HELIOS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. [HLIO] Filings

5.un

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023

OR

For the transition period from to __________

Commission file number 001-40935

HELIOS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(941)362-1200

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

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 ☐ No ☒

The aggregate market value of the shares of voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price of such shares on the New York Stock Exchange, as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $2,167,284,868.

The Registrant had 33,116,551 shares of common stock, par value $.001, outstanding as of February 16, 2024.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Helios Technologies, Inc.

INDEX

For the year ended

December 30, 2023

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Our Business

Overview and Strategy

Helios Technologies, Inc. (“Helios,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), and its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a global leader in highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology for diverse end markets, including construction, material handling, agriculture, industrial, mobile, energy, recreational vehicles, marine, and health and wellness.

We operate under two business segments: Hydraulics and Electronics. The Hydraulics segment designs and manufactures hydraulic motion control and fluid conveyance technology products, including cartridge valves, manifolds, quick release couplings as well as engineers hydraulic solutions and in some cases complete systems. The Electronics segment designs and manufactures customized electronic controls systems, displays, wire harnesses, and software solutions for a variety of end markets.

During 2021, we augmented our strategy to transform our business from a holding company to a global integrated operating company. At that same time, we introduced the framework of the Helios Business System, “HBS” (pictured below), which is at the heart of all we do. We are accomplishing this transformation into a global integrated operating company by leveraging sales, marketing, innovation, customer relationships and operational excellence across all our businesses. Our progress to date, through a very complex macro operating environment, is a direct reflection of the commitment of our talented workforce executing our augmented strategy.

Our trusted global brands deliver technology solutions that ensure safety, reliability, connectivity and controls. The outer ring of the HBS is our mission - the four key mission pillars we believe will deliver growth, diversification and market leading financial performance as we develop into a more sophisticated, globally oriented, customer-centric and learning-based organization. These are:

We continue to explore acquisition opportunities as a way to accelerate growth in line with our history of acquiring companies with niche technologies, as well as strong profitability. Our acquisition strategy includes bolt-on flywheel acquisitions and transformational acquisitions. In addition to looking for strong management teams and good cultural fit, the objective of our acquisition strategy is to enhance Helios by:

To support the execution of our strategy, our financial strategy is oriented around delivering industry leading operating margins, a strong balance sheet and sufficient financial flexibility to support organic and acquisitive growth while continuing to sustain our longstanding history of over twenty-six years of dividend payments.

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

Our culture of innovation is at the core of our business. We have approximately 230 engineers in support of product innovation, as well as technical support and customer service. We believe our product innovation will aid organic growth and fill the expected demand resulting from the megatrends of automation, digitalization, regionalization and supply chain security, productivity and technology advancements. All growth initiatives are intended to preserve Helios’ history of superior profitability and financial strength.

Acquisitions

Over the last three years under our augmented strategy, we have added to our portfolio of niche technologies through acquisitions:

We continued to execute on our acquisition strategy with two more flywheel acquisitions in 2023:

Business Segments

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

Hydraulics

We are evolving how we classify the key technologies within our Hydraulics segment into two categories based on Hydraulic system architecture: motion control technology (“MCT”) and fluid conveyance technology (“FCT”). MCT includes components used to control the flow and pressure of fluids in a system. FCT includes components used to convey fluids and fluid power through a system and are designed to grant maximum flexibility of design and reliability. MCT includes our cartridge valve technology (“CVT”) where we pioneered a fundamentally different design platform employing a floating nose construction that results in a self-alignment characteristic. This design provides better performance and reliability advantages compared with most competitors’ product offerings. Our cartridge valves are offered in several size ranges and include both electrically actuated and hydro-mechanical products. They are designed to be able to operate reliably at higher pressures than most competitors, making them equally suitable for both industrial and mobile applications.

Hydraulic systems are increasingly taking signals from on-board electronic control systems, making it necessary for hydraulic products to be capable of digital communication. In response to this we have aggressively expanded our CVT offering of electrically actuated cartridge valves for both the mobile and industrial hydraulics markets and gained significant technology advancements in electro-hydraulic products in addition to parts-in-body and directional control valves with the acquisition of NEM.

Additionally, our CVT ecoline™ family is a collection of products focused on increasing the energy efficiency of hydraulic systems. Also, an aggressive segment of new product development that focuses on disruptive technology is yielding results with the announcement of the ENERGEN™ product. ENERGEN™ is the first hydraulic cartridge valve with the capability to convert hydraulic flow into electrical power. The Sun Common line was introduced in 2022 to offer products better positioned for simpler, lower pressure applications.

Our FCT products transfer hydraulic fluid from one point to another. FCT includes our quick release couplings (“QRC”) products, which allow users to connect and disconnect quickly from any hydraulic circuit without leakage and ensure high-performance under high temperature and pressure using one or multiple couplers. Quick connection of multiple hydraulic lines can be accomplished through the use of our casting solution or our signature MultiFaster® product line. In particular, the simultaneous connection of several lines granted by our Multifaster® is an important feature in many applications and allows for dramatic reduction of connection time, even when the system is under pressure, and completely removes the risk of incorrect connections and related hazards for the equipment and the operators. We design, engineer and distribute hydraulic coupling solutions primarily in the agriculture, construction equipment and industrial markets. In 2021, our QRC subsidiary, Faster S.r.l, was selected as a recipient of the John Deere Supplier Innovation Award for 2020, for its multi-connection couplings with integrated valve system. The award was presented to a select group of Suppliers who demonstrated innovation in a product or service they provide to John Deere. Award selections are based on four factors: creativity, feasibility, collaboration and bottom-line impact. In synergy with our Sun Hydraulics LLC business, our engineering teams have combined the advantages and features of MultiFaster® and Sun electro-hydraulic cartridge valves into an integrated manifold, reducing complexity and increasing reliability of the hydraulic circuit as a result. In 2022, Faster won the Systems and Components Trophy – Engineers Choice from DLG for its innovative Faster ABC electronic hydraulic hose coupling. DLG recognizes components or systems with novel or significantly improved concepts that can make a significant contribution to the development and production of agricultural machinery and other off-highway machinery.

We believe our recent strategic acquisitions have expanded our addressable markets by gaining know-how and intellectual property, which grant us access into industrial multi-connections, mostly automatically actuated, in fields like steel mills, automotive engine test beds, aeronautics and plastic injection. These multi-connections are typically custom designed for a particular application and handle not just hydraulic, but also various process fluids and electrical signals of low, medium and high voltage. In addition, the Taimi acquisition was a bolt-on technology that we believe fits well with our coupling offerings. Taimi developed a hose line accessory with innovative technology granting superior life and performance, not just for the swivel itself but effectively expanding the hose life by up to ten times in heavy duty applications where hose bending and torsion under severe pressure conditions are normal. This expanded our market reach into mining, forestry equipment and high-end sailing solutions.

