsidiaries and the issuance of the Notes and other external debt. The Parent Company Guarantor’s principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to make payments on the Notes pursuant to the guarantees, is dividends from its subsidiaries. The Subsidiary Issuer’s principal source of cash flow is interest income from its subsidiaries. None of the subsidiaries of the Parent Company Guarantor or the Subsidiary Issuer is under any direct obligation to pay or otherwise fund amounts due on the Notes or the guarantees, whether in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. In addition, there may be statutory and regulatory limitations on the payment of dividends from certain subsidiaries of the Parent Company Guarantor or the Subsidiary Issuer. If such subsidiaries are unable to transfer funds to the Parent Company Guarantor or the Subsidiary Issuer and sufficient cash or liquidity is not otherwise available, the Parent Company Guarantor or the Subsidiary Issuer may not be able to make principal and interest payments on their outstanding debt, including the Notes or the guarantees.
The Notes constitute general unsecured senior obligations of the Subsidiary Issuer and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness and liabilities of the Subsidiary Issuer. The guarantees of the Notes by the Parent Company Guarantor constitute general unsecured obligations of the Parent Company Guarantor and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness and liabilities of the Subsidiary Issuer. Subject to certain qualifications and exceptions, the indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued contains covenants that, among other things, restrict nVent’s, nVent Finance’s and certain subsidiaries’ ability to merge or consolidate with another person, create liens or engage in sale and lease-back transactions.

There are no significant restrictions on the ability of nVent to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan. None of the assets of nVent or its subsidiaries represents restricted net assets pursuant to the guidelines established by the SEC.
Senior credit facilities
In March 2018, nVent Finance entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks providing for a five-year $200.0 million senior unsecured term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") and a five-year $600.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the "Senior Credit Facilities"). We have the option to request to increase the Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate amount of up to $300.0 million, subject to customary conditions, including the commitment of the participating lenders. Total availability under the Revolving Credit Facility was $565.4 million as of March 31, 2021.
16

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Our debt agreements contain certain financial covenants, the most restrictive of which are in the Senior Credit Facilities, including that we may not permit (i) the ratio of our consolidated debt (net of our consolidated unrestricted cash in excess of $5.0 million but not to exceed $250.0 million) to our consolidated net income (excluding, among other things, non-cash gains and losses) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash share-based compensation expense ("EBITDA") on the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters to exceed 3.75 to 1.00 and (ii) the ratio of our EBITDA to our consolidated interest expense for the same period to be less than 3.00 to 1.00. In addition, subject to certain qualifications and exceptions, the Senior Credit Facilities also contain covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to create liens, merge or consolidate with another person, make acquisitions and incur subsidiary debt. As of March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all financial covenants in our debt agreements, and there is no material uncertainty about our ongoing ability to meet those covenants.
Debt outstanding, excluding unamortized issuance costs and discounts, at March 31, 2021 matures on a calendar year basis as follows:
 Q2-Q4       
In millions202120222023202420252026ThereafterTotal
Contractual debt obligation maturities
$15.0 $20.0 $412.1 $— $— $— $500.0 $947.1 

10.Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was 8.8%, compared to 62.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The liability for uncertain tax positions was $15.5 million and $17.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. We record penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in Provision for income taxes and Net interest expense, respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, which is consistent with our past practices.

In the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recorded a $5.2 million discrete tax benefit related to a foreign subsidiary.

Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets in jurisdictions where, based on the weight of information available to us, we determine that it is more likely than not the related tax benefits will not be realized. In the three months ended March 31, 2020, as a result of the assessment of the available information, we established a valuation allowance of $19.4 million on certain foreign deferred tax assets.

