STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P. - Annual Report: 2022 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
| ☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022
OR
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
Commission File Number: 001-35493
STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 13-3727655 | ||||
| (State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor | |||||
New York, New York | 10022 | ||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 520-2300
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbols | Name of Each Exchange on which Registered | ||||||
| Common units, no par value | SPLP | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
| 6.0% Series A Preferred Units | SPLP-PRA | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Units, no par value
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 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 ¨
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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 filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☒ | |||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ | |||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
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 by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of our common units held by non-affiliates of registrant as of June 30, 2022 totaled approximately $236.5 million based on the then-closing unit price.
On March 1, 2023, there were 21,549,492 common units outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Limited Partners are incorporated by reference into Part III of this annual report on Form 10-K.
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STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| PART I | ||||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 1A. | ||||||||
| Item 1B. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 3. | ||||||||
| Item 4. | ||||||||
| PART II | ||||||||
| Item 5. | ||||||||
| Item 6. | [Reserved] | |||||||
| Item 7. | ||||||||
| Item 7A. | ||||||||
| Item 8. | ||||||||
| Item 9. | ||||||||
| Item 9A. | ||||||||
| Item 9B. | ||||||||
| Item 9C. | ||||||||
| PART III | ||||||||
| Item 10. | ||||||||
| Item 11. | ||||||||
| Item 12. | ||||||||
| Item 13. | ||||||||
| Item 14. | ||||||||
| PART IV | ||||||||
| Item 15. | ||||||||
| Item 16. | ||||||||
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As used in this annual report on Form 10-K (this "Report" or this "Form 10-K"), unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "we," "us," "our," "SPLP" and the "Company" refer to Steel Partners Holdings L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
All dollar amounts used in this Report are in thousands, except for common and preferred unit and per common and preferred unit data, unless otherwise indicated.
PART I
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS SUMMARY
This Report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), including, in particular, forward-looking statements under the headings "Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." These statements appear in a number of places in this Report and include statements regarding the Company's intent, belief or current expectations with respect to (i) its financing plans, (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations, and (iii) the impact of competition. The words "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements; however, this Report also contains other forward-looking statements in addition to historical information.
Forward-looking statements are only predictions based upon the Company's current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. Certain factors that might cause actual results to differ from our expectations include, but are not limited to:
Risks Related to Our Business
•disruptions to our business as a result of economic downturns;
•negative impact of inflation, raw material price increases and supply chain disruptions;
•significant volatility in prices of, and declines in demand for, crude oil;
•fluctuations in commodity prices;
•the negative impact of rising interest rates;
•the potential need for cash funding requirements due to our subsidiaries’ sponsorship of defined benefit pension plans;
•our ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations;
•increased and reduced demand for our services as a result of climate change legislation or regulations;
•our ability to comply with banking and other extensive regulations to which our businesses are subject;
•impacts to our liquidity or financial condition as a result of extensive legislative and regulatory requirements of our subsidiary, WebBank;
•our ability to meet our obligations under our senior credit facility through future cash flows as well as future financings, which may be impacted by credit market volatility;
•negative impacts to our business strategy to make acquisitions due to factors such as management diversion and increased costs and expenses;
•divestitures and contingent liabilities from divested businesses could adversely affect our business and financial results;
•losses sustained in our investment portfolio;
•our ability to adequately obtain or protect our intellectual property and licenses, or defend against third-party infringement claims;
•conducting business outside of the United States;
•global trade issues and changes in and uncertainties with trade policies;
•negative impacts to the cost or availability of the materials and products we use in our operations (for example, as a result of changes in U.S. trade policies);
•impacts to our profitability due to litigation or compliance failures;
•a significant disruption in, or breach in security of, our technology systems;
•increased liability, costs or limitations to our service offerings as a result of current and proposed laws and regulations regarding the protection of personal data;
•work stoppages and increased costs due to labor disputes or the unionization of our workforce and suppliers;
•challenges to WebBank's status as lender of the loans it offers and the ability of assignees to collect interest;
•WebBank’s ability to satisfy its capital requirements, including any that may arise from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC");
•WebBank's ability to maintain its lending programs through its relationships with marketing partners;
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•WebBank’s exposure to risks related to loans received under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), including litigation from its borrowers or others regarding the processing of loans or the possibility that the Small Business Administration ("SBA") may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties;
•our subsidiaries’ ability to maintain its relationships and business with customers without long-term contracts;
•our ability to effectively remediate the identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting;
•adverse impacts of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; and
•conflict in Ukraine and related volatility.
Risks Related to Our Structure
•the limited recourse that our unitholders have with respect to maintaining actions against our General Partner, our Board, our officers and our Manager (each as defined under Part I, Item 1, “Business”);
•limited voting rights of some unitholders under certain provisions of our Partnership Agreement (as defined under Part I, Item 1, “Business”) ;
•conflicts of interest with the minority shareholders of our businesses, which may impact our decisions and may not be in the best interests of our unitholders;
•potential conflicts of interest arising from certain interlocking relationships between us and certain affiliates of Warren G. Lichtenstein, our Executive Chairman, as well as from the business activities of members of our management team; and
•potential conflicts of interest arising from involvement in other business activities.
Risks Related to Our Manager
•our ability to successfully retain the services of Warren G. Lichtenstein, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Jack L. Howard, the President of our Manager, in running our businesses;
•uncertainty relating to the amount of the Management Fee (as defined in Part I, Item 1, “Business”) that will be paid or Class C partnership units that will be issued over time with any certainty; and
•potential adverse impacts from the limited liability and indemnification of our Manager under our Management Agreement, including the possibility that our Manager may take unnecessary risks for any indemnified actions.
Risks Related to our Common and Preferred Units
•declines in the prices of our common or preferred units as a result of our issuances of additional common or preferred units, or other series of units, in the future without the consent of unitholders and at a discount to the market price of such units; and
•our ability to maintain an active market for our common or preferred units as a result of transfer restrictions and other factors.
Risks Related to Taxation
•our common unitholders’ U.S. federal, state and other income tax obligations with respect to their share of our taxable income, regardless of whether they receive any cash distributions from us;
•our unitholders’ potential exposure to Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") initiated tax adjustments for prior years on their personal tax returns;
•negative impacts to our future results of operations as a result of U.S. government tax reform;
•our inability to assure our tax treatment;
•our structure involves complex provisions of U.S. federal income tax law for which no clear precedent or authority may be available;
•adverse tax consequences that our tax-exempt investors may face from our owning common units;
•our subsidiaries’ ability to fully utilize their tax benefits, which could result in increased cash payments for taxes in future periods; and
•other factors described in the "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of this Report.
General Risk Factors
•loss of essential employees without timely replacement or substitution.
Any forward-looking statement made in this Report speaks only as of the date hereof, and investors should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason.
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Item 1. Business
The Company
Steel Partners Holding L.P. (together with its subsidiaries, referred to herein as "SPLP") is a diversified global holding company that owns and operates businesses and has significant interests in various companies, including diversified industrial products, energy, banking, defense, supply chain management and logistics and youth sports. SPLP operates through the following segments: Diversified Industrial, Energy and Financial Services. Each of our companies has its own management team with significant experience in their industries. Corporate and Other consists of several consolidated subsidiaries, including, Steel Services Ltd. ("Steel Services"), which, through management services agreements, provides services to us and some of our companies, which include assignment of C-Level management personnel, legal, tax, accounting, treasury, consulting, auditing, administrative, compliance, environmental health and safety, human resources, marketing, investor relations, operating group management and other similar services. We work with our businesses to increase corporate value over the long term for all stakeholders by implementing our unique strategy discussed in more detail below.
SPLP is managed by SP General Services LLC (the "Manager"), pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated management agreement (the "Management Agreement") discussed in further detail in Note 20 – "Related Party Transactions" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report. From its founding in 1990, the Manager and its affiliates have focused on increasing value for investors in the businesses it has managed. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc. (the "General Partner"), is our general partner. The General Partner has a board of directors (the "Board of Directors"). Out of the seven members of the Board of Directors of the General Partner currently serving, two are appointed by our Manager, including Warren G. Lichtenstein, who is the Executive Chairman of our Manager and serves as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Products and Product Mix
Diversified Industrial Segment
The Diversified Industrial segment is comprised of manufacturers of engineered niche industrial products, with leading market positions in many of the markets they serve. The businesses in this segment distribute products to customers through their sales personnel, outside sales representatives and distributors in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and several other international markets. Below is additional information related to the businesses within the Diversified Industrial segment.
Joining Materials - The Joining Materials business primarily fabricates precious metals and their alloys into brazing alloys. Brazing alloys are used to join similar and dissimilar metals, as well as specialty metals and some ceramics, with strong, hermetic joints. The Joining Materials business offers these metal joining products in a wide variety of alloys, including gold, silver, palladium, copper, nickel, aluminum and tin. These brazing alloys are fabricated into a variety of engineered forms and are used in many industries, including electrical, appliance, transportation, construction and general industrial, where dissimilar material and metal joining applications are required. Operating income from precious metal products is principally derived from the "value-added" of processing and fabricating and not from the direct purchase and resale of precious metals. The Joining Materials business enters into commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations on its precious and certain non-precious metal inventories that are not subject to fixed price contracts.
Tubing - The Tubing business manufactures a wide variety of stainless and low carbon steel tubing products. The Tubing business manufactures some of the world's longest continuous seamless stainless steel tubing coils, up to 6,000 feet, serving primarily the petrochemical and oil and gas infrastructure markets. We believe that the Tubing business is also a leading manufacturer of mechanical and fluid-carrying welded low carbon tubing used for diverse industries, including the automotive, heavy truck, heating, cooling and oil and gas markets. Products are delivered in continuous lengths from 2 inches to 30,000 feet in coil, cut or spool packaging styles.
Building Materials - The Building Materials business manufactures and supplies products primarily to the commercial construction and building industries. It manufactures fasteners, adhesives and fastening systems for the U.S. commercial low-slope roofing industry, which are sold to building and roofing material wholesalers, roofing contractors and private label roofing system manufacturers, and a line of engineered specialty fasteners for the building products industry for fastening applications in the remodeling and construction of homes, decking and landscaping.
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Performance Materials - The Performance Materials business manufactures woven substrates of fiberglass, quartz, carbon and aramid materials for specialty applications in a wide expanse of markets requiring highly engineered components. Its products are used in a wide range of advanced composite applications, such as commercial and military aerospace components, printed electronic circuit boards, automotive and industrial components, and substrates for commercial and military armor applications.
Electrical Products - The Electrical Products business designs, manufactures and markets power electronics, motion control, power protection, power quality electromagnetic equipment, and custom ball-screws, gears and gearboxes used in a variety of medical, commercial and military aerospace, computer, datacom, industrial, specialty LED lighting, test and measurement, and telecom applications. Its products are generally incorporated into larger systems to improve operating performance, safety, reliability and efficiency.
Kasco Blades and Route Repair Services ("Kasco") - The Kasco business provides meat-room blade products, repair services and distributed products for the meat and deli departments of supermarkets, restaurants, meat and fish processing plants, and for distributors of electrical saws and cutting equipment, principally in North America and Europe. The Kasco business also provides cutting blades for bakeries, in addition to wood cutting blade products for the pallet manufacturing, pallet recycler and portable saw mill industries in North America.
Metallized Films - The Metallized Films business includes Dunmore Corporation in the U.S. and Dunmore Europe GmbH in Germany (collectively, "Dunmore"), which manufacture and distribute coated, laminated and metallized films for engineered applications in the imaging, aerospace, insulation and solar photo-voltaic markets and also provide products for custom and special applications.
Energy Segment
The Energy segment provides drilling and production services to the oil and gas industry and owns a youth sports business. Below is additional information related to the consolidated businesses within the Energy segment.
Steel Energy - The Energy business provides completion, recompletion and production services to exploration and production companies in the oil and gas business. The services provided include well completion and recompletion, well maintenance and workover, flow testing, down hole pumping, plug and abandonment, well logging and perforating wireline services. The Energy segment primarily provides its services to customers' extraction and production operations in North Dakota and Montana in the Bakken basin, Colorado and Wyoming in the Niobrara basin, Texas in the Permian basin and New Mexico in the San Juan basin. It relies primarily on its local operations to sell and market its services.
Steel Sports - Steel Sports is a social impact company committed to creating a new standard in youth sports and coaching while forging the next generation of leaders. The organization strives to provide a first-class youth sports experience emphasizing positive experiences and instilling the core values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity and Commitment.
Financial Services Segment
Through our subsidiary WebFinancial Holding Corporation, we own 100% of WebBank, which is an FDIC–insured state chartered industrial bank headquartered in Utah. WebBank is subject to comprehensive regulation, examination and supervision of the FDIC and the State of Utah Department of Financial Institutions ("UDFI"). WebBank is not considered a "bank" for Bank Holding Company Act purposes and, as such, SPLP is not regulated as a bank holding company. WebBank's deposits are insured by the FDIC up to maximum allowed by law. WebBank engages in a full range of banking activities including originating loans, issuing credit cards and taking deposits that are federally insured. WebBank originates and funds consumer and small business loans through lending programs with unaffiliated companies that market and service the programs ("Marketing Partners"), where the Marketing Partners subsequently purchase the loans (or interests in the loans) that are originated by WebBank. WebBank also has private-label financing programs that are branded for a specific retailer, manufacturer, dealer channel, proprietary network and bank card programs. WebBank participates in syndicated commercial and industrial as well as asset based credit facilities and asset based securitizations through relationships with other financial institutions. Through its subsidiary, National Partners PFco, LLC ("National Partners"), WebBank provides commercial premium finance solutions for national insurance brokerages, independent insurance agencies and insureds in key markets throughout the U.S. National Partners was acquired in April 2019.
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Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other consists of several consolidated subsidiaries, including Steel Services, as well as equity method and other investments, and cash and cash equivalents. Its income or loss includes certain unallocated general corporate expenses. Steel Services has management services agreements with certain of our consolidated subsidiaries and other related companies. For additional information on these service agreements see Note 20 - "Related Party Transactions" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
Business Strategy
We are focused on reducing costs, including but not limited to our corporate overhead, and the sale of non-core assets. We expect the savings and proceeds will be used to pay down debt and repurchase our units. We continuously evaluate the retention and disposition of existing operations, as well as investigate possible strategic acquisitions. We continue to focus on simplifying our organizational structure and improving our free cash flow and our returns on invested capital.
We strive to enhance the business operations of our companies through balance sheet improvements, strategic allocation of capital, and operational and growth initiatives. We use a set of tools and processes called the Steel Business System to drive operational and commercial efficiencies across each of our businesses. The Steel Business System utilizes a strategy deployment process to execute strategic initiatives for each of our businesses to improve their performance, including objectives relating to manufacturing improvement, idea generation, product development, and global sourcing of materials and services. Our operational initiatives include creating efficiencies through consolidated purchasing and materials sourcing through shared purchasing programs and reducing costs for, and providing other benefits to, a number of our companies. We are focused on reducing corporate overhead of our companies by centralizing certain administrative and corporate services through Steel Services, which provides management, consulting and advisory services.
Raw Materials
The major commodities and raw materials used by the businesses within the Diversified Industrial segment are as follows:
The Joining Materials business uses precious metals such as silver, gold and palladium to produce certain of its products. These precious metals are generally obtained under a consignment arrangement with a financial institution. In addition to precious metals, the raw materials used in the Joining Materials, Tubing, Building Materials, Electrical Products and Kasco businesses consist principally of stainless, silicon and carbon steel, aluminum, copper, tin, nickel alloys, a variety of high-performance alloys, permanent magnets, electronic and electrical components, chemicals and various plastic compositions. The raw materials used in the operations of the Performance Materials business consist principally of fiberglass, quartz and aramid yarns. The raw materials used in the Metallized Films business consist principally of polyester scrim fabric, PET film, organic solvents, aluminum, resins, pigments and adhesives. Raw materials are generally purchased at open market prices from domestic and foreign suppliers. The Diversified Industrial segment businesses have not experienced any significant problem in obtaining the necessary quantities of raw materials. Prices and availability, particularly of raw materials purchased from foreign suppliers, are affected by world market conditions and government policies. The Company enters into commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations on its precious and certain non-precious metal inventories that are not subject to fixed price contracts. The raw materials used by these businesses are generally readily available from more than one source.
The businesses in our Diversified Industrial segment also require significant amounts of electricity, oil and natural gas to operate their facilities, and they are subject to price changes in these commodities. A shortage of electricity, oil or natural gas, or a government allocation of supplies resulting in a general reduction in supplies, could increase costs of production and could cause some curtailment of production.
Intellectual Property
The Company's businesses depend in part on trademarks and patents that they own, or the licenses they hold to use others' brand names, proprietary technology and manufacturing techniques. In addition to trademark and patent protection, these businesses rely on copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect their intellectual property rights.
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Capital Investments
SPLP believes that in order to be and remain competitive, its businesses must continuously strive to increase revenue, improve productivity and product quality, and control and/or reduce manufacturing costs. Accordingly, SPLP expects to continue to make capital investments that reduce overall manufacturing costs, improve the quality of products produced and services provided and broaden the array of products offered to the industries it serves, as well as replace equipment as necessary to maintain compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. SPLP's capital expenditures for 2022 and 2021 were $47,541 and $52,326, respectively. SPLP anticipates funding its capital expenditures in 2023 from funds generated by operations and borrowed funds. For more information, see Part II, Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” of this Report.
Employees
As of December 31, 2022, the Company employed approximately 4,100 employees worldwide. Of these employees, 312 were covered by collective bargaining agreements, all in the Diversified Industrial segment. The Energy segment also hires additional full-time and part-time employees during peak seasonal periods.
Human Capital Management
Human capital management is a key driver of the Company's success. The Company's core values are Teamwork, Respect, Integrity and Commitment. By embracing its core values, the Company strives to create an environment where its employees can all be productive, innovative and true to themselves. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics establishes the baseline requirements of our integrity and compliance program and aims to promote an environment where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
The following programs are crucial to support and work to improve the Company's workplace environment:
•Steel Grow Program: The Company began the Steel Grow initiative (1) to formalize employee development throughout Steel Partners with the goal of identifying its high performing employees and (2) to recruit, retain and reward the best talent available for the Company, in each case, without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected pregnancy/maternity leave), veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Management is committed to promoting from within when the opportunity is right for the employee and the Company, and in 2022 we promoted over 400 employees, a 15% increase over 2021.
•Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program: The Company continued conducting a comprehensive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion survey in the U.S. for a second year and oversaw a comprehensive global rollout. Guided by our core values, the Company is committed to creating a company where our employees are included and respected, and where we support each other in reaching our full potential individually and as a company. In 2022, the Company launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council comprised of representatives across all locations. Each operating company's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team has an executive sponsor, team lead and trainer/communicator. The objective of this council is to support the operating companies as they establish local goals and build an inclusive workplace environment in which employees of all backgrounds and demographic characteristics can work together.
•Steel Wellness Council: Our Steel Wellness Council, with representatives from all our businesses, focuses on sharing best practices that maximize the overall wellness of employees, empowering them to help create positive change in communities where we work and live. Our initiatives include mental, physical and financial wellbeing along with healthcare education and community support. Community support includes using our coaching system to enhance the education of our employees who coach and lead children in our communities.
•Steel Environmental Health and Safety Council: The Steel Environmental Health and Safety Council is comprised of the health and safety teams at the Company's affiliate companies and representatives from the legal and human resources departments who are dedicated to the safety of our employees.
Employee Health, Safety and Well-Being
The Company continues to take actions to ensure the health and safety of its employees and their families, customers, suppliers and the greater communities where the Company operates. Many of our office workers continue to telecommute;
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however, where our essential workers continue at our facilities, the Company has established a number of safety protocols, including face coverings, barriers and physical distance requirements, along with enhanced cleaning, temperature checks, work zones and quarantines as situations require.
Competition
There are many companies, larger and smaller, domestic and foreign, which manufacture products or provide services of the type offered by our businesses. Some of these competitors have financial resources greater than our subsidiaries. Some of these competitors enjoy certain other competitive advantages, including greater name recognition, technical, marketing and other resources, a larger installed base of customers and well-established relationships with current and potential customers.
Competition in the Diversified Industrial segment is based on quality, technology, performance, service, reputation, price, and in some industries, new product introduction.
The Energy business operates in a highly competitive industry that is influenced by price, capacity, reputation and experience. In times of high demand, capacity, reputation and experience are major competitive forces. In times of low demand, service providers will compete on price to attract customers. In addition, the Energy business needs to maintain a safe work environment and a well-trained workforce to remain competitive. Energy services are affected by seasonal factors, such as inclement weather, fewer daylight hours and holidays during the winter months. Heavy snow, ice, wind or rain can make it difficult to operate and to move equipment between work sites, which can reduce its ability to provide services and generate revenues. These seasonal factors affect competitors as well. Because they have conducted business together over several years, the members of our local operations have established strong working relationships with certain of their clients. These strong client relationships provide a better understanding of region-specific issues and enable us to better address customer needs.
The market for Steel Sports' baseball facility services and soccer camps and leagues is very fragmented, and its competitors are primarily small local or regional operations.
The market for banking and related financial services is highly competitive. WebBank competes with other providers of financial services, including a broad range of banks and other nontraditional lending and banking companies that offer financial services. Some of our competitors are larger and may have more financial resources, while some of our competitors enjoy fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. The financial services industry has become more competitive as technology advances have lowered barriers to entry, enabling more companies, including nonbank companies, to provide financial services.
Governmental Regulation
As a public company with several subsidiaries based in the United States and abroad, we are subject to many U.S. federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations. These requirements, which differ among jurisdictions, include, but are not limited to, those related to environmental protection and management, labor, employment, worker health and safety, import and export, customs and tariffs, cybersecurity, intellectual property, privacy and protection of user data. In addition, WebBank is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by the FDIC and legal requirements in connection with the consumer and business lending programs that it originates.
These laws and regulations are constantly evolving and may be interpreted, applied, created or amended in a manner that could harm our businesses. Historically, the cost of compliance with these requirements have not had a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with all such laws and regulations and that we have obtained all material licenses and permits that are required for the operation of our businesses. For more information regarding regulatory risks, see the information in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Risks Related to our Business" and "Risks Related to Taxation," and Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Environmental Liabilities" of this Report.
Other Information
The amounts of revenue, earnings before interest and taxes, and identifiable assets attributable to the aforementioned business segments and additional information regarding SPLP's investments are included in Note 21 - "Segment Information" and Note 10 - "Investments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
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Our common units are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SPLP." Our business address is 590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, New York 10022, and our telephone number is (212) 520-2300. Our website is www.steelpartners.com. We use our website as a channel of distribution of company information. The information we post through this channel may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor this channel, in addition to following our press releases, filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and public conference calls and webcasts. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the website is not part of this Report. Annual reports on Form 10-K (including this Report), quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, are available to you free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after those materials have been electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our businesses are subject to a number of risks. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Report, before you decide whether to purchase our common or preferred units. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the general or specific risks that may affect us. It should be recognized that other risks may be significant, presently or in the future, and the risks set forth below may affect us to a greater extent than indicated. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common and preferred units could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business
Economic downturns in various sectors could disrupt and materially harm our businesses.
Negative trends in the general economy, including rising interest rates and commodity prices, could cause a downturn in the markets for our products and services. A significant portion of our revenues in the Diversified Industrial segment are received from customers in transportation, oil and gas exploration and construction-related industries, which have experienced significant financial downturns in the past. These industries are cyclical, and demand for their products tends to fluctuate due to changes in national and global economic conditions, availability of credit and other factors. A worsening of customer demand in these industries would adversely affect our profitability, operating results, cash flows and could lead to further impairments. In our Energy segment, the level of oil and natural gas exploration and production activity in the United States is affected by the price of oil. Reduced discovery rates of new oil and natural gas reserves, or a decrease in the development rate of reserves in our market areas, weakness in oil and natural gas prices, or our customers’ perceptions that oil and natural gas prices will decrease in the future, could result in a reduction in the utilization of our equipment and result in lower revenues or rates for the services of our Energy segment. Our customers’ willingness to undertake these activities depends largely upon prevailing industry conditions that are influenced by many factors over which we have no control. Our Financial Services segment could be impacted by tightening of the credit markets and other general economic declines that could result in a decrease in lending and demand for consumer loans. We may also experience a slowdown if some customers experience difficulty in obtaining adequate financing due to tightness in the credit markets. Furthermore, the financial stability of our customers or suppliers may be compromised, which could result in additional bad debts for us or non-performance by suppliers. Our assets may also be impaired or subject to write-down or write-off as a result of these conditions. There could also be adverse impacts to several of our businesses due to overall negative economic conditions, changes in gross domestic product growth, financial and credit market fluctuations or the unavailability of credit, or geopolitical challenges, including global security concerns and the possibility of retaliatory action by various actions in response to Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine. These adverse effects would likely be exacerbated if global economic conditions worsen, resulting in wide-ranging, adverse and prolonged effects on general business conditions, and materially and adversely affect our operations, financial results and liquidity.
We may be negatively impacted by inflation, raw material price increases and supply chain disruptions.
Inflation could continue to increase our costs of labor and other costs related to our business, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Current and future inflationary effects may be driven by, among other things, supply chain disruptions, governmental stimulus or fiscal policies, and geopolitical instability, including the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The cost of raw materials is a key element in the cost of our products, particularly in our Diversified Industrial segment. Prices for raw materials necessary for production have fluctuated significantly in the past and we experienced and could continue to experience upward pricing pressure on raw materials such as steel, resins and chemicals. Price increases have had and could continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and operating margins. Disruptions to the supply chain resulting from shortages of raw materials and components have had and could continue to have an adverse effect on our ability to meet commitments to customers. Continuing increases in inflation
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increased and could continue to increase our costs of labor and other costs related to our business, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Inflation has also resulted in higher interest rates in the U.S., which could increase our cost of debt borrowing in the future.
Significant volatility in prices of, and declines in customer demand for, crude oil due to factors beyond our control have materially and adversely affected our diversified industrial and energy business segments, and any prolonged instability in the oil industry could negatively impact our business, operations and financial condition.
Certain of our operating companies, particularly those in our Diversified Industrial and Energy segments, are highly dependent on customer demand for, and the availability of, crude oil and natural gas. For example, our portfolio of quality energy segment companies provide a multitude of oilfield services and oil and gas equipment rentals, operate numerous oil rigs and perform well servicing and workover services. The oil and gas industry has historically experienced periodic downturns, which have been characterized by diminished demand for our products and services and downward pressure on the prices that we are able to charge. Sustained market uncertainty can also result in lower demand and pricing for our products and services.
Customer demand is generally dependent on our customers’ views of future demand for oil and gas and future oil and gas prices, as well as our customers’ ability to access capital. Since the first quarter of 2020, crude oil prices, as well as supply and demand for oil and natural gas, have fluctuated significantly as a result of national and international economic and political conditions, such as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. In particular, the announcement of price reductions and production increases by members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its broader partners, including Russia and their allies (“OPEC+”) in March 2020 resulted in reduced a sharp decline in oil commodity prices. In October 2022, due to uncertainty in the global economy and oil market outlook, OPEC+ announced it would decrease oil production by 2 million barrels a day, the largest cut since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As a result, the market and our businesses currently continue to experience demand loss, as well as volatility in oil prices, which have recently risen significantly after remaining depressed due to an oil oversupply and lack of available storage capacity. Additionally, oil prices are particularly sensitive to actual and perceived threats to global political stability, including conflicts in oil and gas producing regions, and changes in production from OPEC+ member states. Demand for our services and products may be sensitive to the level of exploration, development and production activity of, and the corresponding capital spending by, oil and natural gas companies. For instance, continuing tensions and instability resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine have increased and could continue to increase volatility in global oil and gas prices, which may adversely affect our profitability of our Diversified Industrial and Energy segments.
In addition, the market prices and demand for oil and natural gas are impacted by governmental regulations and the level of oil and natural gas production in the United States and non-OPEC+ countries, as well as the oil and gas industry’s view of future oil and gas prices, which generally determine the level of capital spending for the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas reserves. These and other changes in the oil and natural gas industry have had, and are likely to continue to have for the foreseeable future, a significant adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Due to numerous uncertainties surrounding the resolutions by OPEC+ with respect to oil production discussions, we cannot predict when oil prices, inventory and demand will improve or stabilize.
Our results of operations are affected by fluctuations in commodity prices.
In the normal course of business, our operations, particularly those of our Diversified Industrial segment, require the purchase and use of commodities used as raw materials, such as precious metals, steel products and certain non-ferrous metals. The availability of, and prices for, these raw materials expose our businesses to market risk and volatility as a result of, among other factors: worldwide economic conditions; speculative actions; world supply and demand balances; inventory levels; availability of substitute metals; the U.S. dollar exchange rate; production costs of U.S. and foreign competitors; and anticipated or perceived shortages. In particular, in recent years we have experienced significant fluctuations in precious metal prices, including gold and silver, which has impacted our ability to find suitable sources for use in our manufacturing and maintain adequate inventory levels. Increases in the costs of these commodities and the costs of energy, transportation and other necessary services may adversely affect our profit margins if we are unable to pass along any higher costs in the form of price increases or otherwise achieve cost efficiencies such as in manufacturing and distribution.
We seek multiple sources of supply for each of our major raw materials in order to avoid significant dependence on any one or a few suppliers. However, the supply of such materials have been and are likely to continue to be disrupted by higher commodity prices, which increase our costs of production and can result in tighter supplies. Moreover, to the extent customers delay or decrease purchases of our products as a result of raw material cost increases or we are otherwise unable pass cost increases on to our customers, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely effected. In addition, raw material price fluctuations impact the value of our commodity inventories, in particular, our precious metal
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inventory. Adjustments to our inventory carrying values could have a negative impact on our profitability and cash flows. Additionally, commodity prices may also fall rapidly from time to time. If commodity prices significantly decline for a sustained period of time, the net realizable value of our existing inventories could be reduced or we could be required to take impairment charges on our inventories, which could adversely affect our results of operations. For more information, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Risks Relating to Commodity Prices.”
Rising interest rates may negatively impact our investments and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Changes in interest rates could have an adverse impact on our business by increasing the cost of borrowing, affecting our interest costs (including with respect to our senior credit agreement, which is comprised primarily of variable rate options), and our ability to make new investments on favorable terms or at all. The Federal Reserve Board significantly increased the federal funds rate in 2022 and has indicated that further rate increases may be announced in the short-term to combat rising inflation in the United States. Such rate increases have corresponding impact to our costs of borrowing and may have an adverse impact on our ability to raise funds through the offering of our securities or through the issuance of debt due to higher debt capital costs, diminished credit availability, and less favorable equity markets. Any significant additional federal fund rate increases may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. More generally, interest rate fluctuations and changes in credit spreads on floating rate loans may have a negative impact on our investments and investment opportunities and, accordingly, may have a material adverse effect on our rate of return on invested capital, our net investment income, our net asset value and the market price of our securities. In addition, an increase in interest rates may make it difficult or impossible to make payments on outstanding indebtedness. Any increase in interest rates could have a negative effect on our net interest costs and investments, which could negatively impact our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
As more fully described in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” WebBank derives a portion of its income from the excess of interest collected over interest paid. The rates of interest WebBank earns on assets and pays on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Accordingly, WebBank’s results of operations, like those of most financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. WebBank monitors and measures its exposure to changes in interest rates in order to comply with applicable government regulations and to limit the risk that changing interest rates could have a negative impact on its results of operations. There can be no assurance, however, that, in the event of adverse changes in interest rates, WebBank’s efforts to limit interest rate risk will be successful.
Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries sponsor defined benefit pension plans, which could subject the Company to substantial cash funding requirements in the future.
The Company’s ongoing operating cash flow requirements include arranging for the funding of the minimum requirements of its subsidiaries’ defined benefit pension plans. The Company is generally jointly and severally liable for such subsidiaries’ underfunded pension liabilities. The performance of the financial markets and interest rates (given the mix of investment assets in the plan), as well as healthcare trends and associated mortality rates, impact our defined benefit pension plan expense and funding obligations. Significant changes in these factors, including adverse changes in discount rates, investment losses on plan assets and increases in participant life expectancy, may increase our funding obligations and adversely impact our financial condition. Required future contributions are estimated based upon assumptions such as discount rates on future obligations, assumed rates of return on plan assets and legislative changes. Actual future pension costs and required funding obligations will be affected by changes in the factors and assumptions described in the previous sentences, as well as other changes such as any plan termination or other acceleration events. For more information, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources” of this Report.
We are subject to risks associated with environmental, health and safety matters.
We (including our businesses) are subject to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign environmental, health and safety (“EHS”) laws and regulations in connection with our ongoing and former operations. These requirements include, but are not limited to regulations related to: the development, manufacture, shipping and use of the products produced by our businesses; the handling, storage, transportation, discharge, recycling, treatment and disposal of raw materials and/or hazardous materials, by-products or wastes used in such products or in production; and the operation of facilities and the use of real property. Compliance with these and other EHS requirements may require us to engage in environmental remediation activities of property currently or previously owned by us or our subsidiaries, retrofit existing facilities with additional pollution-control equipment,
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undertake new measures in connection with the management of hazardous materials, by-products and wastes or to take other steps to ensure compliance with various legal and regulatory agencies and entities, all of which could require our subsidiaries to incur substantial costs.
Many of the customers in our Energy segment use hydraulic fracturing services, which is the process of creating or expanding cracks, or fractures, in formations underground where water, sand and other additives are pumped under high pressure into the formation. Although our Energy segment is not a provider of hydraulic fracturing services, many of its services complement the hydraulic fracturing process. Fracturing regulations vary widely because they are regulated at the state level. States continue to evaluate fracturing activities and their impact on the environment. Legislation for broader federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing operations and the reporting and public disclosure of chemicals used in the fracturing process could be enacted. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) has asserted federal regulatory authority over certain hydraulic fracturing activities involving diesel fuel under the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act. Our Energy segment’s customers’ operations could be adversely affected if additional regulation or permitting requirements were to be required for hydraulic fracturing activities, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Although our subsidiaries maintain environmental insurance coverage, this insurance may not be sufficient to cover the financial, legal, business or reputational losses that may result from litigation, regulatory actions, proceedings or investigations as a result of non-compliance or violations of EHS requirements, as well as any other EHS-related matters. A failure or inability by us or any of our subsidiaries to comply with existing or future EHS regulations could therefore require us to incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, fines or sanctions, and subject us to third-party claims for property damage or personal injury. Any material violations of these laws can lead to significant remediation requirements and administrative oversight, substantial liability, revocations of discharge permits, fines or penalties, and any new laws, regulations and enforcement policies could become more stringent and significantly increase our compliance costs or limit our future business opportunities, negatively impacting our financial condition, business and results of operations.
In addition to EHS legal and regulatory requirements, growing stakeholder engagement with respect to sustainability matters could cause our subsidiaries to alter their manufacturing processes or business operations, which could require them to incur substantial expense. Any failure to comply with stakeholder requests, in particular, the ability to meet customer requirements or sustainability targets, could adversely impact the demand of our businesses’ products and subject us and our subsidiaries to significant costs and liabilities and reputational risks, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For more information on regulations relating to GHG emissions, see “The risks associated with climate change, including our ability to comply with legislation or regulations restricting emissions of greenhouse gases, could result in increased costs and reduced demand for our services in our Energy segment.”