Many of the current Faster, Taimi, Sun and NEM brand products can be easily combined to form an integrated hydraulic circuit, or system, of high technological content.
 

These circuits and systems provide engineered solutions that combine manifolds, CVT and QRC technology and allow users enhanced control of existing equipment, providing a competitive advantage and opportunities for higher margin. The systems we design and manufacture:

Electronics

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

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

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

Our PowerView™ and next generation OpenView™ lines of LCD displays offer our customers the ability to work with our engineering teams to specify and utilize customized software and graphics for their electronics solutions. Our OpenView™ displays include the same robust features and quality of our PowerView™ displays while also allowing our customers the ability to use open source Linux-based operating system and various software development tools to create their own graphics and custom applications for their electronics solutions making implementation of OpenView™ products more adoptable and flexible for our customers. All of our displays offer easy-to-read, bonded LCD graphical interfaces with the industry's best viewability, even in direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions, and the ability to withstand a wide ambient temperature range. We believe our user friendly software configuration tools allow engineers and non-engineers alike to create customized systems to solve complex problems on their equipment making the user experience more seamless.

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

Technology and Innovation

In 2021, we established the Helios Center of Engineering Excellence (“HCEE”) to serve both the Electronics and Hydraulics segments of Helios. HCEE plays an important role in protecting the business, market diversification, globalization and innovation of products and developing talent. Importantly, HCEE advances ongoing joint product development efforts to address the megatrend of the electrification of machines.

HCEE teams work cross functionally between the segments where engineers in the Electronics segment bring expertise to enable electrification of products and systems within the Hydraulics segment. While the core technology of our products has been critical to our Company’s historical success and will remain important in the future, we see significant opportunities to develop innovative technology encompassing both the Hydraulics and Electronics segments to create new products to address future market trends and further diversify our end markets.

Manufacturing

Strategy

As part of our transformation to an integrated operating company, we have developed a unified operations strategy across the companies in our Electronics and Hydraulics segments. This strategy leverages the breadth of our global footprint and depth of our manufacturing capabilities.

In support of our mission to “Think and Act Globally”, we are driving “in the region, for the region” manufacturing to better align supply chain and manufacturing value streams with customers geographically to shorten lead times, reduce inventory, optimize costs, and mitigate global supply risks. Established manufacturing centers provide scale in North America, and we continue to expand centers in both Asia and Europe to meet growing global demand. Manufacturing locations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Italy, Germany, South Korea, China and India provide a range of manufacturing options.

Our factory and supplier management is grounded in a people first approach that leverages the talents of our diverse global operations team. All global sites operate to high standards of stewardship and social responsibility.

Hydraulics

Our Hydraulics operations footprint leverages manufacturing centers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Established supplier relationships and manufacturing capabilities in precision machining, finishing, heat treatment, process automation, and test allow us to deliver best in class quality and market leading hydraulic control solutions.

We leverage Lean Six Sigma best practices and automation to continually improve the safety, quality, and productivity of our operating processes.

Electronics

We offer a wide range of advanced electronics manufacturing capabilities that deliver integrated electronic control solutions to diverse end markets. Manufacturing value streams incorporate high speed surface mount technology (“SMT”), production lines with 3D solder paste inspection, 3D automated optical inspection and x-ray inspection to ensure quality and process control. Multipoint functional testing is conducted to ensure quality control of assembled products. Products are serialized and test data is captured against serial numbers and stored in a manufacturing execution system (“MES”) database for product traceability.

Our culture of continuous improvement and people first approach spans across both segments. Structured programs ensure our supply chains comply with Conflict Minerals standards.

Sales and Marketing

In 2023, no single customer made up more than 5% of consolidated net sales across the Company.

Strategy

One of the key drivers of future growth for both the Electronics and Hydraulics segments is our system sale approach that leverages electronic and hydraulic solutions from our trusted brands. While always protecting our existing business, we will provide strategic OEM partners with “system solutions” that ensure the safety, reliability, connectivity and control of their applications.

Our two segments are comprised of approximately 125 direct sales and application specialists serving our customers’ needs. We will continue to use this long successful approach while augmenting our strategy by pursuing system sales at key global OEM’s to drive growth.

We will accelerate promotion of the Helios brand through system sales while remaining focused on our well-established operating brands.

Hydraulics

In 2023, 68% of Helios’ sales were derived from the Hydraulics segment. Our 2023 Hydraulics segment sales were distributed fairly evenly among our three major geographic regions with 42% to the Americas, 31% to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) and 27% to Asia Pacific (“APAC”).

We market and sell hydraulic products and engineered solutions through value-add distributors and directly to OEMs. Our global channel partner network includes representation in many industrialized markets, and approximately 46% of segment sales are attributed to our channel partners who generally combine our products with other hydraulic components to design a complete hydraulic system. Sales direct to OEMs for integration in their machines make up the remaining 54%. We rely heavily on our distribution network in the U.S., while in the EMEA and APAC regions, sales are split more evenly between OEMs and distributors. Technical support is provided by local sales and application experts based in each region.

Electronics

Electronic products are sold globally to OEM customers, distributors and system integrators. OEM sales constituted 75% of total Electronics segment sales in 2023. Building strong, lasting partnerships with OEMs is a priority. We rely on direct customer contacts to stimulate demand for our products. We work closely with our OEM customers to design and deliver innovative and reliable products for specific applications. Our hardware and software products are designed and modified with the customer utilizing our extensive application knowledge to create unique system level products that cannot be easily replaced by simply switching out components. Customer service support and an in-house technical service department is available before, during and after the initial sale to create sustainable partnerships with our customers. Current OEM customers continue to specify our products in new projects based on the high level of engagement, quality products and delivery performance.

Our OEM sales team collaborates with large OEMs, whereas the distributor sales team works with an expanding number of distributors of varying sizes. Over the last few years, we restructured our sales teams to create a more dedicated focus on distributor sales. Overall, approximately 25% of 2023 segment sales were derived from independent authorized distributor channel partners.

We continue to execute on our strategic initiative to further diversify our channels to market and end markets served. In addition to acquisitions such as Balboa and Joyonway, this effort includes the development of new partners globally. These efforts assist in our ability to diversify our global customer base, allowing us to grow more quickly, diversify the end-markets we serve and expand our customer base.