11.     Shareholders' Equity
Share repurchases
On July 23, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our ordinary shares up to a maximum dollar limit of $500.0 million (the "2018 Authorization"). On February 19, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our ordinary shares up to a maximum dollar limit of $380.0 million (the "2019 Authorization"). The 2018 and 2019 Authorizations expire on July 23, 2021.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we repurchased 0.9 million of our ordinary shares for $20.0 million under the 2018 Authorization. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we repurchased 0.2 million of our ordinary shares for $3.2 million under the 2018 Authorization. As of March 31, 2021, we have $525.1 million available for share repurchases under the combined 2018 and 2019 Authorizations, which total $880.0 million.
Dividends payable
On February 22, 2021, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per ordinary share payable on May 7, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 23, 2021. The balance of dividends payable included in Other current liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $29.3 million and $29.4 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
17

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

12.Segment Information
We evaluate performance based on net sales and segment income and use a variety of ratios to measure performance of our reporting segments. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had each segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented. Segment income represents operating income exclusive of intangible amortization, acquisition related expenses, costs of restructuring activities, impairments and other unusual non-operating items.
Financial information by reportable segment is as follows:
Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Net sales
Enclosures$277.0 $258.5 
Electrical & Fastening Solutions147.9 141.9 
Thermal Management124.0 120.5 
Total$548.9 $520.9 
Segment income (loss)
Enclosures$48.8 $40.9 
Electrical & Fastening Solutions39.2 33.5 
Thermal Management21.0 20.3 
Other(11.9)(13.2)
Total$97.1 $81.5 

The following table presents a reconciliation of segment income to income before income taxes:
Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Segment income$97.1 $81.5 
Intangible amortization(15.9)(16.0)
Restructuring and other(0.8)(4.3)
Acquisition transaction and integration costs— (0.9)
Net interest expense(8.1)(9.9)
Other expense(0.6)(0.8)
Income before income taxes$71.7 $49.6 

13. Commitments and Contingencies
Warranties and guarantees
In connection with the disposition of our businesses or product lines, we may agree to indemnify purchasers for various potential liabilities relating to the sold business, such as pre-closing tax, product liability, warranty, environmental, or other obligations. The subject matter, amounts and duration of any such indemnification obligations vary for each type of liability indemnified and may vary widely from transaction to transaction.
Generally, the maximum obligation under such indemnifications is not explicitly stated and as a result, the overall amount of these obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not made significant payments for these indemnifications. We believe that if we were to incur a loss in any of these matters, the loss would not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee.
18

Table of Contents
nVent Electric plc
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

We provide service and warranty policies on our products. Liability under service and warranty policies is based upon a review of historical warranty and service claim experience. Adjustments are made to accruals as claim data and historical experience warrant. Our liability for service and product warranties as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was not material.
Stand-by letters of credit, bank guarantees and bonds
In the ordinary course of business, we are required to commit to bonds, letters of credit and bank guarantees that require payments to our customers for any non-performance. The outstanding face value of these instruments fluctuates with the value of our projects in process and in our backlog. In addition, we issue financial stand-by letters of credit primarily to secure our performance to third parties under self-insurance programs. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the outstanding value of bonds, letters of credit and bank guarantees totaled $44.9 million and $43.8 million, respectively.
19

Table of Contents
ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-looking Statements
This report contains statements that we believe to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words "targets," "plans," "believes," "expects," "intends," "will," "likely," "may," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "should," "would," "positioned," "strategy," "future," "are confident," or words, phrases or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include adverse effects on our business operations or financial results, including due to the impact of the novel coronavirus 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic and potential impairment of goodwill and trade names; overall global economic and business conditions impacting our business; the ability to achieve the benefits of our restructuring plans; the ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions; competition and pricing pressures in the markets we serve, including the impacts of tariffs; volatility in currency exchange rates and commodity prices; inability to generate savings from excellence in operations initiatives consisting of lean enterprise, supply management and cash flow practices; increased risks associated with operating foreign businesses; the ability to deliver backlog and win future project work; failure of markets to accept new product introductions and enhancements; the impact of changes in laws and regulations, including those that limit U.S. tax benefits; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; and the ability to achieve our long-term strategic operating goals. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and ITEM 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. nVent Electric plc assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update the information contained in this report.
Overview
The terms "us," "we," "our," "the Company" or "nVent" refer to nVent Electric plc. nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. We believe our inventive electrical solutions enable safer systems and ensure a more secure world. We design, manufacture, market, install and service high performance products and solutions that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings and critical processes. We offer a comprehensive range of enclosures, electrical connections and fastening and thermal management solutions across industry-leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation.
We classify our operations into business segments based primarily on types of products offered and markets served. We operate across three segments: Enclosures, Electrical & Fastening Solutions and Thermal Management, which represented approximately 50%, 27% and 23% of total revenues during the first three months of 2021, respectively.

