UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number
AMPCO-PITTSBURGH CORPORATION
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
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 ☐
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.
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 such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
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.
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
The aggregate market value of the voting stock of Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2022 (based upon the closing price of the Registrant’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date) was approximately $
As of March 15, 2023,
Documents Incorporated by Reference: Part III of this report incorporates by reference certain information from the Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the consolidated financial statements and notes hereto, may include, but are not limited to, statements about operating performance, trends and events that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, statements about sales and production levels, restructurings, the impact from global pandemics, profitability and anticipated expenses, inflation, the global supply chain, future proceeds from the exercise of outstanding warrants, and cash outflows. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are statements that are, or could be, deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Act and words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast” and other terms of similar meaning that indicate future events and trends are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, are not guarantees of future performance or expectations, and involve risks and uncertainties. For us, these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
We cannot guarantee any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. In addition, there may be events in the future that we are not able to predict accurately or control which may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we assume no obligation, and disclaim any obligation, to update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.
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– PART I –
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation (the “Corporation”) was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1929. The Corporation, individually or together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is also referred to herein as the “Registrant.” The Corporation manufactures and sells highly engineered, high-performance specialty metal products and customized equipment utilized by industry throughout the world. It operates in two business segments – the Forged and Cast Engineered Products (“FCEP”) segment and the Air and Liquid Processing (“ALP”) segment. This segment presentation is consistent with how the Corporation’s chief operating decision-maker evaluates financial performance and makes resource allocation and strategic decisions about the business.
While the Corporation operated at normal levels in 2022, it continues to be challenged by lingering global economic effects of a post-pandemic environment and repercussions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including:
The Corporation is actively monitoring, and will continue to actively monitor, the geopolitical and economic consequence of these events and the potential impact on its operations, financial condition, liquidity, suppliers, industry, and workforce.
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Forged and Cast Engineered Products Segment
The FCEP segment produces forged hardened steel rolls, cast rolls and forged engineered products (“FEP”). Forged hardened steel rolls are used primarily in hot and cold rolling mills by producers of steel, aluminum and other metals. Cast rolls, which are produced in a variety of iron and steel qualities, are used mainly in hot strip mills, medium/heavy section mills, roughing mills, and plate mills. FEP principally are sold to customers in the steel distribution market, oil and gas industry and the aluminum and plastic extrusion industries. The segment has operations in the United States, England, Sweden, Slovenia, and an equity interest in three joint venture companies in China. Collectively, the segment primarily competes with European, Asian and North and South American companies in both domestic and foreign markets and distributes a significant portion of its products through sales offices located throughout the world.
Union Electric Steel Corporation (“UES”) produces forged hardened steel rolls and FEP. It is headquartered in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, with three manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania and one in Indiana. The following entities are direct or indirect operating subsidiaries of UES:
Union Electric Steel UK Limited produces cast rolls in a variety of iron and steel qualities for hot strip mills, medium/heavy section mills and plate mills. It is located in Gateshead, England.
Åkers Sweden AB produces cast rolls in a variety of iron and steel qualities for hot strip mills, medium/heavy section mills, roughing mills, and plate mills. It is located in Åkers Styckebruk, Sweden.
Åkers Valji Ravne d.o.o. produces forged rolls for cluster mills and Z-Hi mills, work rolls for narrow and wide strip and aluminum mills, back-up rolls for narrow strip mills, and leveling rolls and shafts. It is located in Ravne, Slovenia.
Alloys Unlimited Processing, LLC is a distributor of tool steels and alloys and carbon round bar. It is located in Austintown, Ohio.
The segment’s three joint venture companies in China include:
Shanxi Åkers TISCO Roll Co., Ltd. is a joint venture between Taiyuan Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. and Åkers AB, a non-operating subsidiary of UES, that produces cast rolls for hot strip mills, steckel mills and medium plate mills. It is located in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China. Åkers AB holds a 59.88% interest in the joint venture.
Anhui Baochang Roll Co., Ltd., previously known as Magong Gongchang United Rollers Co., Ltd., is a joint venture among UES, Magang (Group) Holding Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Gong-Chang Roll Co., Ltd. that produces large forged backup rolls for hot and cold strip mills. It is located in Maanshan, Anhui Province, China. Union Electric Steel (Hong Kong) Limited, a non-operating subsidiary of UES, holds a 33% interest in the joint venture.
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Jiangsu Gong-Chang Roll Co., Ltd. is a joint venture that produces cast rolls for hot strip mills, medium/heavy section mills and plate mills. It is located in Xinjian Town Yixing City, Jiangsu Province, China. Union Electric Steel UK Limited holds a 24.03% interest in the joint venture.
Air and Liquid Processing Segment
The ALP segment includes Aerofin, Buffalo Air Handling and Buffalo Pumps, all divisions of Air & Liquid Systems Corporation (“Air & Liquid”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. The segment has operations in Virginia and New York with headquarters in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. The segment distributes a significant portion of its products through a common independent group of sales offices located throughout the United States and has several major competitors.
Aerofin Division of Air & Liquid Systems Corporation produces custom-engineered finned tube heat exchange coils and related heat transfer products for a variety of industries including OEM/commercial, nuclear power generation and industrial manufacturing. It is located in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Buffalo Air Handling Division of Air & Liquid Systems Corporation produces large custom-designed air handling systems for institutional (e.g., hospital, university), pharmaceutical and general industrial building markets. It is located in Amherst, Virginia.
Buffalo Pumps Division of Air & Liquid Systems Corporation manufactures centrifugal pumps for the fossil fueled power generation, marine defense and industrial refrigeration industries. It is located in North Tonawanda, New York.
Products
In both segments, the products are dependent on engineering, principally custom designed, and are sold to sophisticated commercial and industrial users located throughout the world. Products are delivered directly to the customer via third-party carriers or customer-arranged transportation. For the FCEP segment, one customer accounted for 10% of its net sales in 2022, the loss of which could have a material adverse effect on the segment, and no customers exceeded 10% of its net sales in 2021. For the ALP segment, no customers exceeded 10% of its net sales in 2022 or 2021. For additional information on the products produced and financial information about each segment, see Note 17, Revenue, and Note 24, Business Segments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Raw Materials
Raw materials used in both segments are generally available from many sources, and neither segment is dependent upon any single supplier for any raw material. Substantial volumes of raw materials used by each segment are subject to significant variations in price. The Corporation’s subsidiaries generally do not purchase or commit for the purchase of a major portion of raw materials significantly in advance of the time they require such materials but periodically make forward commitments for natural gas, electricity and certain commodities (copper and aluminum). See Note 15, Derivative Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Patents and Trademarks
While the Corporation and its subsidiaries hold certain patents, trademarks and licenses, in the opinion of the Corporation, they are not material to either segment.