The risks associated with climate change, including our ability to comply with legislation or regulations restricting emissions of greenhouse gases, could result in increased costs and reduced demand for our services in our Energy segment.
The risks that climate change poses through chronic environmental changes and acute, weather-related events continues to attract considerable public and scientific attention in the United States and abroad. Governmental bodies at international, national, regional, state and local levels are taking actions to monitor, limit, restrict and/or eliminate emissions of greenhouse gases (“GHG”). In addition, companies and their stakeholders, including shareholders and non-governmental organizations, are seeking ways to reduce GHG emissions through private ordering. Any such regulation of GHG emissions, or climate impacts generally, could adversely affect our Energy business’s operations, as well as the operations of its customers, as a result of their links to the production and processing of fossil fuels and GHG emissions. Although we are not a fossil fuel producer, our Energy segment directly services companies involved in the production and processing of fossil fuels.
In the United States, no comprehensive climate change legislation has been implemented federally. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) has adopted rules that, among other things, establish construction and operating permit reviews for GHG emissions from certain large stationary sources, require the monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions from certain petroleum and natural gas system sources, implement standards directing the reduction of methane from certain facilities in the oil and gas sector, and, together with the U.S. Department of Transportation, implement GHG emissions limits on vehicles manufactured for domestic operations. Additionally, various states have adopted or are considering adopting legislation and regulation focused on GHG cap-and-trade programs, carbon taxes, reporting and tracking programs and emissions limits. Additionally, the Biden administration continued to highlight its nascent climate agenda, which includes targets of a (i) carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and (ii) net-zero (i.e., carbon reduction is equal to or greater than carbon emissions) economy by 2050. A social and climate bill aimed at achieving certain of these goals is currently undergoing revision and reconsideration at the congressional level, but if passed, would expand spending and incentives to reduce corporate levels of fossil energy production. President Biden has also announced the United States’ Nationally Determined Contribution (the
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“NDC”) under the Paris Agreement at his summit on climate change on April 22, 2021, which focuses on achieving, by 2030, a 50% to 52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net GHG pollution. In addition, the SEC proposed rules in March 2022 that would require public companies to include extensive climate-related disclosures in their SEC filings. Among other things, the proposed SEC rules, if adopted as written, would mandate disclosures on (i) GHG emissions, including Scope 3 emissions if material or part of a company's emissions goal, (ii) financial impact and expenditure metrics relating to severe weather and climate change and (iii) a company's use of scenario analysis and climate targets. Although the SEC has not finalized these rules, we would expect to incur substantial additional compliance costs to the extent these or similar rules are adopted. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”), which was signed into law in August 2022, directs nearly $400 billion of federal spending to be used toward reducing carbon emissions and funding clean energy over the next 10 years and is designed to encourage private investment in clean energy, transport and manufacturing. In addition, fossil fuel producers face increasing litigation risks from local governments and financial risks from liquidity sources that have become more attentive to sustainability, such as shareholders who may shift their investments into other sectors and institutional lenders who may decrease to funding fossil fuel companies.
These changes in the investing and financing markets, and cost increases or demand volatility in connection with the adoption and implementation of new or more stringent GHG-related legislation or regulation on the oil and gas sector, could in turn reduce demand for our Energy business’s well servicing, workover and other services. Additionally, measures taken with respect to GHG emissions, whether through governmental mandates or private ordering, could increase costs in our Energy segment businesses in the form of taxes or emission allowances, facilities improvements, and energy costs, which would increase our operating expenses through higher utility, transportation, and more expensive materials. Political, litigation and financial risks could also result in the oil and gas customers of our Energy business restricting or cancelling production activities, incurring liability in connection with climate-related changes or impairing their ability to continue operating economically, which could also decrease demand for that business’s services.
We could incur significant costs, as a result of complying with or failing to comply with other extensive regulations, including banking regulations, to which our businesses are subject.
We and our businesses are subject to extensive regulation by U.S. and non-U.S. governmental and self-regulatory entities at the federal, state and local levels, including laws related to anti-corruption, privacy matters, banking, health and safety, import laws and export control and economic sanctions, and the sale of products and services to government entities.
In addition, the consumer and business lending programs offered by WebBank are subject to extensive legal requirements at the federal and state levels, described in more detail below. If WebBank or its programs do not comply with these laws, it may be subject to claims for damages, fines, penalties or other relief, and may face regulatory examination and enforcement action, and some violations could result in an underlying loan being found invalid or unenforceable, or subject to payment defenses.
As discussed above, our businesses must comply with substantial additional regulations. Failure to comply with these or any other regulations could result in civil and criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties, disruptions to our business, limitations on our ability to manufacture, import, export and sell products and services, disbarment from selling to certain federal agencies, damage to our reputation and loss of customers and could cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees. Compliance with these and other regulations may also require us to incur significant expenses. The products and operations of our businesses are also often subject to the rules of industrial standards bodies such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and failure to comply with these rules could result in withdrawal of certifications needed to sell our products and services and otherwise adversely impact our financial condition.
WebBank operates in a highly regulated environment, and its lending programs are subject to extensive federal and state regulation. Ongoing legislative and regulatory actions may significantly affect our liquidity or financial condition.
The consumer and business lending programs offered by WebBank are subject to extensive legal requirements at the federal and state levels. Among the laws that may be applicable to some or all of the programs offered by WebBank are:
•the Federal Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z promulgated thereunder, which require certain disclosures to borrowers regarding the terms of their loans;
•the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), the Federal Trade Commission Act and state laws that prohibit unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices;
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•the Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B promulgated thereunder, which prohibit discrimination in the extension of credit on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, marital status, national origin, receipt of public assistance or the exercise of any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act;
•the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which governs the use of credit reports and the reporting of information to credit bureaus, and imposes restrictions on the marketing of credit products through prescreened solicitations based on credit report information;
•the Electronic Fund Transaction Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which requires certain disclosures and imposes certain requirements on banks that provide electronic transfers of funds for consumers;
•the Service Members Civil Relief Act and the Military Lending Act, which impose rate limitations and other requirements in connection with the credit obligations of active duty military personnel and certain of their dependents;
•federal and state laws relating to privacy and the safeguarding of personally identifiable consumer information and data breach notification;
•the Bank Secrecy Act, which relates to compliance with anti-money laundering, customer due diligence and record-keeping policies and procedures; and
•laws governing the permissibility of the interest rates and fees that are charged to borrowers.
The Dodd-Frank Act, which was signed into law in 2010, is intended primarily to overhaul the financial regulatory framework and impacts all financial institutions, including WebBank. The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") and Financial Stability Oversight Council, consolidated certain federal bank regulators and imposed increased corporate governance and executive compensation requirements. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, which was signed into law in May 2018, amended the Dodd-Frank Act in some respects, but many of the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act remain in effect. The extent and complexity of this regulatory framework and other regulations has increased WebBank’s regulatory compliance burden and therefore has increased its regulatory risk.
If WebBank or its programs do not comply with these laws, it may be subject to claims for damages, fines, penalties or other relief, and may face regulatory scrutiny. In addition, some violations could result in an underlying loan being found invalid or unenforceable, or subject to payment defenses. Any of these violations could result in the imposition of liability on WebBank, although WebBank may have indemnification rights for certain claims. In addition, there could be limitations on WebBank’s ongoing or future business.
WebBank offers lending programs through relationships with Marketing Partners. WebBank and its Marketing Partners are subject to supervision by the FDIC and the UDFI. The authority of the FDIC and the UDFI includes the ability to examine WebBank, the Marketing Partners and the programs. The FDIC and UDFI also may bring enforcement actions against WebBank and its Marketing Partners if they detect any violations of law. These enforcement actions could result in monetary liability on WebBank, increased compliance obligations or limitations on its ongoing and future business.
Other regulators, including the CFPB, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and state regulators and attorneys-general, may bring investigations and enforcement actions against WebBank's Marketing Partners. In 2018, the FTC brought such an enforcement action against one of WebBank's Marketing Partners. That matter was settled in 2021, with the Marketing Partner agreeing to certain changes in its practices and to pay $18,000, of which $17,600 was ultimately paid in customer refunds. In 2019, the FTC reached a settlement with another WebBank Marketing Partner, in which the Marketing Partner agreed to change certain practices and to pay $3,850 to the FTC as equitable monetary relief. These actions against Marketing Partners may increase WebBank’s own regulators’ scrutiny of WebBank’s business and could result in an increased risk of investigations or claims being brought against WebBank.
The U.S. Congress and state legislatures and federal and state regulatory authorities continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. In October 2021 a new Director took office at the CFPB, and he has announced new priorities that include some of the financial products and services offered by WebBank. The CFPB may revise or enact new regulatory requirements or revise or adopt new regulatory interpretations that could affect WebBank, its Marketing Partners and programs. A new chairman has also taken office at the FDIC, and he has adopted a different set of priorities than under the prior agency leadership, which could result in increased scrutiny on WebBank’s business. The Biden administration may make other agency changes that could also affect WebBank. The FDIC has adopted a final rule codifying its practices for supervising certain industrial banks and their parent companies. Although the rule does not directly apply to us or to WebBank at this time, the potential impact that the rule may have on our business, financial condition or results of operations in the future remains uncertain. We cannot predict whether additional legislation or regulations will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it would have on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
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Future cash flows from operations or through financings may not be sufficient to enable the Company to meet its obligations under its senior credit facility, and this would likely have a material adverse effect on its businesses, financial condition and results of operations, and credit market volatility may affect our ability to refinance our existing debt, borrow funds under our existing lines of credit or incur additional debt.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $410,700 available under its senior credit facility and $178,650 of outstanding indebtedness under its senior credit facility. There can be no assurances that the Company or its subsidiaries will continue to have access to their lines of credit if their financial performance does not satisfy the financial covenants set forth in the applicable financing agreements. If the Company or its subsidiaries do not meet certain of its financial covenants, and if they are unable to secure necessary waivers or other amendments from the respective lenders on terms acceptable to management, their ability to access available lines of credit could be limited, their debt obligations could be accelerated by the respective lenders and liquidity could be adversely affected.
If the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ cash needs are significantly greater than anticipated or they do not materially meet their business plans, or there are unanticipated downturns in the markets for the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ products and services, the Company or its subsidiaries may be required to seek additional or alternative financing sources. Future disruption and volatility in credit market conditions could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s ability or that of its subsidiaries to refinance debt when it comes due on terms similar to our current credit facilities, or to draw upon existing lines of credit or incur additional debt if needed. There can be no assurance therefore that any such financing will be available or available on acceptable terms. The inability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or through financings could impair the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ liquidity and would likely have a material adverse effect on their businesses, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business strategy includes acquisitions, and acquisitions entail numerous risks, including the risk of management diversion and increased costs and expenses, all of which could negatively affect the Company’s profitability.
Our business strategy includes, among other things, strategic acquisitions, as well as potential opportunistic acquisitions and strategic actions with respect to our existing investments, such as restructurings, strategic partnerships and collaborations and activist activity. This overall acquisition and investment strategy entails several risks, including the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, the incurrence of substantial legal and other advisory fees (including, in the case of activist activity, proxy solicitation fees) and the potential need to finance such acquisitions with additional equity and/or debt. Additionally, to the extent that we are already invested in the entities that are the subject of our acquisitions and other activities, our actions may be temporarily disruptive to the value of the investments, which could adversely affect our financial condition.
In addition, once completed, acquisitions may entail further risks, including: unanticipated costs and liabilities of the acquired businesses, including environmental liabilities, that could materially adversely affect our results of operations; increased regulatory compliance relating to the acquired business; difficulties in assimilating acquired businesses, their personnel and their financial reporting systems, which would prevent the expected benefits from the transaction from being realized within the anticipated timeframe; negative effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers; and loss of key employees of the acquired businesses. In addition, any future acquisitions could result in the incurrence of additional debt and related interest expense, contingent liabilities and amortization expense related to intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows, or the issuance of additional equity, which could dilute our unitholders’ interests.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to negotiate any pending acquisition successfully, receive the required approvals for any acquisition or otherwise conclude any acquisition successfully, or that any acquisition will achieve the anticipated synergies or other positive results. Overall, if our acquisition strategy is not successful or if acquisitions are not well integrated into our existing operations, the Company’s profitability, business and financial condition could be negatively affected.
Divestitures and contingent liabilities from divested businesses could adversely affect our business and financial results.
We continually evaluate the performance and strategic fit of all of our businesses and may sell businesses or product lines. Divestitures involve risks, including difficulties in the separation of operations, services, products and personnel, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, the disruption of our business, the potential loss of key employees and the retention of uncertain contingent liabilities, including environmental liabilities, related to the divested
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business. When we decide to sell assets or a business, we may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the achievement of our strategic objectives. We may also dispose of a business at a price or on terms that are less desirable than we had anticipated, which could result in significant asset impairment charges, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may experience greater dis-synergies than expected, the impact of the divestiture on our revenue growth may be larger than projected, and some divestitures may be dilutive to earnings. There can be no assurance whether the strategic benefits and expected financial impact of any divestiture will be achieved. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in managing these or any other significant risks that we encounter in divesting a business or product line, and any divestiture we undertake could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may sustain losses in our investment portfolio, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
A portion of our assets consists of equity securities which are adjusted to fair value each period, as well as other investments. An adverse change in economic conditions or setbacks to such companies, their operations or business models may result in a decline in the value of these investments. Such declines in value are principally recognized in net income or loss in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Any adverse changes in the financial markets and declines in value of our investments may result in additional losses and could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
If our businesses are unable to adequately obtain or protect the intellectual property and licenses upon which they rely, or other third parties claim that our businesses have infringed upon or otherwise violated their intellectual property, we could face material adverse effects to our financial condition, businesses and results of operations.
The success of each of our businesses depends in part on the trademarks and patents that they own, or their licenses to use others’, brand names, proprietary technology and manufacturing techniques. In addition to trademark and patent protection, these businesses rely on copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect their intellectual property rights. The steps they have taken to protect their intellectual property rights may not prevent third parties, including our competitors, from using their intellectual property without their authorization or independently developing substantially similar intellectual property. Infringement or misappropriation of our businesses’ intellectual property rights, such as the unauthorized manufacture or sale of materials, could result in uncompensated lost market and revenue opportunities. Despite these steps to monitor and detect unauthorized use of our businesses’ intellectual property by third parties, any such unauthorized use could reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage our businesses have developed, cause them to lose sales or otherwise harm their business. The businesses’ ability to enforce their intellectual property rights is subject to litigation risks, as well as uncertainty as to the protection and enforceability of those rights in some countries. If the businesses seek to enforce their intellectual property rights, it may be subject to claims that those rights are invalid or unenforceable, and others may seek counterclaims against the businesses, which could have a negative impact on their business. If the businesses are unable to enforce and protect intellectual property rights, or if they are circumvented, rendered obsolete or invalidated by the rapid pace of technological change, or stolen or misappropriated by employees or third parties, it could have an adverse impact on their competitive position and business.
Third parties may also assert claims that the products, solutions and services of our businesses’ infringe upon the rights of others. Whether or not meritorious, defense of these claims can be expensive and time-consuming to defend and resolve, and may divert the efforts and attention of management and personnel. In addition, the laws of foreign countries may not effectively protect our businesses’ intellectual property rights. In such cases, the unauthorized use of proprietary information and intellectual property may be made more difficult, time-consuming and costly and could subject our businesses to significant liability for damages and invalidate their property rights. If our businesses face claims based on the theft or unauthorized use or disclosure of third-party trade secrets and other confidential business information, defense against such claims could result in significant expenses and harm our competitive position, all of which could have a significant adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
We conduct business outside of the United States, which may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with companies that operate solely in the United States.
We conduct business and have operations or own interests in securities of companies with operations outside the United States. These operations have additional risks, including risks relating to currency exchange, changes in tariffs, less developed or efficient financial markets than in the United States, absence of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, differences in the legal and regulatory environment, different publicly available information in respect of companies in non-U.S.
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markets, economic and political risks, public health crises (such as the ongoing coronavirus outbreak) and possible imposition of non-U.S. taxes. There can be no assurance that adverse developments with respect to such risks will not adversely affect our assets that are held in certain countries or the returns from these assets.
We also face several risks inherent in conducting business internationally, including compliance with international and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to our international operations. These laws and regulations include data privacy requirements, labor relations laws, tax laws, anti-competition regulations, import and trade restrictions, U.S. laws such as export control laws and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and similar laws in other countries which also prohibit corrupt payments to governmental officials or certain payments or remunerations to customers. Given the high level of complexity of these laws, there is a risk that some provisions may be inadvertently breached. Also, we may be held liable for actions taken by our local partners. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties, criminal sanctions against us, our officers or our employees, administrative remedies and prohibitions on the conduct of our business. Any such violations could include prohibitions on our ability to offer our products and services in one or more countries.
Global trade issues and changes in and uncertainties with respect to trade policies, trade sanctions, tariffs and international trade disputes, may significantly increase the costs or limit supplies of materials and products used in our operations.
We import raw materials and products used in our operations from jurisdictions outside of the United States. There is inherent risk, based on the complex relationships among the United States and the countries in which we conduct our business, that political, diplomatic, and national security factors can lead to global trade issues and changes in trade policies and export regulations. Trade restrictions, including withdrawal from or modification of existing trade agreements, negotiation of new trade agreements, non-tariff trade barriers, local content requirements, and imposition of new or retaliatory tariffs against certain countries or covering certain products, including developments in U.S.-China trade relations and sanctions against Russia, could limit our ability to Import certain raw materials and products used in our operations. Policies impacting exchange rates and commodity prices or those limiting the export or import of commodities could have a material adverse effect on the international flow of commodities, which may result in a corresponding negative effect on our operations.
These trade conflicts and related escalating governmental actions that result in additional tariffs, duties and/or trade restrictions could increase our operating costs, cause disruptions or shortages in our supply chains and/or negatively impact the United States, regional or local economies, and, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect our business and our consolidated financial results.
Litigation or compliance failures could adversely affect our profitability.
The nature of our businesses and our investment strategies expose us to various litigation matters. We contest these matters vigorously and make insurance claims where appropriate. However, litigation is inherently costly and unpredictable, making it difficult to accurately estimate the outcome of any litigation. These lawsuits may include claims for compensatory damages, punitive and consequential damages and/or injunctive relief. The defense of these lawsuits may divert our management’s attention, we may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits, and we may be required to pay damage awards or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies that could adversely affect our operations and financial condition. Moreover, any insurance or indemnification rights that we may have may be insufficient or unavailable to protect us against such losses or result in significantly higher premiums in the future. In addition, developments in legal proceedings in any given period may require us to adjust the loss contingency estimates that we have recorded in our consolidated financial statements, record estimates or reserves for liabilities or assets previously not susceptible of reasonable estimates or pay cash settlements or judgments. Any of these developments could adversely affect our financial condition in any particular period. Although we make accruals as we believe warranted, the amounts that we accrue could vary significantly from any amounts we actually pay due to the inherent uncertainties in the estimation process. For more information, see Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”.
A significant disruption in, or breach in security of, our technology systems could adversely affect our business.
We rely on information and operational technology systems in the conduct of our business to process, transmit and store electronic information, to manufacture our products and to manage or support a variety of critical business processes and activities. In some cases, we may rely upon third-party providers of hosting, support and other services to meet our information technology requirements. Our information and operational technology systems are subject to disruption, damage or failure from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, computer viruses, security breaches, cyber-attacks, ransomware attacks, natural disasters and defects in design. We may also face increased cybersecurity risks associated with an extensive workforce now working remotely, as remote working environments have become less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks,
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including phishing and social engineering attempts. Cybersecurity incidents in particular are evolving and include, but are not limited to, use of malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data or control of automated production systems, and other security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and the corruption of data. We have implemented various measures to manage and mitigate risks related to technology systems and network disruption. We maintain an information security program that includes cybersecurity awareness training for employees, consistent infrastructure security practices across user account access, endpoint protection, email and perimeter security, as well as continuous monitoring and logging of network activity and tracking for rapid incident response. We believe that these preventative actions provide us and our businesses with adequate measures of protection against security breaches and work to reduce technology disruptions and cybersecurity risks. However, given the unpredictability of the timing, nature and scope of technology security incidents and disruptions, our businesses have been, and could potentially be, subject to production downtimes, operational delays, the compromising of confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, theft, other manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks or financial losses from remedial actions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, financial condition, reputation or results of operations. We have experienced, and could experience in the future, actual or attempted cyber-attacks of our information technology systems or networks, yet none of these actual or attempted cyber-attacks has had a material effect on our operations or financial condition. Further, any failure by our hosting and support partners or other third-party service providers in the performance of their services could materially harm our business.
A breach of our information technology systems could also result in the misappropriation of intellectual property, business plans or trade secrets. Any failure of our systems or those of our third-party service providers could result in unauthorized access or acquisition of such proprietary information, and any actual or perceived security breach could cause significant damage to our reputation and adversely impact our relationships with our customers. Additionally, while our security systems are designed to maintain the physical security of our facilities and information systems, accidental or willful security breaches or other unauthorized access by third parties to our facilities or our information systems could lead to misappropriation of proprietary and confidential information.
If any person, including any of our employees or those with whom we share such information, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to our client, customer or employee data, or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data, we could be subject to significant monetary damages, litigation, regulatory enforcement actions, fines and/or criminal prosecution in one or more jurisdictions.
We take cybersecurity seriously and devote significant resources and tools to protect our systems, products and data, prevent unwanted intrusions and disclosures and provide periodic training to our employees, in compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state laws and non-U.S. laws and regulations addressing cybersecurity. However, these security and compliance efforts are costly to implement and may not be successful. As cyber threats are continually evolving, our controls and procedures may become inadequate and we may be required to devote additional resources to modifying or enhancing our systems in the future. There can be no assurance that we will be able to prevent, detect and adequately address or mitigate such cyber-attacks or security breaches. We may also be required to expend resources to remediate cyber-related incidents or to enhance and strengthen our cybersecurity. Based on our cybersecurity program, we do not maintain dedicated cybersecurity insurance. Any such breach could have a material adverse effect on our operations and our reputation and could cause irreparable damage to us or our systems, regardless of whether we or our third-party providers are able to adequately recover critical systems following a systems failure.
Current and proposed laws and regulations regarding the protection of personal data could result in increased risks of liability or increased cost to us or could limit our service offerings.
Some of our businesses collect and store personal data and any security breaches of our systems could result in the misappropriation or unauthorized disclosure of personal data belonging to us or to our employees, partners, customers or suppliers. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is increasingly demanding. We are subject to numerous U.S. federal and state laws and non-U.S. laws and regulations governing the privacy, security and protection of personal and confidential information of our customers and employees. In particular, the European Union ("E.U.") has adopted the General Data Protection Regulation, (the “GDPR”), which contains numerous requirements for processing personal data of, and honoring the exercise of GDPR specific rights by, E.U.-based data subjects and provides for penalties up to the greater of €20,000 or 4% of worldwide gross revenue for violation. We are subject to the GDPR with respect to our E.U. operations and employees. Privacy laws such as the GDPR and similar laws and regulations are increasing in complexity and number, change frequently and sometimes conflict. In particular, as the E.U. member states reframe their national legislation to harmonize with the GDPR, we will need to monitor compliance with each relevant E.U. member states’ laws and regulations, including where permitted derogations from the GDPR are introduced. In addition, in 2018 California enacted a comprehensive data privacy law
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that granted new rights to California residents; that law was subsequently amended by a ballot initiative in 2020. Other states have also adopted comprehensive data privacy laws. Additional laws may be enacted in other states or at the U.S. federal level. The GDPR, any resultant changes in E.U. member states’ national laws and regulations, and existing or new U.S. federal or state data privacy laws and regulations may increase our compliance obligations and may necessitate the review and implementation of policies and processes relating to our collection, security and use of data.
This increase in compliance obligations could also lead to an increase in compliance costs which may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, failure to comply with these data protection and privacy regulations and rules in various jurisdictions, or to resolve any serious privacy or security complaints, could subject us to regulatory sanctions, criminal prosecution or civil liability. Additionally, if we violate applicable laws, regulations or duties relating to the use, privacy or security of personal data, we could be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution, be forced to alter our business practices and suffer reputational harm.
Labor disputes, as well as the continued or further unionization of our workforce and at our suppliers, could increase our costs and cause work stoppages that may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Some of our businesses are party to collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions in the United States and internationally. For more information, see Part I, Item 1, “Business – Employees”. We may be subject to, among other things, strikes, work stoppages or work slowdowns as a result of disputes under these collective bargaining agreements and labor contracts or our potential inability to negotiate acceptable contracts with these unions. If the unionized workers in the United States or internationally were to engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown, if other employees were to become unionized or if the terms and conditions in future labor agreements were renegotiated, our businesses could experience a significant disruption in their operations, which could cause them to be unable to deliver products to customers on a timely basis. Such disruptions could also result in loss of business and higher ongoing labor costs.
Additionally, we believe some of our direct and indirect suppliers have unionized workforces. Strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns experienced by suppliers could result in slowdowns or closures of facilities where components of our products are manufactured or delivered. Any interruption in the production or delivery of these components could reduce sales, increase costs and have a material adverse effect on us.
WebBank’s status as lender of the loans it offers, and the ability of assignees to collect interest, may be challenged, and these challenges could negatively impact WebBank’s ongoing and future business.
WebBank’s business includes lending programs with Marketing Partners, where the Marketing Partners provide origination servicing for the loans and subsequently purchase the loans (or interests in the loans) that are originated by WebBank. There have been litigation and regulatory actions which have challenged lending arrangements where a bank has made a loan and then sold and assigned it to an entity that is engaged in assisting with the origination and servicing of the loan. Some of these cases have alleged that the marketing and servicing entity should be viewed as the “true creditor” of the loans originated through the lending program, and the bank should be disregarded. If this type of challenge is successful, state law interest rate limitations and other requirements that apply to non-bank lenders would then be applicable, instead of the federal interest rate laws that govern bank lenders. Other cases have relied on the claim that even if a bank originated a loan based on the federal interest rate laws, an assignee of a bank is not permitted to rely on the federal law and is instead subject to state law limitations. Certain of these challenges have been brought or threatened in programs involving WebBank. In 2021, Congress enacted a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act that was signed by the president that had the effect of repealing a regulation adopted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. That regulation had provided clarity on the question of when a bank is the lender of a loan and, although not directly applicable to WebBank, may have provided support for the manner in which WebBank conducts its lending business. Because of the repeal, these arguments will not be available in the event of a future challenge. Additional cases or regulatory actions of this type, if successfully brought against WebBank or its Marketing Partners or others, could negatively impact WebBank's ongoing and future business.
In addition, several states have adopted laws that purport to identify which entity is the lender of a loan. For example, in 2021, Maine adopted a law that, among other things, may deem an entity to be the lender of a loan if it (a) holds, acquires or maintains the “predominant economic interest in the loan,” (b) markets, arranges or facilitates the loan and holds the right to purchase the loan or interest in the loan, or (c) based on the totality of the circumstances, appears to be the lender, and the transaction is structured to evade certain state statutory requirements. WebBank continues to structure its programs, and to exercise control over these programs, to address these risks, although there can be no assurance that additional cases or regulatory actions will not be brought in the future.
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WebBank is subject to capital requirements, and SPLP could be called upon by the FDIC to infuse additional capital into WebBank to the extent that WebBank fails to satisfy its capital requirements.
In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the FDIC issued rules that implemented the Basel III changes to the international regulatory capital framework and revised the U.S. risk-based and leverage capital requirements for U.S. banking organizations in order to strengthen identified areas of weakness in capital rules and to address relevant provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.
FDIC regulations implementing the Basel III Accord modified WebBank’s minimum capital requirements by defining what constitutes capital for regulatory capital purposes and adding a 4.5% Common Equity Tier 1 ratio and increased the Tier 1 capital ratio requirement from 4% to 6%. FDIC regulations also require WebBank to comply with a total capital ratio of 8% and a leverage ratio of 4%. Additionally, WebBank is expected to maintain a Capital Conservation Buffer (composed solely of common equity Tier 1 capital) equal to 2.5% above the new regulatory minimum capital requirements. The Capital Conservation Buffer is on top of the minimum risk-weighted capital ratios and had the effect of increasing those ratios by 2.5% each. A failure of WebBank to maintain the aggregate minimum capital required by the Capital Conservation Buffer will impair its ability to make certain distributions (including dividends and stock repurchases) and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. A failure of WebBank to maintain capital as required by the FDIC’s minimum capital requirements would subject WebBank to the FDIC’s prompt corrective action regime, which may further impair WebBank’s ability to make payments or distributions and may require a capital restoration plan or other corrective regulatory measures.
The Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the FDIC have continued to amend regulations implementing Basel III in the United States in certain respects and are expected to make further amendments to these regulatory capital rules. The Company currently cannot predict the specific impact and long-term effects that Basel III and its implementation in the U.S. will have on WebBank and the banking industry more generally. Furthermore, the Dodd-Frank Act codified a longstanding policy that all companies that directly or indirectly control an FDIC-insured bank are required to serve as a source of financial strength for such institution. As a result, SPLP could be called upon by the FDIC to infuse additional capital into WebBank to the extent that WebBank fails to satisfy its capital requirements, including at times that SPLP might not otherwise be inclined to provide it and even if doing so may adversely affect SPLP’s ability to meet its other obligations, which include limitations on capital contributions to WebBank specified in the Company’s senior credit facility.
WebBank's lending programs depend on relationships with Marketing Partners.
WebBank offers its lending programs with Marketing Partners. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the two highest grossing contractual lending programs combined accounted for approximately 18% and 7%, respectively, of WebBank’s total net revenue. If its Marketing Partners do not provide origination services or other services to WebBank, or provide those services in a faulty manner, that may negatively impact WebBank’s ongoing and future business. In addition, if the Marketing Partners or other third parties do not purchase the loans (or interests in loans) that are originated by WebBank, then WebBank may need to retain those loans (or interests in loans), which may negatively impact its ongoing and future business. Marketing Partners are also required to indemnify WebBank for certain liabilities that may arise from the lending programs. If Marketing Partners are unable or unwilling to satisfy their indemnification obligations, then WebBank would face increased risk from liability for claims made in private litigation or regulatory enforcement actions. Additionally, Marketing Partners may rely on outside sources of capital to meet their obligations. Market conditions and other factors may affect the availability of capital for Marketing Partners. The availability of capital may affect the volume of loans that can be originated through WebBank’s lending programs. In recent periods, the availability of capital has been more limited for several of WebBank’s Marketing Partners, resulting in a decrease in loan volume and a negative impact on WebBank’s business.
WebBank is subject to risks of litigation from its borrowers or others regarding the processing of loans for the Paycheck Protection Program and risks that the Small Business Administration may not fund some or all Paycheck Protection Program loan guaranties.
The CARES Act included a $349,000,000 loan program administered through the SBA referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP had subsequently been expanded and extended under additional legislation. Under the PPP, small businesses and other entities and individuals could apply for loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved regulated lenders. WebBank participated as a lender in the PPP. Because of the short timeframe between the passing of the CARES Act and the opening of the PPP, there was some ambiguity in the laws, rules and guidance regarding the operation of the PPP along with the continually evolving nature of the SBA rules, interpretations and guidelines concerning this program, which exposes WebBank to risks relating to noncompliance with the PPP. Since the launch of the PPP, several banks have been subject to litigation regarding the process and procedures that such banks used in processing applications for the PPP. As such, WebBank
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may be exposed to the risk of litigation, from both borrowers and non-borrowers that approached WebBank regarding PPP loans, regarding its process and procedures used in processing applications for the PPP. WebBank may also be subject to investigations or enforcement actions by state and federal authorities, including the SBA. If any such litigation or government action is brought against WebBank and is not resolved in a manner favorable to WebBank, it may result in significant financial liability or adversely affect its reputation. In addition, litigation and government actions can be costly, regardless of outcome. Any financial liability, litigation costs or reputational damage caused by PPP-related litigation or government actions could have a material adverse impact on WebBank’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
WebBank also has credit risk on PPP loans if a determination is made by the SBA that there is a deficiency in the manner in which the loan was originated, underwritten, certified by the borrower, funded, or serviced by WebBank or its third-party servicers, such as an issue with the eligibility of a borrower to receive a PPP loan, which may or may not be related to the ambiguity in the laws, rules and guidance regarding the operation of the PPP. In the event of a loss resulting from a default on a PPP loan and a determination by the SBA that there was a deficiency in the manner in which the PPP loan was originated, certified by the borrower, funded, or serviced by WebBank or its third-party services, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty, or, if it has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of any loss related to the deficiency from WebBank.
Our subsidiaries do not have long-term contracts with all of their customers, and the loss of customers with which we do not have long-term contracts could materially adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
Our businesses are based primarily upon individual orders, sales and service agreements with customers and not long-term contracts. As such, these customers could cease buying products or using our services at any time, for any reason, and with little or no notice, and we will have no recourse in the event a customer no longer wants to purchase products from us or use our services. If a significant number of our customers reduce or elect not to purchase products or use our services, or we have to make price concessions in order to retain certain customers, it could materially adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations. In the event of termination, our subsidiaries’ contracts sometimes provide for fees for winding down the products or services, but these fees may not be sufficient for us to maintain the revenues associated with the canceled contract or to compensate for the losses incurred in finding replacement sources of revenue.
Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in material misstatements in our financial statements, and a failure to meet its reporting and financial obligations, each of which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with current accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Under the direction of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, in 2020, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and identified control deficiencies that constituted material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. This led management to conclude that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were not effective as of December 31, 2020 and again as of December 31, 2021. These material weaknesses resulted in revisions to our consolidated financial statements for the 2019 and interim 2020 periods.
As discussed in Part II, Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures,” the Company developed and implemented a remediation plan designed to address these material weaknesses, and our management has re-evaluated its assessment of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, concluding that they were effective as of December 31, 2022. However, the use of such remediation measures may not be sufficient going forward, and any failure to maintain effective internal control could lead us to conclude that we have one or more material weaknesses in the future. Failure to maintain effective internal control or further revisions of our prior financial statements, among other things, could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common and preferred units and limit our ability to raise capital, may cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may require us to incur additional costs to improve our internal control system. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud and errors in our financial statements, our reputation and operating results could also be materially adversely affected. In addition, we could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC and other regulatory authorities or private litigation, which could require additional financial and management resources. For more information, including on our remediation plan, see Part II, Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures.”