Enclosures—The Enclosures segment provides innovative solutions to connect and protect critical controls systems, electronics, data and electrical equipment. From metallic and non-metallic enclosures to cabinets, subracks and backplanes, it offers the physical infrastructure to host, connect and protect server and network equipment, as well as indoor and outdoor protection for test and measurement, aerospace and defense applications in industrial, infrastructure, energy and commercial verticals.

Electrical & Fastening Solutions—The Electrical & Fastening Solutions segment provides solutions that connect and protect electrical and mechanical systems and civil structures. Its engineered electrical and fastening products are innovative cost efficient and time saving connections that are used across a wide range of verticals, including commercial, industrial, infrastructure and energy.
Thermal Management—The Thermal Management segment provides electric thermal solutions that connect and protect critical buildings, infrastructure, industrial processes and people. Its thermal management systems include heat tracing, floor heating, fire-rated and specialty wiring, sensing and snow melting and de-icing solutions for use in industrial, commercial & residential, energy and infrastructure verticals. It's highly reliable and easy to install solutions lower total cost of ownership to building owners, facility managers, operators and end users.
On February 10, 2020, we acquired substantially all of the assets of WBT LLC ("WBT") for $29.9 million in cash. The U.S. based WBT business manufactures high-quality cable tray systems that we will market as part of the nVent CADDY product line within our Electrical & Fastening Solutions segment and nVent HOFFMAN product line within our Enclosures segment.
20

Table of Contents

On April 1, 2021, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Vynckier Enclosure Systems, Inc. ("Vynckier") for approximately $26.9 million in cash, subject to purchase price adjustments and holdback arrangements. The U.S. based Vynckier business manufactures high-quality non-metallic enclosures that we will market as part of the nVent HOFFMAN product line within our Enclosures segment.
COVID-19 Update
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, and is likely to continue to result, in significant economic disruption and has adversely affected, and is likely to continue to adversely affect, our business. Governments around the world have implemented measures to help control the spread of the virus, including business curtailments and shutdowns, isolating residents to their places of residence and restricting travel. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have had and may continue to have an unfavorable impact on our business.

Beginning in March 2020, we experienced significant reductions in customer demand in several end-markets across our business segments. However, economic activity in many of the end-markets in which we operate began to stabilize and recover in the second half of 2020, and continued to increase in the first quarter of 2021. Our organic sales have increased sequentially in each of the last three quarters beginning with the third quarter of 2020.

In response to the adverse effects of the pandemic, we executed a number of temporary cash and cost-savings measures, which were largely implemented in 2020. As our business has seen continuous, sequential improvement in our financial results and improved outlook for many end-markets since the third quarter of 2020, we have eliminated certain of the temporary cash and cost savings measures put in place. However, we plan to continue to execute on certain measures to align costs with the anticipated gradual recovery in customer demand.

As of the date of this filing, all of our manufacturing sites are currently operational, with additional precautions in place to ensure the safety of our employees. While we have not encountered any significant disruptions in our supply chain, we have experienced intermittent issues with transportation and availability of certain components, which in certain cases has resulted in higher costs and delays, both for obtaining raw materials and shipping finished goods to customers.