Backlog
The backlog of orders at December 31, 2022 was approximately $369.0 million compared to a backlog of $292.6 million at year-end 2021. Both segments contributed to the improvement in backlog. Backlog for the FCEP segment increased by approximately $28.8 million year over year due to the net of improved demand and sale price increases for mill rolls offset by lower FEP backlog and foreign exchange rates used to translate the backlog of the Corporation’s foreign subsidiaries into the U.S. dollar. Backlog for the ALP segment increased by approximately $47.6 million and benefited from improved order intake for each of its product lines. Approximately 6% of the backlog is expected to be released after 2023.
Competition
The Corporation faces considerable competition from a large number of companies in both segments. The Corporation believes, however, that its subsidiaries are significant participants in each of the niche markets that they serve. Competition in both segments is based on quality, service, price, and delivery.
Environmental Protection Compliance Costs
Expenditures for environmental control matters were not material to either segment in 2022 and are not expected to be material in 2023.
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Employees and Human Capital Management
Employees
On December 31, 2022, the Corporation and its subsidiaries had 1,565 active employees worldwide (substantially all full-time), of which approximately 54% were employed in the United States. Approximately 34% of the Corporation’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements or agreements with works councils.
Oversight
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors maintains oversight of the Corporation’s human capital management strategies that it may deem important to the long-term sustainability of the Corporation.
Key Areas of Focus for the Corporation
Health and Safety – The Corporation’s health and safety program is designed around the regulations associated with the specific hazards and unique working environments of the Corporation’s manufacturing and headquarter operations. The Corporation requires all of its locations to perform regular safety audits to ensure compliance with the safety program. Leading indicators, such as reporting and training of all near-miss events, are used to identify risks for potential future incidents. Lagging indicators, such as OSHA recordable rates and lost-time incidence rates, are used to measure achievement of safety metrics.
Diversity and Inclusion – The Corporation tracks various metrics such as turnover, absenteeism and diversity. The Corporation has developed strategies to ensure that employees of diverse backgrounds and perspectives enjoy a culture of mutual respect, inclusiveness and teamwork in an environment which values diversity.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Corporation files annual, quarterly and current reports; amendments to those reports; proxy statements; and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may access and read the Corporation’s filings without charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Corporation’s internet address is www.ampcopittsburgh.com. The Corporation makes available, free of charge on its website, access to these reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information on the Corporation’s website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The name, age, position with the Corporation, and business experience for at least the past five years of the Executive Officers(1) of the Corporation are as follows:
J. Brett McBrayer (age 57). Mr. McBrayer has served as the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer since July 2018. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer at Airtex Products and ASC Industries, a global manufacturer and distributor of automotive after-market and OEM fuel and water pumps from 2012 to 2017. Airtex Products and ASC Industries, together with its parent company, UCI International LLC, and affiliated companies, filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2016, and successfully emerged in December 2016. Mr. McBrayer also served as Vice President and General Manager of the Alcan Cable business at Rio Tinto Alcan, as Vice President and General Manager of the Specialty Metals Division at Precision Cast Parts Corporation, and held positions of various responsibility and leadership during his 20 years with Alcoa, Inc. Mr. McBrayer received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science from Bastyr University.
Michael G. McAuley (age 59). Mr. McAuley has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Corporation since March 2018 and as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since April 2016. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of RTI International Metals, Inc., a producer of titanium mill products and fabricated metal components from July 2014 to October 2015.
Samuel C. Lyon (age 54). Mr. Lyon has served as President of Union Electric Steel Corporation since February 2019. He previously served as Vice President and Group President of Performance Engineered Products at Carpenter Technology Corporation, a developer, manufacturer and distributor of stainless steels and corrosion-resistant alloys from July 2017 to January 2019. Prior to that, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Dynamet Incorporated, the titanium business unit of Carpenter Technology Corporation from October 2016 to June 2017, and as Chief Operating Officer of UCI-Pumps business of UCI-Fram, an OEM and after-market automotive parts supplier from March 2013 to September 2016.
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David G. Anderson (age 55). Mr. Anderson has been employed by the Corporation since 2010 and has served as President of Air & Liquid Systems Corporation since January 2022. He previously served as Vice President of Finance for Union Electric Steel Corporation from October 2018 to December 2021, and as Vice President of Air & Liquid Systems Corporation from May 2016 to October 2018.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and the value of any investment in our securities are subject to a number of risks. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material, but are not the only risks and uncertainties we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are not material also may impair our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and the value of any investment in our securities.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
Cyclical demand for products and economic downturns could reduce the demand for, and sales of, our products, which could adversely affect our margins and profitability.
A significant portion of the FCEP segment’s sales consists of mill rolls to customers in the global steel and aluminum industry that can be periodically impacted by economic or cyclical downturns. Such downturns, the timing and length of which are difficult to predict, may reduce the demand for, and sales of, our forged and cast rolls both in the United States and the rest of the world. Lower demand for rolls may also adversely impact profitability as other competing roll producers lower selling prices in the marketplace in order to fill their manufacturing capacity. Cancellation of orders or deferral of delivery of rolls may occur and produce an adverse impact on our financial results. In addition, sales of FEP, specifically open-die forged products for the oil and gas industry and steel distribution markets, are impacted by fluctuations in global energy prices, which also could adversely affect our margins and profitability.
Excess global capacity in the steel industry could lower prices for our products, which could adversely affect our sales, margins and profitability, as well as the collectability of our receivables and the salability of our in-process inventory.
The global steel manufacturing capacity continues to exceed global consumption of steel products. Such excess capacity often results in manufacturers in certain countries exporting steel at prices significantly below their home market prices (often due to local government assistance or subsidies), which leads to global market destabilization and reduced sales and profitability of some of our customers which, in turn, affects our sales and profit margins, as well as the collectability of our receivables and the salability of our in-process inventory. Excess capacity in the global roll industry and cyclicality in end-market demand also pose risks of potential impairment of our long-lived assets, which could be material to our results of operations and the carrying value of our assets.
A reduction in the level of our export sales, as well as other economic factors in foreign countries, could have an adverse impact on our financial results.
Exports are a significant portion of our sales. Historically, changes in foreign exchange rates, particularly in respect of the U.S. dollar, British pound, Swedish krona, and euro, have impacted the export of our products and may do so again in the future. Other factors that may adversely impact our export sales and our operating results include political and economic instability, export controls, changes in tax laws and tariffs, and new indigenous producers in overseas markets. A reduction in the level of our export sales may have an adverse impact on our financial results. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may provide foreign roll suppliers with advantages based on those lower foreign currency exchange rates and, therefore, permit them to compete in our home markets.
Fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Certain of our subsidiaries operate in foreign jurisdictions and, accordingly, earn revenues, pay expenses, own assets, and incur liabilities in countries using currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Since our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, we must translate revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate during each reporting period and assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of each reporting period. Therefore, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies will affect the translated value for revenue, expenses and balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies and could materially affect our financial results expressed in U.S. dollars.
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Increases in energy and commodity prices, reductions in electricity and natural gas supply or shortage of key production materials could adversely impact our production, which could result in lower profitability or higher losses.
Our subsidiaries use certain commodities in the manufacture of their products. These include steel scrap, ferroalloys and energy. Any unexpected, sudden or prolonged price increase may cause a reduction in our profit margins or losses where beneficial fixed-priced contracts do not exist, unfavorable fixed-price contracts cannot be modified or increases cannot be obtained in our selling prices. In addition, there could be a time lag between when we incur such price increases and when we are able to recover such increases in our selling prices. Global increases in transportation costs and more limited availability of freight carriers may impact timely delivery of supplies to our subsidiaries and product to our customers, which may be accentuated during pandemics, and may negatively impact our sales, production and profitability. There also may be curtailment in electricity or natural gas supply or availability of key production materials, which may be accentuated during global conflict: all of which could adversely impact our production. Increases in energy and commodity prices, and/or reductions in electricity and natural gas supply could adversely impact our production or result in lower profitability or higher losses or impairment of our long-lived assets. Shortage of key production materials, while driving up costs, may be of such severity as to disrupt our production, all of which may impact our sales and profitability. Geopolitical factors or wars could exacerbate these risks. In particular, the Russia-Ukraine conflict may intensify the inflationary effect for the cost of natural gas, electricity, raw materials and other production components which are difficult to predict given the fluidity of the military conflict, the novelty of Western sanctions against Russia and possibility of yet harsher ones.
We could face limitations in availability of capital to fund our strategic plans. Additionally, deterioration in our credit profile or increases in interest rates could increase our costs of borrowing and further limit our access to capital markets and commercial credit.
We are parties to a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with a consortium of banks. The credit facility is collateralized by a first priority perfected security interest in substantially all of our assets. The credit facility provides for borrowings not to exceed $100 million and an allowance of $20 million for new capital equipment financing (which was accessed in September 2022) but otherwise restricts us from incurring additional indebtedness outside of the agreement, unless approved by the banks. The credit facility is subject to various affirmative and negative covenants and contains various sub-limits, including those based on the type of collateral and borrowings by geographic region. If the financial covenants become difficult to meet or if our borrowing needs increase beyond the prescribed limits, our financial position, results of operations and liquidity may be materially adversely affected. In addition, changes in our credit profile could cause less favorable commercial terms for the procurement of materials required to manufacture our products, which also could have a negative impact on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity. Further, our access to public and private debt markets is limited based on our size, credit profile and not being a well-known seasoned issuer, which may result in limitations in availability of capital to fund our strategic plans.
We have entered into sale-leaseback transactions, which create the risk of loss if we default.
UES and Air & Liquid have entered into sale and leaseback financing transactions with Store Capital Acquisitions, LLC (“STORE”) relating to certain properties utilized by segments of the Corporation. Pursuant to such sale and leaseback, UES has entered into a lease with STORE, through which it will sublease properties to Air & Liquid. Such lease entered into by UES contains certain representations, warranties, covenants, obligations, conditions, indemnification provisions and termination provisions customary for that type of agreement. If the Corporation defaults on the terms of such transaction, the Corporation could lose the properties.
We need to maintain adequate liquidity to meet our operating cash flow requirements, debt service costs and other financial obligations. If we fail to comply with the covenants contained in our revolving credit facility or our equipment financing facilities, it may adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.
Our liquidity is a function of our cash on-hand, our ability to successfully generate cash flows from a combination of efficient operations and continuing operating improvements, availability from our revolving credit facility, access to capital markets, and funding from other third parties. We believe our liquidity (including operating and other cash flows that we expect to generate and revolving credit availability) should be sufficient to meet our operating requirements as they occur; however, our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity going forward is subject to the general liquidity of and ongoing changes in the credit markets as well as general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other market factors that are beyond our control. If we are not able to maintain adequate liquidity, we may not be able to meet our operating cash flow requirements; debt service costs; future required contributions to our employee benefit plans (which are expected to increase in 2024/2025 primarily due to lower than expected pension asset performance in 2022); and other financial obligations.
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Our revolving credit facility is subject to various affirmative and negative covenants and our equipment financing facilities include various affirmative covenants. Failure to comply with material provisions or covenants in these facilities could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition. We may seek to renegotiate or replace a facility, or may determine not to replace a facility at all and may instead pursue other forms of liquidity. Any new credit agreement or these other forms of liquidity may result in higher borrowing costs and contain non-investment grade covenants that are less advantageous to us than our existing revolving credit and equipment financing facilities.
Our growth strategy has required substantial capital expenditures, which have been funded by the incurrence of additional debt. If we are unable to repay debt service costs, we may be unable to obtain alternative financing on satisfactory terms and our liquidity, results of operations and financial conditions may be adversely affected.
To support our growth strategy, we have made and expect to continue to make substantial capital expenditures. We expect to continue to fund these capital expenditures with our equipment financing facilities. The incurrence of additional indebtedness would require that a portion of our cash flows from operations be used for the payment of interest and principal, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flows from operations to fund working capital, other capital expenditures and acquisitions. Furthermore, raising equity capital generally would dilute existing shareholders. If additional capital is needed, we may not be able to obtain debt or equity financing on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
Dependence on certain equipment may cause an interruption in our production if such equipment is out of operation for an extended period of time, which could result in lower sales and profitability.
Our principal business relies on certain unique equipment such as an electric arc furnace and a spin cast work roll machine. Although a comprehensive critical spare inventory of key components for this equipment is maintained, if any such unique equipment is out of operation for an extended period of time, it may result in a significant reduction in our sales and earnings.
The ultimate liability of our subsidiaries for claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing components historically used in certain products of our subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in the future.
Certain of our subsidiaries and, in some cases, we, are defendants in numerous claims alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing components historically used in certain products of these subsidiaries. Through the current year end, our insurance has covered a majority of our settlement and defense costs. We believe that the estimated costs, net of anticipated insurance recoveries, of our pending and future asbestos legal proceedings should not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity. However, there can be no assurance that our subsidiaries or we will not be subject to significant additional claims in the future or that our subsidiaries’ ultimate liability with respect to asbestos claims will not present significantly greater and longer lasting financial exposure than provided in our consolidated financial statements. The ultimate net liability with respect to such pending and any unasserted claims is subject to various uncertainties, including the following:
Because of the uncertainties related to such claims, it is possible that our ultimate liability could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in the future.
A change in the existing regulatory environment could negatively affect our operations and financial performance.