Our new product initiatives in the Electronics Segment are focused on general market products that will require less customization by our engineering teams and provide a quicker sales cycle, making it easier for the products to be utilized in multiple new end markets and OEM applications.

Geographically, our 2023 Electronics segment sales represented 84% to the Americas, 9% to EMEA and 7% to APAC. There is a well-defined initiative to grow sales in EMEA and APAC as part of our growth strategy. Additionally, synergies identified at the time of acquisition utilize customer relationships from the Hydraulics segment to create pull through of electronic products, and joint product development has created additional sales opportunities for both segments. The systems sales approach will further drive pull through between the segments.

Competition

Hydraulics

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

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

Electronics

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

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

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

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

Human Capital

We consider our employees as essential contributors to our success. Our primary emphasis is on acquiring and keeping talented individuals, fostering their growth through initiatives that not only improve technical expertise but also bolster leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. These efforts contribute to cultivating a high-performance, team-oriented culture at Helios. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workforce, and our commitment to shared values such as accountability, integrity, inclusion, innovation, and leadership creates an inviting environment for our colleagues and their ideas.

At the end of our 2023 fiscal year, we employed approximately 2,700 colleagues worldwide. Approximately 57% of our employees are located in the Americas region, 27% in the EMEA region and 16% in APAC. In addition, we have a committed service agreement with a third party that currently supports nearly 430 jobs in Mexico and serves as an integral part of our supply chain. The number of jobs available in Mexico through the third party is flexible based on demand within the markets we serve. We also hire consultants, independent contractors and temporary workers as needed to augment our workforce.

Our employees align themselves with our Shared Values and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Company, in conjunction with its workforce, is committed to the principle that respect for others involves recognizing the dignity of every individual and embracing global diversity. Helios is steadfast in its dedication to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, actively advocating for diversity in both hiring and employment practices. Our leadership and employees are unwavering in their commitment to "doing the right thing by living with integrity," which extends to caring for communities worldwide and the individuals within our employ.

We shape our people strategy by prioritizing employee engagement to foster talent growth, enhance the overall employee experience, and leverage technology for the attraction, retention, and development of the future workforce. Our commitment to talent development is evident through various programs implemented across our business units. Among these initiatives is our launch of The 6 Types of Working Genius training rolled out across each of our segments. This program is aimed at identifying better ways for our colleagues to understand their gifts, frustrations, and how to leverage them within their own teams or projects they are on. We will continue to cascade this framework down throughout the organization, nurturing a common language across the globe. We remain steadfast in continually improving our Career Development Program (CDP), designed to target recent college graduates, and working students. The CDP offers genuine job rotations, strategically cultivating future leaders in essential business disciplines. Furthermore, both segments actively engage in summer internships, forge partnerships with local educational institutions, and provide ongoing training and upskilling opportunities. Throughout 2023, we successfully launched our global talent management system. This system encompasses Helios' performance management, learning management, and career development initiatives. In accordance with our strategic objectives, it is imperative that we persist in cultivating, accelerating, and elevating talent throughout the entire organization.

We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our employees. Each entity upholds environmental, health, and safety policies aimed at fostering the operation of our business in a manner that safeguards the health and well-being of the public and our workforce. Many of our businesses feature onsite medical clinics catering to employees and their families. We provide a range of health and welfare programs to encourage employee fitness, wellness, and preventive healthcare. Additionally, our workforce has access to a confidential employee assistance program that offers professional counseling services to employees and their family members.

We have approximately 570 employees in Italy who are represented by a union. We have constructive and productive dialog on a regular basis with union leaders. To the best of our knowledge, there is no labor dispute, strike, controversy, slowdown, work stoppage or lockout pending or threatened against or affecting the Company, nor is there any basis for any of the foregoing.

Patents and Trademarks

In addition to trade secrets, unpatented know-how and other intellectual property rights, we own approximately 300 active patents and trademarks relating to certain of our products and businesses. We believe that the growth of our business is dependent upon the quality and functional performance of our products and our relationship with the marketplace, rather than on any single patent, trademark, copyright or other item of intellectual property or group of patents, trademarks or copyrights. However, our patents are important in the defense of our intellectual property from competitors who exploit product development that is not otherwise legally protected by its creator.

Governmental Regulations

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

Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Laws and Regulations

We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and anti-corruption laws, and similar laws in foreign countries, such as the U.K. Anti-Bribery Act of 2010. Any violation of these laws by us or our agents or distributors could create substantial liability for us, subject our officers and directors to personal liability, and cause a loss of reputation in the market. Increased business in higher risk countries could subject us and our officers and directors to increased scrutiny and increased liability. In addition, becoming familiar with and implementing the infrastructure necessary to comply with laws, rules and regulations applicable to new business activities and mitigating and protecting against corruption risks could be quite costly.

Export Controls and Trade Policies

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

Environmental Regulations

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

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

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

Sustainability

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

Available Information

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

The Company’s executive offices are located at 7456 16th St E, Sarasota, Florida 34243, and our telephone number is (941) 362-1200. Our website is www.heliostechnologies.com.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

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

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) our ability to respond to global economic trends and changes in customer demand domestically and internationally, including as a result of standardization and the cyclical nature of our business, which can adversely affect the demand for capital goods, (ii) supply chain disruption and the potential inability to procure goods; (iii) conditions in the capital markets, including the interest rate environment and the continued availability of capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all; (iv) global and regional economic and political conditions, including inflation (or hyperinflation), exchange rates, changes in the cost or availability of energy, transportation, the availability of other necessary supplies and services and recession; (v) changes in the competitive marketplace that could affect our revenue and/or cost basis, such as increased competition, lack of qualified engineering, marketing, management or other personnel and increased labor and raw materials costs; (vi) risks related to heath epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks, which may have material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows; (vii) risks related to our international operations, including the potential impact from ongoing geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; (viii) new product introductions, product sales mix and the geographic mix of sales nationally and internationally; (ix) stakeholders, including regulators, views regarding our environmental, social and governance goals and initiatives, and the impact of factors outside of our control on such goals and initiatives; and (x) the risk factors identified below together with other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this Annual Report and described from time to time in our future reports filed with the SEC.