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Epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks of disease and other adverse public health developments, including COVID-19, previously had, and may in the future have, an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks of novel diseases and other adverse public health developments in countries and states where we operate may arise at any time. Such developments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have had, and in the future may have, an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. These effects include a potentially negative impact on our business activity and limited availability and productivity among our workforce and suppliers. In particular, reduced customer demand for our businesses’ products, disruption in or closures of our manufacturing operations or those of our customers and suppliers, delays and disruption in the supply chain, limited productivity and efficiency of our personnel, availability of qualified personnel and increased cybersecurity risks associated with remote working environments, could increase our costs for raw materials and commodity costs, limit our ability to meet customer demand or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Precautionary measures that we may take in the future intended to limit the impact of any epidemic, pandemic, disease outbreak or other public health development, may result in additional costs. In addition, such epidemics, pandemics, disease outbreaks or other public health developments may adversely affect economies and financial markets throughout the world, such as the effect that COVID-19 has had on world economies and financial markets, which may affect our ability to obtain additional financing for our businesses and demand for our products and services. The extent to which COVID-19 or other pandemics will impact our business and our financial results in the future will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Such developments may include ongoing spread of the virus, disease severity, outbreak duration, extent of any reoccurrence of the coronavirus or any evolutions or mutations of the virus, and availability, administration and effectiveness of vaccines and development of therapeutic treatments that can restore consumer and business economic confidence. As a result, we cannot predict at this time the full extent to which COVID-19 may continue to impact adversely our business, results of operations and financial condition, and in particular, the disruption to the supply and manufacturing of, and demand for, our businesses' products, which will depend on such future developments.
The conflict in Ukraine and related price volatility and geopolitical instability could negatively impact our business.
In late February 2022, Russia launched significant military action against Ukraine. The conflict has caused, and could intensify, volatility in crude oil and natural gas, and the extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market disruptions could be significant and could potentially have a substantial negative impact on the global economy and/or our business for an unknown period of time. There is evidence that the increase in crude oil prices during the first half of calendar year 2022 was partially due to the impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the global commodity and financial markets, and in response to economic and trade sanctions that certain countries have imposed on Russia. Any such volatility and disruptions may also magnify the impact of other risks described in this “Risk Factors” section.
Risks Related to Our Structure
The unitholders have limited recourse to maintain actions against the General Partner, the Board of Directors, our officers and the Manager.
The Limited Partnership Agreement of SPLP, or the “Partnership Agreement,” contains broad indemnification and exculpation provisions that limit the right of a unitholder to maintain an action against the General Partner, the Board of Directors, our officers and the Manager, or to recover losses or costs incurred due to action or inaction by these parties which have a negative effect on the Company.
Our Partnership Agreement contains certain provisions that may limit the voting rights of some unitholders.
Our Partnership Agreement contains specific provisions that are intended to comply with regulatory limitations on the ownership of our securities as a result of our ownership of WebBank. Under the Partnership Agreement, a person or group that acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the common units without the prior approval of the Board of Directors may lose voting rights with respect to all of its common units in excess of 9.9%.
We may have conflicts of interest with the minority shareholders of our businesses and decisions may need to be made by disinterested directors, without the participation of directors or officers associated with the Manager and the Company. These decisions may be different from the decisions we would make and may or may not be in the best interests of our unitholders.
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Because we own less than 100% of certain affiliates, and we may engage in transactions with these affiliates from time to time, the boards of directors and officers of those businesses, including directors and officers associated with our Manager and the Company, have fiduciary duties to their respective shareholders. As a result, they may make decisions that are in the best interests of their shareholders generally but which are not necessarily in the best interest of our unitholders. In dealings with us, the directors and officers of our businesses may have conflicts of interest and decisions may have to be made without their participation. Such decisions may be different from the decisions we would make and may not be in the best interests of our common and preferred unitholders, which may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
There are certain interlocking relationships among us and certain affiliates of Warren G. Lichtenstein, our Executive Chairman, which may present potential conflicts of interest.
Warren G. Lichtenstein, our Executive Chairman and a substantial unitholder, is the Chief Executive Officer of our Manager. As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Lichtenstein directly owned approximately 3.0% of our outstanding common units. In addition, affiliates of our Manager, including Mr. Lichtenstein, beneficially own approximately 75.2% of our outstanding common units, although Mr. Lichtenstein disclaims beneficial ownership of any common units not directly held by him. We have entered into transactions and/or agreements with these entities. There can be no assurance that such entities will not have interests in conflict with our own, or that Mr. Lichtenstein will not have interests different than those of our unitholders.
Certain members of our management team may be involved in other business activities that may involve conflicts of interest, possibly diverting their attention from the Company’s operations.
Certain individual members of our management team, including Warren G. Lichtenstein, our Executive Chairman, and Jack L. Howard, our President, may from time to time be involved in the management of other businesses, including those owned or controlled by our Manager and its affiliates. Accordingly, these individuals may focus a portion of their time and attention on managing these other businesses. Conflicts may arise in the future between our interests and the interests of the other entities and business activities in which such individuals are involved.
Risks Related to Our Manager
We depend on Warren G. Lichtenstein, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Manager, and Jack L. Howard, the President of the Manager, in running our businesses. The loss of their services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results and financial condition.
Our success depends on the efforts, skills, reputation and business contacts of Warren G. Lichtenstein, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Manager and Jack L. Howard, the President of the Manager. While the key members of the Manager have worked for the Manager and its affiliates for many years, our Manager does not have any employment agreements with any of the key members of its management team, and their continued service is not guaranteed. The loss of the services of Mr. Lichtenstein or Mr. Howard could have a material adverse effect on our asset values, revenues, net income and cash flows and could harm our ability to maintain or grow our existing operations or pursue additional opportunities in the future.
We cannot determine the amount of the Management Fee that will be paid or Class C partnership units that will be issued over time with any certainty.
The Manager is entitled to receive a fee (the “Management Fee”) at an annual rate of 1.5% of total partners’ capital. Our total partners’ capital will be impacted by the performance of our businesses and other businesses we may acquire in the future, as well as the issuance of additional common or preferred units. Changes in our total partners’ capital and in the resulting Management Fee could be significant, resulting in a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, if our performance declines, assuming our total partners’ capital remains the same, the Management Fee will increase as a percentage of our income. In addition, SPH SPV-I LLC, an affiliate of the Manager, holds incentive units which entitle the holder generally to share in 15% of the increase in the equity value of the Company, as calculated for the twenty trading days prior to each year end. The incentive units’ share of such appreciation is reflected by classifying a portion of the incentive units as Class C units of the Company. Any issuance of such Class C units will result in dilution to existing limited partners’ holdings in the Company. As of the annual measurement date on December 31, 2022, 200,253 incentive units vested. The incentive units are expected to be issued in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
Our Manager’s liability is limited under the Management Agreement, and we have agreed to indemnify our Manager against certain liabilities. Such indemnification may incentivize our Manager to take unnecessary risks with respect to actions for which it will be indemnified.
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Under the Management Agreement, our Manager, its members, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and legal representatives are not liable for, and we have agreed to indemnify such persons from, any loss or expense, including without limitations, any judgment, settlement, reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any actual or threatened proceeding, other than losses resulting from willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of such indemnified person’s obligations and duties. Such indemnification may incentivize our Manager to take unnecessary risks with respect to actions for which it will be indemnified.
Risks Related to our Common and Preferred Units
We may issue additional common or preferred units, or other series of units, in the future without the consent of unitholders and at a discount to the market price of such units. In particular, sales of significant amounts of the common or preferred units may cause the respective prices of the units to decline.
Under the terms of the Partnership Agreement, additional common or preferred units, or additional series of units, may be issued without the consent of unitholders at a discount to the market price. In addition, other classes of securities may be issued with rights that are senior to or which otherwise have preferential rights to the rights of the common and preferred units. Sales of significant amounts of the common or preferred units in the public market or the perception that such sales of significant amounts may occur could adversely affect their respective market prices. Moreover, the perceived risk of any potential dilution could cause common or preferred unitholders to attempt to sell their units and investors to “short” the common or preferred units, a practice in which an investor sells units that he or she does not own at prevailing market prices, hoping to purchase units later at a lower price to cover the sale. Any event that would cause the number of common or preferred units being offered for sale to increase would likely cause the respective units’ market price to further decline. These sales might also make it more difficult for us to sell additional common or preferred units in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.
Transfer restrictions contained in the Company’s Partnership Agreement and other factors could hinder the development of an active market for our common or preferred units.
There can be no assurance as to the volume of our common or preferred units or the degree of price volatility for our common and preferred units traded on the New York Stock Exchange. There are transfer restrictions contained in the Company's Partnership Agreement to help protect the tax benefits of the net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of certain of the Company’s corporate subsidiaries and other portfolio companies, and such transfer restrictions could hinder development of an active market for our common and preferred units. Unless renewed, the transfer restrictions will expire on June 1, 2025.
Risks Related to Taxation
All statutory references in this section are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the “Code.”
Our common unitholders may be subject to U.S. federal, state and other income tax on their share of our taxable income, regardless of whether they receive any cash distributions from us.
The Company operates, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a partnership and not as a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation. Our common unitholders will be subject to U.S. federal, state, local and possibly, in some cases, foreign income tax on their allocable share of our taxable income, whether or not they receive cash distributions from us. Any future determination to declare distributions on the Company’s common units will remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the General Partner and is separately determined regardless of the allocation of taxable income. Accordingly, our common unitholders may be required to make tax payments in connection with their ownership of common units that exceed their cash distributions in any given year.
Items of income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to the units could be reallocated if the IRS does not accept the assumptions or conventions used by the Company in allocating such items.
U.S. federal income tax rules applicable to partnerships are complex and often difficult to apply to publicly traded partnerships. The Company will apply certain assumptions and conventions in an attempt to comply with applicable rules and to report items of income, gain, loss and deduction to unitholders in a manner that reflects the unitholders’ beneficial interest in such tax items, but these assumptions and conventions may not be in compliance with all aspects of the applicable tax requirements. It is possible that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will successfully assert that the conventions and assumptions used by the Company do not satisfy the technical requirements of the Code or the Federal Tax Regulations codified
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under 26 C.F.R., referred to herein as the Treasury Regulations, and could require that items of income, gain, loss and deduction be adjusted or reallocated in a manner that adversely affects one or more unitholders.
For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, the Company is subject to partnership audit rules enacted as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (the “Centralized Partnership Audit Regime”). Under the Centralized Partnership Audit Regime, any IRS audit of the Company would be conducted at the Company level, and if the IRS determines an adjustment is warranted, the default rule is that the Company would pay an “imputed underpayment” including interest and penalties, if applicable, resulting from such adjustment. The Company may instead elect to make a ”push-out” election, in which case the partners for the year that is under audit would be required to take into account the adjustment on their own personal income tax returns.
Changes in tax rates, laws or regulations, including U.S. government tax reform, could have a negative impact on the results of future operations.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. Changes in various tax laws can and do occur. For example, on December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) was enacted. The TCJA made substantial changes to the Internal Revenue Code, some of which could have an adverse effect on our business. Among other things, the TCJA (i) reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018, (ii) limits annual deductions for interest net expense to no more than 30% of our “adjusted taxable income,” plus 100% of our business interest income for the year and (iii) permits a taxpayer to offset only 80% (rather than 100%) of its taxable income with any U.S. NOLs generated for taxable years beginning after 2017. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has broad authority to issue regulations and interpretative guidance that may significantly impact how we will apply the law and impact our results of operations in the period issued. Although Treasury Regulations and other guidance have been issued to provide clarification, the interpretation of certain aspects of the TCJA remains unclear. It is expected, however, that additional Treasury Regulations and other guidance will be issued to provide more clarification on certain provisions, although the timing of such guidance is, in many cases, not yet known. In addition, on August 16, 2022, the U.S. enacted the IRA, which among other provisions, imposes a 15% minimum tax on the adjusted financial statement income of certain large corporations and a 1% excise tax on corporate stock repurchases by U.S. publicly traded corporations and certain U.S. subsidiaries of non-U.S. publicly traded corporations, as well as significant enhancements of U.S. tax incentives relating to climate and energy investments. Although no material impact is currently expected, the full effect of the TCJA and the Inflation Reduction Act to an investment in the Company, and on operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, is uncertain, and the IRA may impact the Company’s financial results beginning in fiscal 2023.
Additionally, longstanding international tax norms that determine each country’s jurisdiction to tax cross-border international trade are subject to potential evolution. In connection with the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Integrated Framework provided by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”), the OECD recently reached agreement to align countries on a minimum corporate tax rate and an expansion of the taxing rights of market countries, and therefore, determination of multi-jurisdictional taxation rights and the rate of tax applicable to certain types of income may be subject to potential change. There can be no assurance that future changes to the U.S. federal, state and local and foreign tax laws will not be proposed or enacted that could materially or adversely impact our business or financial results. If and when any or all of these changes are put into effect, they could result in tax increases where we do business both in and outside of the United States, and could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations.
Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is not assured. If we are taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it could adversely impact our results of operations.
A partnership generally is not a taxable entity under U.S. federal income tax law, and distributions by a partnership to a partner are generally not taxable to the partnership or the partner unless the amount of money distributed to such partner exceeds the partner’s adjusted basis in its partnership interest. Section 7704 generally provides that publicly traded partnerships are taxed as corporations. However, an exception, referred to as the “Qualifying Income Exception,” exists with respect to publicly traded partnerships of which 90 percent or more of the gross income of such partnership for every taxable year consists of “qualifying income” as defined in the Code. We expect that we will meet the Qualifying Income Exception for our current taxable year and the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not disagree with the positions we take or that there will not be changes in our business or to U.S. federal income tax laws that could cause us to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject us to U.S. federal income taxation as an entity.
If we were taxed as a corporation, among other things, (i) our net income would be taxed at corporate income tax rates, which is currently 21%, and would likely pay state income tax at varying rates, thereby substantially reducing our profitability,
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(ii) no income, gains, losses or deductions would flow through to our unitholders and (iii) distributions to our common unitholders generally would constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles) and would be taxable as such. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a corporation, our cash available for distribution to a unitholder would be substantially reduced. Therefore, treatment of us as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes would result in a material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to a unitholder, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our units.
Our structure involves complex provisions of U.S. federal income tax law for which no clear precedent or authority may be available.
The U.S. federal income tax treatment of our common unitholders depends in some instances on interpretations of complex provisions of U.S. federal income tax law for which no clear precedent or authority may be available. Our Partnership Agreement permits our General Partner to modify it from time to time, including the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction (including unrealized gain and unrealized loss to the extent allowable under U.S. federal income tax law), without the consent of our unitholders, to address certain changes in U.S. federal income tax regulations, legislation or interpretation or to preserve the uniformity of our common units. In some circumstances, such revisions could have a material adverse impact on some or all common unitholders. In addition, we formed a subsidiary partnership, to which we contributed certain of our assets (the “Subsidiary Partnership”). To preserve the uniformity of common units, we (but not the Subsidiary Partnership) made an election permitted under Section 754, and we will adopt the remedial allocation method under Section 704(c) with respect to items of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to assets contributed to us (which we will contribute to the Subsidiary Partnership), to account for any difference between the tax basis and fair market value of such assets at the time of contribution, or attributable to the “book-up” or “book-down” of our assets prior to their contribution to the Subsidiary Partnership, or while they were held by the Subsidiary Partnership, to account for the difference between the tax basis and fair market value of such assets at the time of a mark-to-market event. We intend generally to make allocations under Section 704(c) to our common unitholders in accordance with their respective percentage interests. However, built-in gain or built-in loss in existence and allocable to the assets we contributed to the Subsidiary Partnership, when recognized, will be allocated to our common unitholders as of the contribution date. We intend to prepare our tax returns on the basis that buyers of common units from such unitholders will not inherit such unitholders’ built-in gains or built-in losses as of that date as a result of the election under Section 754. However, it is not clear whether this position will be upheld if challenged by the IRS. While we believe it represents the right result, there is no law directly on point.
Tax-exempt entities and non-U.S. persons face unique tax issues from owning common units that may result in adverse tax consequences to them.
A holder of common units that is a tax-exempt organization may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation to the extent that its allocable share of our income consists of unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). A tax-exempt partner of a partnership may be treated as earning UBTI if the partnership regularly engages in a trade or business that is unrelated to the exempt function of the tax-exempt partner, if the partnership derives income from debt-financed property (as we may borrow money) or if the tax-exempt organization’s partnership interest itself is debt-financed. Further, with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, a tax-exempt entity with more than one unrelated trade or business (including by attribution from investment in a partnership such as ours that is engaged in one or more unrelated trade or business) may be required to compute the unrelated business taxable income of such tax-exempt entity separately with respect to each such trade or business (including for purposes of determining any net operating loss deduction). As a result, it may not be possible for tax-exempt entities to utilize losses from an investment in our partnership to offset unrelated business taxable income from another unrelated trade or business or vice versa.
If we were engaged in a U.S. trade or business, distributions to non-U.S. persons generally will be reduced by withholding taxes at the highest applicable effective tax rate, and non-U.S. persons generally will be required to file U.S. federal tax returns and pay tax on their share of our taxable income. Gain recognized from a sale or other disposition of our common units by a non-U.S. person may be subject to federal income tax as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. Moreover, the transferee of our units (or the transferee's broker, if applicable) is generally required to withhold 10% of the amount realized by the transferor unless the transferor certifies that it is not a non-U.S. person. Recent final Treasury Regulations provide for the application of this withholding rule to open market transfers of interests in publicly traded partnerships beginning on January 1, 2023. Under these regulations, the “amount realized” for purposes of this withholding is the gross proceeds paid or credited upon the transfer.
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Our subsidiaries may not be able to fully utilize their tax benefits, which could result in increased cash payments for taxes in future periods.
The past operations of certain of our subsidiaries and portfolio companies have generated significant NOLs and other tax benefits. NOLs may be carried forward to offset federal and state taxable income in future years and reduce the amount of cash paid for income taxes otherwise payable on such taxable income, subject to certain limitations and adjustments. If fully utilized, our subsidiaries’ NOLs and other carryforwards could provide them with significant tax savings in future periods. Their ability to utilize these tax benefits in future years will depend upon their ability to generate sufficient taxable income and to comply with the rules relating to the preservation and use of NOLs, as well as potential future changes in tax laws. The potential benefit of the NOLs and other carryforwards may be limited or permanently lost as a result of the following:
•the inability to generate sufficient taxable income in future years to use such benefits before they expire as NOLs generated for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2017 have a limited carryforward period;
•a change in control of our subsidiaries that would trigger limitations on the amount of taxable income in future years that may be offset by NOLs and other carryforwards that existed prior to the change in control; and
•examinations and audits by the IRS and other taxing authorities that could reduce the amount of NOLs and other credit carryforwards that are available for future years.
Certain of our subsidiaries maintain valuation allowances against their NOLs and other carryforwards due to uncertainty regarding their ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. Their inability to utilize the NOLs and other carryforwards could result in increased cash payments for taxes in future periods.
General Risk Factors
Loss of essential employees could have a significant negative impact on our business.
Our success is largely dependent on the skills, experience and efforts of our management and other employees. The loss of the services of one or more members of our senior management or of numerous employees with essential skills could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In particular, we rely on an adequate supply of skilled employees at our businesses. Trained and experienced personnel in our businesses’ industries are in high demand. We cannot predict whether we will be able to attract, motivate and maintain an adequate skilled workforce necessary to operate our existing and future businesses efficiently, or that labor expenses will not increase as a result of a shortage in the supply of skilled personnel and inflationary pressures on wages thereby adversely impacting our financial performance. While our businesses generally operate with high employee turnover, any material increases in employee turnover rates or any widespread employee dissatisfaction could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
At December 31, 2022, we operated in 56 locations consisting of manufacturing facilities, warehouses, offices, sales, service and laboratory spaces throughout the United States and internationally. Of these, we owned 26 locations consisting of approximately 2.2 million square feet and leased space at 30 locations consisting of approximately 1.4 million square feet.
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A summary of square footage by reportable segment at December 31, 2022, is presented below.
| Reportable Segment | Leased | Owned | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| (Square feet in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | 1,264 | 2,122 | 3,386 | |||||||||||||||||
| Energy | 59 | 120 | 179 | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial Services | 40 | — | 40 | |||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other | 16 | 19 | 35 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,379 | 2,261 | 3,640 | |||||||||||||||||
Our reportable segments have major operations at the following locations:
•Diversified Industrial - Camden, Delaware; Brewster, New York; Bristol, Pennsylvania; Addison and Glendale Heights, Illinois; Evansville, Indiana; Agawam, Massachusetts; Rockford, Minnesota; Statesville, North Carolina; Anderson, South Carolina; Cudahy, Muskego and Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; Warwick, Rhode Island; Matamoros, Mexicali and Tecate, Mexico; Welham Green and Blackwood, United Kingdom; Freiburg, Germany; Riberac, France; and Suzhou, China.
•Energy - The Energy business owns office space in Arnegard and Williston, North Dakota; Farmington, New Mexico; and Andrews, Texas; and leases office space in Johnstown, Colorado and Midland, Texas. Steel Sports has a lease for approximately 27 acres of land in Yaphank, New York for its baseball service operations and office space in Bridgewater, New Jersey; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
•Financial Services - WebBank leases office space headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and additional office space in Summit, New Jersey; Denver, Colorado; and Miami, Florida.
Additionally, our corporate staff occupies office space in New York, New York; Hermosa Beach, California; and Miami, Florida. Management believes all of our properties have been well maintained, are in good condition and are adequate and suitable for our business as presently conducted.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of our business, the Company is subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings, including, but not limited to, contractual disputes, employment, environmental, health and safety matters, claims associated with our historical acquisitions and divestitures, and other legal proceedings. For more information on material legal proceedings which are ongoing or recently resolved, see "Litigation Matters" in Note 19 - "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Report. For an additional discussion of certain risks associated with legal proceedings, see also Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of this Report.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
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
As of December 31, 2022, we had 21,605,093 common units issued and outstanding. Our common units, no par value, are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SPLP."
Holders
As of December 31, 2022, there were approximately 124 unitholders of record, including Cede & Co., the nominee of the Depository Trust Company. The number of record holders may not be representative of the number of beneficial owners of our common stock, whose shares are held in street name by banks, brokers and other nominees.
Equity Performance Graph
Consistent with the rules applicable to "Smaller Reporting Companies," we have elected scaled disclosure reporting, and therefore have omitted information required by this Item.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None. As of December 31, 2022, 200,253 incentive units vested under the incentive unit agreement with SPH SPV-I LLC. For more information, see Note 15 - "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report. The incentive units will be issued following the completion of internal approvals. The Company intends to report the issuance of the incentive units, as required by SEC rules, on a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 7,770,240 of the Company's common units (the "Repurchase Program"). The Repurchase Program, which was announced on December 7, 2016, supersedes and cancels, to the extent any amounts remain available, all previously approved repurchase programs. Any purchases made under the Repurchase Program will be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices or in negotiated transactions off the market, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In connection with the Repurchase Program, the Company may enter into a stock purchase plan. The Repurchase Program has no termination date. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company purchased 1,093,747 common units for an aggregate purchase price of $44,973. From the inception of the Repurchase Program until December 31, 2022 the Company had purchased 7,345,992 common units for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $144,358. As of December 31, 2022, there remained 424,248 units that may yet be purchased under the Repurchase Program.
The following table provides information about our repurchases of common units during the quarter ended December 31, 2022. During that period, we did not act in concert with any affiliate or any other person to acquire any of our common stock and, accordingly, we do not believe that purchases by any such affiliate or other person (if any) are reportable in the following table.
| Period | Total number of units purchased | Average price paid per unit | Total number of units purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs | Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of units that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 1-31, 2022 | 33,093 | $ | 40.75 | 33,093 | 479,469 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| November 1-30, 2022 | 6,614 | $ | 41.70 | 6,614 | 472,855 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| December 1-31, 2022 | 48,607 | $ | 41.75 | 48,607 | 424,248 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 88,314 | 88,314 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Item 6. [Reserved]
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto that are available elsewhere in this Report. The following is a discussion and analysis of SPLP's consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Report, particularly in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors". All monetary amounts used in this discussion are in thousands, except common and preferred units, per common and preferred unit, and per share data.
Business Segments
SPLP operates through the following segments: Diversified Industrial, Energy and Financial Services, which are managed separately and offer different products and services. Corporate and Other consists of several consolidated subsidiaries, including Steel Services, equity method and other investments, and cash and cash equivalents. Its income or loss includes certain unallocated general corporate expenses. For a more complete description of the Company's segments, see Part I, Item 1, "Business - Products and Product Mix" found elsewhere in this Report.
Significant Developments
Following is a summary of significant developments that have impacted the Company in 2022 and early 2023. For additional discussion of these matters, please see the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Report.
Investments
Following is a summary of the recent events involving the Company's investments:
•Steel Connect – As of December 31, 2022, we owned approximately 30.0%, and, when combined with our affiliates, 35.0%, of the outstanding common stock (and assuming conversion of the Steel Connect Convertible Note and shares of preferred stock as of December 31, 2022, 49.9%, and, when combined with our affiliates, approximately 53.5%, of the outstanding shares of Steel Connect's common stock). On June 12, 2022, Steel Connect, the Company and SP Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Merger Sub"), entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Merger Sub would merge with and into Steel Connect (the "Merger"), with Steel Connect surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. On November 15, 2022, the Company terminated the merger agreement with Steel Connect after the merger was not approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock not owned, directly or indirectly, by Steel Partners.
•Aerojet – As of December 31, 2022, the Company owned 4.5% of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. ("Aerojet") common stock with a fair value of $201,278. In December 2022, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (“L3Harris”) entered into a merger agreement, with Aerojet, in which Aerojet agreed to be acquired by L3Harris. Pursuant to the terms of the merger, each issued and outstanding share of Aerojet common stock will be canceled and converted into the right to receive $58.00 in cash, without interest, plus, if the closing occurs after September 17, 2023, $0.0025 for each calendar day elapsed after such date to and including the closing date. The deal is expected to close in 2023, subject to required regulatory approvals and clearances and other customary closing conditions, and there can be no assurance the transaction will close within the expected timeframe or at all.
Acquisitions and Divestiture
•SL Power Sale – In April 2022, the Company completed the sale of SL Power Electronics Corporation for a sale price of $144,500 which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $86,507.
•Security Premium Finance Acquisition – In August 2022, WebBank, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, National Partners PFco ("National Partners") completed the acquisition of Security Premium Finance ("SPF") for a purchase price of $47,280, SPF provides insurance premium financing services for commercial and consumer clients to purchase property and casualty insurance products in Florida. This acquisition provides National Partners with diversification, geographic market opportunities and a competitive advantage in the industry.
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•PCS Mosaic Co-Invest L.P. Investment – In April 2022, the Company acquired a noncontrolling interest in PCS-Mosaic Co-Invest L.P. ("PCS-Mosaic"), a private investment fund for a purchase price of approximately $23,600. The fund is primarily invested in specialized software development and training services.
Common Unit Repurchase Program
•During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company purchased 1,093,747 common units for an aggregate purchase price of $44,973. From the inception of the Repurchase Program until December 31, 2022 the Company had purchased 7,345,992 common units for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $144,358. As of December 31, 2022, there remained 424,248 units that may yet be purchased under the Repurchase Program.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 1,695,441 | $ | 1,524,896 | |||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 1,096,936 | 1,004,093 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 383,377 | 304,013 | |||||||||
| Asset impairment charges | 3,162 | — | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 20,649 | 22,250 | |||||||||
| Gains from sales of businesses | (85,683) | (8,096) | |||||||||
| Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on securities, net | (34,791) | 24,044 | |||||||||
| All other income, net * | 36,293 | (22,273) | |||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | 1,419,943 | 1,324,031 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes and equity method investments | 275,498 | 200,865 | |||||||||
| Income tax provision | 73,944 | 84,089 | |||||||||
| Income of associated companies, net of taxes | (4,611) | (15,664) | |||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | 206,165 | 132,440 | |||||||||
| Net gain from discontinued operations, net of taxes | — | 138 | |||||||||
| Net income | 206,165 | 132,578 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities (continuing operations) | (193) | (1,170) | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to common unitholders | $ | 205,972 | $ | 131,408 | |||||||
* includes finance interest, provision for loan losses, and other income from the consolidated statements of operations | |||||||||||
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We utilize certain non-GAAP financial measurements as defined by the SEC, which include "Adjusted EBITDA" for the Company as well as each our segments. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss from continuing operations before the effects of income or loss from investments in associated companies and other investments held at fair value, interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash pension expense or income, and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, and excludes certain non-recurring and non-cash items (whether for the Company or applicable segment). The Company is presenting these non-GAAP financial measurements because it believes that they provide useful information to investors about the Company's business and its financial condition. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA measures for the Company as well as each of our segments are useful to investors because they are used by the Company's Board of Directors and management to evaluate its ongoing business, including in internal management reporting, budgeting and forecasting processes, in comparing operating results across the business, as an internal profitability measure, as a component in evaluating the ability and the desirability of making capital expenditures and significant acquisitions, and as an element in determining executive compensation.
However, Adjusted EBITDA (whether for the Company or each of our segments) is not a measure of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, and the items excluded from this measure are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA (whether for the Company or each of our segments) should not be considered a substitute for net income or loss. Because Adjusted EBITDA (whether for the Company or each of our segments) is calculated before recurring cash charges, including realized losses on investments, interest expense, and taxes, and is not adjusted for capital expenditures or other recurring cash requirements of the business, it should not be considered as a
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measure of discretionary cash available to invest in the growth of the business. There are a number of material limitations to the use of Adjusted EBITDA (whether for the Company or each of our segments) as an analytical tool, including the following:
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the Company's tax provision or the cash requirements to pay its taxes;
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect income or loss from the Company's investments in associated companies and other investments held at fair value;
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the Company's interest expense;
•Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash expenses in the period recorded, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the cash requirements for such replacement;
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the Company's net realized and unrealized gains and losses on its investments;
•Adjusted EBITDA does not include non-cash charges for pension expense and equity-based compensation;
•Adjusted EBITDA does not include amounts related to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities;
•Adjusted EBITDA does not include certain other non-recurring and non-cash items; and
•Adjusted EBITDA does not include the Company's discontinued operations.
The following table reconciles net income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation | |||||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | $ | 206,165 | $ | 132,440 | |||||||
| Income tax provision | 73,944 | 84,089 | |||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes | 280,109 | 216,529 | |||||||||
| Add (Deduct): | |||||||||||
| Income of associated companies, net of taxes | (4,611) | (15,664) | |||||||||
| Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on securities, net | (34,791) | 24,044 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 20,649 | 22,250 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 38,394 | 42,055 | |||||||||
| Amortization | 15,361 | 18,466 | |||||||||
| Non-cash asset impairment charges | 3,162 | — | |||||||||
| Non-cash pension income | (7,042) | (3,972) | |||||||||
| Non-cash equity-based compensation | 1,280 | 1,462 | |||||||||
| Gains from sales of businesses | (85,683) | (8,096) | |||||||||
| Other items, net * | 1,606 | (37,241) | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 228,434 | $ | 259,833 | |||||||
*Other items, net for the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily includes (1) a $19,740 one-time dividend from Aerojet; (2) a gain of $8,827 from a recent litigation settlement; (3) and a pre-tax gain of $6,646 on the sale of an idle facility in the Joining Materials business. | |||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA | |||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | $ | 153,120 | $ | 153,791 | |||||||
| Energy | 23,905 | 25,615 | |||||||||
| Financial Services | 63,499 | 80,618 | |||||||||
| Corporate and Other | (12,090) | (191) | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 228,434 | $ | 259,833 | |||||||
Revenue
Revenue in the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $170,545, or 11.2%, as compared to 2021, as a result of higher sales across all the reportable segments despite the divestiture of the SL Power Electronics Corporation ("SLPE") business in April 2022.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold in the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $92,843, or 9.2%, as compared to 2021, primarily driven by higher sales discussed above, as well as higher material and labor costs in the Diversified Industrial and Energy segments, partially offset by the impact of the SLPE divestiture.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") in 2022 increased $79,364, or 26.1%, as compared to 2021. The increase was primarily due to: (1) approximately $58,100 higher expenses from the Financial Service segment driven by higher credit performance fees due to higher credit risk transfer ("CRT") balances and higher personnel costs, and (2) approximately $37,300 higher Corporate expenses due to higher legal and professional fees, as well as higher personnel costs in 2022, partially offset by a gain as a result of a litigation settlement of $8,827 in 2021. These increases were partially offset by approximately $11,400 lower expenses from the Diversified Industrial segment, primarily due to the impact of SLPE divestiture.
Asset Impairment Charges
The Company recorded asset impairment charges of $3,162 in 2022 primarily related to the implementation costs of an ERP project associated with the Kasco business from the Diversified Industrial segment. There were no impairment charges in 2021.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $20,649 and $22,250, respectively. The lower interest expense in 2022 was primarily due to lower average debt levels, partially offset by higher average interest rates.
Gains from Sales of Businesses
The Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $85,683 for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily related to the divestiture of the SLPE business from the Diversified Industrial segment. The sales price of SLPE was $144,500, subject to working capital adjustments. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $8,096 for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the divestiture of the Edge business from the Diversified Industrial segment.
Realized and Unrealized (Gains) Losses on Securities, Net
Realized and unrealized gains on securities, net for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $34,791, as compared to losses of $24,044 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The changes in realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities, net over the respective periods are primarily due to mark-to-market adjustments on the Company's portfolio of securities, which are required to be recorded in earnings under U.S. GAAP.
All Other (Income) Expense, Net
All other expense, net totaled $36,293 for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to income of $22,273 for the year ended December 31, 2021. All other expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to net provisions for loan losses and finance interest related to the Financial Services segment. All other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to a $19,740 one-time dividend from Aerojet and a pre-tax gain of $6,646 on the sale of an idle facility in the Joining Materials business.
Income Taxes
As a limited partnership, we are generally not responsible for federal and state income taxes, and our profits and losses are passed directly to our limited partners for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. The Company's tax provision represents the income tax expense or benefit of its consolidated corporate subsidiaries. For the year ended December 31, 2022, a tax provision of $73,944 was recorded, as compared to $84,089 in 2021. The Company's effective tax rate was 26.8% and 41.9% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 is primarily due to a decrease in U.S. tax expense related to unrealized gains on investment from related parties, which are eliminated for financial statement purposes.
33
Income of Associated Companies, Net of Taxes
The Company recorded gains from associated companies, net of taxes, of $4,611 in 2022, as compared to gains, net of taxes of $15,664 in 2021. For the details of each of these investments and the related mark-to-market adjustments in both periods, see Note 10 - "Investments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
Net Gain (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
The Company recorded net losses of $138 from discontinued operations, net of taxes in 2021, related to the Company's API entities which were part of the Diversified Industrial segment.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA for the Company was $228,434 in 2022, as compared to $259,833 in 2021. Adjusted EBITDA for the Company as a percentage of sales was 13.5% in 2022, as compared to 17.0% in 2021. Adjusted EBITDA for the Company decreased by $31,399 primarily due to decreases in the Financial Service segment due to higher loan loss provisions driven by reductions in 2021 as the economic environment continued to improve following the initial impact of COVID-19 and increased Q&E in 2022 driven by macro-economic concerns related to high inflation and recessionary pressure as well as higher HTM balances, higher credit performance fees as a result of higher credit risk transfer balances, and higher personnel costs and in the Corporate driven by higher legal and other professional fees, and higher personnel costs, partially offset by strong revenue impact from the Diversified Industrial and Energy segments, primarily due to favorable pricing.