We are subject to a wide variety of complex domestic and foreign laws, rules and regulations, including trade policies and tax regimes. We are affected by new laws and regulations and changes to existing laws and regulations, including interpretations by the courts and regulators, whether prompted by changes in government administrations or otherwise. These laws, regulations and policies, and changes thereto, may result in restrictions or limitations to our current operational practices and processes and product/service offerings which could negatively impact our current cost structure, revenue streams, future tax obligations, the value of our deferred income tax assets, cash flows, and overall financial position.
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In addition, our tax filings are subject to audits by tax authorities in the various jurisdictions in which we do business. These audits may result in assessments of additional taxes that are subsequently resolved with the taxing authorities or through the courts. Currently, we believe there are no outstanding assessments whose resolution would result in a material adverse financial result. However, we cannot offer assurances that unasserted or potential future assessments would not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
In 2018, the United States imposed tariffs of 25% on primary steel imports and 10% on primary aluminum imports into the United States. As consumers of steel and aluminum in some of our products, our cost base is exposed to the impact of this action, or similar actions, which could reduce our margins, and we could potentially lose market share to foreign competitors not subject to similar tariff increases. Our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity may be affected by these tariffs, or similar actions. Moreover, these new tariffs, or other changes in U.S. trade policy, have resulted in, and may continue to trigger, retaliatory actions by affected countries which could adversely impact demand for our products, as well as impact our costs, customers, suppliers, and/or the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, may adversely impact our business, operations and financial performance.
Pandemics may cause disruptions to our business and the industries in which we operate.
Pandemics may increase economic and demand uncertainty and could cause a sustained global recession. We may experience episodic disruptions to our operations or to the operations of our customers and suppliers; global supply chain issues causing global inflationary pressures; customer-requested delays of deliveries or cancellation of orders; lower order intake resulting from customers postponing projects; the inability to obtain raw materials and supplies critical to the manufacturing process; delays in receiving and shipping product due to the lack of transportation; higher cost of production and transportation; long-term disruptions to our operations resulting from changes in government policy or guidance; quarantines of employees, customers and suppliers in areas affected by a pandemic; closures of businesses or manufacturing facilities that are critical to our business or our supply chains; and higher write-offs of accounts receivables and impairment charges on our asset values, including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, which, individually or in the aggregate, may impact, our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Further, local governmental measures may be implemented to control the spread of the virus, including restrictions on manufacturing and the movement of employees in many regions and countries, and may be significant.
A pandemic may adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to access the capital markets. Additionally, government stimulus programs available to us, our customers or our suppliers, if any, may prove to be insufficient or ineffective. Furthermore, in the event that the impact from a pandemic causes us to be unable to maintain a certain level of excess availability under our revolving credit facility, our availability of funds may become limited, or we may be required to renegotiate the facility on less favorable terms. If we are unable to access additional credit at the levels we require, or the cost of credit is greater than expected, it could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
We have significant international operations. A pandemic could negatively affect our workforce, both domestically and abroad, requiring some or all of our employees to work from home on a longer-term or permanent basis, thereby requiring new processes, procedures and controls to respond to changes in our business environment. We may be susceptible to increased litigation related to, among other things, the financial impacts of the pandemic on our business, our ability to meet contractual obligations due to the pandemic, employment practices or policies adopted during the health crisis, or litigation related to individuals contracting any disease as a result of alleged exposures on our premises.
The impact of a pandemic also may have the effect of exacerbating many of the other risks described herein.
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Uncertainty related to environmental regulation and industry standards, as well as the physical risks of climate change, could impact our results of operations and financial position.
Increased public awareness and concern regarding environmental risks, including global climate change, may result in more international, regional and/or federal requirements or industry standards to reduce or mitigate global warming and other environmental risks. New climate change laws and regulations could require us to change our manufacturing processes or obtain substitute materials that may cost more or be less available for our manufacturing operations. Various jurisdictions in which we do business have implemented, or in the future could implement or amend, restrictions on emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, limitations or restrictions on water use, changes from traditional fossil fuel sources to renewables, regulations on energy management and waste management, and other climate change-based rules and regulations, which may increase our costs and adversely affect our operating results. In addition, the physical risks of climate change may impact the availability and cost of materials, sources and supply of energy, product demand and manufacturing and could increase our insurance and other operating costs. The expected future increased worldwide regulatory activity relating to climate change could expand the nature, scope and complexity of matters that we are required to control, assess and report. If environmental laws or regulations or industry standards are either changed or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon us, our suppliers, our customers, or our products, or if our operations are disrupted due to the physical impacts of climate change on us, our suppliers, our customers or our business, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.
A work stoppage or another industrial action on the part of any of our unions could be disruptive to our operations.
Our subsidiaries have several key operations which are subject to multi-year collective bargaining agreements or agreements with works councils with their hourly work forces. While we believe we have good relations with our unions, there is the risk of industrial action or work stoppage at the expiration of an agreement if contract negotiations fail, which may disrupt our manufacturing processes and impact our results of operations.
The Corporation may not realize the expected benefits from any restructuring and improvement efforts that we have taken or may take in the future.
We periodically evaluate our segments and we have and continue to undertake restructuring and realignment initiatives to reduce our overall cost basis and improve efficiency. There can be no assurance that we will fully realize the benefits of such efforts as anticipated, and we may incur additional and/or unexpected costs to realize them. These actions could yield other unintended consequences, such as distraction of management and employees, business disruption, reduced employee morale and productivity, and unexpected employee attrition, including the inability to attract or retain key personnel. If we fail to achieve the expected benefits of any restructuring or realignment initiatives and improvement efforts, or if other unforeseen events occur in conjunction with such efforts, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted.
RISKS RELATED TO OWNERSHIP OF OUR SECURITIES
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to accurately determine our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, our shareholders could lose confidence in our financial results, which could harm the business and the value of our securities.
Effective internal control is necessary to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to evaluate and report on our internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the exemption provided to issuers that are not “large accelerated filers” or “accelerated filers” under the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting and financial processes in the future. We may in the future discover areas of our internal control that need improvement. Furthermore, to the extent our business grows, our internal control may become more complex, and we would require significantly more resources to ensure our internal control remains effective.
We assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on those criteria and our assessment, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2022, because of the material weaknesses as described below. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements, including footnotes to the annual or interim financial statements, will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
9
As of December 31, 2022, we had material weaknesses related to (i) the accounting for claims asserted alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing components historically used in some products manufactured by predecessors of Air & Liquid (“Asbestos Liability”) and (ii) management review control activities related to the tax accounting of a non-routine transaction. The material weakness related to the Asbestos Liability is a result of the aggregation of the following control deficiencies: insufficient design and business process controls surrounding a new asbestos claims management database, insufficient testing of data migration from the previous asbestos claims management database to the new asbestos claims management database, and inadequate information technology (“IT”) general controls which ensure the integrity of the data and processes that the new asbestos claims management system supports. The material weakness related to management review control activities of the non-routine transaction is a result of management review control activities not operating at a sufficient level of precision to detect errors related to the income tax footnote disclosures of the non-routine transaction. See Part II, Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, for further discussion.