Risks Relating to Our Business: Global Regulatory and Economic Conditions

General global economic trends and industry trends may affect our sales. The capital goods industry in general, and our businesses, are subject to economic cycles that directly affect customer orders, lead times and sales volume. Economic downturns generally have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Cyclical economic expansions provide a context where demand for capital goods is stimulated, creating higher incoming order rates for the products we produce. Higher demand can lead to part shortages, which drive costs up. If demand gets too strong, lead times can be extended, which may cause some customers to cancel orders. In the future, continued weakening or improvement in the economy will directly affect orders and influence results of operations.

Our business could be harmed by adverse global and regional economic and political conditions, including inflation, changes in the cost or availability of energy, transportation and other necessary supplies and services, as well as the impact of tariffs. We are subject to inflationary pressures on our operating costs, including labor, costs for supplies and costs for the transportation of our products. If we are not able to reduce our exposure to, mitigate the impact of or sufficiently increase our pricing to offset an increase in costs, it could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and profitability.

Our success is dependent, in part, on our continued ability to reduce our exposure to or mitigate the impact of increases in the cost of raw materials, finished goods, energy, transportation and other necessary supplies and services through a variety of programs, including periodic purchases, future delivery purchases, long-term contracts, sales price adjustments and certain derivative instruments, while maintaining and improving margins and market share. Also, we rely on third-party manufacturers as a source for some of our products. These manufacturers are also subject to price volatility and labor cost and other inflationary pressures, which may, in turn, result in an increase in the amount we pay for sourced products. During periods of rising prices of raw materials, there can be no assurance that we will be able to pass any portion of such increases on to customers. Conversely, when raw material prices decline, customer demands for lower prices could result in lower sale prices and, to the extent we have existing inventory, lower margins. As a result, fluctuations in raw material prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Pricing and availability of finished goods, raw materials, energy, transportation and other necessary supplies and services for use in our businesses can be volatile due to numerous factors beyond our control, including general, domestic and international economic conditions, natural disasters, labor costs, production levels, competition, consumer demand, import duties and tariffs, currency exchange rates, international treaties and changes in laws, regulations and related interpretations and global political instability (such as related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the Israel-Hamas war).

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

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

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

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

Risks Relating to Our Business: Environmental, Health & Safety

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

It is possible that any continued spread of COVID-19 could also cause further disruption in our supply chain; cause delay, or limit the ability of customers to perform, including in making timely payments to us; impact investment performance; and cause other unpredictable events. The nature and severity of COVID-19 conditions will be uncertain and continuing adverse impacts and/or the degree of the nature and severity of such conditions may vary dramatically by geography and by business. As a result, the actions we take in response to any such conditions may also vary widely by geography and by business and will likely be made with incomplete information, and may prove to be premature, incorrect or insufficient and could have a material, adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

We cannot at this time predict the impact of any variants and the effect to our workforce and potential material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.

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

Climate change and increased focus by governmental and non-governmental organizations and customers on sustainability issues, including those related to climate change, may adversely affect our business and financial results. Scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods, wildfires and other climatic events. Increased frequency of extreme weather could cause increased incidence of disruption to the production and distribution of our products at these locations. Increasing natural disasters in connection with climate change could also be a direct threat to our third-party vendors, service providers or other stakeholders, including disruptions on supply chains or information technology or other necessary services for our operations.

Federal, state and local governments, as well as some of our customers, are beginning to respond to climate change issues. This increased focus on sustainability may result in new legislation or regulations and customer requirements that could negatively affect us as we may incur additional costs or be required to make changes to our operations in order to comply with any new regulations or customer requirements. Legislation or regulations that potentially impose restrictions, caps, taxes or other controls on emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels such as those used in our supply chain, could adversely affect our operations and financial results.

More specifically, legislative, or regulatory actions related to climate change could adversely impact Helios by increasing our fuel costs and reducing fuel efficiency and could result in the creation of substantial additional capital expenditures and operating costs in the form of taxes, emissions allowances, or required equipment upgrades. Any of these factors could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating costs. In addition, revenues could decrease if we are unable to meet regulatory or customer sustainability requirements. These additional costs, changes in operations, or loss of revenues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Business: Growth Strategy

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

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

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

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

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

We are subject to intense competition. Our products currently, and will continue to, face significant competition, both from other companies and from incumbent technologies and will continue to do so in the future. We believe that we contend with our competitors based upon quality, reliability, price, value, speed of delivery and technological characteristics. However, we cannot provide assurance that we will continue to be able to compete effectively with these companies.

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

The future prospects for our products are dependent upon our customers’ acceptance of our products as an alternative to their internally developed products. They also may decide to develop or acquire products that are similar to, or that may be substituted for, our products.

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

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

Risks Relating to Our Business: Operations

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

In addition, supply shortages for a particular type of material can delay production or cause increases in the cost of manufacturing our products. If these shortages were to be prolonged or expanded in scope, there could be significant impact on our ability to manufacture and to deliver our products. Accordingly, such impact on our manufacturing operations and delivery limitations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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

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

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

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

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

The transformation of our business from a holding company into an integrated operating company to improve productivity and advance product development efforts through our Centers of Excellence may not be successful in growing or enhancing our business on the timelines we suspect, or at all. Over the past few years, we began the process of transforming our operating model from a holding company to an integrated operating company with initiatives to drive growth, including "in the region, for the region" manufacturing to better align supply chain and manufacturing value streams with customers geographically to shorten lead times, reduce inventory, optimize costs, and mitigate global supply risks and establishing and expanding manufacturing centers to provide scale in North America, Asia and Europe to meet growing global demand. While the majority of the restructuring activity necessary to shift manufacturing to regional operational Centers of Excellence has been completed, there still remains additional transfers, integration activities and efficiency efforts. These restructuring activities may not be substantially completed in the expected timeframe or at all, may be more costly to implement than expected, or may not fully achieve the anticipated benefits for the business. Furthermore, such initiatives involve a significant amount of capital expenditures, organizational change and execution risk, which could have a negative impact on employee engagement, divert management’s attention from other initiatives, and if not properly managed, impact our ability to retain key employees, cause disruptions in our day-to-day operations and have a negative impact on our financial results.