We continue to actively monitor the impacts of the pandemic and global efforts to respond to it, and may take further actions that alter our business operations as may be required by governments in the jurisdictions where we operate, or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders.

Key Trends and Uncertainties Regarding our Existing Business
The following trends and uncertainties affected our financial performance in 2020 and the first three months of 2021 and will likely impact our results in the future:
There are many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including the anticipated duration and severity of the pandemic and the extent of worldwide social, political and economic disruption it may cause. The magnitude of the impact of the pandemic on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations cannot be determined at this time, and ultimately will be affected by a number of evolving factors including the length of time that the pandemic continues, rates of vaccinations, the pandemic's effect on the demand for the Company’s products and services and the supply chain, as well as the impact of governmental regulations imposed in response to the pandemic including potential business curtailments and shutdowns impacting our factories.
We have identified specific product, vertical and geographic opportunities that we find attractive and continue to pursue, both within and outside the U.S. We are positioning our businesses to more effectively address these opportunities through research and development and through additional sales and marketing resources. Unless we successfully penetrate these markets, our organic sales growth will likely be limited or may decline.
We have experienced material and other cost inflation. We strive for productivity improvements, and we implement increases in selling prices, to help mitigate this inflation. We expect the current economic environment will result in continuing price volatility for many of our raw materials and purchased components, and we are uncertain as to the timing and impact of these market changes.
21

Table of Contents
During 2020 and the first three months of 2021, we continued execution of certain business restructuring initiatives aimed at reducing our fixed cost structure and realigning our business. We executed certain initiatives in response to the decrease in demand attributed to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, our operating objectives include following:
Executing our social responsibility strategy focused on People, Products and Planet;
Enhancing and supporting employee engagement and development;
Achieving differentiated revenue growth through new products and solutions and expansion in higher growth verticals and key developing regions;
Optimizing our technological capabilities to increasingly generate innovative new and connected products and advance digital transformation;
Driving operating excellence through lean enterprise initiatives, with specific focus on sourcing and supply management, cash flow management and lean operations;
Optimizing working capital through inventory reduction initiatives across business segments and focused actions to optimize customer and vendor payment terms; and
Deploying capital strategically to drive growth and value creation.
22

Table of Contents
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
 Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
$ change% / point 
change
Net sales$548.9 $520.9 $28.0 5.4 %
Cost of goods sold339.9 325.6 14.3 4.4 %
Gross profit209.0 195.3 13.7 7.0 %
      % of net sales
38.1 %37.5 %0.6 %
 
Selling, general and administrative
117.2 123.1 (5.9)(4.8)%
      % of net sales
21.4 %23.6 %(2.2)%
Research and development
11.4 11.9 (0.5)(4.2)%
      % of net sales2.1 %2.3 %(0.2)%
Operating income 80.4 60.3 20.1 33.3 %
      % of net sales14.6 %11.6 %3.0 %
Net interest expense8.1 9.9 (1.8)N.M.
Other expense0.6 0.8 (0.2)N.M.
Income before income taxes71.7 49.6 22.1 44.6 %
Provision for income taxes6.3 31.0 (24.7)(79.7)%
      Effective tax rate8.8 %62.5 %(53.7)%
N.M. Not Meaningful

Net sales
The components of the change in consolidated net sales from the prior period were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
over the prior year period
Volume0.6 %
Price1.4 
Organic growth2.0 
Acquisition0.3 
Currency3.1 
Total5.4 %
The 5.4 percent increase in net sales in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 was primarily the result of:
organic sales growth contribution of approximately 3.0% and 1.0% from our industrial and infrastructure businesses, respectively, which includes selective increases in selling prices; and
favorable foreign currency effects.
This increase was partially offset by:
a slowdown in capital spending resulting in organic sales decline of approximately 2.0% from our energy business.
23