Our remediation efforts have and will continue to require significant resources and attention. If we are unable to remediate these material weaknesses or other identified deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting, or if we identify additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert in future reports that our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting are effective. This could cause investors, counterparties and customers to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial statements and reports and have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, access to capital markets and perceptions of our creditworthiness, and/or a decline in the market price of our common stock. Additionally, the existence of any material weakness could require us to devote significant time and incur significant expense to identify and remediate any such material weaknesses, and we may not be able to remediate any such material weaknesses in a timely manner. We also may become subject to investigations by the New York Stock Exchange, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources. These events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Actions of activist shareholders with respect to us or our securities could be disruptive and potentially costly and the possibility that activist shareholders may contest, or seek changes that conflict with, our strategic direction could cause uncertainty about the strategic direction of our business.
Activist shareholders may from time-to-time attempt to effect changes in our strategic direction and, in furtherance thereof, may seek changes in how we are governed. While our Board of Directors and management team strive to maintain constructive, ongoing communications with all of our shareholders, including activist shareholders, and welcome their views and opinions with the goal of working together constructively to enhance value for all shareholders, activist campaigns that contest, or conflict with, our strategic direction could have an adverse effect on us because: (i) responding to actions by activist shareholders can disrupt our operations, be costly and time-consuming and divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management from the pursuit of business strategies, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition; (ii) perceived uncertainties as to our future direction may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business, instability or lack of continuity which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, result in the loss of potential business opportunities and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners; and (iii) these types of actions could cause significant fluctuations in our stock price due to factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.
We may not be able to satisfy the continued listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange and the NYSE American Exchange for our common stock and Series A warrants, respectively.
Our common stock is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and our Series A warrants are listed on the NYSE American Exchange, with each imposing objective and subjective requirements for continued listing.
Continued listing criteria of the New York Stock Exchange include maintaining prescribed levels of financial condition, market capitalization and shareholders’ equity. Specifically, the New York Stock Exchange requires a company with common equity listed on its exchange to maintain average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period of at least $50 million or maintain shareholders’ equity of at least $50 million and maintain a share price of at least $1.00. Our common stock’s average-global market capitalization over the 30 trading-day period ended December 31, 2022 was $54.6 million, and our total Ampco-Pittsburgh shareholders’ equity was $104.3 million as of December 31, 2022. Should we receive a notice of non-compliance, the New York Stock Exchange may allow up to an 18-month cure period if we present a plan to become compliant with adequate strategic actions and progress reporting satisfactory to the New York Stock Exchange. If the New York Stock Exchange determines that our common stock fails to satisfy the requirements for continued listing, or we continue to fail to meet listing criteria, our common stock could be de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange, which could impact potential liquidity for our shareholders.
10
Continued listing criteria of the NYSE American Exchange include maintaining prescribed levels of financial condition, market capitalization and shareholders’ equity. Among other requirements, there must be an aggregate of at least 50,000 Series A warrants. Satisfaction of the NYSE American Exchange’s listing requirements therefore depends upon the extent to which warrant holders elect to exercise their Series A warrants. We cannot provide assurance that we will continue to meet these, or other, listing standards of the NYSE American Exchange with respect to the Series A warrants. If we fail to meet the listing criteria, our warrants could be de-listed from the NYSE American Exchange, which could impact potential liquidity for our shareholders.
Holders of Series A warrants will have no rights as holders of our common stock until they exercise their Series A warrants and acquire our common stock.
Until holders of our Series A warrants acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise of such Series A warrants, they will have no rights with respect to the shares of our common stock underlying such Series A warrants. Upon exercise of the Series A warrants, the holders thereof will be entitled to exercise the rights of holders of our common stock only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the warrant exercise date.
The market price of our common stock may not exceed the exercise price of the Series A warrants at such time as the holder desires to exercise such Series A warrants and, accordingly, the Series A warrants may have no value.
The Series A warrants are exercisable through August 1, 2025. The market price of our common stock may not exceed the exercise price of the Series A warrants at such times prior to their date of expiration that the holder desires to exercise such warrants. Any Series A warrants not exercised by their date of expiration will expire without residual value to the holders. Additionally, the price of the Series A warrants may fluctuate, and liquidity may be limited. Holders of Series A warrants may be unable to resell their Series A warrants at a favorable price, or at all.
Because the Series A warrants are executory contracts, they may have no value in a bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding.
In the event a bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding is commenced by or against us, a bankruptcy court may hold that any unexercised Series A warrants are executory contracts subject to rejection by us with the approval of a bankruptcy court. As a result, even if we have sufficient funds, holders may not be entitled to receive any consideration for their Series A warrants or may receive an amount less than they would be entitled to if they had exercised their Series A warrants prior to the commencement of any such bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
Potential attacks on information technology infrastructure and other cyber-based business disruptions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
We depend on integrated IT systems to conduct our business. IT systems failures, including risks associated with upgrading our systems or in successfully integrating IT and other systems to common platforms, network disruptions and breaches of data security could disrupt our operations by impeding our processing of transactions, our ability to protect customer or company information and our financial reporting. Our computer systems, including our back-up systems, could be damaged or interrupted by power outages; computer and telecommunications failures; computer viruses; internal or external security breaches; events such as fires, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes; and errors by our employees. Cyber-based risks, in particular, are evolving and include potential attacks to our IT infrastructure and to the IT infrastructure of third parties in attempts to gain unauthorized access to our confidential or other proprietary information or information relating to our employees, customers and other third parties or to seek ransom. Although we have taken steps to address these concerns, there can be no assurance that a system failure or data security breach will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
11
Our By-laws designate the state and federal courts sitting in the judicial district of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our shareholders and the federal courts as the sole and exclusive forum for claims arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which could discourage lawsuits against us and our directors and officers but may be found to be inapplicable or unenforceable.
Our By-laws provide, unless we otherwise consent in writing, the state and federal courts sitting in the judicial district of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania embracing the county in which our principal executive office is located will be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to us or our shareholders by any director, officer or other employee of ours, (c) any action asserting a claim against us or against any of our directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988 or our Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, (d) any action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce, or determine the validity of our Article of Incorporation or By-laws, or (e) any action asserting a claim against us or any director or officer or other employee of ours governed by the internal affairs doctrine (collectively, “Internal Governance Claims”). This exclusive forum provision does not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). However, the federal courts are the sole and exclusive forum for any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, pursuant to our By-laws, and any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Exchange Act, pursuant to Section 27 of the Exchange Act. This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our shareholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such shareholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors and officers. Alternatively, if a court outside of Pennsylvania with respect to Internal Governance Claims or any other state court with respect to a cause of action under the Securities Act were to find this exclusive forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings described above, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
12
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
The Corporation has no unresolved staff comments.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The location and general character of the principal locations in each segment are included in the below summary. All domestic locations are leased and foreign locations are owned, unless otherwise noted. In addition, the Corporation has sales offices located in several foreign countries. See Note 4, Property, Plant and Equipment, and Note 9, Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosure of properties held as collateral.