Risks Relating to Our Business: Financial

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

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

Our existing indebtedness could adversely affect our business and growth prospects. As of December 30, 2023, we had total indebtedness of approximately $525 million. Our indebtedness, or any additional indebtedness we may incur, could require us to divert funds identified for other purposes for debt service and impair our liquidity position. If we cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt, we may need to refinance our debt, dispose of assets or issue equity to obtain necessary funds. We do not know whether we would be able to take any of these actions on a timely basis, on terms satisfactory to us or at all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Changes in tax rates, laws or regulations and the resolution of tax disputes could adversely impact our financial results. As a global company, we are subject to taxation in the U.S. and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required to determine our consolidated income tax provision and related liabilities. The Company’s effective tax rate, cash flows and operating results could be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, as well as by changes in the local tax laws and regulations, or the interpretations thereof. In addition, the Company’s tax returns are subject to regular review and audit by U.S. and non-U.S. tax authorities. While we believe our tax provisions are appropriate, the final outcome of tax audits or disputes could result in adjustments to the Company’s tax liabilities, which could adversely affect our financial results.

Risks Relating to Our Business: Intellectual Property

The inability to protect our intellectual property could reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage and reduce our sales and profitability, and the cost of protecting our intellectual property may be significant. We have obtained and applied for some U.S. and foreign trademark and patent registrations and will continue to evaluate the registration of additional trademarks and patents, as appropriate. We cannot guarantee that any of our pending patent and trademark applications will be approved. Moreover, even if the applications are approved, third parties may seek to oppose or otherwise challenge them. An inability to obtain registrations in the U.S. or elsewhere could limit our ability to protect our trademarks and technologies and could impede our business. Further, the protection of our intellectual property rights may require expensive investment in protracted litigation and substantial management time, and there is no assurance we ultimately would prevail or that a successful outcome would lead to an economic benefit that is greater than the investment in the litigation. In the Electronics segment, the patents in our portfolio are scheduled to expire at various dates through 2041. In the Hydraulics segment, the patents in our portfolio are schedule to expire at various dates through 2053.

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

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

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

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

Risks Relating to Our Business: Other

We are dependent upon key individuals and skilled personnel. Our success depends, to some extent, upon several key individuals. The loss of the services of one or more of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on our business. Future operating results depend to a significant degree upon the continued contribution of key management, technical personnel and the skilled labor force. As the Company continues to expand internationally, additional management and other key personnel will be needed. Competition for management and engineering personnel is intense, and other employers may have greater financial and other resources to attract and retain these employees. We conduct our global operations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific and through a third-party supplier in Mexico. Our continued success is dependent on our ability to attract and retain a skilled labor force at these locations. There are no assurances that we will continue to be successful in attracting and retaining the personnel required to develop, manufacture and market our products and expand our operations.

We are subject to risks relating to international sales. International sales represent a significant proportion of our consolidated sales. Approximately 54% of our net sales were outside of the U.S. in both 2023 and 2022. We will continue to expand the scope of operations outside the U.S., both through direct investment and distribution, and we believe that international sales will continue to account for a substantial portion of net sales in future periods.

Our future results could be harmed by a variety of factors already stated in this Risk Section as well as those below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expectations relating to environmental, social and governance considerations expose the Company to potential liabilities, increased costs, reputational harm and other adverse effects on the Company's business. Many governments, regulators, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on environmental, social and governance considerations relating to businesses, including climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, human capital and diversity, equity and inclusion. Responding to these environmental, social and governance considerations and implementation of these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, requires investments and are impacted by factors that may be outside the Company’s control. In addition, some stakeholders may disagree with the Company’s goals and initiatives and the focus of stakeholders may change and evolve over time. Stakeholders also may have very different views on where environmental, social and governance focus should be placed, including differing views of regulators in various jurisdictions in which we operate. Any failure, or perceived failure, by the Company to achieve its goals, further its initiatives, adhere to its public statements, comply with federal, state or international environmental, social and governance laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards could result in legal and regulatory proceedings against the Company and materially adversely affect the Company’s business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

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

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

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

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

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

Risk Management and Strategy

We assess, identify and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats through various protective policies, procedures and processes. These are embedded into our overall risk management system and extend to risks related to systems hosted by third parties.

We utilize external standards, such as the Center for Internet Security framework as a starting point for the design and development of our systems that assess risk and mitigation measures. An annual risk assessment is completed and presented to the executive leadership team and the Company’s Board of Directors. We discuss changes to our policies, procedures and processes needed to address gaps identified through the assessment.

We maintain organizational safeguards that include employee training, business continuity planning and cybersecurity insurance. These safeguards are reviewed on an annual basis or more frequently as the business environment warrants and are adjusted as needed to account for changes in the Company and overall risk environment. Cybersecurity training is provided to employees through both online and classroom instructor led trainings.

We incorporate technical safeguards such as Multi-Factor Authentication (“MFA”), principles of Zero Trust and password complexity policies for all accounts to help prevent unauthorized access to our systems and data. We also operate a Security Operations Center (“SOC”) to manage our real-time end point protection monitoring.

We engage in annual corporate-wide internal and external facing penetration tests, employing a battery of hacking tools to map out our assets and to assess vulnerabilities that could be exploited. In addition, we also extend such testing to newly acquired companies and assets as part of the integration process. This penetration testing is performed by a third party and is used to evaluate our current posture towards IT security threats and to make adjustments, as needed, to protect our systems. The results are reviewed with the executive leadership team and the Company’s Board of Directors.

We have an Incident Response Policy and related processes that outline steps to be taken in the event of a cybersecurity incident across Helios, our partners and third-party hosted systems. All incidents are reported to the Global Head of Information Technology who then reviews significant incidents with a cross-functional working group, inclusive of the Company CFO and General Counsel, to assess the materiality or potential materiality. An Incident Response Team that will determine response actions to be taken and coordinate all necessary communications is formed when an incident is deemed material or potentially material.

No risks from IT security threats nor any previous IT security incidents have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition, but we cannot provide any assurance that they will not be materially affected in the future by such risks or incidents. For a discussion of whether and how any risks from cybersecurity threats have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition, see “Risks Relating to Our Business: Other––Increased IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our systems, networks, products, solutions and services” in Item 1A, Risk Factors.

Corporate Governance

Role of Management

Helios Technologies, Information Systems organization is led by the Global Head of Information Technology and is responsible for administration of the cybersecurity and information security framework and risk management, including that of the Corporation, with oversight by the ESG Committee.

Helios’ Global Head of Information technology is an active member of InfraGard and has formal education in information technology with over 25-years’ experience in roles involving management of cybersecurity functions, cyber strategy, and leading and collaborating on information systems and related technologies. The Global Head of Information Technology receives regular updates on cybersecurity developments, results of mitigation efforts and cybersecurity incident response and remediation.

Helios IT management is responsible for developing and implementing its cybersecurity policies and is comprised of individuals with either formal education in information technology or cybersecurity or have relevant experience working in information technology and cybersecurity. Additionally, leaders in Helios’ information technology function receive periodic training and education on cybersecurity related topics including certifications.