Table of Contents
Gross profit
The 0.6 percentage point increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 was primarily the result of:
increased sales volume resulting in increased leverage on fixed expenses in cost of goods sold; and
savings generated from our lean and supply management practices.
This increase was partially offset by:
inflationary increases related to certain raw materials, labor and freight costs; and
the impact of unfavorable product mix.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A")
The 2.2 percentage point decrease in SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 was primarily the result of:
increased sales volume resulting in increased leverage on fixed operating expenses; and
savings generated from restructuring and other lean initiatives.
This decrease was partially offset by:
inflationary increases impacting our labor costs.
Provision for income taxes
The difference in the effective tax rates in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 were primarily the result of:
a $19.4 million non-cash charge related to the establishment of a valuation allowance on certain foreign deferred tax assets recorded in the first quarter of 2020; and
a $5.2 million discrete benefit recorded in the first quarter of 2021 related to a foreign subsidiary.

SEGMENT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The summary that follows provides a discussion of the results of operations of each of our three reportable segments (Enclosures, Electrical & Fastening Solutions and Thermal Management). Each of these segments comprises various product offerings that serve multiple end users.
We evaluate performance based on sales and segment income and use a variety of ratios to measure performance of our reporting segments. Segment income represents operating income (loss) exclusive of intangible amortization, acquisition related expenses, costs of restructuring activities, impairments and other unusual non-operating items.

Enclosures
The net sales, segment income and segment income as a percentage of net sales for Enclosures were as follows:
Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
% / point change
Net sales$277.0 $258.5 7.2 %
Segment income48.8 40.9 19.3 %
      % of net sales17.6 %15.8 %1.8  pts
24

Table of Contents
Net sales
The components of the change in Enclosures net sales from the prior period were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
over the prior year period
Volume2.7 %
Price1.6 
Organic growth4.3 
Currency2.9 
Total7.2 %
The 7.2 percent increase in Enclosures net sales in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 was primarily the result of:
organic sales growth contribution of approximately 4.0% and 2.5% from our industrial and infrastructure businesses, respectively, which includes selective increases in selling prices; and
favorable foreign currency effects.
This increase was partially offset by:
a slowdown in capital spending resulting in organic sales decline of approximately 1.5% and 1.0% from our commercial & residential and energy businesses, respectively.
Segment income
The components of the change in Enclosures segment income as a percentage of net sales from the prior period were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
over the prior year period
Growth/acquisition(1.0) pts
Price1.3 
Net productivity1.5 
Total1.8  pts
The 1.8 percentage point increase in segment income for Enclosures as a percentage of net sales in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 was primarily the result of:
higher sales volume resulting in increased leverage on fixed expenses; and
savings generated from restructuring and lean initiatives.
This increase was partially offset by:
inflationary increases related to certain raw materials, labor and freight costs.
Electrical & Fastening Solutions
The net sales, segment income and segment income as a percentage of net sales for Electrical & Fastening Solutions were as follows:
Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
% / point change
Net sales$147.9 $141.9 4.2 %
Segment income39.2 33.5 17.1 %
      % of net sales26.5 %23.6 %2.9  pts
25

Table of Contents
Net sales
The components of the change in Electrical & Fastening Solutions net sales from the prior period were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
over the prior year period
Volume(1.0)%
Price1.7 
Organic growth 0.7 
Acquisition1.1 
Currency2.4 
Total4.2 %
The 4.2 percent increase in Electrical & Fastening Solutions net sales in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 was primarily the result of:
organic sales growth contribution of approximately 1.5% and 1.0% from our industrial and commercial & residential businesses, respectively, which include selective increases in selling prices; and
favorable foreign currency effects.
This increase was partially offset by:
a slowdown in capital spending resulting in organic sales decline of approximately 1.5% from our infrastructure business.
Segment income
The components of the change in Electrical & Fastening Solutions segment income as a percentage of net sales from the prior period were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
over the prior year period
Growth/acquisition(1.7) pts
Price1.3 
Currency0.1 
Net productivity3.2 
Total2.9  pts
The 2.9 percentage point increase in segment income for Electrical & Fastening Solutions as a percentage of net sales in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 was primarily the result of:
savings generated from restructuring and lean initiatives; and
selective increases in selling prices to mitigate inflationary cost increases.
This increase was partially offset by:
the impact of unfavorable product mix; and
inflationary increases related to certain raw materials, labor and freight costs.
26