Company and Location |
|
Principal Use |
|
Approximate Square Footage |
|
Type of Construction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FORGED AND CAST ENGINEERED PRODUCTS SEGMENT |
||||||
Union Electric Steel Corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Route 18 Burgettstown, PA 15021*
|
|
Manufacturing facilities |
|
296,800 on 55 acres |
|
Metal and steel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
726 Bell Avenue Carnegie, PA 15106*
|
|
Manufacturing facilities and offices |
|
165,900 on 8.7 acres |
|
Metal and steel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Highway 30 Valparaiso, IN 46383*
|
|
Manufacturing facilities |
|
88,000 on 20 acres |
|
Metal and steel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1712 Greengarden Road Erie, PA 16501*
|
|
Manufacturing facilities |
|
40,000 on 1 acre |
|
Metal and steel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Union Electric Steel UK Limited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coulthards Lane Gateshead, England
|
|
Manufacturing facilities and offices |
|
274,000 on 10 acres |
|
Steel framed, metal and brick |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Åkers Sweden AB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bruksallén 12SE-647 51 Åkers Styckebruk, Sweden
|
|
Manufacturing facilities and offices |
|
394,000 on 162 acres |
|
Steel framed, metal and brick |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Åkers Valji Ravne d.o.o. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Koroška c. 14 SI-2390 Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia
|
|
Manufacturing facilities and offices |
|
106,000 on 2.1 acres |
|
Brick |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shanxi Åkers TISCO Roll Co., Ltd. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. 2 Jian Cao Ping Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
|
|
Manufacturing facilities and offices |
|
338,000 on 14.6 acres |
|
Metal, steel and brick |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alloys Unlimited and Processing, LLC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3760 Oakwood Avenue Austintown, OH 44515*
|
|
Manufacturing facilities and offices |
|
69,800 on 1.5 acres |
|
Steel framed and cement block |
13
Company and Location |
|
Principal Use |
|
Approximate Square Footage |
|
Type of Construction |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AIR AND LIQUID PROCESSING SEGMENT |
||||||
Air & Liquid Systems Corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aerofin Division 4621 Murray Place Lynchburg, VA 24506*
|
|
Manufacturing facilities and offices |
|
146,000 on 15.3 acres |
|
Brick, concrete and steel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buffalo Air Handling Division |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zane Snead Drive Amherst, VA 24531*
|
|
Manufacturing facilities and offices |
|
89,000 on 19.5 acres |
|
Metal and steel |
Buffalo Pumps Division |
|
|
|
|
|
|
874 Oliver Street N. Tonawanda, NY 14120* |
|
Manufacturing facilities and offices |
|
94,000 on 9 acres |
|
Metal, brick and cement block |
* Facility is leased.
During 2022, Air & Liquid completed sale and leaseback financing transactions with STORE for its real property, including its manufacturing facilities, located in Lynchburg, Virginia; Amherst, Virginia and North Tonawanda, New York (collectively, the “ALP Properties”). Previously, in 2018, UES completed a sale and leaseback financing transaction with STORE for certain of its real property, including its manufacturing facilities in Valparaiso, Indiana and Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, and its manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters located in Carnegie, Pennsylvania (the “UES Properties”), and simultaneously entered into a lease agreement with STORE whereby UES would lease the properties from STORE. In connection with the sale and leaseback financing transactions in 2022, UES and STORE amended their existing lease whereby UES will lease the UES Properties and the ALP Properties with UES subleasing the ALP Properties to Air & Liquid.
UES subleases office space to the Corporation. The Corporation further subleases a portion of its office space to Air & Liquid for use as its headquarters.
All of the owned facilities are adequate and suitable for their respective purposes.
The facilities of the FCEP segment operated within 85% to 90% of their normal capacity during 2022. The facilities of the ALP segment operated within 60% to 70% of their normal capacity. Normal capacity is defined as capacity under approximately normal conditions with allowances made for unavoidable interruptions, such as lost time for repairs, maintenance, breakdowns, set-up, failure, supply delays, labor shortages and absences, Sundays, holidays, vacation, and inventory taking. The number of work shifts is also taken into consideration.
14
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
LITIGATION
The Corporation and its subsidiaries may become involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to their businesses. In addition, claims been asserted alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos-containing components historically used in some products manufactured by predecessors of Air & Liquid. Air & Liquid and, in some cases, the Corporation, are defendants (among a number of defendants, often in excess of 50) in cases filed in various state and federal courts. See Note 20, Litigation, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The Corporation is currently performing certain remedial actions in connection with the sale of real estate previously owned and periodically incurs costs to maintain compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Environmental exposures are difficult to assess and estimate for numerous reasons, including lack of reliable data, the multiplicity of possible solutions, the years of remedial and monitoring activity required, and identification of new sites. The Corporation believes appropriate reserves have been established. See Note 22, Environmental Matters, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
15
– PART II –
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The shares of common stock of Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol AP). The Corporation paid cash dividends on common shares in every year since 1965 through mid-2017. In June 2017, the Corporation announced that it would suspend quarterly cash dividends, beginning with the second quarter of 2017.
The Series A warrants are traded on the NYSE American Exchange (symbol AP WS). Each warrant entitles the holder with the right to purchase 0.4464 shares of common stock of Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation.
The number of registered shareholders at December 31, 2022 and 2021 equaled 356 and 364, respectively.
The number of registered warrant holders equaled 21 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
ITEM 6. RESERVED
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
THE BUSINESS
Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Corporation”) manufacture and sell highly engineered, high-performance specialty metal products and customized equipment utilized by industry throughout the world. It operates in two business segments – the Forged and Cast Engineered Products (“FCEP”) segment and the Air and Liquid Processing (“ALP”) segment. This segment presentation is consistent with how the Corporation’s chief operating decision-maker evaluates financial performance and makes resource allocation and strategic decisions about the business.
The FCEP segment produces forged hardened steel rolls, cast rolls and forged engineered products (“FEP”). Forged hardened steel rolls are used primarily in hot and cold rolling mills by producers of steel, aluminum and other metals. Cast rolls, which are produced in a variety of iron and steel qualities, are used mainly in hot strip mills, medium/heavy section mills and plate mills. FEP principally are sold to customers in the steel distribution market, oil and gas industry and the aluminum and plastic extrusion industries. The segment has operations in the United States, England, Sweden, Slovenia, and an equity interest in three joint venture companies in China. Collectively, the segment primarily competes with European, Asian and North and South American companies in both domestic and foreign markets and operates several sales offices located throughout the world.
The ALP segment includes Aerofin, Buffalo Air Handling and Buffalo Pumps, all divisions of Air & Liquid Systems Corporation (“Air & Liquid”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation. Aerofin produces custom-engineered finned tube heat exchange coils and related heat transfer products for a variety of industries including OEM/commercial, nuclear power generation and industrial manufacturing. Buffalo Air Handling produces large custom-designed air handling systems for institutional (e.g., hospital, university), pharmaceutical and general industrial building markets. Buffalo Pumps manufactures centrifugal pumps for the fossil-fueled power generation, marine defense and industrial refrigeration industries. The segment has operations in Virginia and New York with headquarters in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. The segment utilizes a common independent group of sales offices located throughout the United States and Canada.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
While the Corporation operated at normal levels in 2022, it continues to be challenged by lingering global economic effects of a post-pandemic environment and repercussions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including:
The Corporation is actively monitoring, and will continue to actively monitor, the geopolitical and economic consequence of these events and the potential impact on its operations, financial condition, liquidity, suppliers, industry, and workforce.
16
For the FCEP segment, the forged roll market in North America has stabilized while the cast roll market has softened due to economic uncertainty in the European markets, primarily linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and resulting European energy crisis. The FEP market was strong in the first part of the year, as distributors began inventory re-stocking programs and as the oil and gas market demands increased on rising oil prices, but stabilized in the latter part of the year. The FCEP segment experienced higher costs for direct and indirect materials, energy and transportation in 2022. Although the segment continues to be adversely impacted by escalating costs, particularly for raw and ancillary materials, energy and transportation, price increases and changes to surcharge policies announced in the fourth quarter of 2021 are absorbing a significant portion of these costs. In addition, in February 2023, UES announced a price increase on all new quotations and new orders for forged and cast roll products. Approximately 80% of customer orders include a commodity surcharge. The primary focus for this segment is to maintain a strong position in the roll market; continue diversification and development of FEP for use in other industries; improve operational efficiency at its facilities; and complete its capital equipment investment to upgrade existing equipment with a goal of reducing operating costs, improving reliability and increasing FEP capacity and capabilities.
The ALP businesses are benefiting from steady demand, but are facing increasing production and transportation costs and supply chain issues. The segment has been implementing price increases for certain of its products to help mitigate these inflationary effects. The focus for this segment is to grow revenues, strengthen engineering and manufacturing capabilities, and continue to improve its sales distribution network.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW
Change in Accounting Principle
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Corporation changed its method of accounting for valuing domestic inventories from the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis to the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. Foreign inventories have historically been maintained on the FIFO basis. The Corporation believes changing to the FIFO method of inventory valuation is preferable as it provides a better matching of costs with the physical flow of goods, standardizes the Corporation’s inventory valuation methodology, and improves comparability with industry peers. The Corporation has retrospectively applied this change to its prior year consolidated financial statements, footnotes and other financial information. (See Note 2, Change in Method of Accounting for Inventory Valuation, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.)
The Corporation
|
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 - as adjusted (1) |
|
||||||||||
Net Sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Forged and Cast Engineered Products |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
299,484 |
|
|
|
77 |
% |
|
$ |
260,204 |
|
|
|
75 |
% |
Air and Liquid Processing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,705 |
|
|
|
23 |
% |
|
|
84,716 |
|
|
|
25 |
% |
Consolidated |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
390,189 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
344,920 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Income (Loss) from Operations: (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Forged and Cast Engineered Products |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
444 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,073 |
|
|
|
|
||
Air and Liquid Processing (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,601 |
|
|
|
|
||
Corporate costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,352 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
(12,456 |
) |
|
|
|
||
Consolidated |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,778 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4,782 |
) |
|
|
|
||
Backlog: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Forged and Cast Engineered Products |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
252,165 |
|
|
|
68 |
% |
|
$ |
223,321 |
|
|
|
76 |
% |
Air and Liquid Processing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
116,853 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
69,233 |
|
|
|
24 |
% |
Consolidated |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
369,018 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
292,554 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Net sales equaled $390,189 and $344,920 for 2022 and 2021, respectively. While both segments contributed to the $45,269 increase in net sales, the majority of the increase is attributable to the FCEP segment which benefited from improved pricing, including a higher variable-index surcharge, and increasing demand. A discussion of sales by segment is included below.
Operating income (loss) equaled $2,778 and $(4,782) for 2022 and 2021, respectively, an improvement of $7,560. Included in income from operations for 2022, is a:
17
By comparison, included in loss from operations for 2021 is a:
A discussion of income (loss) from operations for the Corporation’s two segments is included below. Corporate costs decreased in 2022, when compared to 2021, by $1,104 due to lower employee-related costs including lower incentive compensation and a portion of the benefit from the Change in Employee Benefit Policy being attributable to Corporate employees, offset by higher professional fees.
Backlog equaled $369,018 at December 31, 2022, versus $292,554 as of December 31, 2021. Backlog represents the accumulation of firm orders on hand which: (i) are supported by evidence of a contractual arrangement, (ii) include a fixed and determinable sales price, (iii) have collectability that is reasonably assured, and (iv) generally are expected to ship within two years from the backlog reporting date. Backlog at a certain date may not be a direct measure of future revenue for a particular order because price increases, negotiated subsequently to the original order, are not included in backlog until the updated contract is received from the customer and certain surcharges are not determinable until the order is completed and ready for shipment to the customer. Approximately 6% of the backlog is expected to be released after 2023. A discussion of backlog by segment is included below.
Gross margin, excluding depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales was 15.9% and 19.2% for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease from the prior year is primarily attributable to the FCEP segment which experienced higher costs, particularly for direct and indirect materials, energy and transportation, when compared to the prior year. Although a portion of these costs are recovered via the variable-index surcharge, the variable-index surcharge does not cover all elements of all costs. In addition, in 2022, gross margin, excluding depreciation and amortization, includes a benefit from the Change in Employee Benefit Policy of $331 and, for the FCEP segment, expense associated with the Refund of Excess COVID-19 Subsidies. For the ALP segment, gross margin, excluding depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net sales improved slightly as a result of a higher volume of sales, changes in product mix and savings generated from process improvements offset, in part, by higher costs.
Selling and administrative expenses were comparable, totaling $43,527 (11.2% of net sales) and $45,998 (13.3% of net sales) for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease of $2,471 is principally due to:
In addition, the prior year included the Reorganization-Related Costs of $1,600.
Depreciation and amortization expense was comparable, equaling $17,408 and $17,877 for 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(Credit) charge for asbestos-related costs equaled $(2,226) and $6,661 in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The credit in 2022 represents a change in the estimated defense-to-indemnity cost ratio from 70% to 65% based on ongoing experience and improvements in defense costs which are expected to continue. The charge in 2021 represents changes in the estimated costs of pending and future asbestos claims, net of additional insurance recoveries through the estimated final date by which the Corporation expects to have settled all asbestos-related claims. See Note 20, Litigation, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Investment-related income equaled $519 and $1,084 for 2022 and 2021, respectively, and represents primarily dividends received from one of the Corporation’s Chinese joint ventures.
18
Interest expense equaled $5,434 and $3,599 for 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase of $1,835 is principally due to:
Other income – net is comprised of the following:
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
Change |
|
|||
Net pension and other postretirement income |
|
$ |
6,552 |
|
|
$ |
6,694 |
|
|
$ |
(142 |
) |
Unrealized (loss) gain on Rabbi trust investments |
|
|
(1,144 |
) |
|
|
661 |
|
|
|
(1,805 |
) |
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange transactions |
|
|
2,293 |
|
|
|
(1,134 |
) |
|
|
3,427 |
|
Other |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
(89 |
) |
|
|
$ |
7,693 |
|
|
$ |
6,302 |
|
|
$ |
1,391 |
|
Other income – net fluctuated primarily due to changes in foreign exchange gains and losses and, as a result of volatility in the financial markets during 2022, unrealized losses in the market value of the Rabbi trust investments.
Income tax provision equaled $(1,576) and $(2,305) for 2022 and 2021, respectively, and includes income taxes associated with the Corporation’s profitable operations. An income tax benefit is not able to be recognized on losses of certain of the Corporation’s entities since it is “more likely than not” the asset will not be realized. Accordingly, changes in the income tax provision for each period includes the effects of changes in the pre-tax income of the Corporation’s profitable operations. In addition, the income tax provision for 2022 includes $165 of expense resulting from the revaluation of the deferred income tax assets of the ALP segment following new legislation enacted in 2022, which will decrease the Pennsylvania state income tax rate from 9.99% to 4.99% in 2031. By comparison, the income tax provision for 2021 includes $452 of expense associated with the (i) restructuring of a foreign sales office and (ii) revaluation of the deferred income tax liabilities of the Corporation’s U.K. entity following new legislation enacted in 2021, which will increase the U.K. corporate tax rate from 19% to 25% in 2023.
Net income (loss) attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh was approximately $3,416 or $0.18 per common share for 2022 and $(3,861) or $(0.20) per common share for 2021.
Net income attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh and income per common share attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh for 2022, include a net benefit of $2,727 or $0.14 per common share associated with the net benefit from the Asbestos-Related Credit, the Change in Employee Benefit Policy, the Refund of Excess COVID-19 Subsidies and the additional tax of $165 resulting from the revaluation of the deferred income tax assets of the ALP segment following new legislation enacted in 2022, which will reduce the Pennsylvania state income tax rate from 9.99% to 4.99% in 2031.
Net (loss) attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh and (loss) per common share attributable to Ampco-Pittsburgh for 2021, include net expense of $8,444 or $0.45 per common share for the Asbestos-Related Charge, the Reorganization-Related Costs and additional income tax expense of $452 associated with the (i) restructuring of a foreign sales office and (ii) resulting from the revaluation of the deferred income taxes of the Corporation’s U.K. entity following new legislation enacted in 2021, which will increase the U.K. corporate tax rate from 19% to 25% in 2023.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Corporation presents non-GAAP adjusted (loss) income from operations, which is calculated as income (loss) from operations excluding the Asbestos-Related (Credit) Charge, the Change in Employee Benefit Policy, the Refund of Excess COVID-19 Subsidies, and the Reorganization-Related Costs for each of the years, as applicable. This non-GAAP financial measure is not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures presented by other companies.
The Corporation has presented non-GAAP adjusted (loss) income from operations because it is a key measure used by the Corporation’s management and Board of Directors to understand and evaluate the Corporation’s operating performance and to develop operational goals for managing its business. This non-GAAP financial measure excludes significant charges or credits that are one-time charges or credits, or unrelated to the Corporation’s ongoing results of operations, or beyond its control. Additionally, a portion of the incentive and compensation arrangements for certain employees is based on the Corporation’s business performance. The Corporation believes this non-GAAP financial measure helps identify underlying trends in its business that otherwise could be masked by the effect of the items that it excludes from adjusted (loss) income from operations. In particular, the Corporation believes that the exclusion of the Asbestos-Related (Credit) Charge, the Change in Employee Benefit Policy, the Refund of Excess COVID-19 Subsidies, and the Reorganization-Related Costs can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of the Corporation’s
19
core business performance. The Corporation also believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides useful information to management, shareholders and investors, and others in understanding and evaluating its operating results, enhancing the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allowing for greater transparency with respect to key financial metrics used by the Corporation’s management in its financial and operational decision-making.
Adjusted (loss) income from operations is not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation of, or as an alternative to, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations related to the use of adjusted (loss) income from operations rather than income (loss) from operations, which is the nearest GAAP equivalent. Among other things, there can be no assurance that additional benefits similar to the Asbestos-Related (Credit) and the Change in Employee Benefit Policy or additional expenses similar to the Asbestos-Related Charge, the Refund of Excess COVID-19 Subsidies, and the Reorganization-Related Costs will not occur in future periods.
The adjustments reflected in adjusted (loss) income from operations are pre-tax. The tax impact associated with these adjustments would be additional income tax expense of $101 for 2022 and an income tax benefit of $132 for 2021.
The following is a reconciliation of income (loss) from operations to non-GAAP adjusted (loss) income from operations for 2022 and 2021, respectively:
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 - as adjusted(1) |
|
||
Income (loss) from operations, as reported (GAAP) |
|
$ |
2,778 |
|
|
$ |
(4,782 |
) |
Asbestos-Related (Credit) Charge (2) |
|
|
(2,226 |
) |
|
|
6,661 |
|
Change in Employee Benefit Policy (3) |
|
|
(1,431 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Refund of Excess COVID-19 Subsidies (4) |
|
|
664 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Reorganization-Related Costs (5) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,600 |
|
(Loss) income from operations, as adjusted (Non-GAAP) |
|
$ |
(215 |
) |
|
$ |
3,479 |
|
Forged and Cast Engineered Products
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
Change |
|
|||
Net sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Forged and cast mill rolls |
|
$ |
256,559 |
|
|
$ |
234,926 |
|
|
$ |
21,633 |
|
FEP |
|
|
42,925 |
|
|
|
25,278 |
|
|
|
17,647 |
|
|
|
$ |
299,484 |