Segment Analysis
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | $ | 1,285,666 | $ | 1,207,183 | |||||||
| Energy | 181,811 | 164,028 | |||||||||
| Financial Services | 227,964 | 153,685 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,695,441 | $ | 1,524,896 | |||||||
| Segment income before interest expense and income taxes: | |||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | $ | 200,629 | $ | 123,329 | |||||||
| Energy | 13,608 | 14,982 | |||||||||
| Financial Services | 63,477 | 79,165 | |||||||||
| Corporate and Other | 23,044 | 21,303 | |||||||||
| Income before interest expense and income taxes | 300,758 | 238,779 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 20,649 | 22,250 | |||||||||
| Income tax provision | 73,944 | 84,089 | |||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | $ | 206,165 | $ | 132,440 | |||||||
| Segment depreciation and amortization: | |||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | $ | 41,805 | $ | 47,568 | |||||||
| Energy | 10,546 | 12,212 | |||||||||
| Financial Services | 750 | 485 | |||||||||
| Corporate and Other | 654 | 256 | |||||||||
| Total depreciation and amortization | $ | 53,755 | $ | 60,521 | |||||||
| Income of associated companies, net of taxes: | |||||||||||
| Corporate and other | $ | (4,611) | $ | (15,664) | |||||||
| Total | $ | (4,611) | $ | (15,664) | |||||||
Diversified Industrial
Net sales in 2022 increased by $78,483, or 6.5%, as compared to 2021. The increase was primarily due to: (1) $59,593 higher sales for the Building Materials business unit, primarily stemming from the impact of favorable pricing, and, to a lesser extent increased demand for its roofing products, (2) $19,361 higher sales for the Performance Materials business unit, primarily stemming from favorable product mix and pricing, and (3) $16,160 higher sales from the Tubing business unit primarily stemming from favorable pricing and growth from the aerospace & defense and energy sectors. These increases were partially
34
offset by: (1) $46,600 decrease in sales due to the sale of SL Power and (2) $13,462 decrease for the Joining Materials business unit, which was primarily driven by lower average precious metal prices in 2022, as compared to 2021.
Segment operating income in 2022 increased by $77,300, or 62.7%, as compared to 2021. Higher operating income for the 2022 period was primarily driven by a pre-tax gain of $86,507 related to the divestiture of the SLPE business. Operating income for the 2021 period included a $8,096 pre-tax gain on the sale of OMG’s Edge business and a $6,646 pre-tax gain on the sale of an idle facility in the Joining Materials business.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in 2022 decreased by $671, or 0.4%, as compared to 2021. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher allocated corporate costs from Steel Services and the impact of the SLPE divestiture in April 2022, largely offset by favorable operating results from the majority of our businesses.
Energy
In 2022, net revenue increased $17,783, or 10.8%, as compared to 2021. The increase in net revenue was primarily due to higher service volume and favorable pricing driven by higher demand and from the energy sector as a result of higher energy prices.
Segment operating income decreased $1,374, or 9.2% in 2022, as compared to 2021. The decrease of operating income was primarily due to higher allocated corporate costs from Steel Services and higher materials and labor costs, partially offset by higher net revenue driven by higher service volume and favorable pricing.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in 2022 decreased by $1,710, or 6.7%, as compared to 2021. The decrease was primarily due to higher allocated corporate costs from Steel Services and higher materials and labor costs, partially offset by higher net revenue driven by higher service volume and favorable pricing.
Financial Services
Revenue in 2022 increased $74,279, or 48.3%, as compared to 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased interest income on higher credit risk transfer balances, asset based lending and held for sale balances. These increases were partially offset by lower non-interest income due to fewer warrant sales as compared to 2021.
Segment operating income in 2022 decreased $15,688, or 19.8%, as compared to 2021. The decrease was primarily due to higher SG&A costs, higher provision of loan losses and higher finance interest expense, partially offset by increased revenue impact. The increase in SG&A costs was driven by higher credit performance fee due to higher credit risk transfer balances as well as higher personnel costs. The provision for loan losses increased $23,054, which was primarily driven by reductions for the year of 2021 as the economic environment continued to improve following the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased qualitative and environmental adjustments in 2022 driven by macro-economic concerns related to high inflation. The higher finance interest expense of $9,214 was due to an increase in deposits and higher rates, partially offset by decrease in PPPLF borrowings driven by lower PPP balances.
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in 2022 decreased $17,119, or 21.2%, as compared to the same period of 2021. The decrease was primarily due to higher SG&A costs, higher loan loss provision driven by reductions in 2021 as the economic environment continued to improve following the initial impact of COVID-19 and increased Q&E in 2022 driven by macro-economic concerns related to high inflation and recessionary pressure as well as higher HTM balances, and finance interest expense as mentioned above, partially offset by the impact of higher revenue.
Net Interest Income, Margin and Interest Rate Spreads
Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. By its nature, net interest income is especially vulnerable to changes in the mix and amounts of interest- earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. In addition, changes in the interest rates and yields associated with these assets and liabilities can significantly impact net interest income. The following table summarizes the average balances, the amount of interest earned or incurred and the applicable yields for interest-earning assets and the costs of interest-bearing liabilities that generate net interest income. For purposes of calculating the yields in these schedules, the average loan balances also include the principal amounts of nonaccrual and restructured loans. However, interest received on nonaccrual loans is included in income only to the extent that cash payments have been received and not applied to principal reductions. In addition, interest on restructured loans is generally accrued at reduced rates.
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | Interest | Average | Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding | Earned/ | Yield/ | Outstanding | Earned/ | Yield/ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance | Paid | Rate | Balance | Paid | Rate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans receivable | $ | 1,097,173 | $ | 164,212 | 15.0 | % | $ | 563,718 | $ | 76,935 | 13.7 | % | |||||||||||
| PPP loans | 159,262 | 3,170 | 2.0 | % | 1,580,037 | 23,102 | 1.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity securities | 141,230 | 252 | 0.2 | % | 18,826 | 445 | 2.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale investments | 2,670 | 165 | 6.2 | % | 2,071 | 47 | 2.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | 2,241 | 25 | 1.1 | % | 2,211 | 1 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | 221,650 | 3,025 | 1.4 | % | 194,040 | 214 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 1,624,226 | 170,849 | 10.5 | % | 2,360,903 | 100,744 | 4.3 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Non interest-earning assets | 35,925 | 41,896 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,660,151 | $ | 2,402,799 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings accounts | $ | 257,548 | 3,852 | 1.5 | % | $ | 184,332 | 573 | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 919,453 | 12,558 | 1.4 | % | 321,563 | 1,419 | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | $ | 141,939 | 497 | 0.4 | % | $ | 1,630,472 | 5,701 | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 1,318,940 | 16,907 | 1.3 | % | 2,136,367 | 7,693 | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Non interest-bearing liabilities | 54,854 | 33,618 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,373,794 | 2,169,985 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholder's equity | 286,357 | 232,814 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholder's equity | $ | 1,660,151 | $ | 2,402,799 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | 153,942 | $ | 93,051 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Spread on average interest-bearing funds | 9.2 | % | 3.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest margin | 9.5 | % | 3.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Return on assets | 3.0 | % | 2.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Return on equity | 17.3 | % | 26.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity to assets | 17.2 | % | 9.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity to assets (excluding PPP loans) | 19.1 | % | 28.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
WebBank has several lending arrangements with companies where it originates credit card and other loans for consumers and small businesses. These loans are classified as held for sale and are typically sold after origination.
The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on WebBank's net interest income for the periods indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The total column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately, based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
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| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 vs 2021 | 2021 vs 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase/(Decrease) | Increase/(Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Due to Volume | Due to Rate | Total | Due to Volume | Due to Rate | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans receivable | $ | 79,189 | $ | 8,088 | $ | 87,277 | $ | (1,835) | $ | (2,660) | $ | (4,495) | |||||||||||
| PPP loans | (33,325) | 13,393 | (19,932) | 2,775 | 5,385 | 8,160 | |||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity securities | (224) | 31 | (193) | (41) | (150) | (191) | |||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale investments | 17 | 101 | 118 | (3) | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | — | 24 | 24 | (23) | (16) | (39) | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | 35 | 2,776 | 2,811 | 377 | (592) | (215) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total earning assets | 45,692 | 24,413 | 70,105 | 1,250 | 1,971 | 3,221 | |||||||||||||||||
| Savings accounts | 309 | 2,970 | 3,279 | (191) | (711) | (902) | |||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 5,238 | 5,901 | 11,139 | (116) | (3,955) | (4,071) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | (5,209) | 5 | (5,204) | 951 | (17) | 934 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total funds | 338 | 8,876 | 9,214 | 644 | (4,683) | (4,039) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net variance | $ | 45,354 | $ | 15,537 | $ | 60,891 | $ | 606 | $ | 6,654 | $ | 7,260 | |||||||||||
Corporate and Other
Operating income was $23,044 in 2022, as compared to $21,303 in 2021. The fluctuations were primarily due to changes in investment gains and losses from both marketable securities and associated companies. Higher service fee income was partially offset by higher legal and professional fees and higher personnel costs in 2022. Income from 2021 included a $19,740 one-time dividend from Aerojet and a gain of $8,827 related to an insurance settlement.
For additional information on the Company's investments, see Note 2 - "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 10 - "Investments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
Balance Sheet Analysis
Loan Portfolio
As of December 31, 2022, net loans receivable accounted for 79% of WebBank's total assets, as compared to 71% at the end of 2021. The following table presents WebBank's loans outstanding by type of loan as of December 31, 2022 and the four other most recent year-ends.
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial - owner occupied | $ | 80 | — | % | $ | 92 | — | % | $ | 209 | — | % | $ | 230 | — | % | $ | 252 | 0.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial - other | 907 | 0.1 | % | 571 | 0.1 | % | 463 | — | % | 429 | 0.1 | % | 380 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total real estate loans | 987 | 0.1 | % | 663 | 0.1 | % | 672 | — | % | 659 | 0.1 | % | 632 | 0.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 857,817 | 54.1 | % | 779,536 | 73.9 | % | 2,279,672 | 90.6 | % | 251,349 | 32.2 | % | 146,758 | 28.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | 123,204 | 7.8 | % | 76,067 | 7.2 | % | 147,652 | 5.9 | % | 302,714 | 38.7 | % | 188,391 | 35.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 602,675 | 38.0 | % | 198,632 | 18.8 | % | 88,171 | 3.5 | % | 226,532 | 29.0 | % | 188,143 | 35.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | 1,584,683 | 100.0 | % | 1,054,898 | 100.0 | % | 2,516,167 | 100.0 | % | 781,254 | 100.0 | % | 523,924 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred fees and discounts | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (29,690) | (13,925) | (27,059) | (36,682) | (17,659) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans receivable, net | $ | 1,554,993 | $ | 1,040,973 | $ | 2,489,108 | $ | 744,572 | $ | 506,265 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table includes a maturity profile for the loans that were outstanding as of December 31, 2022:
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| Due During Years Ending December 31, | Real Estate | Commercial & Industrial | Consumer | Loans Held for Sale | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | $ | — | $ | 472,936 | $ | 85,826 | $ | 602,675 | |||||||||||||||
| 2024-2027 | 80 | 384,881 | 37,378 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2028 and thereafter | 907 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 987 | $ | 857,817 | $ | 123,204 | $ | 602,675 | |||||||||||||||
Nonperforming Lending Related Assets
Total non-accruing loans were $788 and $0 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-accruing loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 788 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 788 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accruing loans delinquent: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 days or more | 15,940 | 3,497 | 8,701 | 8,051 | 3,326 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 15,940 | 3,497 | 8,701 | 8,051 | 3,326 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-performing assets | $ | 16,728 | $ | 3,497 | $ | 8,701 | $ | 8,051 | $ | 3,326 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total as a percentage of total assets | 0.9 | % | 0.2 | % | 0.3 | % | 0.9 | % | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Summary of Loan Loss Experience
The methodologies used to estimate the allowance for loan losses ("ALLL") depend upon the impairment status and portfolio segment of the loan. Loan groupings are created for each loan class and are then graded against historical and industry loss rates. After applying historic loss experience, as described above, we review the quantitatively derived level of ALLL for each segment using qualitative criteria. We track various risk factors that influence our judgment regarding the level of the ALLL across the portfolio segments. The following table summarizes activity in WebBank's allowance for loan and lease losses for the periods indicated:
| As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | 13,925 | $ | 27,059 | $ | 36,682 | $ | 17,659 | $ | 5,237 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Charge offs: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | (6,095) | (8,101) | (14,250) | (8,667) | (2,772) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer | (4,011) | (9,205) | (21,042) | (17,918) | (4,549) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total charge offs | (10,106) | (17,306) | (35,292) | (26,585) | (7,321) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 27 | 27 | 22 | 22 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 1,534 | 2,532 | 1,313 | 461 | 272 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer | 1,133 | 1,490 | 2,388 | 1,752 | 393 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total recoveries | 2,694 | 4,049 | 3,723 | 2,235 | 685 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net charge offs | (7,412) | (13,257) | (31,569) | (24,350) | (6,636) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions charged to operations | 23,177 | 123 | 21,946 | 43,373 | 19,058 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | 29,690 | $ | 13,925 | $ | 27,059 | $ | 36,682 | $ | 17,659 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of net charge offs during the period to average loans outstanding during the period | 0.6 | % | 0.6 | % | 1.6 | % | 3.8 | % | 1.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
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The distribution of WebBank's allowance for losses on loans at the dates indicated is summarized as follows:
| As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | % of Loans in Each Category of Total Loans | Amount | % of Loans in Each Category of Total Loans | Amount | % of Loans in Each Category of Total Loans | Amount | % of Loans in Each Category of Total Loans | Amount | % of Loans in Each Category of Total Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 28 | 0.1 | % | 23 | 0.1 | % | 22 | — | % | 24 | 0.1 | % | 26 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 18,493 | 54.1 | % | 9,205 | 73.9 | % | 9,293 | 90.7 | % | 10,920 | 32.2 | % | 6,165 | 28.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | 11,169 | 7.8 | % | 4,697 | 7.2 | % | 17,744 | 5.9 | % | 25,738 | 38.8 | % | 11,468 | 36.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | — | 38.0 | % | — | 18.8 | % | — | 3.4 | % | — | 28.9 | % | — | 35.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 29,690 | 100.0 | % | $ | 13,925 | 100.0 | % | $ | 27,059 | 100.0 | % | $ | 36,682 | 100.0 | % | $ | 17,659 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Anticipated Sources and Uses of Cash Flow
SPLP (excluding its operating subsidiaries, the "Holding Company") is a diversified global holding company with assets that principally consist of the stock of its direct subsidiaries, equity method and other investments, and cash and cash equivalents. The Company works with its businesses to enhance their liquidity and operations and to increase long-term value for the Company's unitholders and stakeholders through balance sheet improvements, capital allocation policies, and operational and growth initiatives, which are further described in Part I, Item 1 - "Business - Business Strategy."
Management uses the following strategies to continue to enhance liquidity: (1) continue to implement improvements using the Steel Business System throughout all the Company's operations to increase sales and operating efficiencies, (2) support profitable sales growth both organically and potentially through acquisitions and (3) evaluate from time to time and as appropriate, strategic alternatives with respect to the Company's businesses and/or assets. The Company continues to examine all of its options and strategies, including acquisitions, divestitures and other corporate transactions, to increase cash flows and stakeholder value.
Historically, the Company has financed its operations and met its capital requirements primarily through funds generated from operations, borrowings from lending institutions, sale of investments and sale of facilities or assets that were not fully utilized. The following table summarizes our liquidity:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 234,448 | $ | 325,363 | |||||||
| WebBank cash and cash equivalents | 174,257 | 308,589 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, excluding WebBank | 60,191 | 16,774 | |||||||||
| Readily available borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement | 410,700 | 321,000 | |||||||||
| $ | 470,891 | $ | 337,774 | ||||||||
Debt and Financing Arrangements
The Company's senior credit facility which was amended and restated in its entirety in December 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”) consists of a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $600,000 (the “Revolving Credit Loans”), which includes a $50,000 subfacility for swing line loans, a $50,000 subfacility for standby letters of credit and a foreign currency sublimit (available in euros and pounds sterling) equal to the lesser of $75,000 and the total amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment. The Credit Agreement covers substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries, with the exception of WebBank. Availability under the Credit Agreement is based upon earnings and certain covenants, including a maximum ratio limit on Total Leverage and a minimum ratio limit on Interest Coverage, each as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement is subject to certain mandatory prepayment provisions and restrictive and financial covenants, primarily the leverage ratios described above. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2022. If the Company does not meet its financial covenants, and if it is unable to secure necessary waivers or other amendments from its lenders on terms acceptable to management, its ability to access available lines of credit could be limited, its debt obligations could be accelerated and liquidity could be adversely affected. The Credit Agreement will expire on December 29, 2026, and all outstanding amounts will be due and payable. For more information, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s
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Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Significant Developments – Debt Refinancing” of this Report.
The Company believes that it and its operating subsidiaries have access to adequate resources to meet their needs for normal operating costs, capital expenditures, pension payments, debt obligations and working capital for their existing business, as well as to fund its taxes, legal and environmental matters, for at least the next twelve months. These resources include cash and cash equivalents, investments, cash provided by operating activities and unused lines of credit. The Holding Company and its operating businesses' ability to satisfy their debt service obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures and required pension payments, and to make acquisitions or repurchase units under its common unit Repurchase Program will depend upon their future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the markets in which they operate, as well as financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond their control. As indicated above, there can be no assurances that the Holding Company and its operating businesses will continue to have access to their lines of credit if their financial performance does not satisfy the financial covenants set forth in their respective financing agreements, which could also result in the acceleration of their debt obligations by their respective lenders, adversely affecting liquidity.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company's working capital was $156,085, as compared to working capital of $569,090 as of December 31, 2021. The decrease in working capital during the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to an increase in retail depository accounts (current liabilities) of $913,325, which was partially offset by an increase in loans receivable of $602,216 related primarily to an increase in loans held for sale. As of December 31, 2022, the availability under the Credit Agreement was approximately $410,700. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, capital expenditures were $47,541 and $52,326, respectively. The Company currently expects full year capital expenditures in the range of $45,000 to $59,000 in 2023. The Company and its subsidiaries have ongoing commitments, including funding of the minimum requirements of its subsidiaries' pension plans. For the year ending December 31, 2023, the minimum required contribution to the Company's pension plans is $5,720. Required future pension contributions are estimated based upon assumptions such as discount rates on future obligations, assumed rates of return on plan assets and legislative changes. Actual future pension costs and required funding obligations will be affected by changes in the factors and assumptions described in the previous sentence, including the impact of declines in pension plan assets and interest rates, as well as other changes such as any plan termination or other acceleration events.
Sources and uses of cash flows from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, are as follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | $ | (210,230) | $ | 77,633 | |||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (176,558) | 1,517,224 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 297,172 | (1,404,763) | |||||||||
| Net change for the period | $ | (89,616) | $ | 190,094 | |||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The Company used $210,230 of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $287,863 compared with $77,633 of cash generated during the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to higher working capital requirements primarily related to increases in loans held for sale of $293,582.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company used $176,558 of cash, which was primarily due to the purchases of investments of $310,798, loan originations, net of collections of $90,030, purchases of property, plant, and equipment of $47,541 and the acquisition of Security Premium Finance for $47,280, partially offset by proceeds from the maturities of investments of $156,050 and proceeds from the sales of businesses for $142,426.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company generated $1,517,224 of cash, which was primarily due to a decrease in loan originations, net of collections of $1,029,093 and proceeds from the sales of loans of $530,969.
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company generated $297,172 of cash, which was primarily due to an increase in deposits of $743,593, partially offset by PPP loan repayments of $291,117 and net revolver loan repayments of $90,616.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company used $1,404,763 of cash which was primarily due to PPP loan repayments of $1,753,478 and term loan term loan repayments of $182,832, partially offset by an increase in deposits of $469,228.
WebBank manages its liquidity to provide adequate funds to meet anticipated financial obligations, such as certificate of deposit maturities and to fund customer credit needs. WebBank had $174,257 and $308,589 in cash and cash equivalents, time deposits placed at other institutions and federal funds sold at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. WebBank had $55,000 and $45,000 in lines of credit from its correspondent banks at December 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively. WebBank had $285,584 and $138,141 available from the Federal Reserve discount window at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Therefore, WebBank had a total of $514,841 and $491,730 in cash, lines of credit and access to the Federal Reserve Bank discount window at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which represents approximately 26.9% and 43.4%, respectively, of WebBank's total assets (excluding PPP loans funded through the PPP Liquidity Facility).
Deposits
Deposits at WebBank at December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Current | $ | 1,360,477 | $ | 447,152 | |||||||
| Long-term | 208,004 | 377,735 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,568,481 | $ | 824,887 | |||||||
The increase in deposits as December 31, 2022, as compared to 2021, is due to increase in WebBank's assets, excluding PPP loans. The average original maturity for time deposits at December 31, 2022 was 14 months, as compared to 25 months at December 31, 2021.
The following table details the maturity of time deposits as of December 31, 2022:
| Maturity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| < 3 Months | 3 to 6 Months | 6 to 12 Months | > 12 Months | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certificate of deposits less than $100 | $ | 503,542 | $ | 204,853 | $ | 331,657 | $ | 200,714 | $ | 1,240,766 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Certificate of deposits of $100 or more | 6,366 | 8,513 | 25,973 | 7,290 | 48,142 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total certificates of deposits | $ | 509,908 | $ | 213,366 | $ | 357,630 | $ | 208,004 | $ | 1,288,908 | |||||||||||||||||||
Off-Balance Sheet Risk
It is not the Company's usual business practice to enter into off-balance sheet arrangements such as guarantees on loans and financial commitments, indemnification arrangements and retained interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity for securitization purposes. SPLP uses the same credit policy in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
WebBank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. In the normal course of business, these financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of loans as part of WebBank's lending arrangements with Marketing Partners. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The contractual amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement WebBank has in particular classes of financial instruments.
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, WebBank's undisbursed commitments under these instruments totaled $606,537 and $218,090, respectively. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a borrower who meets the lending criteria established by WebBank through one of WebBank's lending agreements with its Marketing Partners, provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract with the counterparty to the lending arrangement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee, and in some cases are subject to ongoing adjustment by WebBank. Since certain of the commitments are expected to expire without the credit being extended, the
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total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. WebBank evaluates each prospective borrower's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by WebBank upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the borrower and WebBank's Marketing Partner.
WebBank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. WebBank uses the same credit policy in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Company's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon its consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates are based on historical experience, expected future cash flows and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Note 2 - "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this , includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The following is a discussion of the critical accounting policies and methods used by the Company.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. We review goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, and test for impairment during the year if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Examples of such events would include pertinent macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance and other factors. An entity can choose between using the Step 0 approach or the Step 1 approach.
For the Step 0 approach, an entity may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An entity has an unconditional option to bypass the Step 0 assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the Step 0 assessment in any subsequent period. For the Step 1 approach, which is a quantitative approach, the Company will calculate the fair value of a reporting unit and compare it to its carrying amount. There are several methods that may be used to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, including the income approach, the market approach and/or the cost approach. The amount of impairment, if any, is determined by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge based on the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
For 2022, the Company utilized a quantitative approach for all of its reporting units. The assessment was based on a combination of income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of the reporting units, which indicated that the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. Significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analyses included expected future earnings and cash flows, which are based on management's current expectations, as well as the related risk-adjusted discount rate used to estimate fair value. There were no goodwill impairment charges recorded as a result of these assessments. It is possible in future periods that further declines in market conditions, customer demand or other potential changes in operations may increase the risk that these assets are impaired. At December 31, 2022, the goodwill related to the Electrical Products reporting unit is at risk of future impairment if the fair value of this reporting unit, and its associated assets, decrease in value due to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, decreased customer demand for Electrical Products' services, an inability to execute management’s business strategies, or general market conditions, such as economic downturns, and changes in interest rates, including discount rates. Future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective, and actual results may differ materially from the Company's estimates. If the Company's ongoing cash flow projections are not met or if market factors utilized in the impairment test deteriorate, including an unfavorable change in the terminal growth rate or the weighted-average cost of capital, the Company may have to record impairment charges in future periods. As of December 31, 2022 the Electrical Products reporting unit's fair value exceeded its net book value by 5% and the Electrical Products' reporting unit had goodwill of $46,445.
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Long-Lived Asset Testing
The Company's accounting policy for long-lived assets is to estimate the depreciable lives of property, plant and equipment, and to depreciate such assets over such lives. The Company tests long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets exceed the sum of the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amounts exceeds their fair values. The Company performs such assessments at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities, which is generally at the plant level, operating company level or the reporting unit level, depending on the level of interdependencies in the Company's operations. The Company considers various factors in determining whether an impairment test is necessary, including among other things: a significant or prolonged deterioration in operating results and projected cash flows; significant changes in the extent or manner in which assets are used; technological advances with respect to assets which would potentially render them obsolete; the Company's strategy and capital planning; and the economic climate in the markets it serves. When estimating future cash flows and if necessary, fair value, the Company makes judgments as to the expected utilization of assets and estimated future cash flows related to those assets. The Company considers historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of planned business and operational strategies and other information available at the time the estimates are made. The Company believes these estimates are reasonable; however, changes in circumstances or conditions could have a significant impact on its estimates, which might result in material impairment charges in the future.
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Costs
The Company maintains qualified and non-qualified pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for certain subsidiaries. The Company recorded pension income of $7,241 for the year ended December 31, 2022 related to its significant pension plans, and, as of December 31, 2022, the Company had recorded pension liabilities totaling $84,948. Pension benefits are generally based on years of service and the amount of compensation earned during the participants' employment. However, the qualified pension benefits have been frozen for all participants.
The pension and other post-retirement benefit costs are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount and mortality rates and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Material changes in pension and other post-retirement benefit costs may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions, changes in the number of plan participants, changes in the level of benefits provided, changes to the level of contributions to these plans and other factors.
Actuarial assumptions for its pension and other post-retirement benefit plans are determined each year to calculate liability information as of year-end, and pension and other post-retirement benefit expense or income for the following year. The discount rate assumption is derived from the rate of return on high-quality bonds.
The various pension plan assets are diversified as to type of assets, investment strategies employed and number of investment managers used. Investments may include equities, fixed income, cash equivalents, convertible securities and private investment funds. Derivatives may be used as part of the investment strategy. The transfer of assets may be directed between investment managers in order to rebalance the portfolio in accordance with asset allocation guidelines established by the Company. The private investment funds, or the investment funds they are invested in, own marketable and non-marketable securities and other investment instruments. Such investments are valued by the private investment funds, underlying investment managers or the underlying investment funds at fair value, as described in their respective financial statements and offering memorandums. These values are utilized in quantifying the value of the assets of its pension plans, which are then used in the determination of the unfunded pension liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation of some of the pension plans' investments in private investment funds and the nature of some of the underlying investments held by the investment funds, the recorded value may differ from the value that would have been used had a ready market existed for some of these investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Management uses judgment to make assumptions on which its employee benefit liabilities and expenses are based.
Loan Impairment and Allowance for Loan Losses
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that WebBank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. When a loan has been identified as being impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, when appropriate, the loan's observable fair value or the fair value of the collateral (less any selling costs) if the loan is collateral-dependent. If the measurement of the impaired
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loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (including accrued interest, net of deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), an impairment is recognized by creating or adjusting an existing allocation of the ALLL, or by charging down the loan to its value determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The ALLL is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when the uncollectability of a loan or receivable balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The ALLL is evaluated on a regular basis and is based upon a periodic review of the collectability of the amounts due in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard or loss. For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience and is adjusted for qualitative factors to cover uncertainties that could affect the estimate of probable losses. The ALLL is increased by charges to income and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). The periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on WebBank's past loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the debtor's ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions. Since our loss rates are applied to large pools of loans, even minor changes in the level of estimated losses can significantly affect management's determination of the appropriate ALLL because those changes must be applied across a large portfolio.
Income Taxes
As a limited partnership, we are generally not responsible for federal and state income taxes, and our profits and losses are passed directly to our limited partners for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. Our subsidiaries that are corporate subsidiaries are subject to federal and state income taxes. The table in Note 16 - "Income Taxes" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report, reconciles a hypothetical calculation of federal income taxes based on the federal statutory rate applied to the income or loss before income taxes and equity method investments. The tax effect of income passed through to common unitholders is subtracted from the hypothetical calculation.
Our subsidiaries that are subject to income taxes use the liability method of accounting for such taxes. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Our subsidiaries evaluate the recoverability of deferred tax assets and establish a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that most positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the consolidated financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is provided for and reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits on the consolidated balance sheets, along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
Contingencies, Including Legal and Environmental Liabilities
The Company is subject to litigation, proceedings, claims or assessments and various contingent liabilities incidental to its business or assumed in connection with certain business acquisitions. The Company accrues a charge for a loss contingency when it believe it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If the loss is within a range of specified amounts, the most likely amount is accrued, and the Company accrues the minimum amount in the range if no amount within the range represents a better estimate. Generally, the Company records the loss contingency at the
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amount we expect to pay to resolve the contingency and the amount is generally not discounted to the present value. Amounts recoverable under insurance contracts are recorded as assets when recovery is deemed probable. Contingencies that might result in a gain are not recognized until realizable. Changes to the amount of the estimated loss or resolution of one or more contingencies could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
The Company accrues for losses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable. For more information see Note 19 - "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
New or Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of the Company's new or recently adopted accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 - "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our significant market risks are primarily associated with interest rates, equity prices and, to a lesser extent, derivatives. The following sections address the significant market risks associated with our business activities.
SPLP's quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk include forward-looking statements with respect to management's opinion about the risk associated with the Company's financial instruments. These statements are based on certain assumptions with respect to market prices, interest rates and other industry-specific risk factors. To the extent these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, future outcomes may differ materially from those discussed herein.
Risks Relating to Investments
The Company's investments are primarily classified as Marketable securities or Long-term investments and are primarily recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets at fair value. These investments are subject to equity price risk.
Included in the Company's Long-term investments of $309,697 at December 31, 2022 are equity securities and associated company investments, which are both subject to equity price risk. The Company's significant long-term equity securities investments include common stock ownership interests of $201,278, or 4.5%, of outstanding shares of Aerojet as of December 31, 2022. The Company's significant associated company investments as of December 31, 2022 include its investments in Steel Connect and PCS-Mosaic Co-Invest L.P. The Company's investments in associated companies are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, primarily using the fair value option. A change in the equity price of our investments in these securities could impact our results in future periods.
For more information about the Company’s investments, see Note 10 - "Investments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
Risks Relating to Interest Rates
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, accounts payable and short-term borrowings approximate their carrying values and are relatively insensitive to changes in interest rates due to the short-term maturities of these instruments or the variable nature of the associated interest rates.
Credit Facilities and Pension Obligations
At December 31, 2022, the Company's long-term debt obligations were comprised primarily of variable rate instruments. Accordingly, the fair value of such instruments may be relatively sensitive to effects of interest rate fluctuations. An increase or decrease in interest expense from a 1% change in interest rates would be approximately $1,800 on an annual basis
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based on total variable-interest debt outstanding as of December 31, 2022. In addition, the fair value of such instruments is also affected by investors' assessments of the risks associated with industries in which the Company operates, as well as its overall creditworthiness and ability to satisfy such obligations upon their maturity.
A reduction in long-term interest rates could materially increase the Company's cash funding obligations to its pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.
WebBank
WebBank derives a portion of its income from the excess of interest collected over interest paid. The rates of interest WebBank earns on assets and pays on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Accordingly, WebBank's results of operations, like those of most financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities.
WebBank monitors and measures its exposure to changes in interest rates in order to comply with applicable government regulations and risk policies established by WebBank's board of directors and in order to preserve shareholder value. In monitoring interest rate risk, WebBank analyzes assets and liabilities based on characteristics including size, coupon rate, repricing frequency, maturity date and likelihood of prepayment.
WebBank currently focuses held-to-maturity lending efforts toward originating competitively priced adjustable-rate or fixed-rate loan products with short to intermediate terms to maturity, generally 7 years or less. This theoretically allows WebBank to maintain a portfolio of loans that will have relatively little sensitivity to changes in the level of interest rates, while providing a reasonable spread over the cost of liabilities used to fund the loans.
The principal objective of WebBank's asset/liability management is to manage the sensitivity of Market Value of Equity ("MVE") to changing interest rates. Asset/liability management is governed by policies reviewed and approved annually by WebBank's board of directors. WebBank's board of directors has delegated the responsibility to oversee the administration of these policies to WebBank's asset/liability committee, or "ALCO." The interest rate risk strategy currently deployed by ALCO is to primarily use "natural" balance sheet hedging (as opposed to derivative hedging). ALCO fine tunes the overall MVE sensitivity by recommending lending and deposit strategies. WebBank then executes the recommended strategy by increasing or decreasing the duration of the loan and deposit products, resulting in the appropriate level of market risk that WebBank's board of directors wants to maintain.
WebBank measures interest rate sensitivity as the difference between amounts of interest-earning assets and interest- bearing liabilities that mature or reprice within a given period of time. The difference provides an indication of the extent to which an institution's interest rate spread will be affected by changes in interest rates. If the amount of interest rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities, then the bank is considered to be asset sensitive. If the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive assets, then the bank is considered to be liability sensitive. In a rising interest rate environment, an institution that is asset sensitive would be in a better position than an institution that is liability sensitive because the yield on its assets would increase at a faster pace than the cost of its interest-bearing liabilities. During a period of falling interest rates, however, an institution that is asset sensitive would tend to have its assets reprice at a faster rate than its liabilities, which would tend to reduce the growth in its net interest income. The opposite is true if the institution is liability sensitive.
WebBank's board of directors and relevant government regulations establish limits on the level of acceptable interest rate risk at WebBank to which management adheres. There can be no assurance, however, that, in the event of an adverse change in interest rates, WebBank's efforts to limit interest rate risk will be successful.
Risks Relating to Commodity Prices
In the normal course of business, our operations are exposed to market risk or price fluctuations related to the purchase of electricity, natural gas, fuel and petroleum-based commodities, including adhesives, and other products, such as yarns, precious metals, electronic and electrical components, steel products and certain non-ferrous metals used as raw materials. The Company is also exposed to the effects of price fluctuations on the value of its commodity inventories, in particular, its precious metal inventory. The raw materials and energy which we use are largely commodities, subject to price volatility caused by changes in global supply and demand and governmental controls.
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The Company's market risk strategy has generally been to obtain competitive prices for its products and services, sourced from more than one vendor, and allow operating results to reflect market price movements dictated by supply and demand. The Company enters into commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations on its precious and certain non-precious metal inventories that are not subject to fixed price contracts. The Company's hedging strategy is designed to protect it against normal volatility; therefore, abnormal price changes in these commodities or markets could negatively impact the Company's earnings. Certain of these derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had entered into forward contracts, with settlement dates through January 2022, for silver with a notional value of $2,001, for gold with a notional value of $1,627, for palladium with a notional value of $3,351, for copper with a notional value of $950 and for tin with a notional value of $324. There were no futures contracts outstanding at December 31, 2022.
To the extent that we have not mitigated our exposure to rising raw material and energy prices, we may not be able to increase our prices to our customers to offset such potential raw material or energy price increases, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and operating cash flows.