Role of the Helios Board

The ESG Committee addresses risks related to the global enterprise, including material risks facing the businesses, risks the Company may face in the future, measures that management has employed to address those risks and other information relating to how risk analysis is incorporated into the Company’s corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations. As part of this oversight function, the ESG Committee is responsible for overseeing cybersecurity-related risks. The ESG Committee includes cybersecurity topics in its quarterly updates to the full Board, which provides further oversight over our cybersecurity-related risks and the Company's strategies to address such risks.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Corporate Office

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

Segments

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

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

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our Common Stock has been trading publicly under the symbol HLIO on the New York Stock Exchange since November 1, 2021. We previously traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol HLIO since June 17, 2019 and prior to that under the symbol SNHY since our initial public offering on January 9, 1997.

Holders

There were 120 shareholders of record of Common Stock on February 16, 2024. The number of record holders was determined from the records of our transfer agent and does not include beneficial owners of Common Stock whose shares are held in the names of securities brokers, dealers and registered clearing agencies.

Dividends

We have historically paid regular quarterly dividends of $0.09 per share. Our board of directors currently intends to continue to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share during 2024. However, the declaration and payment of future dividends is subject to the sole discretion of the board of directors, and any determination as to the payment of future dividends will depend upon our profitability, financial condition, capital needs, acquisition opportunities, future prospects and other factors deemed pertinent by the board of directors.

Equity Compensation Plans

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We did not repurchase any of our stock during the year ended December 30, 2023.

Five-Year Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares cumulative total return among Helios, the Russell 2000 Index and the Dow Jones US Diversified Industries Index, from December 28, 2018, through December 30, 2023, assuming $100 invested in each on December 29, 2018. Total return assumes reinvestment of any dividends for all companies considered within the comparison. The stock price performance shown in the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

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

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

Overview

We are a global leader in highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology for diverse end markets, including construction, material handling, agriculture, industrial, mobile, energy, recreational vehicles, marine and health and wellness.

We operate under two business segments: Hydraulics and Electronics. The Hydraulics segment designs and manufactures hydraulic motion control and fluid conveyance technology products, including cartridge valves, manifolds, quick release couplings as well as engineers hydraulic solutions and in some cases complete systems. The Electronics segment designs and manufactures customized electronic controls systems, displays, wire harnesses, and software solutions for a variety of end markets.

During 2021, we augmented our strategy to transform our business from a holding company to a global integrated operating company. At that same time, we introduced the framework of the Helios Business System, “HBS” (pictured in Item 1 of Part 1), which is at the heart of all we do. We are accomplishing this transformation into a global integrated operating company by leveraging sales, marketing, innovation, customer relationships and operational excellence across all our businesses. Our progress to date, through a very complex macro operating environment, is a direct reflection of the commitment of our talented workforce executing our augmented strategy.

Acquisitions

Our acquisition activity, driven by our strategic vision, has enabled us to diversify our product offerings and the markets we serve and expand our geographic presence. Prior to 2016, we operated primarily in the hydraulics market with a small presence in electronics.

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

In July 2021, we completed another flywheel acquisition of NEM S.r.l., an innovative hydraulic solutions company providing customized material handling, construction, industrial vehicle and agricultural applications to its global customer base, predominantly in Europe and Asia. NEM enhances the Helios electro-hydraulic product offering, provides geographic expansion and adds scale to address new markets.

In October 2021, we completed the acquisition of Joyonway, a developer of control panels, software, systems and accessories for the health and wellness industry. Joyonway operates from two locations in China, Shenzhen and Dongguan, both of which are in the hub of electronics and software development in China and give us a foothold for electronics manufacturing in Asia.

In July 2022, we completed the acquisition of the assets of Taimi R&D, Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of innovative hydraulic components that offers ball-less design swivel products, which improve hydraulic reliability of equipment, increase the service life of components and help protect the environment by reduced leakage. Taimi brings a differentiated, yet complementary product line to our hydraulics platform as well as strong engineering breadth.

In September 2022, we completed another flywheel acquisition of Daman Products Company, headquartered in Mishawaka, Indiana. Daman is a leading designer and manufacturer of standard and custom precision hydraulic manifolds and other fluid conveyance products for its customer base, predominantly in North America. The acquisition of Daman

expands the Company's technologies and markets and provides an opportunity to produce integrated package offerings with multiple Helios brands.

In January 2023, we completed the acquisition of Schultes Precision Manufacturing, Inc. Schultes is a highly trusted specialist in manufacturing precision machined components and assemblies for customers requiring very tight tolerances, superior quality, and exceptional value-added manufacturing processes. Currently serving the hydraulic, aerospace, communication, food services, medical device, and dental industries, Schultes brings the manufacturing quality, reliability, and responsiveness critical to its customers’ success. Schultes provides additional manufacturing know-how and expands our business into new end markets with attractive secular tailwinds.

In May 2023, we completed the acquisition of i3 Product Development. i3 is a custom engineering services firm, with over 55 engineers specializing in electronics, mechanical, industrial, embedded and software engineering. i3 specializes in working to transform customer’s ideas into industrial design solutions through rapid prototyping and creating 3D models in-house. Their solutions are used across many sectors, including medical, off-highway, recreational and commercial marine, power sports, health and wellness, agriculture, consumer goods, industrial, sports and fitness.

Global Economic Conditions

Geo-Political Conflict

We continue to monitor the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war and evaluate the broader economic impact those conflicts could have on our operations, supply channels and the operations of our partners and customers. We do not have operations in these regions at this time and those conflicts have not and are not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results. Refer to Item 1A Risk Factors of this Annual Report for additional discussion about geo-political risks.

COVID-19 Pandemic

In the first half of 2022, we experienced mild impacts from the pandemic. At the beginning of the second quarter our locations in China began to shut down periodically due to regulatory lockdown measures associated with a COVID-19 outbreak. The shutdown of our locations and our customers' locations impacted operations and sales through May with recovery occurring in June as the lockdowns were lifted. We also faced disruption to our workforce from the pandemic. While the impact was not significant, the absenteeism caused labor inefficiencies in production. Additionally, in certain locations we faced pressure from competitive labor markets. Since the first half of 2022, there have been no COVID-related shutdowns or other significant new disruption to our business from the pandemic.

Throughout 2022, and continuing into 2023, we faced constraints related to sourcing certain electronic and other components, which originated from the high demand for these products caused by the pandemic. We were able to mitigate some of the impact with our procurement efforts, production schedule adjustments and product redesigns. The availability of components improved as 2023 progressed.