Table of Contents
Thermal Management
The net sales, segment income and segment income as a percentage of net sales for Thermal Management were as follows:
Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
% / point change
Net sales$124.0 $120.5 2.9 %
Segment income21.0 20.3 3.4 %
      % of net sales16.9 %16.8 %0.1  pts
Net sales
The components of the change in Thermal Management net sales from the prior period were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
over the prior year period
Volume(2.0)%
Price0.8 
Organic growth (decline)(1.2)
Currency4.1 
Total2.9 %
The 2.9 percent increase in Thermal Management net sales in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 was primarily the result of:
organic sales growth contribution of approximately 2.0% from both our industrial and commercial & residential businesses, which includes selective increases in selling prices; and
favorable foreign currency effects.
This increase was partially offset by:
a slowdown in capital spending resulting in organic sales decline of approximately 5.0% from our energy business.
Segment income
The components of the change in Thermal Management segment income as a percentage of net sales from the prior period were as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2021
over the prior year period
Growth(3.1) pts
Price0.7 
Currency0.2 
Net productivity2.3 
Total0.1  pts
The 0.1 percentage point increase in segment income for Thermal Management as a percentage of net sales in the first quarter of 2021 from 2020 was primarily the result of:
savings generated from restructuring and lean initiatives.
This increase was partially offset by:
lower sales volume resulting in decreased leverage on fixed expenses;
the impact of unfavorable product mix; and
inflationary increases related to certain raw materials, labor and freight costs.

27

Table of Contents
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The primary source of liquidity for our business is cash flows provided by operations. We expect to continue to have cash requirements to support working capital needs and capital expenditures, to pay interest and service debt and to pay dividends to shareholders quarterly. We believe we have the ability and sufficient capacity to meet these cash requirements by using available cash, internally generated funds and borrowing under committed credit facilities. We are focused on increasing our cash flow, while continuing to fund our research and development, sales and marketing and capital investment initiatives. Our intent is to maintain investment grade metrics and a solid liquidity position. As of March 31, 2021, we had $104.9 million of cash on hand, of which only $17.4 million is held in certain countries in which the ability to repatriate is limited due to local regulations or significant potential tax consequences.
We experience seasonal cash flows primarily due to increased demand for Electrical & Fastening Solutions products during the spring and summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and increased demand for Thermal Management products and services during the fall and winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $49.9 million in the first three months of 2021, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $6.7 million in the first three months of 2020. Net cash provided by operating activities in the first three months of 2021 primarily reflects net income of $89.5 million, net of non-cash depreciation, amortization and changes in deferred taxes, partially offset by a $41.3 million increase in working capital.
Investing activities
Net cash used for investing activities of $13.7 million in the first three months of 2021 relates primarily to capital expenditures of $9.9 million.
Net cash used for investing activities of $36.1 million in the first three months of 2020 relates primarily to capital expenditures of $10.2 million and cash paid for the WBT acquisition of $27.0 million.
Financing activities
Net cash used for financing activities of $52.4 million in the first three months of 2021 primarily relates to dividends paid of $29.4 million and share repurchases of $20.0 million.
Net cash used for financing activities of $116.3 million in the first three months of 2020 primarily relates to net receipts of revolving long-term debt of $150.0 million, offset by dividends paid of $29.7 million.
Senior notes
In March 2018, nVent Finance S.à r.l. (“nVent Finance” or "Subsidiary Issuer"), a 100-percent owned subsidiary of nVent, issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.950% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes") and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.550% senior notes due 2028 (the "2028 Notes" and, collectively with the 2023 Notes, the "Notes"). Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year.
The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed as to payment by nVent (the "Parent Company Guarantor"). There are no subsidiaries that guarantee the Notes. The Parent Company Guarantor is a holding company that has no independent assets or operations unrelated to its investments in consolidated subsidiaries. The Subsidiary Issuer is a holding company that has no independent assets or operations unrelated to its investments in consolidated subsidiaries and the issuance of the Notes and other external debt. The Parent Company Guarantor’s principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to make payments on the Notes pursuant to the guarantees, is dividends from its subsidiaries. The Subsidiary Issuer’s principal source of cash flow is interest income from its subsidiaries. None of the subsidiaries of the Parent Company Guarantor or the Subsidiary Issuer is under any direct obligation to pay or otherwise fund amounts due on the Notes or the guarantees, whether in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or other payments. In addition, there may be statutory and regulatory limitations on the payment of dividends from certain subsidiaries of the Parent Company Guarantor or the Subsidiary Issuer. If such subsidiaries are unable to transfer funds to the Parent Company Guarantor or the Subsidiary Issuer and sufficient cash or liquidity is not otherwise available, the Parent Company Guarantor or the Subsidiary Issuer may not be able to make principal and interest payments on their outstanding debt, including the Notes or the guarantees.

28

Table of Contents
The Notes constitute general unsecured senior obligations of the Subsidiary Issuer and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness and liabilities of the Subsidiary Issuer. The guarantees of the Notes by the Parent Company Guarantor constitute general unsecured obligations of the Parent Company Guarantor and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness and liabilities of the Subsidiary Issuer. Subject to certain qualifications and exceptions, the indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued contains covenants that, among other things, restrict nVent’s, nVent Finance’s and certain subsidiaries’ ability to merge or consolidate with another person, create liens or engage in sale and lease-back transactions.
There are no significant restrictions on the ability of nVent to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan. None of the assets of nVent or its subsidiaries represents restricted net assets pursuant to the guidelines established by the SEC.
Senior credit facilities
In March 2018, nVent Finance entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks providing for a five-year $200.0 million senior unsecured term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") and a five-year $600.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the "Senior Credit Facilities"). We have the option to request to increase the Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate amount of up to $300.0 million. Total availability under the Revolving Credit Facility was $565.4 million as of March 31, 2021.
Our debt agreements contain certain financial covenants, the most restrictive of which are in the Senior Credit Facilities, including that we may not permit (i) the ratio of our consolidated debt (net of our consolidated unrestricted cash in excess of $5.0 million but not to exceed $250.0 million) to our consolidated net income (excluding, among other things, non-cash gains and losses) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash share-based compensation expense ("EBITDA") on the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters to exceed 3.75 to 1.00 and (ii) the ratio of our EBITDA to our consolidated interest expense for the same period to be less than 3.00 to 1.00. In addition, subject to certain qualifications and exceptions, the Senior Credit Facilities also contain covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to create liens, merge or consolidate with another person, make acquisitions and incur subsidiary debt. As of March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all financial covenants in our debt agreements, and there is no material uncertainty about our ongoing ability to meet those covenants.
Share repurchases
On July 23, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our ordinary shares up to a maximum dollar limit of $500.0 million (the "2018 Authorization"). On February 19, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our ordinary shares up to a maximum dollar limit of $380.0 million (the "2019 Authorization"). The 2018 and 2019 Authorizations expire on July 23, 2021.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we repurchased 0.9 million of our ordinary shares for $20.0 million under the 2018 Authorization. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we purchased 0.2 million of our ordinary shares for $3.2 million under the 2018 Authorization. As of March 31, 2021, we have $525.1 million available for share repurchases under the combined 2018 and 2019 Authorizations, which total $880.0 million.
Dividends
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we paid dividends of $29.4 million, or $0.175 per ordinary share. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we paid dividends of $29.7 million, or $0.175 per ordinary share.
On February 22, 2021, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per ordinary share payable on May 7, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 23, 2021. The balance of dividends payable included in Other current liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets was $29.3 million and $29.4 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
29

Table of Contents
Other financial measures
In addition to measuring our cash flow generation or usage based upon operating, investing and financing classifications included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, we also measure our free cash flow. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that we use to assess our cash flow performance. We believe free cash flow is an important measure of liquidity because it provides us and our investors a measurement of cash generated from operations that is available to pay dividends, make acquisitions, repay debt and repurchase shares. In addition, free cash flow is used as a criterion to measure and pay compensation-based incentives. Our measure of free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The following table is a reconciliation of free cash flow:
 Three months ended
In millionsMarch 31,
2021
March 31,
2020
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities$49.9 $6.7 
Capital expenditures(9.9)(10.2)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment0.1 1.1 
Free cash flow$40.1 $(2.4)

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
We have adopted various accounting policies to prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Certain of our accounting policies require the application of significant judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. In our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we identified the critical accounting policies which affect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing our consolidated and combined financial statements.
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from those previously disclosed in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in our market risk during the quarter ended March 31, 2021. For additional information, refer to our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a)    Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of our published financial statements and other disclosures included in this report. Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2021 pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Based upon their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, at the reasonable assurance level, as of the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2021 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
(b)    Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
30

Table of Contents

PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There have been no material developments with respect to the legal proceedings previously disclosed in Item 3 of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

There have been no additional material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table provides information with respect to purchases we made of our ordinary shares during the first quarter of 2021:
(a)(b)(c)(d)
PeriodTotal number of
shares
purchased
Average price
paid per share
Total number of
shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced
plans or
programs
Dollar value
of
shares that may
yet be purchased
under the plans or
programs
January 1 - January 30, 2021614,432 $22.86 579,084 $531,878,280 
January 31 - February 27, 2021294,666 22.87 294,003 525,149,844 
February 28 - March 31, 202148,614 27.53 — 525,149,844 
Total957,712 873,087 
(a)The purchases in this column include shares repurchased as part of our publicly announced plans and shares deemed surrendered to us by participants in the nVent Electric plc 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2018 Plan") and earlier Pentair stock incentive plans that are now outstanding under the 2018 Plan (collectively the "Plans") to satisfy the exercise price or withholding of tax obligations related to the exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted shares and vesting of performance shares.
(b)The average price paid in this column includes shares repurchased as part of our publicly announced plans and shares deemed surrendered to us by participants in the Plans to satisfy the exercise price of stock options and withholding tax obligations due upon stock option exercises and vesting of restricted and performance shares.
(c)The number of shares in this column represents the number of shares repurchased as part of our publicly announced plans to repurchase our ordinary shares up to a maximum dollar limit authorized by the Board of Directors, discussed below.
(d)On July 23, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our ordinary shares up to a maximum dollar limit of $500.0 million (the "2018 Authorization"). On February 19, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of our ordinary shares up to a maximum dollar limit of $380.0 million (the "2019 Authorization"). The 2018 and 2019 Authorizations expire on July 23, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, we have $525.1 million available for share repurchases under the combined 2018 and 2019 Authorizations.

31

Table of Contents
ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS
The exhibits listed in the following Exhibit Index are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Exhibit Index to Form 10-Q for the Period Ended March 31, 2021
 
Form of Executive Officer Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement with Stock Price Vesting.*
Guarantors and Subsidiary Issuers of Guaranteed Securities. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 22 in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of nVent Electric plc filed with the Commission on April 29, 2020 (File No. 001-38265)).
Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101The following materials from nVent Electric plc's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 are filed herewith, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

*Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
32

Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on April 29, 2021.
 
nVent Electric plc
Registrant
By/s/ Sara E. Zawoyski
Sara E. Zawoyski
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
By/s/ Randolph A. Wacker
Randolph A. Wacker
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer


33