Risks Relating to Foreign Currency Exchange
The Company, primarily through its Diversified Industrial segment subsidiaries, manufactures and sells its products in a number of countries throughout the world and, as a result, is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company's major foreign currency exposures involve the markets in Asia, Europe, Canada and Mexico. The Company is subject to the risk of price fluctuations related to anticipated revenues and operating costs, firm commitments for capital expenditures and existing assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
47
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| Page | |||||
| Consolidated Financial Statements: | |||||
48
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the unitholders and the Board of Directors of Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in capital, and cash flows, for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 7, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill Impairment – Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves management performing an assessment of each reporting unit to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. On the annual testing date of December 1, management elected to perform a quantitative approach (Step 1) to evaluate the Electrical Products reporting unit for impairment. As of December 1, 2022, the goodwill balance of the Electrical Products reporting unit was $46.5 million. In performing Step 1 management compared the fair value of the reporting unit to its respective carrying value. The Company determined the fair value estimate of the reporting unit based on a combination of income and market approaches. The income approach utilized a discounted cash flow model that required management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to expected revenue growth rates, expected earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation ("EBITDA"), and discount rates. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value, the amount of any goodwill
49
impairment charge, or both. The fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value as of the measurement date and, therefore, no impairment was recognized.
We identified goodwill impairment for the Electrical Products reporting unit as a critical audit matter because of the significant amount of goodwill recorded at the reporting unit, the significant estimates and assumptions management made to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit and the differences between their fair value and carrying value. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions related to the expected revenue growth rates, expected EBITDA, and the selection of the discount rate.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to goodwill impairment included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over management's goodwill impairment evaluation, including those over the determination of the fair value, such as controls related to management's forecasts of future revenue and expected EBITDA.
•We evaluated management's ability to accurately forecast by comparing historical results to management's historical forecasts.
•We evaluated the reasonableness of management's forecasts of expected revenue and expected growth rates and EBITDA by comparing management's forecasts with:
•Historical cash flow and trends.
•Underlying business strategies and growth plans.
•Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors.
•External communications, independent industry reports, and forecasted information from selected companies in the reporting unit's peer group.
•With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the (1) Company's valuation methodologies and (2) discount rate by:
•Testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rate and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation.
•Developing an independent range of the discount rate and comparing it to the discount rate selected by management.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
March 7, 2023
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2018.
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STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except common units)
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 234,448 | $ | 325,363 | |||||||
Trade and other receivables - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,414 and $3,510, respectively | 183,861 | 193,976 | |||||||||
| Receivables from related parties | 961 | 2,944 | |||||||||
Loans receivable, including loans held for sale of $602,675 and $198,632, respectively, net | 1,131,745 | 529,529 | |||||||||
| Inventories, net | 214,084 | 184,271 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 40,129 | 48,019 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 1,805,228 | 1,284,102 | |||||||||
| Long-term loans receivable, net | 423,248 | 511,444 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 125,813 | 148,018 | |||||||||
| Other intangible assets, net | 94,783 | 119,830 | |||||||||
| Other non-current assets | 195,859 | 79,143 | |||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 238,510 | 234,976 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 42,711 | 36,636 | |||||||||
| Long-term investments | 309,697 | 261,080 | |||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 3,235,849 | $ | 2,675,229 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL | |||||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 109,572 | $ | 123,282 | |||||||
| Accrued liabilities | 112,744 | 86,848 | |||||||||
| Deposits | 1,360,477 | 447,152 | |||||||||
| Payables to related parties | 2,881 | 1,885 | |||||||||
| Short-term debt | 685 | 100 | |||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 67 | 1,071 | |||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 62,717 | 54,674 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 1,649,143 | 715,012 | |||||||||
| Long-term deposits | 208,004 | 377,735 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 179,572 | 269,850 | |||||||||
| Other borrowings | 41,682 | 333,963 | |||||||||
| Preferred unit liability | 152,247 | 149,570 | |||||||||
| Accrued pension liabilities | 84,948 | 82,376 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 41,055 | 13,674 | |||||||||
| Long-term operating lease liabilities | 35,512 | 27,511 | |||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 42,226 | 36,490 | |||||||||
Total Liabilities | 2,434,389 | 2,006,181 | |||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | |||||||||||
Capital: | |||||||||||
Partners' capital common units: 21,605,093 and 21,018,009 issued and outstanding (after deducting 17,904,679 and 16,810,932 units held in treasury, at cost of $309,257 and $264,284, respectively | 952,094 | 795,140 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (151,874) | (131,803) | |||||||||
| Total Partners' Capital | 800,220 | 663,337 | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities | 1,240 | 5,711 | |||||||||
Total Capital | 801,460 | 669,048 | |||||||||
Total Liabilities and Capital | $ | 3,235,849 | $ | 2,675,229 | |||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except common units and per common unit data)
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial net sales | $ | 1,285,666 | $ | 1,207,183 | |||||||
| Energy net revenue | 181,811 | 164,028 | |||||||||
| Financial Services revenue | 227,964 | 153,685 | |||||||||
| Total revenue | 1,695,441 | 1,524,896 | |||||||||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 1,096,936 | 1,004,093 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 383,377 | 304,013 | |||||||||
| Asset impairment charges | 3,162 | — | |||||||||
| Finance interest expense | 16,907 | 7,693 | |||||||||
| Provision for loan losses | 23,177 | 123 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 20,649 | 22,250 | |||||||||
| Gains from sales of businesses | (85,683) | (8,096) | |||||||||
| Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on securities, net | (34,791) | 24,044 | |||||||||
| Other income, net | (3,791) | (30,089) | |||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | 1,419,943 | 1,324,031 | |||||||||
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity method investments | 275,498 | 200,865 | |||||||||
| Income tax provision | 73,944 | 84,089 | |||||||||
| Income of associated companies, net of taxes | (4,611) | (15,664) | |||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | 206,165 | 132,440 | |||||||||
| Discontinued operations | |||||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes | — | 138 | |||||||||
| Net gain from discontinued operations, net of taxes | — | 138 | |||||||||
| Net income | 206,165 | 132,578 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities (continuing operations) | (193) | (1,170) | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to common unitholders | $ | 205,972 | $ | 131,408 | |||||||
| Net income per common unit - basic | |||||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | $ | 9.03 | $ | 6.09 | |||||||
| Net income from discontinued operations | — | — | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to common unitholders | $ | 9.03 | $ | 6.09 | |||||||
| Net income per common unit - diluted | |||||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | $ | 8.12 | $ | 4.96 | |||||||
| Net income from discontinued operations | — | 0.01 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to common unitholders | $ | 8.12 | $ | 4.97 | |||||||
| Weighted-average number of common units outstanding - basic | 22,813,588 | 21,561,200 | |||||||||
| Weighted-average number of common units outstanding - diluted | 26,869,440 | 28,920,258 | |||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
52
STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands)
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 206,165 | $ | 132,578 | |||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | |||||||||||
| Gross unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments | — | 182 | |||||||||
| Currency translation adjustments | (3,152) | (1,133) | |||||||||
| Changes in pension liabilities and other post-retirement benefit obligations | (16,919) | 41,797 | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | (20,071) | 40,846 | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income | 186,094 | 173,424 | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (193) | (1,170) | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders | $ | 185,901 | $ | 172,254 | |||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
53
STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital
(in thousands, except common units and treasury units)
| Steel Partners Holdings L.P. Common Unitholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common | Treasury Units | Partners' | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | Total Partners' | Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Units | Units | Dollars | Capital | (Loss) Income | Capital | Entities | Capital | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | 37,837,439 | (14,916,635) | $ | (219,245) | $ | 707,309 | $ | (172,649) | $ | 534,660 | $ | 4,562 | $ | 539,222 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 131,408 | — | 131,408 | 1,170 | 132,578 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities | — | — | — | — | 182 | 182 | — | 182 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | (1,133) | (1,133) | — | (1,133) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in pension liabilities and post-retirement benefit obligations | — | — | — | — | 41,797 | 41,797 | — | 41,797 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation - restricted units | (8,498) | — | — | 1,462 | — | 1,462 | — | 1,462 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of SPLP common units | (1,894,297) | (45,039) | (45,039) | — | (45,039) | — | (45,039) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | — | — | — | — | — | — | (21) | (21) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 37,828,941 | (16,810,932) | (264,284) | 795,140 | (131,803) | 663,337 | 5,711 | 669,048 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 205,972 | — | 205,972 | 193 | 206,165 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | (3,152) | (3,152) | — | (3,152) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in pension liabilities and post-retirement benefit obligations | — | — | — | — | (16,919) | (16,919) | — | (16,919) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity compensation - restricted units | 1,712,781 | — | — | 1,280 | — | 1,280 | — | 1,280 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted units | (31,950) | — | — | (1,394) | — | (1,394) | — | (1,394) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of SPLP common units | — | (1,093,747) | (44,973) | (44,973) | — | (44,973) | — | (44,973) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | (3,942) | — | (3,942) | (4,664) | (8,606) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | — | — | — | 11 | — | 11 | — | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | 39,509,772 | (17,904,679) | $ | (309,257) | $ | 952,094 | $ | (151,874) | $ | 800,220 | $ | 1,240 | $ | 801,460 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
54
STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 206,165 | $ | 132,578 | |||||||
| Gain from discontinued operations | — | 138 | |||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | 206,165 | 132,440 | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Provision for loan losses | 23,177 | 123 | |||||||||
| Income of associated companies, net of taxes | (4,611) | (15,664) | |||||||||
| Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on securities, net | (34,791) | 24,044 | |||||||||
| Gains on sale of businesses | (85,683) | (8,096) | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment | (940) | (6,646) | |||||||||
| Derivative gains on economic interests in loans | (5,294) | (4,862) | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 48,546 | 72,798 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 53,755 | 60,521 | |||||||||
| Non-cash lease expense | 10,461 | 10,237 | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 1,280 | 1,462 | |||||||||
| Asset impairment charges | 3,162 | — | |||||||||
| Other | (4,199) | (397) | |||||||||
Net change in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Trade and other receivables | (710) | (33,158) | |||||||||
| Inventories | (41,086) | (48,344) | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | (10,431) | (4,875) | |||||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities | 35,012 | 8,511 | |||||||||
| Net increase in loans held for sale | (404,043) | (110,461) | |||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities - continuing operations | (210,230) | 77,633 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations | — | 138 | |||||||||
| Total cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (210,230) | 77,771 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Purchases of investments | (310,798) | (50,074) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of investments | 19,828 | 24,667 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from maturities of investments | 156,050 | 11,916 | |||||||||
| Loan originations, net of collections | (90,030) | 1,029,093 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of loans | — | 530,969 | |||||||||
| Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (47,541) | (52,326) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 1,241 | 6,979 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of businesses | 142,426 | 16,000 | |||||||||
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (47,280) | — | |||||||||
| Other | (454) | — | |||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (176,558) | 1,517,224 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Net revolver (repayments) borrowings | (90,616) | 119,703 | |||||||||
| Repayments of term loans | (82) | (182,832) | |||||||||
| Purchases of the Company's common units | (44,973) | (45,039) | |||||||||
| Net decrease in other borrowings | (291,117) | (1,753,478) | |||||||||
| Distribution to preferred unitholders | (9,633) | (9,633) | |||||||||
| Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests | (8,606) | — | |||||||||
| Deferred finance charges | — | (2,712) | |||||||||
| Tax withholding related to vesting of restricted units | (1,394) | — | |||||||||
| Net increase in deposits | 743,593 | 469,228 | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 297,172 | (1,404,763) | |||||||||
Net change for the period | (89,616) | 190,232 | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (1,299) | (657) | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 325,363 | 135,788 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 234,448 | $ | 325,363 | |||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
55
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
All amounts used in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are in thousands, except common and preferred units, per common and preferred unit, share, per share data or as otherwise noted.
1. NATURE OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of the Business
Steel Partners Holdings L.P. ("SPLP" or "Company") is a diversified global holding company that engages in multiple businesses through consolidated subsidiaries and other interests. It owns and operates businesses and has significant interests in various companies, including diversified industrial products, energy, banking, defense, supply chain management and logistics and youth sports. SPLP operates through the following segments: Diversified Industrial, Energy and Financial Services, which are managed separately and offer different products and services. For additional details related to the Company's reportable segments see Note 21 - "Segment Information." Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc. ("SPH GP"), a Delaware corporation, is the general partner of SPLP and is wholly-owned by SPLP. The Company is managed by SP General Services LLC ("Manager"), pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated management agreement ("Management Agreement") discussed in further detail in Note 20 - "Related Party Transactions."
Impact of COVID-19
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (in particular, the emergence of new variants of the virus across the globe) has caused, and continues to cause, significant disruptions in the U.S. and global economies. For example, national and local governments in the United States and around the world continue to implement measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, including, depending on location, travel bans, prohibitions on group events and gatherings, shutdowns of certain businesses, quarantines and other related measures. Such measures have previously restricted and some cases continue to restrict individuals’ daily activities and curtail or cease many businesses’ normal operations.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not experience any significant disruptions to its businesses due to COVID-19. Despite indications of economic recovery, the severity of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business in 2023 and beyond will depend on a number of uncertain factors and trends. Such factors and trends include, but are not limited to: the duration and severity of the virus and its current variants; the emergence of new variant strains; the availability and widespread use of vaccines; the impact of the global business and economic environment on liquidity and the availability of capital; and governmental actions that have been taken, or may be taken in the future, to mitigate adverse economic or other impacts or to mitigate the spread of the virus and its variants. The Company continues to monitor for any developments or updates to COVID-19 guidelines from public health and governmental authorities, as well as the protection of the health and safety of its personnel, and is continuously working to ensure that its health and safety protocols, business continuity plans and crisis management protocols are in place to help mitigate any negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other disease outbreaks on the Company’s employees, business or operations.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority or wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
56
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities during the reporting period. The more significant estimates include: (1) revenue recognition; (2) the valuation allowances for trade and other receivables, loans receivable and inventories; (3) the valuation of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets and associated companies; (4) the valuation of deferred tax assets; (5) contingencies, including legal and environmental liabilities; (6) fair value of derivatives; (7) post-employment benefit liabilities; (8) estimates and assumptions used in the determination of fair value of certain securities; and (9) estimates of loan losses. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the consolidated financial statements; and, due to substantial holdings in and/or restrictions on certain investments, the value that may be realized could differ from the estimated fair value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and deposits in depository institutions and financial institutions, and includes WebBank cash at the Federal Reserve Bank. The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include qualifying money market funds and exclude amounts where availability is restricted by loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value.
Marketable Securities and Long-Term Investments
Marketable securities consist of short-term deposits, corporate debt and equity instruments, and mutual funds. The Company classifies its marketable securities as current assets based on the nature of the securities and their availability for use in current operations. Long-term investments consist of equity securities and certain associated company investments. Held-to-maturity securities are classified in Other non-current assets. SPLP determines the appropriate classifications of its investments at the acquisition date and re-evaluates the classifications at each balance sheet date.
•Available-for-sale equity securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in Realized and unrealized gains on securities, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
•Available-for-sale debt securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss ("AOCI") as a separate component of SPLP's Partners' capital in both 2022 and 2021.
•Associated companies represent equity method investments in companies where the Company's ownership is generally between 20% and 50% of the outstanding equity and it has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. For equity method investments where the fair value option has been elected, unrealized gains and losses are reported in the Company's consolidated statements of operations as part of Loss of associated companies, net of taxes. For the equity method investments where the fair value option has not been elected, SPLP records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the investment by its proportionate share of the net income or loss and other comprehensive income or loss of the investee.
•Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts.
Dividend and interest income is recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on marketable securities and long-term investments are included in earnings and are derived using the specific-identification method. Commission expense is recorded as a reduction of sales proceeds on investment sales. Commission expense on purchases is included in the cost of investments on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Other Than Temporary Impairment
If the Company believes a decline in the market value of any available-for-sale debt security, equity method or held-to-maturity security below cost is other than temporary, a loss is charged to earnings, which establishes a new cost basis for the security. Impairment losses are included in Asset impairment charges in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. SPLP's determination of whether a security is other than temporarily impaired incorporates both quantitative and qualitative information. The Company considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which
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the fair value has been less than cost, the length of time expected for recovery, the financial condition of the issuer, the reason for the decline in fair value, changes in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date, the ability and intent to hold investments to maturity, and other factors specific to the individual investment.
Specifically, for held-to-maturity securities, the Company considers whether it plans to sell the security or it is more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. The credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in earnings and the non-credit component is recognized in AOCI in situations where the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely-than-not that the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery. SPLP's assessment involves a high degree of judgment and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those estimates and judgments.
Trade Receivables, Net
Trade receivables, net, include amounts billed and due from customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts resulting from the inability or unwillingness of customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a combination of factors including management's evaluation of the financial condition of the customer, historical experience, credit quality, whether any amounts are currently past due, the length of time accounts may be past due and management's determination of a customer's current ability to pay its obligations. Trade receivable balances are charged off against the allowance when it is determined that the receivables will not be recovered, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to recovery of accounts written off. The Company believes that the credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to this credit evaluation process. As of December 31, 2022, the top 10 of the Company's largest customer balances accounted for 27% of the Company's trade receivables. The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables was $2,414 and $3,510 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company recorded charges of $525 to the allowance offset by recoveries of $1,621 for the year ended December 31, 2022 and charges of $747 to the allowance offset by recoveries of $605 for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Loans Receivable, Including Loans Held for Sale
WebBank's loan activities include several lending arrangements with companies where it originates credit card and other loans for consumers and small businesses. These loans are classified as Loans receivable and are typically sold after origination. As part of these arrangements, WebBank earns fees that are recorded in non-interest income. Fees earned from these lending arrangements are recorded as fee income. WebBank also purchases participations in commercial and industrial loans through loan syndications. Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses ("ALLL"), and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield over the estimated life of the loan.
Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair market value in the aggregate. A valuation allowance is recorded when cost exceeds fair value based on our determination at the time of reclassification and periodically thereafter. Gains and losses are recorded in noninterest income based on the difference between sales proceeds and carrying value and impairments from reductions in carrying value.
Loans are reported as past due when either principal or interest is due and unpaid for a period of 30 days or more. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent for commercial loans, 120 days for consumer loans and 180 days for small business loans unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.
All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Loan Impairment and Allowance for Loan Losses
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that WebBank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. When a loan has been identified as being impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, when appropriate, the loan's observable fair value
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or the fair value of the collateral (less any selling costs) if the loan is collateral-dependent. If the measurement of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (including accrued interest, net of deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), an impairment is recognized by creating or adjusting an existing allocation of the ALLL, or by charging down the loan to its value determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The ALLL is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when the uncollectability of a loan or receivable balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The ALLL is evaluated on a regular basis and is based upon a periodic review of the collectability of the amounts due in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard or loss. For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience and is adjusted for qualitative factors to cover uncertainties that could affect the estimate of probable losses. The ALLL is increased by charges to income and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). The periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on WebBank's past loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the debtor's ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions.
Inventories
Inventories are generally stated at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out method or average cost method) and net realizable value. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for certain precious metal inventory held in the U.S., and remaining precious metal inventory is primarily carried at fair value. For precious metal inventory, no segregation among raw materials, work in process and finished products is practicable. For other inventory, the cost of work in process and finished products comprises the cost of raw materials, direct labor and overhead costs attributable to the production of inventory.
Non-precious metal inventories are evaluated for estimated excess and obsolescence based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions, and are adjusted accordingly. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected, future write-downs may be required.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill, which is not amortized, represents the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level, and all of the Company’s goodwill is assigned to its reporting units. Reporting units are determined based upon the Company’s organizational structure in place at the date of the goodwill impairment testing and are generally one level below the operating segment level. The Company tests goodwill annually for impairment as of December 1st, and additionally on an interim basis, if events occur or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Examples of such events would include pertinent macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance and other factors. An entity can choose between using a qualitative impairment test often referred to as “Step 0” or a quantitative impairment test often referred to as “Step 1”.
For the Step 0 approach, an entity may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An entity has an unconditional option to bypass the Step 0 assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing a Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the Step 0 assessment in any subsequent period. For the Step 1 approach, which is a quantitative approach, the Company will calculate the fair value of a reporting unit and compare it to its carrying amount. There are several methods that may be used to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, including the income approach, the market approach and/or the cost approach. The amount of impairment, if any, is determined by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge based on the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
For finite-lived intangible assets, the Company evaluates the carrying amount of such assets when circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Conditions that could have an adverse impact on the cash flows and fair value of the long-lived assets are deteriorating business climate, condition of the asset or plans to dispose of the asset before the
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end of its useful life. If the assets' carrying amounts exceed the sum of the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amounts exceeds their fair values. The Company performs such assessments at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities, which is generally at the plant level, operating company level or the reporting unit level, depending on the level of interdependencies in the Company's operations.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are only within the Diversified Industrial segment, are tested for impairment at least annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. Companies can use the same two testing approaches for indefinite-lived intangibles as for goodwill. There were no impairments of goodwill or other intangible assets in 2022 and 2021.
Derivatives
The Company uses various hedging instruments to reduce the impact of changes in precious metal prices and the effect of foreign currency fluctuations. These instruments are recorded as either fair value hedges, economic hedges, cash flow hedges or derivatives with no hedging designation.
Precious Metals
The Company's precious metal and commodity inventories are subject to market price fluctuations. The Company enters into commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations on its precious and certain non-precious metal inventories that are not subject to fixed price contracts. The Company's hedging strategy is designed to protect it against normal volatility; therefore, abnormal price changes in these commodities or markets could negatively impact the Company's earnings.
Fair Value Hedges. The fair values of these derivatives are recognized as derivative assets and liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The net change in fair value of the derivative assets and liabilities, and the change in the fair value of the underlying hedged inventory, are recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations, and such amounts principally offset each other due to the effectiveness of the hedges. The fair value hedges are associated primarily with the Company's precious metal inventory carried at fair value.
Economic Hedges. As these derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges under ASC Topic 815, they are accounted for as derivatives with no hedge designation. The derivatives are marked to market, and both realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in current period earnings in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The economic hedges are associated primarily with the Company's precious metal inventory valued using the LIFO method.
WebBank - Economic Interests in Loans
WebBank's derivative financial instruments represent on-going economic interests in loans made after they are sold. These derivatives are carried at fair value on a gross basis in Other non-current assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and are classified within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 18 - "Fair Value Measurements"). At December 31, 2022, outstanding derivatives mature within 3 to 5 years. Gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value of derivative instruments are accounted for in the Company's consolidated statements of operations in Financial Services revenue. Fair value represents the estimated amounts that WebBank would receive at the reporting date based on a discounted cash flow model for the same or similar instruments. WebBank does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative or trading purposes.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recorded principally on the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range as follows: machinery and equipment 3 to 15 years and buildings and improvements 10 to 30 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the terms of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Interest cost is capitalized for qualifying assets during the assets' acquisition period. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, and renewals and betterments are capitalized. Gains or losses on dispositions is recorded in Other income, net.
The Company tests long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets exceed the sum of the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amounts exceeds their fair
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values, which is generally determined using a discounted cash flow methodology. The Company performs such assessments at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities, which is generally at the plant level, operating company level or the reporting unit level, depending on the level of interdependencies in the Company's operations. The Company considers various factors in determining whether an impairment test is necessary, including among other things: a significant or prolonged deterioration in operating results and projected cash flows; significant changes in the extent or manner in which assets are used; technological advances with respect to assets which would potentially render them obsolete; the Company's strategy and capital planning; and the economic climate in the markets it serves. When estimating future cash flows and if necessary, fair value, the Company makes judgments as to the expected utilization of assets and estimated future cash flows related to those assets. The Company considers historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of planned business and operational strategies and other information available at the time the estimates are made. The Company believes these estimates are reasonable; however, changes in circumstances or conditions could have a significant impact on its estimates, which might result in material impairment charges in the future.
Leases
The Company determines if an agreement qualifies as a lease or contains a lease in the period that the agreement is executed. An agreement is or contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The right to control the use of an asset includes the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the underlying asset and the right to direct how and for what purpose the asset is used.
Right of use ("ROU") assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the reasonably certain lease term. Lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make payments over the life of the lease. A ROU asset and a lease liability are recognized at commencement of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the life of the lease. Since the interest rate implicit in a lease is generally not readily determinable, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents the rate of interest the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar lease term to obtain an asset of similar value. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when the Company is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.
Initial direct costs are included as part of the ROU asset upon commencement of the lease. The Company has applied the practical expedient available for lessees in which lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component for all of our asset classes. An ROU asset and corresponding lease liability are not recorded for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short-term leases), and the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases as incurred over the lease term.
Deferred Debt Issue Costs
Costs to issue debt are capitalized and deferred when incurred and subsequently amortized to interest expense over the expected life of the revolving credit facility. Deferred debt issuance costs for line-of-credit arrangements are presented in the Company's consolidated balance sheets in other assets.
Business Combinations
When the Company acquires a business, it allocates the purchase price to the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests based on their fair values at the acquisition date. Significant judgment may be used to determine these fair values including the use of appraisals, discounted cash flow models, market value for similar purchases or other methods applicable to the circumstances. The assumptions and judgments made by the Company when recording business combinations will have an impact on reported results of operations in the future.
Revenue Recognition
General
The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitment from all parties, the rights and payment terms of the parties can be identified, the contract has commercial substance and the collectability of the consideration, or transaction price, is probable. At the inception of each contract, the Company evaluates the promised goods and services to determine whether the contract should be accounted for as having one or more performance obligations. A performance obligation is a promise to transfer a distinct good or service to a customer and represents the unit of accounting for revenue
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recognition. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
The Company records all shipping and handling fees billed to customers as revenue. The Company has elected to account for shipping and handling activities that are performed after the customer obtains control of a good as activities to fulfill the promise to transfer the good. If revenue is recognized for the related good before the shipping and handling activities occur, the related costs of those shipping and handling activities are accrued.
Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues. The Company does not have any material service-type warranty arrangements. The expected costs associated with the Company's assurance warranties are recognized as expense when the products are sold. The Company does not have any material significant financing arrangements as payment is received shortly after the goods are sold or services are performed. Cash received from customers prior to shipment of goods, or otherwise not yet earned, is recorded as deferred revenue.
The Company determines the transaction for each contract based on the best estimate of the consideration the Company expects to receive, which includes assumptions regarding variable consideration. The Company includes such estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Variable consideration is primarily estimated using the most likely amount method.
Generally, the Company's sales contracts with customers contain only one performance obligation. In certain circumstances, contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines the standalone selling price based on the prices charged to similar customers or by using the expected cost plus margin approach. The Company's performance obligations are generally part of contracts with customers that have a duration of less than one year, and therefore, the Company has not provided disclosures with respect to remaining performance obligations.
The Company recognizes revenue for each performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of the promised goods or services underlying the performance obligation to the customer. The transfer of control can occur over time or at a point in time. Performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time unless they meet at least one of the following criteria, in which case they are satisfied over time:
•The custom simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company's performance as it performs;
•The Company's performance creates or enhances an asset (for example, work in process) that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced; or
•The Company's performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to us and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.
Given the typical duration of the Company's contracts with customers, as noted directly above, is less than one year, the Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses.
For certain of the services that the Company's Diversified Industrial and Energy segments provide, the Company has determined that it has a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance completed to date, and therefore, the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which the entity has a right to invoice when that amount corresponds directly with the value of the Company’s performance to date.
The Company has also entered into rebate agreements with certain customers. These programs are typically structured to incentivize the customers to increase their annual purchases from the Company. The rebates are usually calculated as a percentage of the purchase amount, and such percentages may increase as the customer's level of purchases rise. Rebates are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, accrued rebates payable totaled $21,815 and $15,432, respectively, and are included in Accrued liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
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Diversified Industrial Segment
The Diversified Industrial segment is comprised of manufacturers of engineered niche industrial products. The majority of revenues recognized are for the sale of manufactured goods in the U.S. Other revenue recognized is for repair and maintenance services. Customer contracts are generally short-term in nature and are based on individual customer purchase orders. The terms and conditions of the customer purchase orders are dictated by either the Company's standard terms and conditions or by a master service agreement.
Diversified Industrial revenues related to product sales are recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to the customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods. This condition is usually met at a point-in-time when the product has been shipped to the customer, or in certain circumstances when the product has been delivered to the customer, depending on the terms of the contract. However, revenues for certain custom manufactured goods are recognized over time as the customer order is fulfilled (for example, contracts for sale of custom manufactured goods that do not have an alternative use and for which the Company has an enforceable right to payment). Generally, a cost incurred input method is used to determine the timing of revenue recognition for over time arrangements. Service revenues are primarily recognized in the amount to which the entity has a right to invoice.
Certain customers may receive sales incentives, such as right of return, rebates, volume discounts and early payment discounts, which are accounted for as variable consideration. The Company estimates these amounts based on the expected incentive amount to be provided to customers and reduces revenues, and these estimates are typically constrained. The Company adjusts its estimate of revenue at the earlier of when the expected value or most likely amount of consideration we expect to receive changes or when the consideration becomes fixed.
Diversified Industrials' service revenues are generated primarily by repair and maintenance work performed on equipment used at mass merchants, supermarkets and restaurants. Service revenues are primarily recognized in the amount to which the entity has a right to invoice.
Energy Segment
The Energy segment provides drilling and production services to the oil and gas industry in the U.S. The services provided include well completion and recompletion, well maintenance and workover, flow testing, down hole pumping, plug and abatement, well logging and perforating wireline services. Service revenues are recognized in the amount to which the entity has a right to invoice. Consideration for Energy contracts is generally fixed.
A portion of Energy revenues are service revenues related to Energy's youth sports business. These service revenues are recognized when services are provided to the customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those services. Consideration for the Energy's sports business contracts is generally fixed.
Financial Services Segment
WebBank generates revenue through a combination of interest income and non-interest income. Interest income is derived from interest and fees earned on loans and investments. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield over the estimated life of the loan. Non-interest income is primarily derived from premiums on the sale of loans, loan servicing fees, origination fees earned on certain loans and fee income on contractual lending arrangements.
Concentration of Revenue
No single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's consolidated revenues in 2022 or 2021.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value (see Note 18 - "Fair Value Measurements"). Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair values of assets and liabilities are determined based on a three-level measurement input hierarchy. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are other than quoted market prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for an asset or liability. Level
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2 inputs can include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in a market that is not active for identical assets or liabilities, or other inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability when there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are based on the best information available and may include data developed by the Company.
Pension Plans
The Company sponsors qualified and non-qualified pension and other post-retirement benefit plans covering certain of its current or former employees. In accordance with accounting standards for employee pension benefits, the Company recognizes on a plan-by-plan basis the unfunded status of its pension and post-retirement benefit plans in the consolidated financial statements and measures its pension plan assets and benefit obligations as of December 31. The obligation for the Company's pension and post-retirement benefit plans and the related annual costs of employee benefits are calculated based on several long-term assumptions, including discount rates and expected mortality for employee benefit liabilities, rates of return on plan assets and expected annual rates for salary increases for employee participants.
Equity-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for restricted stock units granted to employees and non-employee directors as compensation expense, which is recognized in exchange for the services received. The compensation expense is based on the fair value of the equity instruments on the grant-date and is recognized as an expense over the service period of the recipients. The Company accounts for forfeitures in the period in which they occur.
Income Taxes
SPLP and certain of its subsidiaries, as limited partnerships, are generally not responsible for federal and state income taxes, and their profits and losses are passed directly to their partners for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. SPLP's subsidiaries that are corporate entities are subject to federal and state income taxes and file corporate income tax returns.
SPLP's subsidiaries that are subject to income taxes use the liability method of accounting for such taxes. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Such subsidiaries evaluate the recoverability of deferred tax assets and establish a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that most positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the Company's consolidated financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is provided for and reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
SPLP's policy is to record estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes as income tax provision in its consolidated statements of operations.
The Company does not release income tax effects from AOCI until the underlying asset or liability to which the income tax relates has been derecognized from the balance sheet or otherwise terminated.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of SPLP's foreign subsidiaries are translated at current exchange rates and related revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the year. Resulting cumulative translation adjustments are
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recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income or loss. Gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the reporting entity are included in earnings.
Legal Contingencies
The Company is subject to litigation, proceedings, claims or assessments and various contingent liabilities incidental to its business or assumed in connection with certain business acquisitions. The Company accrues a charge for a loss contingency when it believe it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If the loss is within a range of specified amounts, the most likely amount is accrued, and the Company accrues the minimum amount in the range if no amount within the range represents a better estimate. Generally, the Company records the loss contingency at the amount we expect to pay to resolve the contingency, and the amount is generally not discounted to the present value. Amounts recoverable under insurance contracts are recorded as assets when recovery is deemed probable. Contingencies that might result in a gain are not recognized until realizable. Changes to the amount of the estimated loss or resolution of one or more contingencies could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Environmental Liabilities
The Company accrues for losses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study.
Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. ASU 2018-14 modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans. The Company adopted ASU 2018-14 on December 31, 2021 and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments-Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. ASU 2020-01 clarifies the interaction between accounting standards related to equity securities, equity method investments and certain derivatives, and is expected to reduce diversity in practice and increase comparability of the accounting for these interactions. The Company adopted ASU 2020-01 on January 1, 2021 and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Effective
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The new standard clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security should not be considered in measuring the fair value of the security. The new standard also requires certain disclosures related to equity securities with contractual sale restrictions. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The standard should be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This new standard changes the impairment model for most financial assets that are measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade receivables, from an incurred loss model to an expected loss model and adds certain new required disclosures. Under the expected loss model, entities will recognize estimated credit losses over the entire contractual term of the instrument rather than delaying recognition of credit losses until it is probable the loss has been incurred. The guidance will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2023, due to the fact that the Company was classified as a smaller reporting company defined by the SEC at the time the rule was effective for public business entities. The guidance will be applied on a modified-retrospective basis, with any cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to
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retained earnings on the adoption date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-13 on trade receivables and other financial assets of its Diversified Industrial and Energy segments, but based upon its preliminary assessment the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact. The Company's Financial Services segment anticipates adoption of the new guidance will result in an increase of $5,248 to its Allowance for Loan Losses and a decrease of $3,862, net of tax cumulative effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings based on the Bank's portfolio composition as of December 31, 2022, and the current economic environment.
3. REVENUES
Disaggregation of Revenues
Revenues are disaggregated at the Company's segment level since the segment categories depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows are affected by economic factors. For additional details related to the Company's reportable segments see Note 21 - "Segment Information."
The following table presents the Company's revenues disaggregated by geography for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company's revenues are primarily derived domestically. Foreign revenues are based on the country in which the legal subsidiary generating the revenue is domiciled. Revenue from any single foreign country was not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| United States | $ | 1,613,438 | $ | 1,434,622 | |||||||
| Foreign | 82,003 | 90,274 | |||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 1,695,441 | $ | 1,524,896 | |||||||
Contract Balances
Differences in the timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections result in billed trade receivables, unbilled receivables (contract assets) and deferred revenue (contract liabilities) on the consolidated balance sheets.
Contract Assets
Unbilled receivables arise when the timing of billings to customers differs from the timing of revenue recognition, such as when the Company recognizes revenue over time before a customer can be billed. Contract assets are classified as Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The balances of contract assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 were $11,937 and $12,014, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company's return assets account was not material.
Contract Liabilities
The Company records deferred revenues when cash payments are received or due in advance of the Company's performance, including amounts that are refundable, which are recorded as contract liabilities. Contract liabilities are classified as Other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets based on the timing of when the Company expects to recognize revenue.
| Contract Liabilities | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 3,396 | |||
| Deferral of revenue | 10,894 | ||||
| Recognition of unearned revenue | (9,910) | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 4,380 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 7,707 | |||
| Deferral of revenue | 8,977 | ||||
| Recognition of unearned revenue | (13,288) | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 3,396 | |||
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4. LEASES
The Company has operating and finance leases for operating plants, warehouses, corporate offices, housing facilities, vehicles and equipment. The Company's leases have remaining lease terms of up to 18 years.
The components of lease cost are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Operating lease cost | $ | 9,669 | $ | 10,446 | |||||||
| Short-term lease cost | $ | 792 | $ | 632 | |||||||
| Finance lease cost: | |||||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | $ | 1,521 | $ | 1,323 | |||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | 220 | 256 | |||||||||
| Total finance lease cost | $ | 1,741 | $ | 1,579 | |||||||
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 10,110 | $ | 12,296 | |||||||
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | $ | 216 | $ | 256 | |||||||
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | $ | 1,995 | $ | 1,766 | |||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | $ | 19,567 | $ | 20,340 | |||||||
| Finance leases | $ | 1,863 | $ | 239 | |||||||
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet | |||||||||||||||
| Operating leases | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | 42,711 | $ | 36,636 | Operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||
| Current operating lease liabilities | $ | 7,733 | $ | 9,364 | |||||||||||||
| Non-current operating lease liabilities | 35,512 | 27,511 | Long-term operating lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Total operating lease liabilities | $ | 43,245 | $ | 36,875 | |||||||||||||
| Finance leases | |||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease assets | $ | 7,296 | $ | 6,688 | |||||||||||||
| Current finance lease liabilities | $ | 2,111 | $ | 590 | |||||||||||||
| Non-current finance lease liabilities | 3,125 | 3,661 | |||||||||||||||
| Total finance lease liabilities | $ | 5,236 | $ | 4,251 | |||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | 7.30 years | 6.25 years | |||||||||
| Finance leases | 2.85 years | 3.41 years | |||||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | 4.52 | % | 3.35 | % | |||||||
| Finance leases | 4.10 | % | 4.15 | % | |||||||
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Maturities of lease liabilities, as of December 31, 2022, are as follows:
| Operating Leases | Finance Leases | ||||||||||
| 2023 | $ | 9,335 | $ | 2,284 | |||||||
| 2024 | 8,390 | 1,757 | |||||||||
| 2025 | 6,897 | 991 | |||||||||
| 2026 | 5,419 | 480 | |||||||||
| 2027 | 4,901 | 34 | |||||||||
| Thereafter | 18,253 | 9 | |||||||||
| Total lease payments | 53,195 | 5,555 | |||||||||
| Present value of current lease liabilities | 7,733 | 2,111 | |||||||||
| Present value of long-term lease liabilities | 35,512 | 3,125 | |||||||||
| Total present value of lease liabilities | 43,245 | 5,236 | |||||||||
| Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows | $ | 9,950 | $ | 319 | |||||||
5. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
WebBank Acquisition of Security Premium Finance
On August 2, 2022, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, WebBank, completed the acquisition of Security Premium Finance Company, LLC ("Security Premium Finance"), based in Coral Gables, Florida for a total purchase price of $47,280 which was financed with cash on hand. The purchase price contains a profit share interest valued at approximately $1,440, of which $190 was unpaid as of December 31, 2022. Security Premium Finance provides insurance premium financing services for commercial and consumer clients to purchase property and casualty insurance products. Security Premium Finance is included with WebBank in the Company's Financial Services segment. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded premium finance receivables, other intangible assets and goodwill associated with the acquisition, totaling approximately $43,124, $1,370 and $2,959, respectively, as well as other assets and liabilities. Other intangible assets primarily consist of agent relationships. The goodwill from the acquisition consists largely of the synergies expected from combining the operations of the two businesses. The goodwill of $2,959 is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
The fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed are subject to change within the one-year measurement period. We obtained information to determine the fair values of the net assets acquired at the acquisition date during the measurement period. Since the initial valuation reflected in our financial results as of September 30, 2022, we have adjusted the estimated fair value for certain premium finance receivables and intangible assets based on updated information obtained during the measurement period. The adjusted purchase price allocation primarily resulted in the recognition of $11,797 of certain incremental premium finance receivables originated during the period August 2022 to November 2022, as provided for in the purchase agreement. The final purchase price and purchase price allocation, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023, will be based on final appraisals and other analysis of fair values of acquired assets and liabilities. The Company does not expect that differences between the preliminary and final purchase price allocation will have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position. The results of operations of the acquired business are reported within the Company's Financial Services segment.
2022 Noncontrolling Interest Acquisition
On January 7, 2022, the Company entered into stock purchase agreements with certain stockholders of iGo, Inc. ("iGo") to purchase such stockholders' shares of iGo common stock at $5.50 per share in cash. Following the acquisition of such shares, the Company owned more than 90% of iGo's outstanding shares. On January 14, 2022, iGo merged with a subsidiary of the Company ("Merger") without a vote or meeting of iGo's stockholders pursuant to the short-form merger provisions under the Delaware General Corporation Law. All remaining shares of iGo common stock not owned by the Company immediately prior to the Merger were converted into the right to receive $5.50 per share in cash, and the Company acquired all iGo shares it previously did not own for approximately $8,606. Upon completion of the Merger, iGo became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
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2022 Investment in Nonconsolidated Affiliate
On April 1, 2022, the Company acquired an interest in PCS-Mosaic Co-Invest L.P. ("PCS-Mosaic"), a private investment fund for a purchase price of approximately $23,600. The fund is primarily invested in specialized software development and training services. The Company accounts for its investment as an equity method investment as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest. The Company has not elected the fair value option to account for PCS-Mosaic which will be carried at cost, plus or minus the Company's share of net earnings or losses of the investment, subject to certain other adjustments. The Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investment is included in Income of associated companies, net of taxes, on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Dividends received from the investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from PCS-Mosaic, the Company will record its share of net earnings or losses on a three month lag basis.
2022 Divestiture of SLPE Business
On April 25, 2022, the Company completed the sale of its subsidiary, SL Power Electronics Corporation ("SLPE"), to AEI US Subsidiary LLC, a subsidiary of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. for a sales price of $144,500, consisting entirely of cash, subject to customary closing net working capital adjustments. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain from continuing operations of $86,507 which is presented in Gains from sales of businesses in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. SLPE designed, manufactured, and marketed power conversion solutions for original equipment manufacturers in the medical, lighting, audio-visual, controls, and industrial sectors and comprised the Company’s Electrical Products business in the Diversified Industrial segment. SLPE recognized net sales of $19,408 and $65,974 and income before taxes of $72 and $5,120 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
2021 Divestiture of Edge Business
On February 1, 2021, the Company completed the sale of its Edge business for a sales price of $16,000. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $8,096 which is presented in Gains from sales of businesses in the consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2021. Edge provided roofing edge products and components utilized in the securement of perimeter roof edges and was part of the Company's OMG business in the Diversified Industrial segment. Edge recognized net sales of $17,534 and operating income of $1,250 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
6. LOANS RECEIVABLE, INCLUDING LOANS HELD FOR SALE
Major classifications of Loans receivable, including loans held for sale, held by WebBank at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
| Total | Current | Non-current | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | % | December 31, 2021 | % | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | $ | 602,675 | $ | 198,632 | $ | 602,675 | $ | 198,632 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate loans | $ | 987 | — | % | $ | 663 | — | % | — | — | 987 | $ | 663 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 857,817 | 87 | % | 779,536 | 91 | % | 472,934 | 293,965 | 384,883 | 485,571 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | 123,204 | 13 | % | 76,067 | 9 | % | 85,826 | 50,857 | 37,378 | 25,210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | 982,008 | 100 | % | 856,266 | 100 | % | 558,760 | 344,822 | 423,248 | 511,444 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses | (29,690) | (13,925) | (29,690) | (13,925) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total loans receivable, net | $ | 952,318 | $ | 842,341 | 529,070 | 330,897 | 423,248 | 511,444 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans receivable, including loans held for sale (a) | $ | 1,131,745 | $ | 529,529 | $ | 423,248 | $ | 511,444 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) The carrying value is considered to be representative of fair value because the rates of interest are not significantly different from market interest rates for instruments with similar maturities. The fair value of loans receivable, including loans held for sale, was $1,548,035 and $1,041,459 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Loans with a carrying value of approximately $323,740 and $167,437 were pledged as collateral for potential borrowings at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. WebBank serviced $2,700 and $2,780 in loans for others at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
WebBank sold loans classified as loans held for sale of $16,249,021 and $10,239,741 during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The sold loans were derecognized from the consolidated balance sheets. Loans
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classified as loans held for sale primarily consist of consumer and small business loans. Amounts added to loans held for sale during the same periods were $16,744,182 and $10,371,109, respectively.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The ALLL represents an estimate of probable and estimable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Losses are charged to the ALLL when incurred. Generally, commercial loans are charged off or charged down when they are determined to be uncollectible in whole or in part. Consumer term loans are charged off at 120 days past due and open-end consumer and small and medium business loans are charged off at 180 days past due unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. The amount of the ALLL is established by analyzing the portfolio at least quarterly, and a provision for or reduction of loan losses is recorded so that the ALLL is at an appropriate level at the balance sheet date. The methodologies used to estimate the ALLL depend upon the impairment status and portfolio segment of the loan. Loan groupings are created for each loan class and are then graded against historical and industry loss rates.
After applying historic loss experience, the quantitatively derived level of ALLL is reviewed for each segment using qualitative criteria. Various risk factors are tracked that influence our judgment regarding the level of the ALLL across the portfolio segments. Primary qualitative factors that may be reflected in the quantitative models include:
•Asset quality trends
•Risk management and loan administration practices
•Portfolio management and controls
•Effect of changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio
•Changes in lending policies and underwriting policies
•Existence and effect of any portfolio concentrations
•National economic business conditions and other macroeconomic adjustments
•Regional and local economic and business conditions
•Data availability and applicability
•Industry monitoring
•Value of underlying collateral
Changes in the level of the ALLL reflect changes in these factors. The magnitude of the impact of each of these factors on the qualitative assessment of the ALLL changes from quarter to quarter according to the extent these factors are already reflected in historic loss rates and according to the extent these factors diverge from one another. Also considered is the uncertainty inherent in the estimation process when evaluating the ALLL. WebBank's ALLL increased $15,765, or 113%, during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in the ALLL during the year ended December 31, 2022 was driven by higher held-to-maturity ("HTM") loan balances, increased Q&E driven by macroeconomic concerns related to high inflation and recessionary pressure.
Changes in the ALLL are summarized as follows:
| Commercial Real Estate Loans | Commercial & Industrial | Consumer Loans | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | $ | 22 | $ | 9,293 | $ | 17,744 | $ | 27,059 | |||||||||||||||
| Charge-offs | — | (8,101) | (9,205) | (17,306) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries | 27 | 2,532 | 1,490 | 4,049 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provision | (26) | 5,481 | (5,332) | 123 | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | 23 | 9,205 | 4,697 | 13,925 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Charge-offs | — | (6,095) | (4,011) | (10,106) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries | 27 | 1,534 | 1,133 | 2,694 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provision | (22) | 13,849 | 9,350 | 23,177 | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | $ | 28 | $ | 18,493 | $ | 11,169 | $ | 29,690 | |||||||||||||||
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The ALLL and outstanding loan balances according to the Company's impairment method are summarized as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | Commercial Real Estate Loans | Commercial & Industrial | Consumer Loans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually evaluated for impairment | $ | 8 | $ | 825 | $ | — | $ | 833 | |||||||||||||||
| Collectively evaluated for impairment | 20 | 17,668 | 11,169 | 28,857 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 28 | $ | 18,493 | $ | 11,169 | $ | 29,690 | |||||||||||||||
| Outstanding loan balances: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually evaluated for impairment | $ | 8 | $ | 4,357 | $ | — | $ | 4,365 | |||||||||||||||
| Collectively evaluated for impairment | 979 | 853,460 | 123,204 | 977,643 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 987 | $ | 857,817 | $ | 123,204 | $ | 982,008 | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | Commercial Real Estate Loans | Commercial & Industrial | Consumer Loans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for loan losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually evaluated for impairment | $ | 9 | $ | 152 | $ | — | $ | 161 | |||||||||||||||
| Collectively evaluated for impairment | 14 | 9,053 | 4,697 | 13,764 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 23 | $ | 9,205 | $ | 4,697 | $ | 13,925 | |||||||||||||||
| Outstanding loan balances: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually evaluated for impairment | $ | 9 | $ | 2,079 | $ | — | $ | 2,088 | |||||||||||||||
| Collectively evaluated for impairment | 654 | 777,457 | 76,067 | 854,178 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 663 | $ | 779,536 | $ | 76,067 | $ | 856,266 | |||||||||||||||
Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans
Commercial and industrial loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest were $11,260 and $3,037 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Consumer loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest were $4,680 and $460 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company had nonaccrual loans of $788 at December 31, 2022. The Company had no nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2021.
Past due loans (accruing and nonaccruing) are summarized as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | Current | 30-89 Days Past Due | 90+ Days Past Due | Total Past Due | Total Loans | Recorded Investment In Accruing Loans 90+ Days Past Due | Nonaccrual Loans That Are Current (a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate loans | $ | 987 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 987 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 832,757 | 13,800 | 11,260 | 25,060 | 857,817 | 11,260 | 788 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | 115,054 | 3,470 | 4,680 | 8,150 | 123,204 | 4,680 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 948,798 | $ | 17,270 | $ | 15,940 | $ | 33,210 | $ | 982,008 | $ | 15,940 | $ | 788 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Represents nonaccrual loans that are not past due more than 30 days; however, full payment of principal and interest is still not expected.
| December 31, 2021 | Current | 30-89 Days Past Due | 90+ Days Past Due | Total Past Due | Total Loans | Recorded Investment In Accruing Loans 90+ Days Past Due | Nonaccrual Loans That Are Current (a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate loans | $ | 663 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 663 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 772,157 | 4,342 | 3,037 | 7,379 | 779,536 | 3,037 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | 74,292 | 1,315 | 460 | 1,775 | 76,067 | 460 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 847,112 | $ | 5,657 | $ | 3,497 | $ | 9,154 | $ | 856,266 | $ | 3,497 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Represents nonaccrual loans that are not past due more than 30 days; however, full payment of principal and interest is still not expected.
Credit Quality Indicators
In addition to the past due and nonaccrual criteria, loans are analyzed using a loan grading system. Generally, internal grades are assigned to commercial loans based on the performance of the loans, financial/statistical models and loan officer judgment. For consumer loans and some commercial and industrial loans, the primary credit quality indicator is payment status.
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Reviews and grading of loans with unpaid principal balances of $100 or more is performed once per year. Grades follow definitions of Pass, Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful, which are consistent with published definitions of regulatory risk classifications. The definitions of Pass, Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful are summarized as follows:
•Pass: An asset in this category is a higher quality asset and does not fit any of the other categories described below. The likelihood of loss is considered remote.
•Special Mention: An asset in this category has a specific weakness or problem but does not currently present a significant risk of loss or default as to any material term of the loan or financing agreement.
•Substandard: An asset in this category has a developing or minor weakness or weaknesses that could result in loss or default if deficiencies are not corrected or adverse conditions arise.
•Doubtful: An asset in this category has an existing weakness or weaknesses that have developed into a serious risk of significant loss or default with regard to a material term of the financing agreement.
Outstanding loan balances (accruing and nonaccruing) categorized by these credit quality indicators are summarized as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | Non - Graded | Pass | Special Mention | Sub- standard | Doubtful | Total Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate loans | $ | — | $ | 979 | $ | — | $ | 8 | $ | — | $ | 987 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 566,419 | 287,041 | — | 3,569 | 788 | 857,817 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | 123,204 | — | — | — | — | 123,204 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 689,623 | $ | 288,020 | $ | — | $ | 3,577 | $ | 788 | $ | 982,008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | Non - Graded | Pass | Special Mention | Sub- standard | Doubtful | Total Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate loans | $ | — | $ | 654 | $ | — | $ | 9 | $ | — | $ | 663 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 308,443 | 465,333 | 3,681 | 2,079 | — | 779,536 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans | 76,067 | — | — | — | — | 76,067 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 384,510 | $ | 465,987 | $ | 3,681 | $ | 2,088 | $ | — | $ | 856,266 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Impaired Loans
Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that WebBank will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. When loans are impaired, an estimate of the amount of the balance that is impaired is made. A specific reserve is assigned to the loan based on the estimated present value of the loan's future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the loan's underlying collateral less the cost to sell. When the impairment is based on the fair value of the loan's underlying collateral, the portion of the balance that is impaired is charged off, such that these loans do not have a specific reserve in the ALLL. Payments received on impaired loans that are accruing are recognized in interest income, in accordance with the contractual loan agreement. WebBank recognized $254 and $135 on impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Payments received on impaired loans that are on nonaccrual are not recognized in interest income, but are applied as a reduction to the principal outstanding. Payments are recognized when cash is received. Information on impaired loans is summarized as follows:
| Recorded Investment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | Unpaid Principal Balance | With No Allowance | With Allowance | Total Recorded Investment | Related Allowance | Average Recorded Investment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate loans | $ | 9 | $ | — | $ | 9 | $ | 9 | $ | 8 | $ | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 4,357 | — | 4,357 | 4,357 | 825 | 4,599 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 4,366 | $ | — | $ | 4,366 | $ | 4,366 | $ | 833 | $ | 4,608 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recorded Investment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | Unpaid Principal Balance | With No Allowance | With Allowance | Total Recorded Investment | Related Allowance | Average Recorded Investment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate loans | $ | 9 | $ | — | $ | 9 | $ | 9 | $ | 9 | $ | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | 2,079 | — | 2,079 | 2,079 | 152 | 2,468 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 2,088 | $ | — | $ | 2,088 | $ | 2,088 | $ | 161 | $ | 2,478 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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During the year ended December 31, 2022, WebBank did not issue new loans under the Small Business Administration's ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP"), authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act. The existing loans were funded by the PPP Liquidity Facility, have terms of between two and five years, and their repayment is guaranteed by the SBA. Payments by borrowers on the loans can begin up to 16 months after the note date, and interest will continue to accrue during the 16-month deferment at 1%. Loans can be forgiven in whole or in part (up to full principal and any accrued interest) if certain criteria are met. Loan processing fees paid to WebBank from the SBA are accounted for as loan origination fees. Net deferred fees are recognized over the life of the loan as yield adjustments on the loans. If a loan is paid off or forgiven by the SBA prior to its maturity date, the remaining unamortized deferred fees will be recognized in interest income at that time. The PPP loans are included in Commercial and industrial loans in the table above.
As of December 31, 2022, the total PPP loans and associated liabilities were $48,656 and $41,682, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the total PPP loans and associated liabilities were $328,713 and $333,963, respectively. The total PPP loans and associated liabilities were included in Long-term loans receivable, net, and Other borrowings, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Bank has received forgiveness payments from the SBA and received payments from borrowers of $3,047,331 comprising 98.4% of its PPP portfolio through December 31, 2022.
The Company is offering loan modifications to assist borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act along with the interagency statement issued by the federal banking agencies provides that loan modifications made in response to COVID-19 do not need to be accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR"). Accordingly, the Company does not account for such loan modifications as TDRs. The Company's loan modifications allow for payment deferrals, payment reduction, settlements amongst others. At December 31, 2022, the Company had granted loan modifications on $2,794 of loans. The program is ongoing and additional loans continue to be granted modifications. The Company granted approximately 4,852 short–term deferments on loan balances of $2,794, which represent 0.28% of total loan balances as of December 31, 2022. These loan modifications are not classified as TDRs and will not be reported as past due provided that they are performing in accordance with the modified terms.
7. INVENTORIES, NET
A summary of Inventories, net is as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Finished products | $ | 57,487 | $ | 48,801 | |||||||
| In-process | 39,300 | 37,024 | |||||||||
| Raw materials | 79,008 | 62,207 | |||||||||
| Fine and fabricated precious metal in various stages of completion | 39,104 | 37,707 | |||||||||
| 214,899 | 185,739 | ||||||||||
| LIFO reserve | (815) | (1,468) | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 214,084 | $ | 184,271 | |||||||
Fine and Fabricated Precious Metal Inventory
In order to produce certain of its products, the Company purchases, maintains and utilizes precious metal inventory. The Company records certain precious metal inventory at the lower of LIFO cost or market value, with any adjustments recorded through Cost of goods sold. Remaining precious metal inventory is accounted for primarily at fair value.
The Company obtains certain precious metals under a fee consignment agreement. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had approximately $29,381 and $30,751, respectively, of precious metals, principally silver, under consignment, which are recorded at fair value in Inventories, net with a corresponding liability for the same amount recorded in Accounts payable on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Fees charged under the consignment agreement are recorded in Interest expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Supplemental inventory information: | |||||||||||
| Precious metals stated at LIFO cost | $ | 6,678 | $ | 3,409 | |||||||
| Precious metals stated under non-LIFO cost methods, primarily at fair value | $ | 31,611 | $ | 32,830 | |||||||
| Market value per ounce: (in whole dollars) | |||||||||||
| Silver | $ | 23.91 | $ | 23.32 | |||||||
| Gold | $ | 1,824.52 | $ | 1,827.90 | |||||||
| Palladium | $ | 1,799.36 | $ | 1,915.07 | |||||||
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8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
A reconciliation of the change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:
| Diversified Industrial | Energy | Financial Services | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross goodwill | $ | 180,347 | $ | 67,143 | $ | 6,515 | $ | 81 | $ | 254,086 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated impairments | (41,278) | (64,790) | — | — | (106,068) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net goodwill | 139,069 | 2,353 | 6,515 | 81 | 148,018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions (a) | — | — | 2,959 | — | 2,959 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divestitures (b) | (25,157) | — | — | — | (25,157) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustments | (7) | — | — | — | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross goodwill | 155,183 | 67,143 | 9,474 | 81 | 231,881 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated impairments | (41,278) | (64,790) | — | — | (106,068) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net goodwill | $ | 113,905 | $ | 2,353 | $ | 9,474 | $ | 81 | $ | 125,813 | |||||||||||||||||||
(a) Related to the acquisition of Security Premium Finance. See Note 5 - "Acquisitions and Divestitures."
(b) Related to the divestiture of the SLPE business. See Note 5 - "Acquisitions and Divestitures."
| Diversified Industrial | Energy | Financial Services | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross goodwill | $ | 183,181 | $ | 67,143 | $ | 6,515 | $ | 81 | $ | 256,920 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated impairments | (41,278) | (64,790) | — | — | (106,068) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net goodwill | 141,903 | 2,353 | 6,515 | 81 | 150,852 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Divestitures (a) | (2,813) | — | — | — | (2,813) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation adjustments | (21) | — | — | — | (21) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross goodwill | 180,347 | 67,143 | 6,515 | 81 | 254,086 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated impairments | (41,278) | (64,790) | — | — | (106,068) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net goodwill | $ | 139,069 | $ | 2,353 | $ | 6,515 | $ | 81 | $ | 148,018 | |||||||||||||||||||
(a) Related to the divestiture of Edge. See Note 5 - "Acquisitions and Divestitures."
For 2022, the Company utilized a quantitative approach for all of its reporting units. The assessment was based on a combination of income and market approaches to estimate the fair value of the reporting units, which indicated that the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. Significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analyses included expected future earnings and cash flows, which are based on management's current expectations, as well as the related risk-adjusted discount rate used to estimate fair value. There were no goodwill impairment charges recorded as a result of these assessments. It is possible in future periods that further declines in market conditions, customer demand or other potential changes in operations may increase the risk that these assets are impaired. At December 31, 2022, the goodwill related to the Electrical Products reporting unit is at risk of future impairment if the fair value of this reporting unit, and its associated assets, decrease in value due to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, decreased customer demand for Electrical Products' services, an inability to execute management’s business strategies, or general market conditions, such as economic downturns, and changes in interest rates, including discount rates. Future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective, and actual results may differ materially from the Company's estimates. If the Company's ongoing cash flow projections are not met or if market factors utilized in the impairment test deteriorate, including an unfavorable change in the terminal growth rate or the weighted-average cost of capital, the Company may have to record impairment charges in future periods. As of December 31, 2022 the Electrical Products reporting unit's fair value exceeded its net book value by 5% and the Electrical Products' reporting unit had goodwill of $46,445.
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A summary of Other intangible assets, net is as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | $ | 191,508 | $ | 132,246 | $ | 59,262 | $ | 212,589 | $ | 134,876 | $ | 77,713 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks, trade names and brand names | 46,601 | 21,755 | 24,846 | 50,477 | 21,516 | 28,961 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developed technology, patents and patent applications | 32,762 | 23,276 | 9,486 | 32,554 | 21,519 | 11,035 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 16,657 | 15,468 | 1,189 | 18,766 | 16,645 | 2,121 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 287,528 | $ | 192,745 | $ | 94,783 | $ | 314,386 | $ | 194,556 | $ | 119,830 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Trademarks with indefinite lives as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 were $11,680 and $11,726, respectively. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $15,361 and $18,466 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows:
| Year Ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | Thereafter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated amortization expense | $ | 14,034 | $ | 13,481 | $ | 12,200 | $ | 10,206 | $ | 9,422 | $ | 23,760 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
A summary of property, plant and equipment, net is as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Land | $ | 22,723 | $ | 20,196 | |||||||
| Buildings and improvements | 101,223 | 96,425 | |||||||||
| Machinery, equipment and other | 453,452 | 441,467 | |||||||||
| Construction in progress | 21,721 | 17,050 | |||||||||
| 599,119 | 575,138 | ||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | (360,609) | (340,162) | |||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 238,510 | $ | 234,976 | |||||||
Depreciation expense was $38,394 and $42,055 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In March 2021, the Joining Materials business sold an idle facility in Toronto, Canada for $6,979. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of the idle facility of $6,646 in Other income, net during the year ended December 31, 2021.
10. INVESTMENTS
The following table summarizes the Company's long-term investments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Ownership % | Long-Term Investments Balance | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (a) | 4.5 | % | 4.9 | % | 201,278 | 184,678 | |||||||||||||||||
Steel Connect, Inc. ("STCN") convertible note (b) | 14,521 | 14,841 | |||||||||||||||||||||
STCN preferred stock (c) | 35,000 | 34,255 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| STCN common stock | 30.0 | % | 30.1 | % | 26,000 | 25,456 | |||||||||||||||||
PCS-Mosaic (d) | 59.0 | % | 23,323 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other long-term investments | 9,575 | 1,850 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 309,697 | $ | 261,080 | |||||||||||||||||||
(a) Gross unrealized gains for Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. ("Aerojet") totaled $191,696 and $173,567 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(b) Represents investment in STCN convertible note, which the Company accounts for under the fair value option with changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company entered into a convertible note with STCN ("STCN Note") on February 28, 2019, which matures on March 1, 2024. The cost basis of the STCN Note totaled $14,943 as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. The STCN Note is convertible into shares of STCN's common stock at an initial conversion rate of 421.2655 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the STCN Note (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $2.37
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per share), subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. The STCN Note, if converted as of December 31, 2022, when combined with STCN common and preferred shares, also if converted, owned by the Company, would result in the Company having a direct interest of approximately 49.9% of STCN's outstanding shares.
(c) Represents investment in shares of STCN preferred stock which the Company accounts for under the fair value option with changes in fair value recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The investment in STCN preferred stock had a cost basis of $35,688 as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. Each share of preferred stock can be converted into shares of STCN's common stock at an initial conversion price equal to $1.96 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.
(d) Represents the Company's investment in PCS-Mosaic as described in Note 5 - Acquisitions and Divestitures.
| (Income) Loss of Associated Companies, Net of Taxes | |||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| STCN convertible notes | $ | 243 | $ | (583) | |||||||
| STCN preferred stock | (563) | (1,374) | |||||||||
| STCN common stock | (4,502) | (9,786) | |||||||||
| Aviat common stock | — | (3,921) | |||||||||
| Other equity method investments | 211 | — | |||||||||
| Total | $ | (4,611) | $ | (15,664) | |||||||
The amount of unrealized gains (losses) that relate to equity securities still held as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities | $ | 34,791 | $ | (24,044) | |||||||
| Less: Net gains recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period | 17,025 | 44 | |||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities still held at the end of the period | $ | 17,766 | $ | (24,088) | |||||||
Equity Method Investments
The Company's investments in associated companies include STCN and PCS-Mosaic, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. STCN is accounted for using the fair value option, however, PCS-Mosaic is carried at cost, plus or minus the Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investment. Associated companies are included in the Corporate and Other segment. Certain associated companies have a fiscal year end that differs from December 31. Additional information for SPLP's significant investments in associated companies is as follows:
•STCN is a publicly-traded holding company, whose wholly-owned subsidiary, ModusLink Corporation, serves the supply chain management market.
•PCS-Mosaic is a private investment fund primarily invested in specialized software development and training services.
Other Investments
WebBank has HTM debt securities which are carried at amortized cost and included in Other non-current assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The amount and contractual maturities of HTM debt securities are noted in the tables below. Actual maturities may differ from expected or contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties. The securities are collateralized by unsecured consumer loans.
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| December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateralized securities | $ | 176,719 | $ | 146 | $ | 176,865 | $ | 176,719 | |||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturities within: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| One year to five years | 169,783 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Five years to ten years | 5,281 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| After ten years | 1,655 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 176,719 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Collateralized securities | $ | 54,932 | $ | 225 | $ | 55,157 | $ | 54,932 | |||||||||||||||
| Contractual maturities within: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| One year to five years | 42,218 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Five years to ten years | 11,199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| After ten years | 1,515 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 54,932 | |||||||||||||||||||||
WebBank regularly evaluates each HTM debt security whose value has declined below amortized cost to assess whether the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. If there is an other-than-temporary impairment in the fair value of any individual security classified as HTM, WebBank writes down the security to fair value with a corresponding credit loss portion charged to earnings, and the non-credit portion charged to AOCI.
11. DEPOSITS
A summary of WebBank deposits is as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Time deposits year of maturity: | |||||||||||
| 2022 | — | 246,291 | |||||||||
| 2023 | 1,080,904 | 224,150 | |||||||||
| 2024 | 197,664 | 153,585 | |||||||||
| 2025 | 10,340 | — | |||||||||
| Total time deposits | 1,288,908 | 624,026 | |||||||||
| Savings deposits | 279,573 | 200,861 | |||||||||
Total deposits (a) | $ | 1,568,481 | $ | 824,887 | |||||||
| Current | $ | 1,360,477 | $ | 447,152 | |||||||
| Long-term | 208,004 | 377,735 | |||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 1,568,481 | $ | 824,887 | |||||||
(a) WebBank has $1,057 of time deposits with balances greater than $250. The carrying value is considered to be representative of fair value because the rates of interest are not significantly different from market interest rates for instruments with similar maturities. The fair value of deposits was $1,566,699 and $827,073 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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12. DEBT
The components of debt and a reconciliation to the carrying amount of long-term debt is presented in the table below:
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Short-term debt: | |||||||||||
| Domestic | — | — | |||||||||
| Foreign | $ | 685 | $ | 100 | |||||||
| Short-term debt | 685 | 100 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt: | |||||||||||
| Credit Agreement | 178,650 | 269,850 | |||||||||
| Other debt - foreign | — | — | |||||||||
| Other debt - domestic | 989 | 1,071 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 179,639 | 270,921 | |||||||||
| Less portion due within one year | 67 | 1,071 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 179,572 | 269,850 | |||||||||
| Total debt | $ | 180,324 | $ | 271,021 | |||||||
Long-term debt as of December 31, 2022 matures in each of the next five years as follows:
| Total | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | $ | 179,639 | $ | 67 | $ | 67 | $ | 67 | $ | 178,717 | $ | 721 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2022, the Company's senior credit agreement, as amended and restated ("Credit Agreement"), covers substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries, with the exception of WebBank, and provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $600,000 (the “Revolving Credit Loans”), which includes a $50,000 subfacility for swing line loans, a $50,000 subfacility for standby letters of credit and a foreign currency sublimit (available in euros and pounds sterling) equal to the lesser of $75,000 and the total amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment. The Credit Agreement permits, under certain circumstances, to increase the aggregate principal amount of revolving credit commitments under the Credit Agreement by $300,000 plus additional amounts so long as the Leverage Ratio would not exceed 3.50:1. Borrowings bear interest, at annual rates of either Base Rate, SOFR Rate or Term RFR, at the borrowers’ option, plus an applicable margin, as set forth in the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2022, the Credit Agreement also provides for a commitment fee of 0.150% to be paid on unused borrowings.
The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants, including: (i) a Leverage Ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 for quarterly periods as of the end of each fiscal quarter; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, following a Material Acquisition, Borrowers shall not permit the Leverage Ratio, calculated as of the end of each of the four (4) fiscal quarters immediately following such Material Acquisition (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall commence with the fiscal quarter in which such Material Acquisition is consummated), to exceed 4.50 to 1.00 and (ii) an Interest Coverage Ratio, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter, not less than 3.00 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement also contains standard representations, warranties and covenants for a transaction of this nature, including, among other things, covenants relating to: (i) financial reporting and notification; (ii) payment of obligations; (iii) compliance with law; (iv) maintenance of insurance; and (v) maintenance of properties. As of December 31, 2022 the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Agreement. The Company believes it will remain in compliance with the Credit Agreements covenants for the next twelve months. The Credit Agreement will expire on December 29, 2026.
The weighted average interest rate on the Credit Agreement was 5.63% at December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, letters of credit totaling $10,640 had been issued under the Credit Agreement. The primary use of the Company's letters of credit are to support the performance and financial obligations for environmental matters, insurance programs and real estate leases. The Credit Agreement permits the Company to borrow for the dividends on its preferred units, pension contributions, investments, acquisitions and other general corporate expenses. Based on financial results as of December 31, 2022, the Company's total availability under the Credit Agreement, which is based upon Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and certain covenants as described in the Credit Agreement, was approximately $410,700 as of December 31, 2022.
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
WebBank - Economic Interests in Loans
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WebBank's derivative financial instruments represent on-going economic interests in loans made after they are sold. These derivatives are carried at fair value on a gross basis in Other non-current assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and are classified within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 18 - "Fair Value Measurements"). As of December 31, 2022, outstanding derivatives mature within 3 to 5 years. Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are accounted for in the Company's consolidated statements of operations in Financial Services revenue. Fair value represents the estimated amounts that WebBank would receive or pay to terminate the contracts at the reporting date based on a discounted cash flow model for the same or similar instruments. WebBank does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative or trading purposes.
Precious Metal and Commodity Inventories
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had the following outstanding forward contracts with settlement dates through January 2023. There were no futures contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
| Commodity | Amount (in whole units) | Notional Value | |||||||||
| Silver | 86,155 ounces | $ | 2,001 | ||||||||
| Gold | 904 ounces | $ | 1,627 | ||||||||
| Palladium | 1,937 ounces | $ | 3,351 | ||||||||
| Copper | 257,000 pounds | $ | 950 | ||||||||
| Tin | 13 metric tons | $ | 324 | ||||||||
Fair Value Hedges: Certain forward contracts are accounted for as fair value hedges under ASC Topic 815 for the Company's precious metal inventory carried at fair value. These contracts hedge 61,423 ounces (in whole units) of silver and a majority of the Company's pounds of copper. The fair value of these derivatives are recognized as derivative assets and liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The net changes in fair value of the derivative assets and liabilities, and the changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged inventory, are recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations, and such amounts principally offset each other due to the effectiveness of the hedges.
Economic Hedges: The remaining outstanding forward contracts for silver, and all the contracts for gold, palladium and tin, are accounted for as economic hedges. As these derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges under ASC Topic 815, they are accounted for as derivatives with no hedge designation. The derivatives are marked to market with gains and losses recorded in earnings in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The economic hedges are associated primarily with the Company's precious metal inventory valued using the LIFO method.
The forward contracts were made with a counterparty rated Aa2 by Moody's. Accordingly, the Company has determined that there is minimal credit risk of default. Management evaluated counterparty risk and believes that there is minimal credit risk of default. The Company estimates the fair value of its derivative contracts based on the counterparty's statement. The Company maintains collateral on account with the third-party broker which varies in amount depending on the value of open contracts and the current market price.
The fair value and carrying amount of derivative instruments on the Company's consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
| Fair Value of Derivative Assets (Liabilities) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives designated as ASC Topic 815 hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Accrued liabilities | $ | (70) | Accrued liabilities | $ | (53) | |||||||||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as ASC Topic 815 hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts | Accrued liabilities | $ | (177) | Accrued liabilities | $ | (349) | |||||||||||||||||
| Economic interests in loans | Other non-current assets | $ | 5,728 | Other non-current assets | $ | 6,483 | |||||||||||||||||
The effects of fair value and cash flow hedge accounting in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are not material.
The effects of derivatives not designated as ASC Topic 815 hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
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| Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts | $ | 521 | $ | (203) | ||||||||||||||||
| Economic interests in loans | 5,294 | 4,862 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total derivatives | $ | 5,815 | $ | 4,659 | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
WebBank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. In the normal course of business, these financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of loans as part of WebBank's lending arrangements. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets. The contractual amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement WebBank has in particular classes of financial instruments.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, WebBank's undisbursed loan commitments totaled $606,537 and $218,090, respectively. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a borrower who meets the lending criteria through one of WebBank's lending agreements, provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract with the counterparty to the lending arrangement.
Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since certain of the commitments are expected to expire without the credit being extended, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. WebBank evaluates each prospective borrower's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by WebBank upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the borrower and WebBank's counterparty.
WebBank's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. WebBank uses the same credit policy in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
14. PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company's significant pension plans include two defined benefit pension plans. The WHX Pension Plan II ("WHX Plan II") is sponsored by the Company's subsidiary, Handy & Harman Ltd. ("HNH"). HNH's subsidiary, JPS Industries Holdings LLC ("JPS"), sponsors the Retirement Pension Plan for Employees of JPS Industries Holdings LLC ("JPS Pension Plan"). All future benefit accruals under the WHX Plan and JPS Pension Plan were frozen as of December 31, 2015, or such earlier effective dates as were applicable to each respective group. The Company's other pension and post-retirement benefit plans are not significant individually or in the aggregate.
Immediately prior to March 31, 2022, HNH sponsored both the WHX & API Foils Pension Plan ("WHX & API Plan") and the WHX II Plan. Effective March 31, 2022, the WHX & API Plan merged into the WHX II Plan, and all participants of both former plans are now participants of the WHX II Plan, which is the surviving merged plan. The merger of the two plans did not have any impact to the participants.
For the WHX II Plan and the JPS Pension Plan, net actuarial losses are being amortized over the average future lifetime of the participants in each plan's population. The Company believes that use of the future lifetime of the participants is appropriate because the plans are inactive.
The following table presents the components of net pension (income) expense for the Company's pension plans:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Interest cost | $ | 9,541 | $ | 7,516 | |||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (25,342) | (25,288) | |||||||||
| Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service credit | 8,560 | 11,804 | |||||||||
| Settlement | — | 1,863 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | (7,241) | $ | (4,105) | |||||||
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Pension (income) expense is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Effective December 31, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement to convert a participating deposit administration group annuity contract to a fully settled contract for certain retirees in the JPS Pension Plan resulting in a settlement charge of $1,863 for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Actuarial assumptions used to develop the components of pension expense were as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate | 2.54 | % | 2.15 | % | |||||||
| Weighted-average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 6.50 | % | 6.50 | % | |||||||
Summarized below is a reconciliation of the funded status for the Company's qualified defined benefit pension plans:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Change in benefit obligation: | |||||||||||
| Benefit obligation at January 1 | $ | 484,030 | $ | 541,908 | |||||||
| Interest cost | 9,541 | 7,516 | |||||||||
| Actuarial (gain) loss | (84,651) | (15,199) | |||||||||
| Settlement | — | (12,257) | |||||||||
| Benefits paid | (36,288) | (37,938) | |||||||||
| Benefit obligation at December 31 | 372,632 | 484,030 | |||||||||
| Change in plan assets: | |||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets at January 1 | 405,604 | 362,627 | |||||||||
| Actual returns on plan assets | (90,375) | 51,729 | |||||||||
| Benefits paid | (36,288) | (37,938) | |||||||||
| Company contributions | 12,437 | 41,443 | |||||||||
| Settlement | — | (12,257) | |||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets at December 31 | 291,378 | 405,604 | |||||||||
| Funded status | $ | (81,254) | $ | (78,426) | |||||||
| Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets: | |||||||||||
| Non-current liability | $ | (81,254) | $ | (78,426) | |||||||
| Total | $ | (81,254) | $ | (78,426) | |||||||
The table below summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate | 5.27 | % | 2.63 | % | |||||||
Pretax amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Net actuarial loss | $ | 206,505 | $ | 183,999 | |||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | 206,505 | $ | 183,999 | |||||||
Other pretax changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Current year actuarial loss | $ | 31,066 | $ | (45,546) | |||||||
| Amortization of actuarial loss | (8,560) | (13,666) | |||||||||
| Settlement (gain)/loss | — | 3,906 | |||||||||
| Total recognized in comprehensive (loss) income | $ | 22,506 | $ | (55,306) | |||||||
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Benefit obligations were in excess of plan assets at both December 31, 2022 and 2021. Additional information for the plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Projected benefit obligation | $ | 372,632 | $ | 484,030 | |||||||
| Accumulated benefit obligation | $ | 372,632 | $ | 484,030 | |||||||
| Fair value of plan assets | $ | 291,378 | $ | 405,604 | |||||||
In determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company evaluated input from various investment professionals. In addition, the Company considered its historical compound returns, as well as the Company's forward-looking expectations. The Company determines its actuarial assumptions for its pension plans each year to calculate liability information as of December 31, and pension expense or income for the following year. The discount rate assumption is derived from the rate of return on high-quality bonds as of December 31 of each year.
The Company's investment policy is to maximize the total rate of return with a view to long-term funding objectives of the pension plans to ensure that funds are available to meet benefit obligations when due. Pension plan assets are diversified to the extent necessary to minimize risk and to achieve an optimal balance between risk and return. Target asset allocation ranges are identified in the Steel Partners Pension Investment Committee Investment Policy Statement, as reviewed and updated from time to time. Pension plans' assets are diversified as to type of assets, investment strategies employed and number of investment managers used. Investments may include equities, fixed income, cash equivalents, convertible securities and private investment funds. Derivatives may be used as part of the investment strategy. The Company may direct the transfer of assets between investment managers in order to rebalance the portfolio in accordance with asset allocation guidelines established by the Steel Partners Pension Investment Committee.
The table below presents the fair value of the Company's plan assets by asset category segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy, as follows:
Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset Class | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. and international mid-cap | $ | 38,925 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 38,925 | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. and international large-cap | 59,881 | — | — | 59,881 | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. and international small-cap | 9,581 | — | — | 9,581 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income securities | 988 | — | — | 988 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage backed securities | — | 8,727 | — | 8,727 | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government debt securities | — | 4,369 | — | 4,369 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds and loans | 4,058 | 20,817 | — | 24,875 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible promissory notes | — | — | 2,643 | 2,643 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | $ | 113,433 | $ | 33,913 | $ | 2,643 | 149,989 | ||||||||||||||||
Pension assets measured at net asset value (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedge funds and hedge fund-related strategies | 94,668 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private equity | 43,416 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total pension assets measured at net asset value | 138,084 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 4,725 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net payables | (1,420) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total pension assets | $ | 291,378 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset Class | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. mid-cap | $ | 54,492 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 54,492 | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. and international large-cap | 105,685 | — | — | 105,685 | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. small-cap | 14,653 | — | — | 14,653 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed income securities | 1,732 | — | — | 1,732 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage and other asset-backed securities | — | 10,831 | — | 10,831 | |||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government debt securities | — | 14,918 | — | 14,918 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds and loans | 6,106 | 23,041 | — | 29,147 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible promissory notes | — | 129 | 2,500 | 2,629 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal | $ | 182,668 | $ | 48,919 | $ | 2,500 | 234,087 | ||||||||||||||||
Pension assets measured at net asset value (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedge funds and hedge fund-related strategies | 120,099 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private equity | 38,278 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total pension assets measured at net asset value | 158,377 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 16,827 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net payables | (3,687) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total pension assets | $ | 405,604 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
During 2022, the changes to the pension plans' Level 3 assets were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2022 | Convertible Promissory Notes | Stock Warrants | Private Company Common Stock | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2022 | $ | 2,500 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Gains or losses included in changes in net assets | 143 | — | — | 143 | |||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 2,643 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,643 | |||||||||||||||
During 2021, the changes to the pension plans' Level 3 assets were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2021 | Convertible Promissory Notes | Stock Warrants | Private Company Common Stock | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2021 | $ | 10,330 | $ | 1,033 | $ | 1,400 | $ | 12,763 | |||||||||||||||
| Gains or losses included in changes in net assets | (2,681) | (1,033) | (1,400) | (5,114) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | (5,149) | — | — | (5,149) | |||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance as of December 31, 2021 | $ | 2,500 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,500 | |||||||||||||||
The Company's policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 as of the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. During 2022 and 2021, there was no transfer in or transfer out of Level 3.
The following tables present the category, fair value, unfunded commitments, redemption frequency and redemption notice period of those assets for which fair value was estimated using the net asset value per share (or its equivalents), as well as plan assets which have redemption notice periods, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
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| Class Name | Fair Value December 31, 2022 | Unfunded Commitments | Redemption Frequency | Redemption Notice Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedge funds | $ | 94,668 | $ | — | (1) | 60 - 180 days | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Private equity | 43,416 | 17,668 | (2) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class Name | Fair Value December 31, 2021 | Unfunded Commitments | Redemption Frequency | Redemption Notice Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hedge funds | $ | 120,099 | $ | — | (1) | 60 - 180 days | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Private equity | 38,278 | 27,802 | (2) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Various. Includes funds with monthly, quarterly and annual redemption frequencies, redemption windows of 1 to 5 years following the anniversary of the initial investments, limited redemptions of 25% per quarter to 20% per annum, as well as subject to 10% holdback.
(2) Voluntary withdrawals are not permitted. The funds have various durations from 3 to 11 years.
Hedge Funds and Hedge Fund-Related Strategies. The strategies include U.S. and international equity, event driven, value driven and long-term capital growth.
Private Equity. The strategies include growth and value oriented private companies and investment funds, as well as asset and revenue based lending.
Contributions
Employer contributions consist of funds paid from employer assets into a qualified pension trust account. The Company's funding policy is to contribute annually an amount that satisfies the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
For the year ending December 31, 2023, the minimum required contribution to the Company's pension plans is approximately $5,720. Required future pension contributions are estimated based upon assumptions such as discount rates on future obligations, assumed rates of return on plan assets and legislative changes. Actual future pension costs and required funding obligations will be affected by changes in the factors and assumptions described in the previous sentence, including the impact of declines in pension plan assets and interest rates, as well as other changes such as any plan termination or other acceleration events.
Benefit Payments
Estimated future benefit payments for the pension plans are as follows:
| Years | Pension Benefit Payments | ||||
| 2023 | $ | 38,366 | |||
| 2024 | 37,665 | ||||
| 2025 | 36,435 | ||||
| 2026 | 35,191 | ||||
| 2027 | 33,836 | ||||
| 2027-2031 | 147,016 | ||||
15. CAPITAL AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had 21,605,093 Class A units (regular common units) outstanding.
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Common Unit Repurchase Program
The Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 7,770,240 of the Company's common units (the "Repurchase Program"). The Repurchase Program, which was announced on December 7, 2016, supersedes and cancels, to the extent any amounts remain available, all previously approved repurchase programs. Any purchases made under the Repurchase Program will be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices or in negotiated transactions off the market, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In connection with the Repurchase Program, the Company may enter into a stock purchase plan. The Repurchase Program has no termination date. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company purchased 1,093,747 common units for an aggregate purchase price of $44,973. From the inception of the Repurchase Program until December 31, 2022 the Company had purchased 7,345,992 common units for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $144,358. As of December 31, 2022, there remained 424,248 units that may yet be purchased under the Repurchase Program.
Incentive Award Plan
The Company's 2018 Incentive Award Plan (the "2018 Plan") provides equity-based compensation through the grant of options to purchase the Company's limited partnership units, unit appreciation rights, restricted units, phantom units, substitute awards, performance awards, other unit-based awards, and includes, as appropriate, any tandem distribution equivalent rights granted with respect to an award (collectively, the "LP Units"). On May 18, 2020, the Company's unitholders approved the Amended and Restated 2018 Incentive Award Plan (the "Second A&R 2018 Plan"), which increased the number of LP Units issuable under the 2018 Plan by 500,000 to a total of 1,000,000 LP Units. On June 9, 2021, the Company's unitholders approved the Second Amended and Restated 2018 Incentive Award Plan, which increased the number of LP Units issuable under the 2018 Plan by 1,000,000 to a total of 2,000,000 LP Units. The Company granted 44,352 restricted units under the Second A&R 2018 Plan during the year ended December 31, 2022. Such LP Units were valued based upon the market value of the Company's LP Units on the date of grant, and collectively represent approximately $1,484 of unearned compensation that will be recognized as expense ratably over the vesting period of the units. The grants have cliff vesting periods that range from to three years from the date of grant. As of December 31, 2022, total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted units were $1,640 and are expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 1.6 years.
Preferred Units
The Company's 6.0% Series A preferred units, no par value (the "SPLP Preferred Units") entitle the holders to a cumulative quarterly cash or in-kind (or a combination thereof) distribution. The Company declared cash distributions of approximately $9,633 to preferred unitholders for both the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The SPLP Preferred Units have a term of nine years, ending February 2026, and are redeemable at any time at the Company's option at a $25 liquidation value per unit, plus any accrued and unpaid distributions (payable in cash or SPLP common units, or a combination of both, at the Company's discretion). If redeemed in common units, the number of common units to be issued will be equal to the liquidation value per unit divided by the volume weighted-average price of the common units for 60 days prior to the redemption.
The SPLP Preferred Units have no voting rights, except that holders of the preferred units have certain voting rights in limited circumstances relating to the election of directors following the failure to pay six quarterly distributions. The SPLP Preferred Units are recorded as non-current liabilities, including accrued interest expense, on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 because they have an unconditional obligation to be redeemed for cash or by issuing a variable number of SPLP common units for a monetary value that is fixed and known at inception. Because the SPLP Preferred Units are classified as liabilities, distributions thereon are recorded as a component of Interest expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were 6,422,128 SPLP Preferred Units outstanding.
Incentive Unit Awards
In 2012, SPLP issued to the Manager partnership profits interests in the form of Incentive Units which entitle the holder generally to share in 15% of the increase in the equity value of the Company, based on the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common units for the 20 trading days prior to the year-end measurement date. In 2015, the Manager assigned its rights to Incentive Units to a related party, SPH SPV-I LLC. Vesting in Incentive Units is measured annually on the last day of the Company’s fiscal year and is based upon exceeding a baseline equity value per common unit which was $39.26 and was determined when the most recent award vested on December 31, 2021. The number of outstanding Incentive Units is equal to 100% of the common units outstanding, including common units held by non-wholly-owned subsidiaries. The measurement date equity value per common unit is determined by calculating the volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of the Company’s
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common units for 20 trading days prior to a measurement date. If an Incentive Unit award vests as of an annual measurement date they will be issued as Class C units. As of the annual measurement date on December 31, 2022, 200,253 Incentive Units vested as the Company’s VWAP exceeded the baseline equity value of $39.26, and upon vesting, were classified as Class C units. Following their issuance, the Incentive Units will automatically convert to common units at a future date (as discussed below). The Incentive Unit award was granted in 2012 for accounting purposes and expense was recognized over the derived service period; therefore, no expense will be recognized for future issuances or vesting of Incentive Unit Awards.
Upon vesting in Incentive Units, the baseline equity value will be recalculated as the new baseline equity value to be assessed at the next annual measurement date. As of December 31, 2022, the number of Incentive Units for future vesting in awards was 21,805,346 which is the sum of 21,605,093 common units outstanding and 200,253 vested Incentive Units as of year end. As of December 31, 2022, the baseline equity value per common unit was calculated as $41.82 due to vesting of Incentive Units. If the baseline equity value is not exceeded as of an annual measurement date, then no portion of annual Incentive Units will be classified as Class C common units for that year and the baseline equity value per common unit will be the same amount as determined upon the prior vesting. The Class C units have the same rights as the LP Units, including, without limitation, with respect to partnership distributions and allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction, in all respects, except that liquidating distributions made by the Company to such holder may not exceed the amount of its capital account allocable to such Class C units and such Class C units may not be sold in the public market, until they have converted into LP Units. At such time that the amount of the capital account allocable to a Class C unit is equal to the amount of the capital account allocable to an LP Unit, such Class C unit shall convert automatically into an LP Unit.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes, net of tax, where applicable, in AOCI are as follows:
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities | Cumulative translation adjustments | Change in net pension and other benefit obligations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | (274) | $ | (12,828) | $ | (159,547) | $ | (172,649) | |||||||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common unitholders (a) | 182 | (1,133) | 41,797 | 40,846 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | (92) | $ | (13,961) | $ | (117,750) | $ | (131,803) | |||||||||||||||
Net other comprehensive loss attributable to common unitholders (a) | — | (3,152) | (16,919) | $ | (20,071) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | (92) | $ | (17,113) | $ | (134,669) | $ | (151,874) | |||||||||||||||
(a) Net of tax benefit of approximately $5,175 and $13,370 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, principally related to changes in pension liabilities and other post-retirement benefit obligations.
16. INCOME TAXES
Details of the Company's tax provision (benefit) are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Income before income taxes and equity method investments | |||||||||||
| Domestic | $ | 271,086 | $ | 190,570 | |||||||
| Foreign | 4,412 | 10,295 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 275,498 | $ | 200,865 | |||||||
| Income taxes: | |||||||||||
| Current: | |||||||||||
| Federal | $ | 11,967 | $ | 2,229 | |||||||
| State | 10,673 | 6,502 | |||||||||
| Foreign | 2,758 | 2,560 | |||||||||
| Total income taxes, current | 25,398 | 11,291 | |||||||||
| Deferred: | |||||||||||
| Federal | 45,940 | 67,062 | |||||||||
| State | 2,758 | 6,416 | |||||||||
| Foreign | (152) | (680) | |||||||||
| Total income taxes, deferred | 48,546 | 72,798 | |||||||||
| Income tax provision | $ | 73,944 | $ | 84,089 | |||||||
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The following is a reconciliation of the income tax provision computed at the federal statutory rate of 21 percent to the actual income tax rate are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Income before income taxes and equity method investments | $ | 275,498 | $ | 200,865 | |||||||
| Federal income tax provision at statutory rate | $ | 57,855 | $ | 42,182 | |||||||
Loss passed through to common unitholders (a) | 2,736 | 2,088 | |||||||||
| 60,591 | 44,270 | ||||||||||
| State income taxes, net of federal effect | 10,892 | 12,022 | |||||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | (3,019) | (2,739) | |||||||||
| Foreign tax rate differences | 2,456 | 1,553 | |||||||||
| Uncertain tax positions | (119) | (126) | |||||||||
| Federal and state audits | 14 | (827) | |||||||||
Unrealized Gain on Investments (b) | 1,417 | 35,143 | |||||||||
| Gain on the Sale of Businesses | 2,835 | — | |||||||||
NOL carryback – rate differential | — | 119 | |||||||||
Recognition of Basis Step-Up | — | (3,612) | |||||||||
| Permanent differences and other | (1,123) | (1,714) | |||||||||
| Income tax provision | $ | 73,944 | $ | 84,089 | |||||||
(a) Represents taxes at statutory rate on income and losses for which no tax expense or benefit is recognizable by SPLP and certain of its subsidiaries which are taxed as pass-through entities. Such income and losses are allocable directly to SPLP's unitholders and taxed when realized.
(b) Represents taxes on unrealized gains on investment from related parties, which are eliminated for financial statement purposes.
Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences in the financial basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The amounts shown on the following table represent the tax effect of temporary differences between the consolidated tax return basis of assets and liabilities and the corresponding basis for financial reporting, as well as tax credit and operating loss carryforwards.
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The effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented as follows:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Deferred Tax Assets: | |||||||||||
Operating loss carryforwards (a) | $ | 36,266 | $ | 61,598 | |||||||
| Postretirement and postemployment employee benefits | 20,781 | 20,798 | |||||||||
| Tax credit carryforwards | 2,144 | 4,449 | |||||||||
| Accrued costs | 5,079 | 6,993 | |||||||||
| Investment impairments and unrealized losses | 9,338 | 5,416 | |||||||||
| Inventories | 4,713 | 4,409 | |||||||||
| Environmental costs | 6,146 | 5,235 | |||||||||
| Capital loss | — | 18,471 | |||||||||
| Allowance for doubtful accounts and loan losses | 7,974 | 4,277 | |||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 10,024 | 8,247 | |||||||||
| Deferred Compensation | 5,150 | 3,127 | |||||||||
| Other | 3,658 | 2,622 | |||||||||
| Gross deferred tax assets | 111,273 | 145,642 | |||||||||
| Deferred Tax Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets | (17,239) | (21,523) | |||||||||
| Fixed assets | (26,148) | (26,032) | |||||||||
Unrealized gain on investment (b) | (76,427) | (69,491) | |||||||||
| Right of use assets | (10,021) | (8,249) | |||||||||
| Other | (1,098) | (4,566) | |||||||||
| Gross deferred tax liabilities | (130,933) | (129,861) | |||||||||
Valuation allowance (c) | (20,902) | (29,455) | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (40,562) | $ | (13,674) | |||||||
| Classified on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as follows: | |||||||||||
Deferred tax assets | 493 | $ | — | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 41,055 | 13,674 | |||||||||
| $ | (40,562) | $ | (13,674) | ||||||||
(a) The ability for certain subsidiaries to utilize net operating losses and other credit carryforwards may be subject to limitation upon changes in control.
(b) Includes taxes on unrealized gains on investment from related parties, which are eliminated for financial statement purposes.
(c) Certain subsidiaries of the Company establish valuation allowances when they determine, based on their assessment, that it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets will not be fully realized. This assessment is based on, but not limited to, historical operating results, uncertainty in projections of taxable income and other uncertainties that may be specific to a particular business.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("TCJA") amended Section 174 to require capitalization of all research and developmental ("R&D") costs incurred in tax years beginning after December 31, 2021. These costs are required to be amortized over five years if the R&D activities are performed in the U.S., or over 15 years if the activities were performed outside the U.S. The Company capitalized approximately $12,981 of R&D expenses incurred as of December 31, 2022. The CARES Act made tax law changes to provide financial relief to companies as a result of business impacts of COVID-19. The Company elected to take the available relief under the CARES Act to defer payments of certain payroll taxes. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has paid the total amount of payroll taxes deferred.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act ("IRA") was signed into law in the United States. Among other provisions, the IRA includes a 15.0% corporate minimum tax rate applied to certain large corporations and a 1.0% excise tax on corporate stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. We do not expect the IRA to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
At December 31, 2022, the Company's corporate subsidiaries had carryforwards of U.S. federal NOLs of approximately $119,869; of this amount, $110,508 expire in 2023 through 2037 and $9,361 are not subject to expiration. The Company generated federal NOLs of approximately $296 during the year which have an unlimited carryforward period. In addition, there are federal NOLs that can only be utilized by the corporate subsidiaries that generated the prior year losses, commonly called separate return limitation year ("SRLY") NOLs, totaling $56,174, of which $50,600 will expire in 2023 through 2037, and $5,574 which are not subject to expiration. The Company has a valuation allowance to reserve its deferred tax asset associated
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with the SRLY NOLs. U.S. income taxes were not provided on cumulative undistributed foreign earnings as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. Foreign undistributed earnings remain indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations, therefore, no provision for U.S. income taxes was accrued.
The Company's corporate subsidiaries have NOLs in foreign jurisdictions totaling $15,352. A valuation allowance has been established against a significant portion of the deferred tax asset associated with the foreign NOLs. There are NOLs in various states in which the subsidiaries operate. The amount totaled $11,175 and expires in 2023 through 2042. A valuation allowance has been established against a significant portion of the deferred tax asset associated with the state NOLs.
The Company's corporate subsidiaries have federal research and development credit carryforwards of $780 that expire in 2023, and state research and development credit carryforwards of $18,157 for which a significant amount do not expire. The Company has a valuation allowance to reserve a significant portion of its deferred tax assets associated with the credit carryforwards.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
U.S. GAAP provides that the tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements only if the position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | 42,379 | ||||
| Additions for tax positions related to current year | 362 | ||||
| Additions for tax positions related to prior years | $ | — | |||
| Payments | (229) | ||||
| Reductions due to lapsed statutes of limitations and expiration of credits | (459) | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | 42,053 | |||
| Additions for tax positions related to current year | 273 | ||||
| Additions for tax positions related to prior years | 727 | ||||
| Payments | (347) | ||||
| Reductions due to lapsed statutes of limitations and expiration of credits | (2,849) | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 39,857 | |||
The Company's total gross unrecognized tax benefits were $39,857 and $42,053 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of which $36,483, if recognized, would affect the provision for income taxes. In 2022, the Company reversed $2,849 of reserves upon the expiration of the statutes of limitations with applicable taxing authorities and the expiration of time for utilizing certain credits for which a full reserve is maintained. As of December 31, 2022, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $2,609 in the next 12 months due to the expiration of statutes of limitations. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if applicable, related to uncertain tax positions in its income tax provision in the consolidated statement of operations. For 2022 and 2021, the amount of such interest and penalties recognized was $547 and $5, respectively.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax, as well as income taxes in various domestic states and foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operated or formerly operated in. The Company is generally no longer subject to federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for any year prior to 2017. However, NOLs generated in prior years are subject to examination and potential adjustment by the taxing authorities upon their utilization in subsequent years' tax returns.
The Company is not currently under tax examination in any foreign jurisdictions. The Company has ongoing state audits in various state tax jurisdictions. The Company has not identified any material adjustments with respect to the state audits to date.
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17. NET INCOME PER COMMON UNIT
The following data was used in computing net income per common unit shown in the Company's consolidated statements of operations:
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | $ | 206,165 | $ | 132,440 | |||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities (continuing operations) | (193) | (1,170) | |||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders | 205,972 | 131,270 | |||||||||
| Net income from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders | — | 138 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to common unitholders | 205,972 | 131,408 | |||||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||
Interest expense from SPLP Preferred Units (a) | 12,311 | 12,311 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to common unitholders – assuming dilution | $ | 218,283 | $ | 143,719 | |||||||
| Net income per common unit - basic | |||||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | $ | 9.03 | $ | 6.09 | |||||||
| Net income from discontinued operations | — | — | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to common unitholders | $ | 9.03 | $ | 6.09 | |||||||
| Net income per common unit – diluted | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to common unitholders | $ | 8.12 | $ | 4.96 | |||||||
| Net income from discontinued operations | — | 0.01 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to common unitholders | $ | 8.12 | $ | 4.97 | |||||||
Denominator for net income per common unit - basic (b) | 22,813,588 | 21,561,200 | |||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||
| Unvested restricted common units | 137,906 | 177,439 | |||||||||
| SPLP Preferred Units | 3,917,946 | 7,181,619 | |||||||||
Denominator for net income per common unit - diluted (a) | 26,869,440 | 28,920,258 | |||||||||
(a) Assumes the SPLP Preferred Units were redeemed in common units as described in Note 15 - "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss."
(b) As of the annual measurement date on December 31, 2022, 200,253 incentive units vested. The incentive units are expected to be issued in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
18. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Company's consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are summarized by type of inputs applicable to the fair value measurements as follows:
| December 31, 2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term investments (a) | $ | 234,039 | $ | — | $ | 52,336 | $ | 286,375 | |||||||||||||||
| Precious metal and commodity inventories recorded at fair value | 32,896 | — | — | 32,896 | |||||||||||||||||||
Economic interests in loans (b) | — | — | 5,728 | 5,728 | |||||||||||||||||||
Warrants (c) | — | — | 3,564 | 3,564 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 266,935 | $ | — | $ | 61,628 | $ | 328,563 | |||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts on precious metal and commodity inventories | $ | — | $ | 247 | $ | — | $ | 247 | |||||||||||||||
| Other precious metal liabilities | 30,115 | — | — | 30,115 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 30,115 | $ | 247 | $ | — | $ | 30,362 | |||||||||||||||
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| December 31, 2021 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term investments (a) | 210,995 | — | 50,085 | 261,080 | |||||||||||||||||||
Precious metal and commodity inventories recorded at fair value | 35,438 | — | — | 35,438 | |||||||||||||||||||
Economic interests in loans (b) | — | — | 6,483 | 6,483 | |||||||||||||||||||
Warrants (c) | — | — | 6,929 | 6,929 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 246,433 | $ | — | $ | 63,497 | $ | 309,930 | |||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts on precious metal and commodity inventories | $ | — | $ | 402 | $ | — | $ | 402 | |||||||||||||||
| Other precious metal liabilities | 31,725 | — | — | 31,725 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 31,725 | $ | 402 | $ | — | $ | 32,127 | |||||||||||||||
(a) For additional detail of the long-term investments see Note 10 - "Investments." The investment in PCS-Mosaic of $23,323 is not included in the fair value leveling tables as it is valued at cost.
(b) For additional detail of the economic interests in loans see Note 13 - "Financial Instruments."
(c) Included within Other non-current assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
There were no transfers of securities among the various measurement input levels during the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date ("Level 1").
Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in a market that is not active for identical assets or liabilities, or other inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data ("Level 2")
Level 3 inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability when there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are based on the best information available and may include data developed by the Company ("Level 3")
The fair value of the Company's financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and accounts payable, approximates carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. Carrying cost approximates fair value for long-term debt, which has variable interest rates.
The precious metal and commodity inventories associated with the Company's fair value hedges (see Note 13 - "Financial Instruments") are reported at fair value. Fair values of these inventories are based on quoted market prices on commodity exchanges and are considered Level 1 measurements. The derivative instruments that the Company purchases in connection with its precious metal and commodity inventories, specifically commodity futures and forward contracts, are also valued at fair value. The futures contracts are Level 1 measurements since they are traded on a commodity exchange. The forward contracts are entered into with a counterparty and are considered Level 2 measurements.
Following is a summary of changes in financial assets measured using Level 3 inputs:
Long Term Investments in Associated Companies (a) | Economic Interests in Loans (b) | Warrants (b) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 48,434 | $ | 11,599 | $ | 2,618 | $ | 62,651 | |||||||||||||||
Purchases | 95 | — | — | 95 | |||||||||||||||||||
Sales and cash collections | (632) | (9,978) | (2,377) | (12,987) | |||||||||||||||||||
Realized gains on sale | 182 | 4,862 | 6,688 | 11,732 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains | 2,006 | — | — | 2,006 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | 50,085 | 6,483 | 6,929 | 63,497 | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchases | 1,826 | — | — | 1,826 | |||||||||||||||||||
Sales and cash collections | — | (6,049) | (1,215) | (7,264) | |||||||||||||||||||
Realized gains on sale | — | 5,294 | (2,150) | 3,144 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains | 746 | — | — | 746 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized losses | (321) | — | — | (321) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | 52,336 | $ | 5,728 | $ | 3,564 | $ | 61,628 | |||||||||||||||
(a) Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
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(b) Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on securities, net or Financial Services revenue in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
Long-Term Investments - Valuation Techniques
The Company estimates the value of its investments in STCN preferred stock and the STCN Note using a Binomial Lattice Model and Monte Carlo simulation. Key inputs in these valuations include the trading price and volatility of STCN's common stock, the risk-free rate of return, as well as the dividend rate, conversion price, redemption date of the preferred stock and the maturity date of the STCN Note. The fair value of the Company’s investment in STCN preferred stock as of December 31, 2022 was its par value because the Company has the right to redeem and the issuer has the right to convert the instrument at the redemption value.
Marketable Securities and Other - Valuation Techniques
The Company determines the fair value of certain corporate securities and corporate obligations by incorporating and reviewing prices provided by third-party pricing services based on the specific features of the underlying securities.
The Company uses net asset value included in quarterly statements it receives in arrears from a venture capital fund to determine the fair value of such fund and determines the fair value of certain corporate securities and corporate obligations by incorporating and reviewing prices provided by third-party pricing services based on the specific features of the underlying securities. The fair value of the derivatives held by WebBank (see Note 13 - "Financial Instruments") represent the estimated amounts that WebBank would receive or pay to terminate the contracts at the reporting date and is based on discounted cash flows analyses that consider credit, performance and prepayment. Unobservable inputs used in the discounted cash flow analyses are: a constant prepayment rate of 7.29% to 35.89%, a constant default rate of 1.72% to 21.91% and a discount rate of 0.27% to 25.65%.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company's non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include goodwill and other intangible assets, any assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, or its long-lived assets written down to fair value. To measure fair value for such assets and liabilities, the Company uses techniques including an income approach, a market approach and/or appraisals (Level 3 inputs). The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis ("DCF") and calculates the fair value by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to an asset or liability and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Assumptions used in the DCF require the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about appropriate discount rates and terminal values, growth rates and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The discount rates, which are intended to reflect the risks inherent in future cash flow projections, used in the DCF are based on estimates of the weighted-average cost of capital of a market participant. Such estimates are derived from analysis of peer companies and consider the industry weighted-average return on debt and equity from a market participant perspective. A market approach values a business by considering the prices at which shares of capital stock, or related underlying assets, of reasonably comparable companies are trading in the public market or the transaction price at which similar companies have been acquired. If comparable companies are not available, the market approach is not used.
19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Environmental and Litigation Matters
The Company and certain of the Company's subsidiaries are defendants in certain legal proceedings and environmental investigations and have been designated as potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") by federal and state agencies with respect to certain sites with which they may have had direct or indirect involvement. Most of such legal proceedings and environmental investigations involve unspecified amounts of potential damage claims or awards, are in an initial procedural phase, involve significant uncertainty as to the outcome or involve significant factual issues that need to be resolved, such that it is not possible for the Company to estimate a range of possible loss. For matters that have progressed sufficiently through the investigative process such that the Company is able to reasonably estimate a range of possible loss, an estimated range of possible loss, in excess of the accrued liability (if any) for such matters, is provided. Any estimated range of possible loss is or will be based on currently available information and involves elements of judgment and significant uncertainties and may not represent the Company's maximum possible loss exposure. The circumstances of such legal proceedings and environmental investigations will change from time to time, and actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate. For current proceedings not specifically reported below, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such legal proceedings and environmental investigations would have a material effect on the financial position, liquidity or results of operations of the Company.
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The legal proceedings and environmental investigations are in various stages of administrative or judicial proceedings and include demands for recovery of past governmental costs, and for future investigations and remedial actions. In some cases, the dollar amounts of the claims have not been specified and, with respect to a number of the PRP claims, have been asserted against a number of other entities for the same cost recovery or other relief as was asserted against certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The Company accrues liabilities associated with environmental and litigation matters on an undiscounted basis, when they become probable and reasonably estimable. As of December 31, 2022, on a consolidated basis, the Company recorded liabilities of $12,692 and $24,765 in and , respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021, on a consolidated basis, the Company recorded liabilities of $2,043 and $23,801 in and , respectively, on the consolidated balance sheet, which represent the current estimate of environmental remediation liabilities as well as reserves related to the litigation matters discussed below. Expenses relating to these costs, and any recoveries, are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the Company believes that it has or may have insurance coverage available for several of these matters. Estimates of the Company's liability for remediation of a particular site and the method and ultimate cost of remediation require a number of assumptions that are inherently difficult to make, and the ultimate outcome may be materially different from current estimates.
Environmental Matters
Certain subsidiaries of the Company have existing and contingent liabilities relating to environmental matters, including costs of remediation, capital expenditures, and potential fines and penalties relating to possible violations of federal and state environmental laws. Such existing and contingent liabilities are continually being readjusted based upon the emergence of new findings, techniques and alternative remediation methods.
Included among these liabilities, certain of the Company's subsidiaries have been identified as PRPs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") or similar state statutes at sites and are parties to administrative consent orders in connection with certain properties. Those subsidiaries may be subject to joint and several liabilities imposed by CERCLA on PRPs. Due to the technical and regulatory complexity of remedial activities and the difficulties attendant in identifying PRPs and allocating or determining liability among them, the subsidiaries are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate cost of compliance with such laws at some of the sites at which the Company's subsidiaries are PRP's.
Based upon information currently available, the Company's subsidiaries do not expect that their respective environmental costs, including the incurrence of additional fines and penalties, if any, will have a material adverse effect on them or that the resolution of these environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of such subsidiaries or the Company, but there can be no such assurances. The Company anticipates that the subsidiaries will pay any such amounts out of their respective working capital, although there is no assurance that they will have sufficient funds to pay them. In the event that a subsidiary is unable to fund its liabilities, claims could be made against its respective parent companies for payment of such liabilities.
The sites where certain of the Company's subsidiaries have environmental liabilities include the following:
The Company has been working with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection ("CTDEEP") with respect to its obligations under a 1989 consent order that applies to a former manufacturing facility located in Fairfield, Connecticut. An ecological risk assessment of the wetlands portion was submitted in the second quarter of 2016 to the CTDEEP for their review and approval. Company officials continue to meet with CTDEEP representatives to address a final workplan. Additional investigation of the wetlands is expected, pending approval of a mutually acceptable wetlands work plan. An updated work plan to investigate the upland portion of the parcel was prepared by the Company and approved by the CTDEEP in March 2018 and completed during 2019 and 2020. Additional upland investigatory work will be required to fully define the areas requiring remediation and is also dependent upon CTDEEP requirements and approval. Based on currently known information, the Company reasonably estimates that it may incur aggregate losses over a period of multiple years of between $10,500 and $17,500. The Company has a reserve of $14,500 recorded for future remediation costs, which is our best estimate within this range of potential losses. Due to the uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the final resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
In 1986, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an administrative consent order ("ACO") with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP") to investigate and remediate property in Montvale, New Jersey that it purchased in 1984. The ACO involves investigation and remediation activities to be performed with regard to soil and groundwater contamination. The Company has been actively investigating and remediating the soil and groundwater since that
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time and has completed the implementation of the improved groundwater treatment system in operation at the property. Pursuant to a settlement agreement with the former owner/operator of the site, the responsibility for site investigation and remediation costs and other related costs are contractually allocated 75% to the former owner/operator and 25% jointly to the Company, all after having the first $1,000 paid by the former owner/operator. Additionally, the Company had been reimbursed indirectly through insurance coverage for a portion of the costs for which it is responsible. There is no assurance that the former owner/operator or guarantors will continue to timely reimburse the Company for expenditures and/or will be financially capable of fulfilling their obligations under the settlement agreement and the guaranties. There is no assurance that there will be any additional insurance reimbursement. A reserve of approximately $900 has been established for the Company's expected 25% share of anticipated costs at this site, which is based upon the recent selection of a final remedy, on-going operations and maintenance, additional investigations and monitored natural attenuation testing over the next 30 years. Also, a reserve and related receivable of approximately $2,700 has been established for the former owner/operator’s expected share of anticipated costs at this site. On December 18, 2019, the State of New Jersey ("State") filed a complaint against the Company and other non-affiliated corporations related to former operations at this location. The State is seeking unspecified damages, including reimbursement for all cleanup and removal costs and other damages that the State claims it has incurred, including the lost value of, and reasonable assessment costs for, any natural resource injured as a result of the alleged discharge of hazardous substances and pollutants, as well as attorneys' fees and costs. On March 16, 2020, the Company filed a partial motion to dismiss, resulting in dismissal with prejudice of the State's trespass claim and limiting the damages recoverable through the State's public nuisance claim to monetary relief associated with abatement. On June 11, 2020, the State filed an Amended Complaint, bringing the same claims as the original complaint. On July 1, 2020, the Company answered and asserted crossclaims for indemnification and contribution against another defendant, Cycle Chem, Inc. Cycle Chem also asserted crossclaims against the Company, which have been answered. The parties have largely completed written and document discovery. As a result of the confidential mediation, the parties negotiated a settlement amount of $10,500, of which the Company would be required to pay $2,625, its 25% share, and of which other non-affiliated corporations would pay the remaining $7,875, their 75% share. Additionally, the State has also verbally agreed to a settlement amount of $3,500 with Cycle Chem for which they will be 100% responsible. On October 14, 2022, the Company and all other related parties advised the Court of the global settlement. The State is required to go through a formal approval process on the settlement amounts which includes a public notice and comment period that will take several weeks to complete. In the meantime, the legal proceedings have been delayed while the settlement process is finalized. Once State approval is finalized, the Court will have a final hearing to approve and issue a consent judgement.
The Company's subsidiary, SL Industries, Inc. ("SLI"), may incur environmental costs in the future as a result of the past activities of its former subsidiary, SL Surface Technologies, Inc. ("SurfTech"), in Pennsauken, New Jersey ("Pennsauken Site") and in Camden, New Jersey and at its former subsidiary, SGL Printed Circuits in Wayne, New Jersey. At the Pennsauken Site, SLI entered into a consent decree with both the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") in 2013 and has since completed the remediation required by the consent decree and has paid the EPA a fixed sum for its past oversight costs. Separate from the consent decree, in December 2012, the NJDEP made a settlement demand of $1,800 for past and future cleanup and removal costs and natural resource damages ("NRD"). To avoid the time and expense of litigating the matter, SLI offered to pay approximately $300 to fully resolve the claim presented by the State. SLI's settlement offer was rejected. On December 6, 2018, the State filed a complaint against SLI related to the Pennsauken Site. The State is seeking treble damages and attorneys' fees, NRD for loss of use of groundwater, as well as a request that SLI pay all cleanup and removal costs that the State has incurred and will incur at the Pennsauken Site. The State's most recent demand (as of 2019) for all costs, including NRD, was for $11,500. On August 21, 2019, SLI responded with a $1,070 settlement offer, which was not accepted. The parties are currently completing the fact and expert discovery, including the exchange of competing expert reports. The parties have agreed to engage in mediation, but the State's outside counsel is still awaiting authorization from the State. It is possible the State may make a new demand for damages in excess of their 2019 demand. The Company has a reserve of $1,070, which is its best estimate of potential losses based on our prior settlement offer. SLI intends to assert all legal and procedural defenses available to it. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
SLI reported soil contamination and groundwater contamination in 2003 from the SurfTech site located in Camden, New Jersey. Substantial investigation and remediation work has been completed under the direction of the licensed site remediation professional for the site. Additional investigations related to PFAS compounds have been initiated and have delayed remediation actions. Remediation actions, including soil excavation and groundwater bioremediation, are expected to start in the second half of 2023. Post-remediation groundwater monitoring will be conducted following completion of soil excavation. A reserve of $3,100 has been established for anticipated costs at this site, but there can be no assurance that there will not be potential additional costs associated with the site, which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
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SLI is currently participating in environmental assessment and cleanup at a commercial facility located in Wayne, New Jersey. Contaminated soil and groundwater have undergone remediation with the NJDEP and LSRP oversight, but contaminants of concern in groundwater and surface water, which extend off-site, remain above applicable NJDEP remediation standards. A reserve of approximately $1,400 has been established for anticipated costs, but there can be no assurance that there will not be potential additional costs associated with the site which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of SLI, HNH or the Company.
Litigation Matters
Sciabacucchi v. DeMarco. On December 8, 2017, a stockholder class action, captioned Sciabacucchi v. DeMarco, et al., was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the "Chancery Court") by a purported former stockholder of Handy & Harman Ltd. ("HNH") challenging the Company's acquisition, through a subsidiary, of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of HNH not already owned by the Company or any of its affiliates. The action named as defendants the former members of the HNH board of directors, the Company and SPH GP, and alleged, among other things, that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the former public stockholders of HNH in connection with the aforementioned acquisition. The complaint sought, among other relief, unspecified monetary damages, attorneys' fees and costs. On July 9, 2019, the Company entered into a settlement of the case, solely to avoid the substantial burden, expense, inconvenience and distraction of continued litigation and to resolve each of the plaintiff's claims against the defendant parties. In the settlement, the defendants agreed to pay the plaintiff class $30,000, but denied that they engaged in any wrongdoing or committed any violation of law or breach of duty and stated that they believe they acted properly, in good faith, and in a manner consistent with their legal duties. The settlement was approved by the Chancery Court on December 2, 2019. Our insurance carriers agreed to contribute an aggregate of $17,500 toward the settlement amount. The Company recorded a charge of $12,500 in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which consisted of the legal settlement of $30,000, reduced by the $17,500 of insurance recoveries. The settlement was paid on December 17, 2019. The Company made a demand of an aggregate of $10,000 in further contributions from two insurance carriers. The dispute with the insurance carriers was litigated in the New York Supreme Court and the Court ruled on June 16, 2021 in the Company's favor on all issues and authorized a judgment to be entered against the insurance carriers for $11,300 plus statutory interest at 9% from June 16, 2021. On November 10, 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with such carriers for approximately $11,000. The Company is party to a contingency agreement with its counsel whereby its counsel received 20% of the settlement received by the Company related to this matter. The Company received net settlement payments totaling $8,827 in November 2021.
Reith v. Lichtenstein, et al. On April 13, 2018, a purported shareholder of STCN, Donald Reith, filed a verified complaint, Reith v. Lichtenstein, et al., 2018-0277 (Del. Ch.) (the "Reith litigation") in the Chancery Court. The plaintiff sought to assert class action and derivative claims against the Company and several of its affiliated companies, together with certain of members STCN's board of directors, as well as other named defendants (collectively, the "defendants") in connection with the acquisition of $35,000 of STCN's Series C Preferred Stock by an affiliate of the Company and equity grants made to three individual defendants. The complaint includes claims for breach of fiduciary duty against all the individual defendants as STCN directors; claims for aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty against the Company; a claim for breach of fiduciary duty as controlling stockholder against the Company; and a derivative claim for unjust enrichment against the Company and the three individuals who received equity grants. The complaint demands damages in an unspecified amount for STCN and its stockholders, together with rescission, disgorgement and other equitable relief. The defendants moved to dismiss the complaint for failure to plead demand futility and failure to state a claim. On June 28, 2019, the Chancery Court denied most of defendants' the motion to dismiss, allowing the matter to proceed. The defendants and plaintiff (the "parties") subsequently participated in document discovery. On August 13, 2021, the parties, entered into a memorandum of understanding (the "MOU") in connection with the settlement of the Reith litigation. Pursuant to the MOU, the defendants agreed (subject to court approval) to cause their directors' and officers' liability insurance carriers to pay to STCN $2,750 in cash. The Company's insurance carrier agreed to pay $1,100 of the settlement and STCN's insurance carrier agreed to pay the remaining $1,650. Following the parties' entry into a Stipulation and Agreement of Compromise, Settlement, and Release (the "Proposed Settlement Agreement") on February 18, 2022, on March 17, 2022, the Chancery Court granted, with modifications, a scheduling order (the "Scheduling Order") in connection with the Proposed Settlement Agreement. Pursuant to the Scheduling Order, during April 2022 the insurers completed the wiring of the settlement payments into an account jointly controlled by counsel for plaintiff and STCN, where the funds are to remain until final court approval of the settlement. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the MOU, certain of the individual defendants who are also current and former employees of the Company—Warren Lichtenstein (Executive Chairman), Jack Howard (President), and William Fejes (former Chief Operating Officer)—entered into separate letter agreements (the "Surrender Agreements") with STCN whereby they each agreed to surrender to STCN an aggregate 3,300,000 shares which they had initially received in December 2017 in consideration for services to STCN. Pursuant to the MOU and the Surrender Agreements, on August 17, 2021, Mr. Lichtenstein surrendered 2,133,333 Steel Connect shares (1,833,333 vested shares and 300,000 unvested shares), and Mr. Howard surrendered 1,066,667 Steel Connect shares (916,667 vested shares and 150,000 unvested shares). Also pursuant to the MOU and the Surrender Agreements, Mr. Fejes surrendered 100,000 vested shares
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December 2021. After the parties filed papers in support of court approval of the settlement, and an objector filed papers in opposition to approval of the settlement, and after hearings held on August 12 and August 18, 2022, and after the parties and insurers agreed to modify the proposed settlement to increase by $250 the cash to be paid by the insurers, the court ruled on September 23, 2022 that it was denying approval of the settlement. The funds previously paid into escrow were returned to the insurance carriers. In connection with rejection of the settlement, it was no longer probable the Company had a liability for the proposed settlement liability nor receivable for the related insurance coverage and therefore both amounts were no longer accrued. No new dates have yet been established for the trial, pretrial events or the completion of discovery proceedings. The possible liability, if any, with respect to this dispute cannot be determined as of this date.
A subsidiary of BNS Holdings Liquidating Trust ("BNS Sub") has been named as a defendant in multiple alleged asbestos-related toxic-tort claims filed over a period beginning in 1994 through December 31, 2022. In many cases these claims involved more than 100 defendants. There remained approximately 45 pending asbestos claims as of December 31, 2022. BNS Sub believes it has significant defenses to any liability for toxic-tort claims on the merits. None of these toxic-tort claims has gone to trial and, therefore, there can be no assurance that these defenses will prevail. BNS Sub has insurance policies covering asbestos-related claims for years beginning 1974 through 1988. BNS Sub annually receives retroactive billings or credits from its insurance carriers for any increase or decrease in claims accruals as claims are filed, settled or dismissed, or as estimates of the ultimate settlement costs for the then-existing claims are revised. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, BNS Sub has accrued $1,418 and $1,466, respectively, relating to the open and active claims against BNS Sub. This accrual includes the amount of unpaid retroactive billings submitted to the Company by the insurance carriers and also the Company's best estimate of the likely costs for BNS Sub to settle these claims outside the amounts funded by insurance. There can be no assurance that the number of future claims and the related costs of defense, settlements or judgments will be consistent with the experience to-date of existing claims and that BNS Sub will not need to significantly increase its estimated liability for the costs to settle these claims to an amount that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
In the ordinary course of our business, the Company is subject to other periodic lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings, including, but not limited to, contractual disputes, employment, environmental, health and safety matters, as well as claims associated with our historical acquisitions and divestitures. There is insurance coverage available for many of the foregoing actions. Although the Company cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings asserted against the Company, it does not believe any currently pending legal proceeding to which it is a party will have a material adverse effect on its business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations or liquidity.
20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The components of receivables from related parties and payables from related parties for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are presented below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Receivable from related parties: | |||||||||||
| Receivable from associated companies - STCN | $ | 967 | $ | 1,233 | |||||||
| Receivable from other related parties | (5) | 1,711 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 962 | $ | 2,944 | |||||||
| Payables to related parties: | |||||||||||
| Accrued management fees | $ | 299 | $ | 49 | |||||||
| Payables to other related parties | 2,582 | 1,836 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,881 | $ | 1,885 | |||||||
Management Agreement with SP General Services LLC
SPLP is managed by the Manager, pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, which receives a fee at an annual rate of 1.5% of total Partners' capital ("Management Fee"), payable on the first day of each quarter and subject to quarterly adjustment. In addition, SPLP may issue to the Manager partnership profits interests in the form of incentive units, which will be classified as Class C common units of SPLP, upon exceeding a baseline equity value per common unit, which is measured as of the last day of each fiscal year (see Note 15 - "Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" for additional information on the incentive units).
The Management Agreement is automatically renewed each December 31 for successive one-year terms unless otherwise determined at least 60 days prior to each renewal date by a majority of the Company's independent directors. The Management Fee was $10,446 and $8,559 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Management Fee is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Unpaid
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amounts for management fees included in Payables to related parties on the Company's consolidated balance sheets were $299 and $49 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
SPLP will bear (or reimburse the Manager with respect to) all its reasonable costs and expenses of the managed entities, the Manager, SPH GP or their affiliates, including but not limited to: legal, tax, accounting, auditing, consulting, administrative, compliance, investor relations costs related to being a public entity rendered for SPLP or SPH GP, as well as expenses incurred by the Manager and SPH GP which are reasonably necessary for the performance by the Manager of its duties and functions under the Management Agreement and certain other expenses incurred by managers, officers, employees and agents of the Manager or its affiliates on behalf of SPLP. Reimbursable expenses incurred by the Manager in connection with its provision of services under the Management Agreement were approximately $4,535 and $3,733 during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of which $4,493 and $3,561 was reimbursement for executive travel during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Unpaid amounts for reimbursable expenses were approximately $2,427 and $1,673 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are included in Payables to other related parties on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Corporate Services
The Company's subsidiary, Steel Services Ltd ("Steel Services"), through management services agreements with its subsidiaries and portfolio companies, provides services, which include assignment of C-Level management personnel, legal, tax, accounting, treasury, consulting, auditing, administrative, compliance, environmental health and safety, human resources, marketing, investor relations, operating group management and other similar services. In addition to its servicing agreements with SPLP and its consolidated subsidiaries, which are eliminated in consolidation, Steel Services has management services agreements with other companies considered to be related parties, including J. Howard Inc., Steel Partners, Ltd. and affiliates, and STCN. In total, Steel Services currently charges approximately $2,825 annually to these companies. All amounts billed under these service agreements are classified as a reduction of Selling, general and administrative expenses. The receivable from STCN of $967 as of December 31, 2022 includes $687 for amounts receivable for the management services agreement and a $280 receivable of interest for the STCN Note.
Mutual Securities, Inc.
Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager is responsible for selecting executing brokers. Securities transactions for SPLP are allocated to brokers on the basis of reliability price and execution. The Manager has selected Mutual Securities, Inc. as an introducing broker and may direct a substantial portion of the managed entities' trades to such firm, among others. An officer of the Manager and SPH GP is affiliated with Mutual Securities, Inc. The commissions paid by SPLP to Mutual Securities, Inc. were not significant in any period.
Other
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, several related parties and consolidated subsidiaries had deposits totaling $1,112 and $1,115 at WebBank, respectively. Approximately $31 and $36 of these deposits, including interest which was not significant, have been eliminated in consolidation as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The Company recorded revenue of $226 and $7 from its transactions with related parties during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
21. SEGMENT INFORMATION
SPLP operates through the following segments: Diversified Industrial, Energy and Financial Services which are managed separately and offer different products and services. The Diversified Industrial segment is comprised of manufacturers of engineered niche industrial products, including joining materials, tubing, building materials, performance materials, electrical products, cutting replacement products and services, and a packaging business. The Energy segment provides drilling and production services to the oil & gas industry and owns a youth sports business. The Financial Services segment consists primarily of the operations of WebBank, a Utah chartered industrial bank, which engages in a full range of banking activities.
Corporate and Other consists of several consolidated subsidiaries, including Steel Services, equity method and other investments, and cash and cash equivalents. Its income or loss includes certain unallocated general corporate expenses. Steel Services has management services agreements with our consolidated subsidiaries and other related companies as further discussed in Note 20 - "Related Party Transactions."
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Steel Services charged the Diversified Industrial, Energy and Financial Services segments $48,951, $9,083 and $1,929, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Steel Services charged the Diversified Industrial, Energy and Financial Services segments $39,523, $5,670 and $1,482, respectively, for these services. These service fees are reflected as expenses in the segment income (loss) below, but are eliminated in consolidation.
Segment information is presented below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Revenue: | |||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | $ | 1,285,666 | $ | 1,207,183 | |||||||
Energy | 181,811 | 164,028 | |||||||||
| Financial Services | 227,964 | 153,685 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 1,695,441 | $ | 1,524,896 | |||||||
| Income before interest expense and income taxes: | |||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | $ | 200,629 | $ | 123,329 | |||||||
Energy | 13,608 | 14,982 | |||||||||
| Financial Services | 63,477 | 79,165 | |||||||||
| Corporate and other | 23,044 | 21,303 | |||||||||
| Income before interest expense and income taxes | 300,758 | 238,779 | |||||||||
Interest expense | 20,649 | 22,250 | |||||||||
Income tax provision | 73,944 | 84,089 | |||||||||
| Net income from continuing operations | $ | 206,165 | $ | 132,440 | |||||||
| Income of associated companies, net of taxes: | |||||||||||
| Corporate and other | $ | (4,611) | $ | (15,664) | |||||||
| Total | $ | (4,611) | $ | (15,664) | |||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||
| Capital Expenditures | Depreciation and Amortization | ||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | $ | 39,588 | $ | 41,805 | |||||||
| Energy | 7,411 | 10,546 | |||||||||
| Financial Services | 274 | 750 | |||||||||
| Corporate and other | 268 | 654 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 47,541 | $ | 53,755 | |||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
| Capital Expenditures | Depreciation and Amortization | ||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | $ | 25,727 | $ | 47,568 | |||||||
| Energy | 6,958 | 12,212 | |||||||||
| Financial Services | 217 | 485 | |||||||||
| Corporate and other | 19,424 | 256 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 52,326 | $ | 60,521 | |||||||
| December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Total Assets: | |||||||||||
| Diversified Industrial | $ | 819,899 | $ | 843,484 | |||||||
| Energy | 80,315 | 65,251 | |||||||||
| Financial Services | 1,945,964 | 1,454,654 | |||||||||
| Corporate and other | 389,671 | 311,840 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,235,849 | $ | 2,675,229 | |||||||
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The following table presents geographic revenue and long-lived asset information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Foreign revenue is based on the country in which the legal subsidiary generating the revenue is domiciled. Long-lived assets in 2022 and 2021 consist of property, plant and equipment, non-current operating lease right-of-use assets, plus approximately $4,843 in both 2022 and 2021, of land and buildings from previously operating businesses and other non-operating assets. Such assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell and are included in Other non-current assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. Neither revenue nor long-lived assets from any single foreign country were material to the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | Long-lived Assets | Revenue | Long-lived Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geographic information: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | 1,613,438 | $ | 257,129 | $ | 1,434,622 | $ | 243,038 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | 82,003 | 28,937 | 90,274 | 33,417 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,695,441 | $ | 286,066 | $ | 1,524,896 | $ | 276,455 | |||||||||||||||
22. REGULATORY MATTERS
WebBank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on WebBank's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, WebBank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. WebBank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
As a result of Basel III becoming fully implemented as of January 1, 2019, WebBank's minimum requirements increased for both the quantity and quality of capital held by WebBank. The rules include a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio ("CET1 Ratio") of 4.5% and a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, which as fully phased-in, effectively results in a minimum CET1 Ratio of 7.0%. Basel III raises the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0% (which, with the capital conservation buffer, effectively results in a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% as fully phased-in), and effectively results in a minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 10.5% (with the capital conservation buffer fully phased-in), and requires a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%. Basel III also made changes to risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures. WebBank expects that its capital ratios under Basel III will continue to exceed the well capitalized minimum capital requirements, and such amounts are disclosed in the table below:
| Amount of Capital Required | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Actual | For Capital Adequacy Purposes | Minimum Capital Adequacy With Capital Buffer | To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Provisions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2022 | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (to risk-weighted assets) | $ | 306,618 | 15.00 | % | $ | 163,952 | 8.00 | % | $ | 215,187 | 10.50 | % | $ | 204,940 | 10.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (to risk-weighted assets) | $ | 280,951 | 13.70 | % | $ | 122,964 | 6.00 | % | $ | 174,199 | 8.50 | % | $ | 163,952 | 8.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (to risk-weighted assets) | $ | 280,951 | 13.70 | % | $ | 92,223 | 4.50 | % | $ | 143,458 | 7.00 | % | $ | 133,211 | 6.50 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (to average assets) | $ | 280,951 | 14.70 | % | $ | 76,300 | 4.00 | % | n/a | n/a | $ | 95,375 | 5.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (to risk-weighted assets) | $ | 257,262 | 27.10 | % | $ | 75,907 | 8.00 | % | $ | 99,628 | 10.50 | % | $ | 94,884 | 10.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (to risk-weighted assets) | $ | 245,377 | 25.90 | % | $ | 56,930 | 6.00 | % | $ | 80,651 | 8.50 | % | $ | 75,907 | 8.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (to risk-weighted assets) | $ | 245,377 | 25.90 | % | $ | 42,698 | 4.50 | % | $ | 66,419 | 7.00 | % | $ | 61,674 | 6.50 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (to average assets) | $ | 245,377 | 26.80 | % | $ | 36,687 | 4.00 | % | n/a | n/a | $ | 45,859 | 5.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued an interim final rule that excludes loans pledged as collateral to the Federal Reserve's PPP Lending Facility from supplementary leverage ratio exposure and average total consolidated assets. Additionally, PPP loans will receive a zero percent risk weight under the risk-based capital rules of the federal banking agencies.
23. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
A summary of supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is presented in the following table:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | |||||||||||
| Interest | $ | 29,068 | $ | 28,288 | |||||||
| Taxes | $ | 28,633 | $ | 13,184 | |||||||
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We conducted an evaluation with the participation of our management, including the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on that evaluation, the Company's Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure the timely disclosure of required information in our SEC filings.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company's management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) based upon the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
With the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting of the Company as referred to above as of December 31, 2022. Based on such evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2022, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, except as follows:
Material Weakness Remediation
As previously reported in prior periodic reports of the Company, management recognized that the Company had material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021 related to:
Control Environment
•The Company did not maintain an effective control environment as evidenced by: (i) an inappropriate tone from the former management team and override of internal controls at the division of our Electrical Products business; (ii) accounting personnel at the division of our Electrical Products business not following established Company accounting policies, controls and procedures; (iii) a lack of accountability for the performance of internal control over financial reporting
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responsibilities at the division; and (iv) lack of appropriate application, prioritization and timely implementation of corrective activities.
Control Activities
•The Company did not have control activities that were designed and operating effectively at the division of our Electrical Products business as evidenced by: (i) inadequate documentation and support for and/or untimely preparation and review of account reconciliations; (ii) improper segregation of duties, including IT access controls; (iii) failure to perform independent review of recorded accounting entries and accounting analyses; and (iv) weaknesses in information systems requiring management intervention through the manual creation of queries, spreadsheets and ad hoc analysis.
Information and Communication
•Communication and information from the division of the Company's Electronic Products business was withheld from the Company's senior management and from the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, personnel were not properly trained on the importance of complying with the Company's Code of Business Conduct and communication through our whistle-blower hotline when normal channels were ineffective.
Management determined that the deficiencies could have potentially resulted in a material misstatement of the financial statements in a future annual or interim period that would not be prevented or detected. Therefore, the deficiencies constituted material weaknesses in internal control.
We initiated several steps to evaluate and implement measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting in order to remediate the control deficiencies and resulting material weakness noted above. These steps included the following:
Control Environment
The Company's management undertook certain steps to set the proper tone-at-the-top and to develop and maintain an effective internal control environment both Company-wide and within the division of our Electrical Products segment, among others:
•The Company's management has promoted and communicated the importance of its core values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity and Commitment Company-wide via consistent messaging by our Executive Chairman, and other key leaders in staff and leadership meetings, communications in employee newsletters and emails, and through company-wide contests in which employees nominated fellow employees who embody each of the core values and the winners received monetary awards.
•Beginning in March 2020, the Company launched a Company-wide training and education program for its accounting and finance teams across all its businesses which includes an emphasis on internal control over financial reporting. The training program, which is led by an expert on accounting, tax and business topics, will continue through 2023 and beyond.
•Since early 2020, the division of our Electrical Products business has undergone personnel changes, including the hiring of a new president, chief financial officer, controller and director of human resources, to ensure a proper, consistent tone is communicated within that business, with distinct emphasis on the expectation that previously identified control deficiencies, including technology controls, will be remediated.
•The Company engaged a leading professional services firm which reviewed the Company’s Sarbanes-Oxley program and assisted the Company's management with enhancing its overall, Company-wide risk assessment process.
•During 2022, the Corporate Controller’s group of the Company added key finance positions related to internal controls and technical accounting.
Control Activities
The division of the Company's Electrical Products business has undertaken certain steps to improve its control activities, among others:
•Management of the division of our Electrical Products business designed and implemented enhanced procedures and controls over the period-end close process and related documentation including, but not limited to review and approval of manual journal entries, account rollforwards and reconciliations.
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•Management of the division of our Electrical Products business has enhanced the design of the journal entry preparation and review process to validate that all appropriate support is included and is complete and accurate, and all review steps are evidenced; ongoing efforts are underway to fully implement these enhanced and redesigned controls.
Further, the below actions have been taken or are underway to improve control activities both Company-wide and within the division of our Electrical Products business include the following:
•The Company's management designed and implemented increased and enhanced balance sheet reviews of its businesses to allow more focus on the account reconciliation and internal control processes, and greater emphasis on areas of significant accounting estimates, significant accounting judgements and areas of higher risk. In 2022, balance sheet reviews were performed on all significant businesses.
•Management is currently updating the existing Company-wide accounting policies and designing and implementing additional formal accounting policies and procedures to eliminate the risk of subjective judgments where possible, and to ensure transactions are properly initiated, recorded, processed, reported and appropriately authorized and approved Company-wide across key business and financial processes. Management expects to complete these efforts by the end of the first quarter in calendar 2023.
•The Company plans to implement a financial close technology across its businesses, which among other things will allow for automation of certain close processes, built-in system controls, and greater organizational standardization and policies around the close process. The financial close technology will provide management with increased visibility of the business close processes.
Information and Communication
Actions completed during 2022 to enhance information and communication Company-wide included the following:
•In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company implemented a new annual Company-wide Code of Conduct training to ensure that all employees understand the Company’s standards, rules and expectations to ensure compliance, as well as Company-wide training to promote greater awareness and use of the Company’s whistleblower program. In 2022, the Company ensured substantially all employees across the organization, including new hires, took the Code of Conduct training and confirmed their understanding.
As a result of these efforts, the Company determined that the material weaknesses were remediated and our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the unitholders and the Board of Directors of Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Steel Partners Holdings L.P and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, of the Company and our report dated March 7, 2023, 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/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
March 7, 2023
104
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item 10, which will be included in the Company's definitive proxy statement for the solicitation of proxies for its 2023 Annual Meeting of Limited Partners, to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Schedule 14A within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year (the “2023 Proxy Statement”), is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item 11 included in the 2023 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item 12 included in the 2023 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item 13 from the 2023 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this Item 14 from the 2023 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Financial Statements - The following financial statements of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., and subsidiaries, are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 | ||
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 | ||
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 | ||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | ||
(b) Exhibits - The following documents are filed as exhibits hereto:
| Exhibit No. | Description | ||||
| 2.1 | |||||
| 3.1 | |||||
| 3.2 | |||||
| 3.3 | |||||
| 3.4 | |||||
| 3.5 | |||||
106
| 4.1 | |||||
| 4.2 | |||||
10.1** | |||||
| 10.2 | |||||
| 10.3 | |||||
| 10.4 | |||||
10.5* | |||||
10.6* | |||||
10.7* | |||||
10.8* | |||||
| 10.9 | |||||
| 10.10 | |||||
10.11* | |||||
10.12* | |||||
10.13* | |||||
10.14* | |||||
21.1+ | |||||
23.1+ | |||||
24.1+ | |||||
31.1+ | |||||
31.2+ | |||||
32.1# | |||||
32.2# | |||||
107
101.INS* | Inline XBRL Instance Document. | ||||
101.SCH* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. | ||||
101.CAL* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. | ||||
101.DEF* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. | ||||
101.LAB* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. | ||||
101.PRE* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. | ||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and included in Exhibit 101). | ||||
+ Filed herewith.
# Furnished herewith.
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601 (a)(5) of Regulation S-K.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
| Dated: | STEEL PARTNERS HOLDINGS L.P. | |||||||
| March 7, 2023 | ||||||||
| By: | Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc. | |||||||
| Its General Partner | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein | |||||||
| Warren G. Lichtenstein | ||||||||
| Executive Chairman | ||||||||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each of the undersigned do hereby appoint Warren G. Lichtenstein and Jason Wong, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney to execute on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; each of such attorneys shall have the power to act hereunder with or without the other.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated with respect to Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc., the general partner of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., and on behalf of the registrant and on the dates indicated below:
| By: | /s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein | March 7, 2023 | |||||||||
| Warren G. Lichtenstein, Executive Chairman | Date | ||||||||||
| (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Jason Wong | March 7, 2023 | |||||||||
| Jason Wong, Chief Financial Officer | Date | ||||||||||
| (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Gary W. Tankard | March 7, 2023 | |||||||||
| Gary W. Tankard, Chief Accounting Officer | Date | ||||||||||
| (Principal Accounting Officer) | |||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Jack L. Howard | March 7, 2023 | |||||||||
| Jack L. Howard, Director | Date | ||||||||||
| By: | /s/ James Benenson III | March 7, 2023 | |||||||||
| James Benenson III, Director | Date | ||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Eric P. Karros | March 7, 2023 | |||||||||
| Eric P. Karros, Director | Date | ||||||||||
| By: | /s/ John P. McNiff | March 7, 2023 | |||||||||
| John P. McNiff, Director | Date | ||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Lon Rosen | March 7, 2023 | |||||||||
| Lon Rosen, Director | Date | ||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Rory Tahari | March 7, 2023 | |||||||||
| Rory Tahari, Director | Date | ||||||||||
109