Demand in the health and wellness market was favorably impacted by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, as consumers invested in leisure products and activities. However, during 2022, we experienced a sharp decline in sales in this end market as demand declined and inventory levels in the channel increased. By the second half of 2023, inventory levels in the market began to normalize, and we saw an uptick in demand as we exited the year.

Refer to Item 1A Risk Factors of this Annual Report for additional COVID-19 related discussion.

Industry Conditions

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

Hydraulics

According to the National Fluid Power Association (the fluid power industry’s trade association in the U.S.), the U.S. index of shipments of hydraulic products decreased 4% in 2023, after increasing 20% in 2022 and increasing 21% in 2021. In Europe, the CEMA Business Barometer reported in January 2024 that the general business climate index for the European agricultural machinery industry has continued its downward slide in the area of deep recession territory. CEMA further reported that the direct customers of the manufacturers, the dealers, are not able to pass on their numerous orders to the end customers. The CECE (Committee for European Construction Equipment) business climate index bounced back slightly in November after seven consecutive months of decline. They reported the favorability was driven by both current business evaluation and future expectations.

Electronics

The Federal Reserve’s Industrial Production Index, which measures the real output of all relevant establishments located in the U.S., reports production of semiconductors and other electronics components met the lowest level in the first quarter of 2023 when compared to the prior two years; however, this improved notably and consistently throughout 2023, to reach the record high in the fourth quarter of 2023 when compared to the prior two years. The Institute of Printed Circuits Association (“IPC”) reported that North American printed circuit board (“PCB”) shipments and bookings decreased in December 2023 by 18.3% and 28.7%, respectively, compared with the same month last year. PCB shipments increased and bookings decreased in December 2023 by 1.0% and 14.1%, respectively, compared with November 2023. The IPC also reported that North American electronics manufacturing services (“EMS”) shipments increased and bookings decreased in December 2023 by 1.3% and 7.0%, respectively when compared with the same month last year. EMS shipments and bookings in December 2023 were up 6.2% and 2.3%, respectively when compared with November 2023.

2023 Results and Comparison of Years Ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

(In millions, except per share data)

The following is a discussion of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the year ended December 30, 2023; comparisons are with the corresponding reporting period of 2022, unless otherwise noted.

The following table presents our consolidated results of operations:

Consolidated net sales for the 2023 year declined $49.8, 5.6%. We experienced organic net sales decline of $102.6, which was offset partially by sales from acquisitions totaling $52.8. Sales were impacted most by reduced demand for products in our health and wellness end market, which continued to be below the prior year. Sales in this end market were previously strengthened by the pandemic as consumers invested in health and leisure products. Other declines included sales into the industrial, marine and mobile end markets, offset partially by increases in the off-road vehicles end market. Consolidated net sales were down in all regions in the year-to-date period. Year-to-date organic sales were positively impacted by pricing changes of $18.6, 2.1%. Also, there were minimal effects on consolidated net sales from changes in foreign currency exchange rates during the year.

Gross profit declined $36.8, 12.3%, in 2023 driven by lower volume, different margin profiles of acquired businesses, higher restructuring costs of $4.7, higher wage and benefit costs of $2.4 and unfavorable foreign currency of $0.4, partially offset by pricing adjustments. Material costs as a percentage of sales, excluding pricing changes and acquisition-related sales, was the same year-over-year on a consolidated basis. Gross margin declined by 240 basis points, impacted by lower fixed costs leverage on lower volume and cost impacts noted above. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to 2022 reduced gross profit by $0.4.

During 2023, we incurred $12.1 of costs related to our restructuring activities. In the Hydraulics segment, we executed an operational restructure that involved the creation of our two new regional operational Centers of Excellence. In our Electronics segment, we executed an organizational restructure to shift several product lines to the expanded facility in Tijuana and to adjust our labor base in line with current demand levels. The restructuring costs are comprised of non-recurring severance and termination benefits of $7.8 and $4.3 of travel and other expenses. The restructuring plans are expected to improve the global cost structure of the business.

Operating income as a percentage of sales decreased 5.9 percentage points to 9.6% in 2023 compared with the prior year period. Operating margin was unfavorably impacted during 2023 by different margin profiles of acquired businesses and a $4.8 increase in acquisition-related amortization, primarily from the new intangibles added during the first half of the 2023 for the Schultes and i3 acquisitions. These negative impacts were compounded by higher restructuring costs included in Selling, engineering and administrative (“SEA”) expenses of $2.2 and the gross margin level changes. However, these unfavorable impacts were partially offset by lower M&A and integration related costs of $5.3.

Net income and earnings per share (“EPS”) were unfavorably impacted by foreign currency transaction losses of $0.6 in 2023 compared to gains of $0.9 in 2022. The prior year benefited from gains on sale of property, plant and equipment primarily related to restructuring activities totaling $1.8, and the current year benefited from a decrease in tax expense of $11.7 compared to 2022.

Segment Results

Hydraulics

The following table presents the results of operations for the Hydraulics segment:

Net sales for the Hydraulics segment grew by $14.5, 2.6%. We experienced organic net sales decline of $32.5, 5.9%, and acquisition sales totaled $47.0. Organic sales declined in 2023 due to decreased demand in all regions, as well as in several of our end markets including the mobile and industrial equipment markets. Discrete impacts to our organic sales included pricing changes that were favorable by $13.4, 2.4%, and favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $0.3, 0.1%.

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

Regional sales performance in 2023 compared to the prior year was driven by:

Americas - pricing and our recent acquisitions contributed to a 17.5% increase in sales

EMEA - excluding favorable changes in foreign currency rates of $3.3, sales declined $12.2, 6.5%, from softer demand in the region

APAC - excluding unfavorable changes in foreign currency rates of $3.0, sales declined $8.5, 5.1%, from softer demand in the region

In 2023, we continued our restructuring activities within our Hydraulics segment related to the creation of our two new regional operational Centers of Excellence. We incurred $10.2 of restructuring costs including labor, travel and other expenses associated with the manufacturing relocation; $6.0 of the costs are included in cost of goods sold and $4.2 are reflected in SEA expenses.

During 2023, gross profit declined $13.7, 7.0%, from volume while gross margin declined by 340 basis points, primarily from different margin profiles of acquired businesses, $4.9 of increased restructuring costs comprised of labor, travel and other expenses associated with the manufacturing relocation, $0.6 of unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange rates, which were partially offset by pricing amounts noted above. Material costs as a percentage of sales increased by 110 basis points, excluding pricing changes and acquisition-related sales.

Operating income as a percentage of sales decreased 580 basis points to 16.5%. SEA expenses increased $15.7, 21.6%, mainly due to acquisitions and corporate activities. Other increases to SEA were for restructuring costs of $1.3, professional fees of $0.7, R&D costs of $0.7 and travel and marketing costs of $0.6. SEA as a percent of sales increased 240 basis points to 15.6% in 2023, negatively impacted from lost leverage of our fixed costs on the lower sales.

In the third quarter of 2023, the Company experienced aggregate losses related to a fire and a weather-related incident at one of its manufacturing locations in Italy resulting in the shut-down of operations for a period of time and disruption in production as recovery efforts ensued. Impacted operations have been restored. There are insurance claims open related to these incidents and the Company is working closely with the insurance carrier to assess the claims and evaluate potential recoveries. Losses from damage to the building, equipment and supplies have been fully offset by probable insurance recoveries, which represents anticipated insurance proceeds not in excess of the associated losses, for which receipt has been deemed probable. Any recoveries in excess of losses incurred will be recognized when all contingencies related to the claim have been resolved.

Electronics

The following table presents the results of operations for the Electronics segment:

Net sales for the Electronics segment declined by $64.3, 19.2%. We experienced organic net sales decline of $70.1, 21.0%, which was partially offset by acquisition sales of $5.8. Organic sales declined in 2023 from decreased demand in all regions, as well as in several of our end markets including the health and wellness end market. The marine market also experienced a notable decline; however, this was partially offset by improvement in the mobile and off-road vehicles end markets. Discrete impacts to our organic sales included pricing changes that were favorable by $5.2, 1.6%, partially offset by unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $0.2, 0.1%.

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

In 2023, we executed restructuring activities within our Electronics segment to shift product lines to the expanded facility in Tijuana and to adjust our labor base in line with current demand levels. We incurred $1.9 of restructuring costs including labor, travel and other expenses associated with the manufacturing relocation; $0.4 of the costs are included in cost of goods sold and $1.5 are reflected in SEA expenses.

During 2023, gross profit declined $23.1, 22.4%, primarily due to lower sales volume and material cost increases. Gross margin for 2023 declined by 120 basis points primarily from the higher material costs, unfavorable margin profile of acquired businesses, $0.7 of increased restructuring costs comprised of labor, travel and other expenses associated with the manufacturing relocation, partially offset by favorable impacts from changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the prior year of $0.1 and the pricing amounts noted above. Material costs as a percentage of sales decreased by 80 basis points, excluding pricing changes and acquisition-related sales.

SEA expenses increased $4.7, 9.3%, in 2023 primarily from acquisitions and wages and benefits of $2.4 for the rolling impact of previous merit increases, market adjustments and new hires for investments in engineering, sales and corporate activities. SEA as a percent of sales increased 5.4 percentage points to 20.5% in 2023 from 15.1% in 2022, negatively impacted by reduced leverage of our fixed costs on the lower sales.

Corporate and Other

Certain costs are excluded from business segment results as they are not used in evaluating the results of, or allocating resources to, our operating segments. For the year ended December 30, 2023, these costs totaled $38.1 for: amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $32.9, $4.0 related to other acquisition and integration activities and $1.2 officer transition costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, these costs totaled $37.9 for: amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $28.1, $9.5 related to other acquisition and integration activities and $0.3 officer transition costs.

Interest Expense, net

Net interest expense increased $14.5 during 2023 to $31.2 compared with $16.7 in 2022. The change is attributable to higher average debt levels during 2023, as borrowings used to fund acquisitions exceeded repayments in addition to higher interest rates when compared to 2022. Average net debt increased by $37.9 during 2023 to $447.4 compared with $409.5 in 2022.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 30, 2023, was 23.8% of pretax income compared with 19.2% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The difference relates principally to a shift in the mix of the Company's worldwide income and increase in valuation allowance established. The effective rate typically fluctuates relative to the levels of income and different tax rates in effect from year to year among the countries in which we sell our products.

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was enacted into law, and includes, among other things, a new 15% corporate alternative minimum tax and 1% excise tax on stock repurchases after December 31, 2022. The corporate alternative minimum tax is not expected to have a material impact on current and future financial results due to the Company’s ability to qualify for a safe-harbor exclusion, however we will continue to evaluate its impact in future periods.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”), under its Pillar Two initiative, recently has proposed a set of Global Anti-Base Erosion (“GloBE”) rules to impose a minimum tax on income earned by multinational enterprises (“MNE”). Specifically, the GloBE rules impose a minimum tax of 15 percent on MNE income that arises in each participating jurisdiction. Several countries, including the UK and EU member states, have agreed to adopt the OECD’s minimum tax rules and several countries, including the UK, have already implemented these rules.

On December 20, 2022, the OECD published Pillar Two guidance on safe harbors and penalty relief (the “Safe Harbor Guidance”). The Safe Harbor Guidance includes a Transitional Country-by-Country Report (“CbCR”) Safe Harbor, which would deem a MNE’s top-up tax for a jurisdiction to be zero and would allow the MNE to avoid undertaking detailed GloBE calculations in respect of that jurisdiction during the Transition Period if it can demonstrate one of the three transitional tests.

The Helios Technologies, Inc. Group is a MNE group that is within the scope and subject to the GloBE rules. The United States has not currently made any public announcement regarding implementation of Pillar Two initiative.

The Company continues to evaluate the impact of Pillar Two and application of safe harbors. The Company does not expect it to have a material impact in 2024 to their effective tax rate.

As of December 30, 2023, the Company had approximately $29.3 million of undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries for which it has not provided for non-U.S. withholding taxes and state taxes because such earnings are intended to be reinvested indefinitely in international operations.

2022 Results and Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022

For the discussion and analysis of our 2022 results compared with our 2021 results, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023. The discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, our primary source of capital has been cash generated from operations. We also use borrowings on our credit facilities to fund acquisitions. During 2023, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $83.9 and as of December 30, 2023, we had $32.4 of cash on hand and $200.1 of available credit on our revolving credit facilities. At year end 2023, more than half of the cash on hand was held in institutions in APAC, approximately a quarter held in institutions in EMEA, and the remainder held in institutions in the Americas. We also have a $300.0 accordion feature available on our credit facility, which is subject to certain pro forma compliance requirements and is intended to support potential future acquisitions.

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

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

Cash flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods: