UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_________
FORM 10-K
_________
ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission file number 0-362
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
9255 Coverdale Road
Fort Wayne, Indiana
(Address of principal executive offices)
35-0827455
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
46809
(Zip Code)
(260) 824-2900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.10 par value
(Title of each class)
FELE
(Trading symbol)
NASDAQ Global Select Market
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of each class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☐
No ☒
1
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐
No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒
No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted
and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ☒
No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a
smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company”
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated
Filer
☒ Accelerated Filer
Emerging Growth Company
☐ Non-Accelerated Filer ☐
☐
Smaller Reporting
Company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the
effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C.
7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
YES ☐
NO ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2020 (the last
business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter) was $2,399,426,619. The stock price used in this
computation was the last sales price on that date, as reported by NASDAQ Global Select Market. For purposes of this
calculation, the registrant has excluded shares held by executive officers and directors of the registrant, including restricted
shares and except for shares owned by the executive officers through the registrant’s 401(k) Plan. Determination of stock
ownership by non-affiliates was made solely for the purpose of responding to this requirement and the registrant is not bound
by this determination for any other purpose.
Number of shares of common stock outstanding at February 9, 2021:
46,232,561 shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
A portion of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 7, 2021 (Part III).
2
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental Item - Information about our Executive Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . .
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . .
Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART I.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
PART II.
Item 5.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
PART III.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
PART IV.
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signatures . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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64
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Description of the Business
PART I
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (“Franklin Electric” or the “Company”) is an Indiana corporation founded in 1944 and incorporated
in 1946. Named after America’s pioneer electrical engineer, Benjamin Franklin, Franklin Electric manufactured the first water-
lubricated submersible motor for water systems, and the first submersible motor for fueling systems. With 2020 revenue of
about $1.2 billion, the Company designs, manufactures and distributes water and fuel pumping systems, composed primarily of
submersible motors, pumps, electronic controls and related parts and equipment.
The Company’s water pumping systems move fresh and wastewater for the residential, agricultural, and other industrial end
markets. The Company also sells various groundwater equipment products to well installation contractors, including water
pumping systems, through its distribution branches located in the U.S. With a growing global footprint, the Company has also
evolved into a top supplier of submersible fueling systems at gas stations, making pumps, pipes, electronic controls, and
monitoring devices.
The Company’s products are sold worldwide by its employee sales force and independent manufacturing representatives. The
Company offers normal and customary trade terms to its customers, no significant part of which is of an extended nature.
Special inventory requirements are not necessary, and customer merchandise return rights do not extend beyond normal
warranty provisions.
Franklin Electric’s Key Factors for Success
While maintaining a culture of safety and lean principles, Franklin Electric promises to deliver quality, availability, service,
innovation, and cost in every encounter the Company has with stakeholders, including direct or indirect customers, employees,
shareholders, and suppliers. These key factors for success are a roadmap for the Company's growth as a global provider of
water and fuel systems, through geographic expansion and product line extensions, leveraging its global platform and
competency in system design, all while consistently offering the best value to its customer.
Markets and Applications
The Company’s business consists of three reportable segments based on the principal end market served: Water Systems,
Fueling Systems, and Distribution segments. The Company includes unallocated corporate expenses in an “Intersegment
Eliminations/Other” segment that, together with the Water Systems, Fueling Systems, and Distribution segments, represent the
Company. Segment and geographic information appears in Note 15 - Segment and Geographic Information to the consolidated
financial statements.
The market for the Company’s products is highly competitive and includes diversified accounts by size and type. The
Company’s Water Systems and Fueling Systems products and related equipment are sold to specialty distributors and some
original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), as well as industrial and petroleum equipment distributors and major oil and
utility companies. The Company’s Distribution segment sells products primarily to water well contractors.
Water Systems Segment
Water Systems is a global leader in the production and marketing of water pumping systems and is a technical leader in
submersible motors, pumps, drives, electronic controls, and monitoring devices. The Water Systems segment designs,
manufactures and sells motors, pumps, drives, electronic controls, monitoring devices, and related parts and equipment
primarily for use in groundwater, water transfer and wastewater.
Water Systems motors, pumps and controls are used principally for pumping clean water and wastewater in a variety of
residential, agricultural, municipal and industrial applications. Water Systems also manufactures electronic drives and controls
for the motors which control functionality and provide protection from various hazards, such as electrical surges, over-heating
and dry wells or dry tanks. In the last two years, the Company acquired First Sales, LLC and Waterite, Inc., expanding its
portfolio to include water treatment systems.
Water Systems products are sold in highly competitive markets. Water Systems contributes about 60 percent of the Company’s
total revenue. Significant portions of segment revenue come from selling groundwater and surface pumps, motors, and controls
for residential and commercial buildings, as well as agricultural sales which are more seasonal and subject to commodity price
changes. The Water Systems segment generates approximately 35 to 40 percent of its revenue in developing markets, which
often lack municipal water systems. As those countries install water systems, the Company views those markets as an
4
opportunity. The Company has had 6 to 9 percent compounded annual sales growth in developing regions in recent years.
Water Systems competes in each of its targeted markets based on product design, quality of products and services, performance,
availability, and price. The Company’s principal competitors in the specialty water products industry are Grundfos
Management A/S, Pentair, Inc., and Xylem, Inc.
2020 Water Systems research and development expenditures were primarily related to the following activities:
•
•
•
•
Electronic variable frequency drives and controls for Pump and HVAC applications, including SubDrive Connect Plus,
SubDrive Utility 3 Phase, and Cerus X-Drive including HES (High Efficiency Systems) motor support
Greywater pumping equipment, including the new High Temperature Condensate Pump Series and expanded FPS
Non-Clog products up to 20 horsepower
Submersible and surface pumps for residential, commercial, municipal, and agricultural applications including the
development of a standard global 4” pump family and the integration our new recently acquired lineshaft turbine
product offerings
Submersible motor technology and motor protection, including expanded scope of the MagForce™ HES (High
Efficiency Systems) from 1-335 horsepower
• Water Treatment products focused on a new commercial valve and IOT enabled sensing systems
Fueling Systems Segment
Fueling Systems is a global leader in the production and marketing of fuel pumping systems, fuel containment systems, and
monitoring and control systems. The Fueling Systems segment designs, manufactures and sells pumps, pipe, sumps, fittings,
vapor recovery components, electronic controls, monitoring devices and related parts and equipment primarily for use in fueling
system applications.
Fueling Systems offers a complete array of components between the tank and the dispenser, including submersible pumps,
station hardware, piping, sumps, vapor recovery and electronic controls. The Fueling Systems segment growth has been
sustained by a commitment to protecting human health and the environment while delivering the lowest total cost of ownership.
Fueling Systems takes steps to ensure its products are installed and maintained properly through robust global certification tools
for their third-party contractors. The segment serves other energy markets such as power reliability systems and includes
intelligent electronic devices that are designed for online monitoring for the power utility, hydroelectric, and telecommunication
and data center infrastructure.
Fueling Systems products are sold in highly competitive markets. Rising vehicle use is leading to more investment in fueling
stations which, in turn, leads to increased demand for the Company’s Fueling Systems products. The Company believes there is
growth opportunity in developing markets. Fueling Systems competes in each of its targeted markets based on product design,
quality of products and services, performance, availability, and value. The Company’s principal competitors in the petroleum
equipment industry are Vontier Corporation, formerly a part of Fortive Corporation, and Dover Corporation.
2020 Fueling Systems research and development expenditures were primarily related to the following activities:
•
•
•
•
Developed and launched a Corrosion Control System to reduce corrosion in diesel tanks
Developed products to monitor retail fueling sites, tank corrosion, and vapor recovery systems
Developed and launched a Battery Monitoring System for Telecommunication, Data Centers, and Power Utilities back
up battery systems
Developed a Distribution Transformer Monitor to analyze distribution transformer health
Distribution Segment
The Distribution Segment is operated as a collection of wholly owned leading groundwater distributors known as the
Headwater Companies. Headwater Companies deliver quality products and leading brands to the industry, providing contractors
with the availability and service they demand to meet their application challenges. The Distribution segment operates within the
U.S. professional groundwater market. Highlights of the Distribution Segment are as follows:
•
•
•
•
2017 - Acquired controlling interests in three distributors in the U.S. professional groundwater market, creating the
new Distribution Segment
2018 - Acquired Valley Farms Supply, Inc., a professional groundwater distributor operating in the mid-west
2019 - Acquired Milan Supply Company, a professional groundwater distributor operating in the mid-west
2020 - Acquired Gicon Pumps & Equipment, Inc., a professional groundwater distributor operating in the south
5
Information Regarding All Reportable Segments
Research and Development
The Company incurred research and development expense as follows:
(In millions)
Research and development expense
2020
2019
2018
$
21.7 $
20.8 $
22.1
Expenses incurred were for activities related to the development of new products, improvement of existing products and
manufacturing methods, and other applied research and development.
The Company owns a number of patents, trademarks, and licenses. In the aggregate, these patents are of material importance to
the operation of the business; however, the Company believes that its operations are not dependent on any single patent or
group of patents.
Raw Materials
The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of the Company’s products are coil and bar steel, stainless steel, copper
wire, and aluminum ingot. Major components are electric motors, capacitors, motor protectors, forgings, gray iron castings,
plastic resins, and bearings. Most of these raw materials are available from multiple sources in the United States and world
markets. Generally, the Company believes that adequate alternative sources are available for the majority of its key raw
material and purchased component needs; however, the Company is dependent on a single or limited number of suppliers for
certain materials or components. The Company believes that availability of fuel and energy is adequate to satisfy current and
projected overall operations unless interrupted by government direction, allocation or other disruption.
Major Customers
No single customer accounted for over 10 percent of net sales in 2020, 2019, or 2018. No single customer accounted for over
10 percent of gross accounts receivable in 2020 and 2019.
Backlog
The dollar amount of backlog by segment was as follows:
(In millions)
Water Systems
Fueling Systems
Distribution
Consolidated
February 9,
2021
February 11,
2020
$
$
69.2 $
17.4
11.9
98.5 $
53.2
16.6
4.7
74.5
The backlog is composed of written orders at prices adjustable on a price-at-the-time-of-shipment basis for products, primarily
standard catalog items. All backlog orders are expected to be filled in fiscal 2021. The Company’s sales in the first quarter are
generally less than its sales in other quarters due to less water well drilling and overall product sales during the winter months in
the Northern hemisphere. Beyond that, there is no seasonal pattern to the backlog and the backlog has not proven to be a
significant indicator of future sales.
Environmental Matters
The Company believes that it is in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning the discharge of
material into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. The Company has not experienced
any material costs in connection with environmental compliance, and does not believe that such compliance will have any
material effect upon the financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or competitive position of the Company.
Human Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had approximately 5,400 employees. The Company is committed to safety, ethical
compliance with established policies, care for the well-being of employees, and has a history of innovation, environmental
protection, continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices. Further information regarding our human capital details
and initiatives can be found in the 2020 Franklin Electric Sustainability Report available for download on the Company's
website.
6
Available Information
The Company’s website address is www.franklin-electric.com. The Company makes available free of charge on or through its
website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to
those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Additionally, the Company’s website includes the Company’s corporate governance guidelines, its
Board committee charters, and the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics. Information contained on the Company’s
website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following describes the principal risks affecting the Company and its business. Additional risks and uncertainties, not
presently known to the Company, could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations or financial condition in the
future.
Risks Related to the Industry
Reduced housing starts adversely affect demand for the Company’s products, thereby reducing revenues and
earnings. Demand for certain Company products is affected by housing starts. Variation in housing starts due to economic
volatility both within the United States and globally could adversely impact gross margins and operating results.
The Company’s results may be adversely affected by global macroeconomic supply and demand conditions related to the
energy and mining industries. The energy and mining industries are users of the Company’s products, including the coal, iron
ore, gold, copper, oil, and natural gas industries. Decisions to purchase the Company’s products are dependent upon the
performance of the industries in which our customers operate. If demand or output in these industries increases, the demand for
our products will generally increase. Likewise, if demand or output in these industries declines, the demand for our products
will generally decrease. The energy and mining industries’ demand and output are impacted by the prices of commodities in
these industries which are frequently volatile and change in response to general economic conditions, economic growth,
commodity inventories, and any disruptions in production or distribution. Changes in these conditions could adversely impact
sales, gross margin, and operating results.
Increases in the prices of raw materials, components, finished goods and other commodities could adversely affect
operations. The Company purchases most of the raw materials for its products on the open market and relies on third parties for
the sourcing of certain finished goods. Accordingly, the cost of its products may be affected by changes in the market price of
raw materials, sourced components, or finished goods. The Company and its suppliers also use natural gas and electricity in
manufacturing products both of which have historically been volatile. The Company does not generally engage in commodity
hedging for raw materials and energy. Significant increases in the prices of commodities, sourced components, finished goods,
energy or other commodities could cause product prices to increase, which may reduce demand for products or make the
Company more susceptible to competition. Furthermore, in the event the Company is unable to pass along increases in
operating costs to its customers, margins and profitability may be adversely affected.
The growth of municipal water systems and increased government restrictions on groundwater pumping could reduce
demand for private water wells and the Company’s products, thereby reducing revenues and earnings. Demand for certain
Company products is affected by rural communities shifting from private and individual water well systems to city or municipal
water systems. Many economic and other factors outside the Company’s control, including governmental regulations on water
quality, and tax credits and incentives, could adversely impact the demand for private and individual water wells. A decline in
private and individual water well systems in the United States or other economies in the international markets the Company
serves could reduce demand for the Company’s products and adversely impact sales, gross margins, and operating results.
Demand for Fueling Systems products is impacted by environmental legislation which may cause significant fluctuations in
costs and revenues. Environmental legislation related to air quality and fuel containment may create demand for certain Fueling
Systems products which must be supplied in a relatively short time frame to meet the governmental mandate. During periods of
increased demand the Company’s revenues and profitability could increase significantly, although the Company can also be at
risk of not having capacity to meet demand or cost overruns due to inefficiencies during ramp up to the higher production
levels. After the Company’s customers have met the compliance requirements, the Company’s revenues and profitability may
decrease significantly as the demand for certain products declines substantially. The risk of not reducing production costs in
relation to the decreased demand and reduced revenues could have a material adverse impact on gross margins and the
Company’s results of operations.
7
Changes in tax legislation regarding the Company’s U.S. or foreign earnings could materially affect future results. Since the
Company operates in different countries and is subject to taxation in different jurisdictions, the Company’s future effective tax
rates could be impacted by changes in such countries’ tax laws or their interpretations. Both domestic and international tax laws
are subject to change as a result of changes in fiscal policy, legislation, evolution of regulation and court rulings. The
application of these tax laws and related regulations is subject to legal and factual interpretation, judgment, and uncertainty. The
Company cannot predict whether any proposed changes in tax laws will be enacted into law or what, if any, changes may be
made to any such proposals prior to their being enacted into law. If the tax laws change in a manner that increases the
Company’s tax obligation, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial
condition.
Risks Related to the Business
The Company is exposed to political, economic and other risks that arise from operating a multinational business. The
Company has significant operations outside the United States, including Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, India, China,
Turkey, Canada and Argentina. Further, the Company obtains raw materials and finished goods from foreign
suppliers. Accordingly, the Company’s business is subject to political, economic, and other risks that are inherent in operating a
multinational business. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Difficulty in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through foreign legal systems
Trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements
Inability to obtain raw materials and finished goods in a timely manner from foreign suppliers
Imposition of tariffs, exchange controls or other restrictions
Difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations and the application of foreign labor regulations
Compliance with foreign laws and regulations
Changes in general economic and political conditions in countries where the Company operates
Additionally, the Company’s operations outside the United States could be negatively impacted by changes in treaties,
agreements, policies, and laws implemented by the United States.
If the Company does not anticipate and effectively manage these risks, these factors may have a material adverse impact on its
international operations or on the business as a whole.
The Company’s acquisition strategy entails expense, integration risks, and other risks that could affect the Company’s
earnings and financial condition. One of the Company’s continuing strategies is to increase revenues and expand market share
through acquisitions that will provide complementary Water and Fueling Systems products, add to the Company’s global reach,
or both. The Company spends significant time and effort expanding existing businesses through identifying, pursuing,
completing, and integrating acquisitions, which generate expense whether or not the acquisitions are actually completed.
Competition for acquisition candidates may limit the number of opportunities and may result in higher acquisition prices. There
is uncertainty related to successfully acquiring, integrating and profitably managing additional businesses without substantial
costs, delays or other problems. There can also be no assurance that acquired companies will achieve revenues, profitability or
cash flows that justify the investment. Failure to manage or mitigate these risks could adversely affect the Company’s results of
operations and financial condition.
The Company’s products are sold in highly competitive markets, by numerous competitors whose actions could negatively
impact sales volume, pricing and profitability. The Company is a global leader in the production and marketing of groundwater
and fuel pumping systems. End user demand, distribution relationships, industry consolidation, new product capabilities of the
Company’s competitors or new competitors, and many other factors contribute to a highly competitive
environment. Additionally, some of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater financial resources than the
Company. The Company believes that consistency of product quality, timeliness of delivery, service, and continued product
innovation, as well as price, are principal factors considered by customers in selecting suppliers. Competitive factors previously
described may lead to declines in sales or in the prices of the Company’s products which could have an adverse impact on its
results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s products are sold to numerous distribution outlets based on market performance. The Company may, from
time to time, change distribution outlets in certain markets based on market share and growth. These changes could adversely
impact sales and operating results.
Transferring operations of the Company to lower cost regions may not result in the intended cost benefits. The Company is
continuing its rationalization of manufacturing capacity between all existing manufacturing facilities and the manufacturing
8
complexes in lower cost regions. To implement this strategy, the Company must complete the transfer of assets and intellectual
property between operations. Each of these transfers involves the risk of disruption to the Company’s manufacturing capability,
supply chain, and, ultimately, to the Company’s ability to service customers and generate revenues and profits and may include
significant severance amounts.
The Company has significant investments in foreign entities and has significant sales and purchases in foreign denominated
currencies creating exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company has significant investments
outside the United States, including Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, India, China, Turkey, Canada and Argentina.
Further, the Company has sales and makes purchases of raw materials and finished goods in foreign denominated
currencies. Accordingly, the Company has exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S.
dollar. Foreign currency exchange rate risk is partially mitigated through several means: maintenance of local production
facilities in the markets served, invoicing of customers in the same currency as the source of the products, prompt settlement of
intercompany balances, limited use of foreign currency denominated debt, and application of derivative instruments when
appropriate. To the extent that these mitigating strategies are not successful, foreign currency rate fluctuations can have a
material adverse impact on the Company’s international operations or on the business as a whole.
Delays in introducing new products or the inability to achieve or maintain market acceptance with existing or new products
may cause the Company’s revenues to decrease. The industries to which the Company belongs are characterized by intense
competition, changes in end-user requirements, and evolving product offerings and introductions. The Company believes future
success will depend, in part, on the ability to anticipate and adapt to these factors and offer, on a timely basis, products that
meet customer demands. Failure to successfully develop new and innovative products or to enhance existing products could
result in the loss of existing customers to competitors or the inability to attract new business, either of which may adversely
affect the Company’s revenues.
Certain Company products are subject to regulation and government performance requirements in addition to the
warranties provided by the Company. The Company’s product lines have expanded significantly and certain products are
subject to government regulations and standards for manufacture, assembly, and performance in addition to the warranties
provided by the Company. The Company’s failure to meet all such standards or perform in accordance with warranties could
result in significant warranty or repair costs, lost sales and profits, damage to the Company’s reputation, fines or penalties from
governmental organizations, and increased litigation exposure. Changes to these regulations or standards may require the
Company to modify its business objectives and incur additional costs to comply. Any liabilities or penalties actually incurred
could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings and operating results.
The Company has significant goodwill and intangible assets and future impairment of the value of these assets may
adversely affect operating results and financial condition. The Company’s total assets reflect substantial intangible assets,
primarily goodwill. Goodwill results from the Company’s acquisitions, representing the excess of the purchase price paid over
the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment
during the fourth quarter or as warranted by triggering events. If future operating performance at one or more of the Company’s
operating segments were to decline significantly below current levels, the Company could incur a non-cash charge to operating
earnings for an impairment. Any future determination requiring the recognition of an impairment of a significant portion of the
Company’s goodwill or intangible assets could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and
financial condition.
The Company’s business may be adversely affected by the seasonality of sales and weather conditions. The Company
experiences seasonal demand in a number of markets within the Water Systems segment. End-user demand in primary markets
follows warm weather trends and is at seasonal highs from April to August in the Northern Hemisphere. Demand for residential
and agricultural water systems are also affected by weather-related disasters including heavy flooding and drought. Changes in
these patterns could reduce demand for the Company’s products and adversely impact sales, gross margins, and operating
results.
The Company depends on certain key suppliers, and any loss of those suppliers or their failure to meet commitments may
adversely affect business and results of operations. The Company is dependent on a single or limited number of suppliers for
some materials or components required in the manufacture of its products. If any of those suppliers fail to meet their
commitments to the Company in terms of delivery or quality, the Company may experience supply shortages that could result
in its inability to meet customer requirements, or could otherwise experience an interruption in operations that could negatively
impact the Company’s business and results of operations.
9
The Company’s operations are dependent on information technology infrastructure and failures could significantly affect its
business. The Company depends on information technology infrastructure in order to achieve business objectives. If the
Company experiences a problem that impairs this infrastructure, such as a computer virus, a problem with the functioning of an
important IT application, or an intentional disruption of IT systems by a third party, the resulting disruptions could impede the
Company's ability to record or process orders, manufacture and ship products in a timely manner, or otherwise carry on
business in the ordinary course. Any such events could cause the loss of customers or revenue and could cause significant
expense to be incurred to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns.The Company is also subject to certain
U.S. and international data protection and cybersecurity regulations. Complying with these laws may subject the Company to
additional costs or require changes to the Company’s business practices. Any inability to adequately address privacy and
security concerns or comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, rules and regulations could expose the Company to
potentially significant liabilities.
Additional Risks to the Company. The Company is subject to various risks in the normal course of business as well as
catastrophic events including severe weather events, earthquakes, fires, acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest, epidemics and
pandemics and other unexpected events. Exhibit 99.1 sets forth risks and other factors that may affect future results, including
those identified above, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
10
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide with over 175 manufacturing and distribution facilities located in over 20
countries. The Global Headquarters is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States and houses sales, marketing, and
administrative offices along with a state of the art research and engineering facility. Besides the owned corporate facility, the
Company considers the following to be principal properties:
Location / Segment
Purpose
Own/Lease
Santa Catarina, Brazil / Water & Fueling
Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales
Sao Paulo, Brazil / Water & Fueling
Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales
Jiangsu Province, China / Water & Fueling Manufacturing
Brno, Czech Republic / Water
Vicenza, Italy / Water
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Nuevo Leon, Mexico / Water & Fueling
Manufacturing
Edenvale, South Africa / Water
Manufacturing
Izmir, Turkey / Water
Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales/R&D
Montana, United States / Distribution
Distribution
North Carolina, United States / Distribution Distribution
Oklahoma, United States / Water
Manufacturing
Oregon, United States / Water
Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales/R&D
Wisconsin, United States / Fueling
Manufacturing/Distribution/Sales/R&D
Own
Own
Own
Own
Own
Own
Own
Own
Own
Own
Own
Lease
Own
The Company also owns and leases other smaller facilities which serve as manufacturing locations and distribution warehouses.
The Company does not consider these facilities to be principal to the business or operations. In the Company’s opinion, its
facilities are suitable for their intended use, adequate for the Company’s business needs, all currently utilized, and in good
condition.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is defending various claims and legal actions which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. For a
description of the Company's material legal proceedings, refer to Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated into this Item 3 by reference. In the opinion of management, based on current
knowledge of the facts and after discussion with counsel, other claims and legal actions can be defended or resolved without a
material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and net cash flows.
11
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Current executive officers of the Company, their ages, current position, and business experience during at least the past five
years as of December 31, 2020, are as follows:
Name
Age
Position Held
Gregg C. Sengstack
62 Chairperson of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
President and Chief Executive Officer
DeLancey W. Davis
55 Vice President and President, Headwater Companies
Vice President and President, North America Water Systems
Donald P. Kenney
60 Vice President and President, Global Water
Vice President and President, North America Water Systems
Vice President and President, Energy Systems
John J. Haines
57 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Paul N. Chhabra
47 Vice President, Global Product Supply
Jonathan M. Grandon
45
Vice President, Global Supply Chain - Applied Materials
Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary
Vice President, Integration - Zimmer Biomet
Jay J. Walsh
51 Vice President and President, Fueling Systems
President, Fueling Systems
Executive Vice President, Fueling Systems
Period
Holding
Position
2015 - present
2014 - 2015
2017 - present
2012 - 2017
2019 - present
2017 - 2019
2014 - 2017
2008 - present
2018 - present
2015 - 2018
2016 - present
2015 - 2016
2019 - present
2017 - 2019
2013 - 2017
All executive officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors at the Board meeting held in conjunction with the annual
meeting of shareholders. All executive officers hold office until their successors are duly elected or until their death,
resignation, or removal by the Board.
12
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The number of shareholders of record as of February 9, 2021 was 661. The Company’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global
Select Market under the symbol FELE. Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New
York, 11717 serves as the registrar, record keeper, and stock transfer agent.
Dividends paid per common share as quoted by the NASDAQ Global Select Market for 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Dividends per Share
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
2020
2019
$
.1550 $
.1550
.1550
.1550
.1450
.1450
.1450
.1450
The Company has increased dividend payments on an annual basis for 28 consecutive periods. The payment of dividends in the
future will be determined by the Board of Directors and will depend on business conditions, earnings, and other factors.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In April 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan to increase the number of shares remaining for
repurchase from 628,692 to 2,300,000 shares. There is no expiration date for this plan. On August 3, 2015, the Company’s
Board of Directors approved a plan to increase the number of shares remaining for repurchase by an additional 3,000,000
shares. The authorization was in addition to the 535,107 shares that remained available for repurchase as of July 31, 2015. The
Company did not repurchase any shares under this plan during the fourth quarter of 2020. The maximum number of shares that
may still be purchased under this plan as of December 31, 2020 is 933,823.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the Company’s cumulative total shareholder return (Common Stock price appreciation plus
dividends, on a reinvested basis) over the last five fiscal years with the Guggenheim S&P Global Water Index and the Russell
2000 Index.
Hypothetical $100 invested on January 2, 2016 (fiscal year-end 2015) in Franklin Electric common stock (FELE), Guggenheim
S&P Global Water Index, and Russell 2000 Index, assuming reinvestment of dividends:
YE 2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
FELE
Guggenheim S&P Global Water
$
Russell 2000
100 $
100
100
170 $
149
137
159 $
134
122
212 $
177
151
257
201
179
144 $
107
121
13
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Discussion of the year-over-year comparison of changes in the Company's financial condition and results of operation as of and
for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 can be found in Part II, Item 7. "Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2019.
2020 vs. 2019
OVERVIEW
Sales in 2020 were down from the prior year. The sales decrease was primarily from lower volumes, in part created by
uncertainty and general disruptions around the global pandemic relating to the transmission of COVID-19 and governmental
and societal reactions thereto in the second quarter. The impact of foreign currency translation decreased sales by about 3
percent. The Company's consolidated gross profit was $433.1 million for 2020, an increase of $5.0 million or about 1 percent
from 2019. The gross profit as a percent of net sales increased 210 basis points to 34.7 percent in 2020 from 32.6 percent in
2019. For 2020, diluted earnings per share were $2.14, up from 2019 diluted earnings per share of $2.03.
EFFECTS OF THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC
The top priority of the Company is the health and welfare of its employees and partners around the world. In response to the
health risks posed by the Global Pandemic, the Company implemented and has been following the recommended hygiene and
social distancing practices promulgated by the United States Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
The Company’s products and services are generally viewed as essential in most jurisdictions in which the Company operates.
All the Company’s global manufacturing and distribution operations are operating with limited disruption.
The primary impacts of the Global Pandemic on the Company’s end markets remain consistent with prior disclosures. Large
dewatering equipment sales in the Water Systems segment continue to be depressed and the deferral or cancellation of the
construction of new filling stations in the Fueling Systems segment continues. The Company’s financial results are also
impacted negatively by continuing government mandated closures and related customer behaviors.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
Net sales in 2020 were $1,247.3 million, a decrease of $67.3 million or about 5 percent compared to 2019 sales of $1,314.6
million. The incremental impact of sales from acquired businesses was $12.8 million. Sales revenue decreased by $39.6 million
or 3 percent in 2020 due to foreign currency translation. The sales change in 2020, excluding acquisitions and foreign currency
translation, was a decrease of about 3 percent.
(In millions)
Water Systems
Fueling Systems
Distribution
Eliminations/Other
Consolidated
2020
Net Sales
2019
2020 v 2019
$
734.7 $
781.5 $
245.1
328.4
293.6
291.8
(60.9)
(52.3)
$
1,247.3 $
1,314.6 $
(46.8)
(48.5)
36.6
(8.6)
(67.3)
Net Sales-Water Systems
Water Systems sales were $734.7 million in 2020, a decrease of $46.8 million or about 6 percent versus 2019. The incremental
impact of sales from acquired businesses was $12.8 million. Foreign currency translation changes decreased sales $40.0
million, or about 5 percent, compared to sales in 2019. The Water Systems sales change in 2020, excluding acquisitions and
foreign currency translation, was a decrease of $19.6 million or about 3 percent.
Water Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada decreased by about 7 percent compared to 2019. The incremental impact of sales
from acquired businesses was $12.8 million. Sales revenue decreased by $0.7 million in 2020 due to foreign currency
translation. In 2020, sales of dewatering equipment decreased by about 54 percent due to lower sales in rental channels and
14
substantial uncertainty in oil production end markets. Sales of groundwater pumping equipment increased by 12 percent versus
2019. Sales of other surface pumping equipment decreased by about 3 percent.
Water Systems sales in markets outside the U.S. and Canada decreased by about 4 percent compared to 2019. Sales revenue
decreased by $39.3 million or about 11 percent in 2020 due to foreign currency translation. Sales change in 2020, excluding
foreign currency translation, was an increase of about 7 percent. Sales growth in Latin America and EMENA were partially
offset by lower sales in the Asia Pacific markets.
Net Sales-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems sales were $245.1 million in 2020, a decrease of $48.5 million or about 17 percent from 2019. Foreign
currency translation changes increased sales $0.4 million or less than 1 percent compared to sales in 2019. The Fueling Systems
sales change in 2020, excluding foreign currency translation, was a decrease of $48.9 million or about 17 percent.
Fueling Systems sales in the U.S. and Canada declined by about 9 percent during 2020. The decrease was in all product lines
and due to declining demand for new filling stations. Internationally, Fueling Systems revenues declined by about 28 percent,
driven by lower sales in Asia Pacific, primarily China and India. China sales were about $18 million in 2020 compared to 2019
Fueling Systems China sales of about $45 million.
Net Sales-Distribution
Distribution sales were $328.4 million in 2020, versus 2019 sales of $291.8 million. Distribution segment organic sales
increased about 13 percent compared to 2019. More favorable weather conditions in most of the United States versus the prior
year contributed to the revenue growth.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales for 2020 and 2019 was 65.3 percent and 67.4 percent, respectively. Correspondingly, the
gross profit margin was 34.7 percent and 32.6 percent, respectively. The Company's consolidated gross profit was $433.1
million for 2020, up $5.0 million from the gross profit of $428.1 million in 2019. The increase in gross profit and gross profit
margin was primarily driven by price realization, product sales mix and cost management.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $300.1 million in 2020 and increased by $1.6 million or less than one
percent overall compared to $298.5 million last year. SG&A expenses from acquired businesses was $2.2 million and excluding
the acquired entities, the Company’s SG&A expenses in 2020 were $297.9 million, a decrease from the prior year. SG&A
expenses were lower versus the prior year due to companywide efforts to lower spending in response to the impacts of the
Global Pandemic and in part because of foreign currency translation.
Restructuring Expenses
Restructuring expenses for 2020 were $2.5 million. Restructuring expenses were $2.3 million in the Water segment and $0.1
million in each of the Fueling and Distribution segments. Restructuring expenses were primarily from continued miscellaneous
manufacturing realignment activities and branch closings and consolidations in the Distribution segment. Restructuring
expenses for 2019 were $2.5 million. Restructuring expenses were $1.7 million in the Water segment and $0.8 million in the
Distribution segment. Restructuring expenses were primarily from continued miscellaneous manufacturing realignment
activities and branch closings and consolidations in the Distribution segment.
Operating Income
Operating income was $130.5 million in 2020, up $3.4 million or 3 percent from $127.1 million in 2019.
(In millions)
Water Systems
Fueling Systems
Distribution
Eliminations/Other
Consolidated
Operating income (loss)
2020
2019
2020 v 2019
$
114.4 $
103.0 $
63.4
11.5
75.8
3.6
(58.8)
130.5 $
(55.3)
127.1 $
$
11.4
(12.4)
7.9
(3.5)
3.4
15
Operating Income-Water Systems
Water Systems operating income was $114.4 million in 2020 compared to $103.0 million in 2019, an increase of 11 percent.
The operating income margin was 15.6 percent compared to the 2019 operating income margin of 13.2 percent. Operating
income margin increased in Water Systems primarily driven by price realization, product sales mix and cost management.
Operating Income-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems operating income was $63.4 million in 2020 compared to $75.8 million in 2019. The operating income margin
was 25.9 percent compared to 25.8 percent of net sales in 2019. Operating income decreased in Fueling Systems primarily due
to lower sales volumes. The increase in margin was primarily driven by cost management.
Operating Income-Distribution
Distribution operating income was $11.5 million in 2020 and operating income margin was 3.5 percent. Distribution operating
income was $3.6 million in 2019 and operating income margin was 1.2 percent. Operating income and operating income
margin increased in Distribution due to higher sales volumes.
Operating Income-Eliminations/Other
Operating income-Eliminations/Other is composed primarily of inter-segment sales and profit eliminations and unallocated
general and administrative expenses. The inter-segment profit elimination impact in 2020 increased operating loss about $0.2
million. The inter-segment elimination of operating income effectively defers the operating income on sales from Water
Systems to Distribution in the consolidated financial results until the transferred product is sold from the Distribution segment
to its third-party customer. Unallocated general and administrative expenses were higher by $3.3 million or about 6 percent to
last year, primarily due to higher variable performance-based compensation expenses.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for 2020 and 2019 was $4.6 million and $8.2 million, respectively, and decreased primarily as a result of lower
debt levels.
Other Income or Expense
Other income or expense was a loss of $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively in 2020 and 2019.
Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency–based transactions produced a loss for 2020 of $1.4 million, primarily due to changes in the value of the
Argentinian Peso relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency–based transactions produced a loss for 2019 of $1.6 million,
primarily due to changes in the value of the Argentinian Peso relative to the U.S. dollar.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in 2020 and 2019 was $22.5 million and $20.8 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for
2020 was about 18 percent and before the impact of discrete events was about 21 percent. The effective tax rate for 2019 was
about 18 percent and before the impact of discrete events was about 20 percent. The tax rate was lower than the statutory rate of
21 percent primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at lower statutory rates, as well as recognition of the U.S. deduction for
Foreign Derived Intangible Income, and certain incentives and discrete events. Discrete events in 2020 include a benefit related
to a realized foreign currency translation loss on the settlement of an intercompany loan.
Net Income
Net income for 2020 was $101.2 million compared to 2019 net income of $96.0 million. Net income attributable to Franklin
Electric Co., Inc. for 2020 was $100.5 million, or $2.14 per diluted share, compared to 2019 net income attributable to Franklin
Electric Co., Inc. of $95.5 million or $2.03 per diluted share.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Sources of Liquidity
The Company's primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from operations, revolving credit agreements, and
long-term debt funds available. The Company believes its capital resources and liquidity position at December 31, 2020 is
adequate to meet projected needs for the foreseeable future. The Company expects that ongoing requirements for operations,
capital expenditures, pension obligations, dividends, share repurchases, and debt service will be adequately funded from cash
on hand, operations, and existing credit agreements.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a $300.0 million revolving credit facility. The facility is scheduled to mature on
October 28, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $295.9 million borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement
16
as $4.1 million in letters of commercial and standby letters of credit were outstanding and undrawn. No revolver borrowings
were outstanding as of the end of the year.
In addition, the Company maintains an uncommitted and unsecured private shelf agreement with NYL Investors LLC, an
affiliate of New York Life, and each of the undersigned holders of Notes (the "New York Life Agreement") with a remaining
borrowing capacity of $125.0 million as of December 31, 2020. The New York Life Agreement matures on September 26,
2025. The Company also has other long-term debt borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2020. See Note 10 - Debt for
additional specifics regarding these obligations and future maturities.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had $75 million of cash and cash equivalents held in foreign jurisdictions, which the
Company intends to use to fund foreign operations. There is currently no need to repatriate these funds in order to meet
domestic funding obligations or scheduled cash distributions.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents:
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Change in cash and cash equivalents
2020
2019
2018
$
$
$
$
$
211.9 $
(78.8) $
(66.6) $
(0.1) $
66.4 $
177.7 $
(41.8) $
(126.7) $
(4.0) $
5.2 $
128.4
(66.3)
(66.8)
(3.4)
(8.1)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
2020 vs 2019
Net cash provided by operating activities was $211.9 million for 2020 compared to $177.7 million for 2019. The increase in
cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to increased earnings and a decrease of $30.6 million in working capital
requirements related to improved customer collections and inventory management and more favorable payment terms with
vendors.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
2020 vs. 2019
Net cash used in investing activities was $78.8 million in 2020 compared to $41.8 million in 2019. The increase was primarily
attributable to increased acquisition activity.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
2020 vs. 2019
Net cash used in financing activities was $66.6 million in 2020 compared to $126.7 million in 2019. The decrease in cash used
in financing activities was primarily attributable to a decrease in net debt repayments, down approximately $70 million in the
current year. Other uses of cash in financing activities include an increase in dividend payments of $2.0 million and an increase
in common stock repurchases of $8.8 million.
17
AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The majority of the Company’s contractual obligations to third parties relate to debt obligations. In addition, the Company has
certain contractual obligations for future lease payments and purchase obligations. The payment schedule for these contractual
obligations is as follows:
(In millions)
Debt
Debt interest
Operating leases
Purchase obligations
Total
2021
2022-2023
2024-2025
More than
5 years
$
94.6 $
19.7
34.4
9.1
2.5 $
3.8
11.9
9.1
1.5 $
28.8 $
2.6 $
7.2
13.9
—
4.5 $
28.2 $
77.8 $
7.0
5.1
—
8.7 $
98.6 $
11.7
1.7
3.5
—
—
16.9
Income Taxes-U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act transition tax $
$
14.7 $
172.5 $
The Company has pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations not included in the table above which will result in
estimated future payments of approximately $1 million in 2021. The Company also has unrecognized tax benefits, none of
which are included in the table above. The unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.6 million have been recorded as
liabilities and the Company is uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled. Related to the unrecognized tax
benefits, the Company has also recorded a liability for potential penalties and interest of $0.1 million.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, refer to Note 2 - Accounting Pronouncements, in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in the sections entitled ""Adoption of New Accounting Standards" and "Accounting
Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted", included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s
consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities. Management evaluates estimates on an ongoing basis. Estimates are based on historical experience and on other
assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making
judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may
differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. There were no material changes to estimates or
methodologies used to develop those estimates in 2020.
The Company’s critical accounting estimates are identified below:
Inventory Valuation
The Company uses certain estimates and judgments to value inventory. Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or market.
The Company reviews its inventories for excess or obsolete products or components. Based on an analysis of historical usage,
management’s evaluation of estimated future demand, market conditions, and alternative uses for possible excess or obsolete
parts, carrying values are adjusted. The carrying value is reduced regularly to reflect the age and current anticipated product
demand. If actual demand differs from the estimates, additional reductions would be necessary in the period such determination
is made. Excess and obsolete inventory is periodically disposed of through sale to third parties, scrapping, or other means.
Business Combinations
The Company follows the guidance under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business
Combinations. The acquisition purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their
respective fair values. The Company shall report in its financial statements provisional amounts for the items for which
accounting is incomplete. Goodwill is adjusted for any changes to provisional amounts made within the measurement period.
The Company utilizes management estimates and an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in determining the fair
values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Such estimates and valuations require the Company to make significant
assumptions, including projections of future events and operating performance. The Company has not made any material
changes to the method of valuing fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the last three years.
18
Trade Names and Goodwill
According to FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, intangible assets with indefinite lives must be tested for
impairment at least annually or more frequently as warranted by triggering events that indicate potential impairment. The
Company uses a variety of methodologies in conducting impairment assessments including income and market approaches. For
indefinite-lived assets apart from goodwill, primarily trade names for the Company, if the fair value is less than the carrying
amount, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company has not made any material
changes to the method of evaluating impairments during the last three years.
In compliance with FASB ASC Topic 350, goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level for
impairment annually or more frequently as warranted by triggering events that indicate potential impairment. Reporting units
are operating segments or one level below, known as components, which can be aggregated for testing purposes. The
Company’s goodwill is allocated to the Global Water Systems, Fueling Systems and Distribution units. As the Company’s
business model evolves, management will continue to evaluate its reporting units and review the aggregation criteria.
In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, the Company determines the fair value of its reporting units by utilizing a
combination of both the market value and income approaches. The market value approach compares the reporting units’ current
and projected financial results to entities of similar size and industry to determine the market value of the reporting unit. The
income approach utilizes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the
respective assets. These cash flows consider factors regarding expected future operating income and historical trends, as well as
the effects of demand and competition. The Company may be required to record an impairment if these assumptions and
estimates change whereby the fair value of the reporting units is below their associated carrying values. Goodwill included on
the balance sheet as of the fiscal year ended 2020 was $266.7 million.
During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company completed its annual impairment test of goodwill and trade names and
determined the fair value of all intangibles were substantially in excess of the respective carrying values. Significant judgment
is required to determine if an indication of impairment has taken place. Factors to be considered include the following: adverse
changes in operating results, decline in strategic business plans, significantly lower future cash flows, and sustainable declines
in market data such as market capitalization. A 10 percent decrease in the fair value estimates used in the impairment test would
not have changed this determination. The sensitivity analysis required the use of numerous subjective assumptions, which, if
actual experience varies, could result in material differences in the requirements for impairment charges. Further, an extended
downturn in the economy may impact certain components of the operating segments more significantly and could result in
changes to the aggregation assumptions and impairment determination.
Income Taxes
Under the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, the Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the
future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The
Company analyzes the deferred tax assets and liabilities for their future realization based on the estimated existence of
sufficient taxable income. This analysis considers the following sources of taxable income: prior year taxable income, future
reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and tax
planning strategies that would generate taxable income in the relevant period. If sufficient taxable income is not projected then
the Company will record a valuation allowance against the relevant deferred tax assets.
The Company’s operations involve dealing with uncertainties and judgments in the application of complex tax regulations in
multiple jurisdictions. These jurisdictions have different tax rates, and the Company determines the allocation of income to each
of these jurisdictions based upon various estimates and assumptions. In the normal course of business, the Company will
undergo tax audits by various tax jurisdictions. Such audits often require an extended period of time to complete and may result
in income tax adjustments if changes to the allocation are required between jurisdictions with different tax rates. The final taxes
paid are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in the various jurisdictions and resolution
of disputes arising from federal, state, and international tax audits. Although the Company has recorded all income tax
uncertainties in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, these accruals represent estimates that are subject to the inherent
uncertainties associated with the tax audit process, and therefore include uncertainties. Management judgment is required in
determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, which, if actual experience varies,
could result in material adjustments to tax expense and/or deferred tax assets and liabilities.
19
Pension and Employee Benefit Obligations
The Company consults with its actuaries to assist with the calculation of discount rates used in its pension and post retirement
plans. The discount rates used to determine domestic pension and post-retirement plan liabilities are calculated using a full yield
curve approach. Market conditions have caused the weighted-average discount rate to move from 3.12 percent last year to 2.31
percent this year for the domestic pension plans and from 2.98 percent last year to 2.12 percent this year for the postretirement
health and life insurance plan. A change in the discount rate selected by the Company of 25 basis points would result in a
change of about $0.1 million to employee benefit expense and a change of about $4.2 million of liability.
The Company consults with actuaries and investment advisors in making its determination of the expected long-term rate of
return on plan assets. Using input from these consultations such as long-term investment sector expected returns, the
correlations and standard deviations thereof, and the plan asset allocation, the Company has assumed an expected long-term rate
of return on plan assets of 4.00 percent as of the fiscal year ended 2020. Market conditions have caused the expected long-term
rate of return to decrease from 4.90 percent as of the fiscal year ended 2019. A change in the long-term rate of return selected
by the Company of 25 basis points would result in a change of about $0.4 million of employee benefit expense.
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
This annual report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking information, such as statements about the Company’s
financial goals, acquisition strategies, financial expectations including anticipated revenue or expense levels, business
prospects, market positioning, product development, manufacturing re-alignment, capital expenditures, tax benefits and
expenses, and the effect of contingencies or changes in accounting policies. Forward-looking statements are typically identified
by words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may increase,” “may fluctuate,” “plan,”
“goal,” “target,” “strategy,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,”
and “could.” While the Company believes that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are reasonable
based on present conditions, forward-looking statements made by the Company involve risks and uncertainties and are not
guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those forward-looking statements as a result of
various factors, including general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and
industry, new housing starts, weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, market demand, competitive factors, changes in
distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of
acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, and other risks, all as described
in Item 1A and Exhibit 99.1 of this Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are based upon
information presently available. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information,
except as required by law.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is subject to market risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and
commodity prices. These exposures are actively monitored by management. Exposure to foreign exchange rate risk is due to
certain costs, revenue and borrowings being denominated in currencies other than one of the Company’s subsidiaries functional
currency. Similarly, the Company is exposed to market risk as the result of changes in interest rates which may affect the cost
of financing.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Foreign currency exchange rate risk is mitigated through several means including maintenance of local production facilities in
the markets served, invoicing of customers in the currency which the Company is billed for production inputs, prompt
settlement of third party and intercompany balances, limited use of foreign currency denominated debt, maintaining minimal
foreign currency denominated cash balances, and application of derivative instruments when appropriate. Based on the 2020
mix of foreign currencies, the Company estimates that a hypothetical strengthening of the US Dollar by about 2 percent would
have reduced the Company’s 2020 sales by about 1 percent.
Interest Rate Risk
The results of operations are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily with respect to borrowings under the Company’s
revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be made either at (i) a
Eurocurrency rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin or (ii) an alternative base rate as defined in the Credit Agreement.
The Company had no borrowings at year-end 2020 under the Credit Agreement. The Company estimates that a hypothetical
increase of 100 basis points in the LIBOR rate would have increased interest expense by $0.5 million during 2020. The
Company also has exposure to changes in interest rates in the form of the fair value of outstanding fixed rate debt fluctuating in
response to changing interest rates.
Additionally, LIBOR, the index administered by the Intercontinental Exchange, will be phased out after 2021. The United
States, using the analysis performed by the ARRC (Alternative Reference Rates Committee), elected the Secured Overnight
20
Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury
Securities. The New York Fed commenced publishing the SOFR rate daily beginning April 3, 2018. The Company is still
analyzing the potential impacts from changing from LIBOR to SOFR based rates.
Commodity Price Exposures
Portions of the Company’s business are exposed to volatility in the prices of certain commodities, such as copper, steel and
aluminum, among others. The primary exposure to this volatility resides with the use of these materials in purchased component
parts. The Company generally maintain long-term fixed price contracts on raw materials and component parts; however, the
Company is prone to exposure as these contracts expire. Based on the 2020 use of commodities, the Company estimates that a
hypothetical 10 percent adverse movement in prices for raw metal commodities would result in about a 1 percent decrease of
gross margin as a percent of sales.
21
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2020
2019
2018
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Restructuring expense
Operating income
Interest expense
Other income/(expense), net
Foreign exchange income/(expense)
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net income
Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Income per share:
Basic
Diluted
$
1,247,331 $
1,314,578 $
1,298,129
814,192
433,139
300,122
2,506
130,511
(4,627)
(795)
(1,392)
123,697
22,540
886,475
428,103
298,451
2,519
127,133
(8,245)
(412)
(1,641)
116,835
20,836
865,763
432,366
298,706
1,666
131,994
(9,839)
(1,042)
(706)
120,407
14,890
101,157 $
95,999 $
105,517
(697)
(516)
360
100,460 $
95,483 $
105,877
2.16 $
2.14 $
2.04 $
2.03 $
2.25
2.23
$
$
$
$
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
22
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
Net income
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Employee benefit plan activity:
Net loss arising during period
Amortization arising during period
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Income tax (expense)/benefit related to items of other
comprehensive loss
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Comprehensive income
2020
2019
2018
$
101,157
$
95,999
$
105,517
(11,868)
(5,659)
(34,723)
(7,398)
3,709
(15,557)
1,112
(14,445)
86,712
(5,006)
2,913
(7,752)
589
(7,163)
88,836
(2,241)
3,327
(33,637)
(307)
(33,944)
71,573
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling
interests
813
544
(332)
Comprehensive income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
$
85,899
$
88,292
$
71,905
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
23
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2020
2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables, less allowances of $3,999 and $3,705, respectively
Inventories:
Raw material
Work-in-process
Finished goods
Total inventories
Other current assets
Total current assets
Property, plant, and equipment, at cost:
Land and buildings
Machinery and equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Other
Property, plant, and equipment, gross
Less: Allowance for depreciation
Property, plant, and equipment, net
Right-of-Use Asset, net
Deferred income taxes
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Other assets
Total assets
$
130,787 $
159,827
87,226
20,565
193,141
300,932
27,708
619,254
152,323
287,840
47,890
33,193
521,246
64,405
173,327
98,286
18,392
183,568
300,246
29,466
567,444
142,189
276,541
43,631
29,293
491,654
(312,225)
(290,326)
209,021
31,954
8,824
133,782
266,737
2,735
201,328
27,621
9,171
131,127
256,059
1,993
$
1,272,307 $
1,194,743
24
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Current lease liability
Income taxes
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Long-term lease liability
Income taxes payable non-current
Deferred income taxes
Employee benefit plans
Other long-term liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 16)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock (65,000 shares authorized, $0.10 par value) outstanding (46,222 and
46,391, respectively)
Additional capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interest
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2020
2019
$
95,903 $
89,048
11,090
5,112
2,551
203,704
91,966
20,866
11,965
25,671
44,443
23,988
82,593
68,444
9,838
3,010
21,879
185,764
93,141
17,785
11,965
27,598
38,288
21,769
—
—
(245)
(236)
4,622
283,420
764,562
4,639
269,656
712,460
(204,771)
(190,210)
847,833
2,116
849,949
796,545
2,124
798,669
$
1,272,307 $
1,194,743
25
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating
activities:
2020
2019
2018
$
101,157 $
95,999 $
105,517
Depreciation and amortization
Non-cash lease expense
Share-based compensation
Deferred income taxes
Loss on disposals of plant and equipment
Foreign exchange (income)/expense
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables
Inventory
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Operating leases
Income taxes
Income taxes-U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Employee benefit plans
Other, net
Net cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant, and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Other, net
Net cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt
Repayment of debt
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Purchases of common stock
Dividends paid
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling shares
Net cash flows from financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net change in cash and equivalents
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and equivalents at end of period
36,488
11,699
10,066
36,977
11,699
8,957
(4,268)
(2,566)
1,241
1,392
22,053
13,144
20,519
891
1,641
1,076
17,228
6,770
(11,698)
(11,698)
2,507
—
604
6,950
211,854
6,449
—
(1,443)
5,696
177,676
38,604
—
8,450
(5,164)
311
706
(8,194)
(4,775)
1,677
—
(1,771)
(6,510)
(2,291)
1,875
128,435
(22,856)
(21,855)
(22,432)
34
866
724
(55,915)
(20,827)
(44,971)
(74)
10
387
(78,811)
(41,806)
(66,292)
117,758
(138,831)
3,721
(19,553)
(29,675)
—
264,389
(355,332)
3,194
(10,741)
(27,671)
(487)
232,638
(251,623)
8,999
(34,188)
(22,612)
—
(66,580)
(126,648)
(66,786)
(81)
(3,990)
66,382
64,405
5,232
59,173
$
130,787 $
64,405 $
(3,417)
(8,060)
67,233
59,173
26
(In thousands)
2020
2019
2018
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
Cash paid for interest
Non-cash items:
Additions to property, plant, and equipment, not yet paid
Right-of-Use Assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease
liabilities
Payable to sellers of acquired entities
$
$
$
$
$
23,869 $
16,949 $
27,025
4,695 $
8,388 $
10,792
1,059 $
1,509 $
1,158
15,421 $
— $
4,922 $
845 $
—
1,000
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
27
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Total Shareholders’ Equity
(In thousands)
Common
Shares
Outstanding
Common
Stock
Additional
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
Noncontrolling
Interest
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
Balance as of year end 2017
46,630 $
4,663 $ 240,136 $ 604,905 $
(149,047) $
1,964 $
Net Income
Currency translation
adjustment
Minimum pension liability
adjustment, net of tax
expense $307
Dividends on common stock
($0.4675/share)
Noncontrolling Dividend
Common stock issued
Share based compensation
Common stock repurchased
(34,751)
779
701
(49)
(661)
105,877
(21,951)
(34,107)
405
103
(812)
40
10
(81)
8,959
8,440
Balance as of year end 2018
46,326 $
4,632 $ 257,535 $ 654,724 $
(183,019) $
1,955 $
Net Income
Currency translation
adjustment
Minimum pension liability
adjustment, net of tax
expense $589
Purchase of redeemable non-
controlling shares
Dividends on common stock
($0.5800/share)
Noncontrolling Dividend
Common stock issued
Share based compensation
Common stock repurchased
(5,687)
(1,504)
842
(31)
(642)
95,483
(27,029)
(10,718)
152
146
(233)
15
15
(23)
3,179
8,942
Balance as of year end 2019
46,391 $
4,639 $ 269,656 $ 712,460 $
(190,210) $
2,124 $
Net Income
Currency translation
adjustment
Minimum pension liability
adjustment, net of tax
expense $1,112
Dividends on common stock
($0.6200/share)
Noncontrolling Dividend
Common stock issued
Share based compensation
Common stock repurchased
(11,984)
(2,577)
718
104
(830)
100,460
(28,845)
(19,513)
121
112
(402)
12
11
(40)
3,709
10,055
1,502
(1,061)
77
518
(326)
59
(487)
(236)
(21)
12
Balance as of year end 2020
46,222 $
4,622 $ 283,420 $ 764,562 $
(204,771) $
2,116 $
(245)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
28
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Number
Note 1.
Note 2.
Note 3.
Note 4.
Note 5.
Note 6.
Note 7.
Note 8.
Note 9.
Note 10.
Note 11.
Note 12.
Note 13.
Note 14.
Note 15.
Note 16.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounting Pronouncements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair Value Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee Benefit Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued Expense and Other Current Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shareholders' Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share-Based Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Segment and Geographic Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commitments and Contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
33
34
35
36
36
37
42
43
45
47
48
48
49
51
53
29
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Company--“Franklin Electric” or the “Company” shall refer to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Fiscal Year--The financial statements and accompanying notes are as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020,
December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, and referred to as 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Principles of Consolidation--The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and its
consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Business Combinations--The Company allocates the purchase price of its acquisitions to the assets acquired, liabilities
assumed, and noncontrolling interests based upon their respective fair values at the acquisition date. The Company utilizes
management estimates and inputs from an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in determining these fair values. The
excess of the acquisition price over estimated fair values is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is adjusted for any changes to
acquisition date fair value amounts made within the measurement period. Any estimated fair values in excess of the acquisition
price represents a bargain purchase gain and is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated
balance sheet until the determination of fair values is completed. Acquisition-related transaction costs are recognized separately
from the business combination and expensed as incurred.
Revenue Recognition--Revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that
reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The promise in a
contract to transfer goods or services to a customer represents a performance obligation. The Company typically sells its
products to customers by purchase order and does not have any additional performance obligations included in contracts to
customers other than the shipment of the products. Therefore, the Company allocates the transaction price based on a single
performance obligation. The Company typically ships products FOB shipping at which point control of the products passes to
the customers. The Company considers the performance obligation satisfied and recognizes revenue at a point in time, the time
of shipment.
The Company’s products may include routine assurance-type warranties which do not qualify as separate performance
obligations. In the event that significant post-shipment obligations were to exist for the Company’s products, revenue
recognition would be deferred until the performance obligations were satisfied.
The Company records net sales revenues after discounts at the time of sale based on specific discount programs in effect,
related historical data, and experience.
Shipping and Handling Costs--Shipping and handling costs are considered activities required to fulfill the Company’s promise
to transfer goods, and do not qualify as a separate performance obligation. Shipping and handling costs are recorded as a
component of cost of sales.
Research and Development Expense--The Company’s research and development activities are charged to expense in the period
incurred. The Company incurred expenses of approximately $21.7 million in 2020, $20.8 million in 2019, and $22.1 million in
2018 related to research and development.
Cash and Cash Equivalents--The Company considers cash on hand, demand deposits, and highly liquid investments with an
original maturity date of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments--Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification
(“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, provides guidance for defining, measuring, and disclosing fair
value within an established framework and hierarchy. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an
asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standard established a fair value hierarchy which
requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair
value. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value within the hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;
30
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and
liabilities in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value
drivers are observable in active markets; and
Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are
unobservable.
Accounts Receivable, Earned Discounts, and Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts--Accounts receivable are stated at
estimated net realizable value. Accounts receivable are comprised of balances due from customers, net of earned discounts and
estimated allowances for uncollectible accounts. Earned discounts are based on specific customer agreement terms. In
determining allowances for uncollectible accounts, historical collection experience, current trends, aging of accounts receivable,
and periodic credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition are reviewed.
Inventories--Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The majority of the cost of domestic and foreign inventories
is determined using the FIFO method with a portion of inventory costs determined using the average cost method. The
Company reviews its inventories for excess or obsolete products or components based on an analysis of historical usage and
management’s evaluation of estimated future demand, market conditions, and alternative uses for possible excess or obsolete
parts.
Property, Plant, and Equipment--Property, plant, and equipment are stated at historical cost. The Company capitalizes certain
computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for
internal use, which are included in property, plant, and equipment. Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated on a
straight line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
Land improvement and buildings
Machinery and equipment
Software
Furniture and fixtures
10 - 40 years
5 - 10 years
3 - 7 years
3 - 7 years
Maintenance, repairs, and renewals of a minor nature are expensed as incurred. Betterments and major renewals which extend
the useful lives or add to the productive capacity of buildings, improvements, and equipment are capitalized. The Company
reviews its property, plant, and equipment for impairment at the asset group level whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If an indicator is present, the Company compares
carrying values to undiscounted future cash flows; if the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an
impairment would be recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying value.
The Company’s depreciation expense was $27.1 million, $27.6 million, and $29.7 million in 2020, 2019, and 2018,
respectively.
Leases--The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease, or contains a lease, at the inception of the arrangement and
determines whether it is an operating or financing lease. Operating and financing leases result in the Company recording a
right-of-use (ROU) asset, current lease liability, and long term lease liability on its balance sheet. The Company has elected to
not present leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on the balance sheet. The ROU assets and liabilities are initially
recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Initial direct costs and lease incentives are not
material when measuring the ROU asset present value. Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-
line basis over the lease term.
In determining the present value, the Company utilizes interest rates from lease agreements unless the lease agreement does not
provide a readily determinable rate. In these instances, the Company utilizes its incremental borrowing rate based on the
Company’s borrowing information available at inception. A portion of the Company’s leases include renewal options. The
Company excludes these renewal options in the expected lease term unless the Company is reasonably certain that the option
will be exercised. In addition, the Company has elected not to separate non-lease components from lease components.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets--Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level, which the Company has determined to be
the Global Water Systems, Fueling Systems, and Distribution units.
31
In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, the Company determines the fair value of its reporting units by utilizing a
combination of both the income and market valuation approaches. The income approach estimates fair value based upon future
revenue, expenses, and cash flows discounted to present value. The market valuation approach estimates fair value using market
multipliers of various financial measures compared to a set of comparable public companies. The fair value calculated for each
reporting unit is considered a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. An indication of impairment exists if the
carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, as determined by the above approach. The Company will test
goodwill for impairment more frequently if warranted by triggering events that indicate potential impairment. The Company
completed its annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter, using balances as of October 1.
The Company also tests indefinite lived intangible assets, primarily trade names, for impairment on an annual basis during the
fourth quarter of each year, using balances as of October 1, or more frequently as warranted by triggering events that indicate
potential impairment. In assessing the recoverability of the trade names, the Company determines the fair value using an
income approach. The income approach estimates fair value based upon future revenue and estimated royalty rates. The fair
value calculated for indefinite lived intangible assets is considered a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. An
indication of impairment exists if the carrying value of the trade names is higher than the fair value. The Company would
record an impairment charge for the difference.
Amortization is recorded and calculated for other definite lived intangible assets on a basis that reflects cash flows over the
estimated useful lives. The weighted average number of years over which each intangible class is amortized is as follows:
Patents
Technology
Customer relationships
Other
17 years
15 years
13 - 20 years
5 - 8 years
Warranty Obligations--The Company provides warranties on most of its products. The warranty terms vary but are generally 2
years to 5 years from date of manufacture or 1 year to 5 years from date of installation. Provisions for estimated expenses
related to product warranty are made at the time products are sold or when specific warranty issues are identified. These
estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims. The
Company actively studies trends of warranty claims and takes actions to improve product quality and minimize warranty
claims. The Company believes that the warranty reserve is appropriate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the
original estimates, requiring adjustments to the reserve.
Income Taxes--Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. Under this guidance,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets
and liabilities and net operating loss and credit carry forwards using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the
differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the
amounts expected to be realized. The Company records a liability for uncertain tax positions by establishing a recognition
threshold and measurement attribute for recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax
return.
Defined Benefit Plans--The Company makes its determination for pension, post retirement, and post employment benefit plans
liabilities based on management estimates and consultation with actuaries. The Company incorporates estimates and
assumptions of future plan service costs, future interest costs on projected benefit obligations, rates of compensation increases,
employee turnover rates, anticipated mortality rates, expected investment returns on plan assets, asset allocation assumptions of
plan assets, and other factors.
Earnings Per Common Share--Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed and disclosed in accordance with FASB
ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. The Company utilizes the two-class method to compute earnings available to common
shareholders. Under the two-class method, earnings are adjusted by accretion amounts to redeemable noncontrolling interests
recorded at redemption value. The adjustments represent dividend distributions, in substance, to the noncontrolling interest
holder as the holders have contractual rights to receive an amount upon redemption other than the fair value of the applicable
shares. As a result, earnings are adjusted to reflect this in substance distribution that is different from other common
shareholders. In addition, the Company allocates net earnings to each class of common stock and participating security as if all
of the net earnings for the period had been distributed. The Company’s participating securities consist of share-based payment
awards that contain a non-forfeitable right to receive dividends and therefore are considered to participate in undistributed
earnings with common shareholders. Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net
32
earnings allocated to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted
earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by the weighted-average number
of common shares outstanding for the period, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating share-based
awards.
Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements--All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries in functional currency
other than the U.S. dollar are translated at year end exchange rates with the exception of the non-monetary assets and liabilities
in countries with highly inflationary economies, which are translated at historical exchange rates. All revenue and expense
accounts are translated at average rates in effect during the respective period with the exception of expenses related to the non-
monetary assets and liabilities, which are translated at historical exchange rates. Adjustments for translating longer term foreign
currency assets and liabilities in U.S. dollars are included as a component of other comprehensive income except for
hyperinflation accounting adjustments. Transaction gains and losses that arise from shorter term exchange rate fluctuations and
hyperinflation accounting adjustments are included in the “Foreign exchange income/(expense)” line within the Company’s
consolidated statements of income, as incurred.
Significant Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions by management affect inventory valuation,
warranty, trade names and goodwill, income taxes, and pension and employee benefit obligations.
Although the Company regularly assesses these estimates, actual results could materially differ. The Company bases its
estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.
2. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined
Benefit Plans-General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit
Plans, which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement
plans. The amendments remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, including the estimated amounts in
accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic expense over the next fiscal
year. The amendments clarify the specific requirements of disclosures, and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant,
including the reasons for significant gains and losses related to change in the benefit obligation for the period. The ASU should
be applied retrospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company
adopted the standard in the fourth quarter of 2020, and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial position,
results of operation, and cash flows.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for
Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 removes step two from the goodwill impairment test and instead requires an entity to
recognize a goodwill impairment charge for the amount by which the goodwill carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair
value. The ASU is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early
adoption permitted. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2020. The standard did not have a material impact
on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit
Losses on Financial Instruments, which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses on certain financial instruments,
including trade receivables. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with
early adoption permitted. Amendments should be applied using a modified retrospective approach except for debt securities,
which require a prospective transitions approach. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2020. The standard
did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,
which is expected to reduce cost and complexity related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 eliminates the need for
the Company to analyze whether certain exceptions apply and improves financial statement preparers' application of income
tax-related guidance. ASU 2019-12 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 with early
adoption permitted. Amendments related to franchise taxes that are partially based on income should be applied on either a
retrospective or modified retrospective basis. All other amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company
33
will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2021. Adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's
consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and
Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and
Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. ASU 2020-06 reduces the number of accounting models for various convertible
instruments and reduces form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in
an entity’s own equity. The FASB also updated Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) guidance under Topic 260 by requiring an entity to
consider the potential effect of share settlement in the diluted EPS calculation for instruments that may be settled in cash or
shares as well as other amendments. ASU 2020-06 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15,
2021 with early adoption permitted but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The guidance should be
adopted at the beginning of a fiscal year. ASU 2020-06 should be applied on either a retrospective or modified retrospective
basis. The Company is still determining the date of adoption, but does not expect the ASU to have a material impact on the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
3. ACQUISITIONS
During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company acquired 100 percent of the ownership interests of Gicon
Pumps & Equipment, Inc., a professional groundwater distributor operating seven locations in the state of Texas for a purchase
price of $28.1 million after working capital adjustments. The Company's preliminary estimate of fair values exceeds the
acquisition price by $5.3 million, representing a bargain purchase gain due to favorable market conditions. The Company has
recorded the gain within accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Once the
determination of fair values is complete in 2021, the Company will recognize the bargain purchase gain in the consolidated
statements of income. In a separate transaction during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company acquired 100
percent of the ownership interests in Waterite Inc. and its affiliate Waterite America Inc., headquartered in Winnipeg,
Manitoba, Canada, for a purchase price of $22.0 million after working capital adjustments. The fair value of the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed for both acquisitions are preliminary as of December 31, 2020 and is classified as Level 3 within the
valuation hierarchy. In addition, the Company has not presented separate results of operations since closing or combined pro
forma financial information of the Company and the acquired interest since the beginning of 2020, as the results of operations
for both acquisitions is immaterial.
During the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company acquired all of the assets of a company that manufactures line
shaft turbines and other adjacent product lines for a purchase price of $5.9 million after working capital adjustments. The fair
value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are preliminary as of December 31, 2020 and is classified as Level 3 within
the valuation hierarchy. In addition, the Company has not presented separate results of operations since closing or combined pro
forma financial information of the Company and the acquired interest since the beginning of 2020, as the results of operations
for this acquisition is immaterial.
The identifiable intangible assets recognized in the separate transactions in 2020 were $14.8 million, and consist primarily of
customer relationships, which will be amortized utilizing the straight-line method over 15 - 20 years.
The goodwill of $10.3 million resulting from the separate acquisitions in 2020 consists primarily of the benefits of
complementary product offerings and expanded geographical presence. Goodwill was recorded in the Water segment (see Note
6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets), and only a portion ($1.4 million) is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
During the third quarter ended September 30, 2019, the Company acquired 100 percent of the ownership interests of First Sales,
LLC, an Indiana manufacturer of water treatment and filtration equipment for the residential and commercial markets, which
are sold through some of the same channels as other Company products in the Water Systems segment, for a purchase price of
approximately $15.5 million after working capital adjustments. Goodwill resulting from the acquisition consists primarily of
complementary product offerings. The Company has not presented separate results of operations since closing or combined pro
forma financial information of the Company and the acquired interest since the beginning of 2019, as the results of operations
for this acquisition is immaterial. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were considered final as of
September 30, 2020.
During the second quarter ended June 30, 2019, the Company acquired the remaining interest in Pluga Pumps and Motors
Private Limited, India, increasing the Company's ownership to 100 percent. The redemption of this interest was immaterial.
During the first quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company acquired 100 percent of the ownership interests of Mt. Pleasant,
Michigan-based Milan Supply Company ("Milan Supply"), for a purchase price of approximately $6.1 million after working
capital adjustments. Milan Supply is a professional groundwater distributor operating six locations in the State of Michigan.
34
Milan Supply is part of the Company’s Distribution Segment, which is a collection of professional groundwater equipment
distributors. The Company has not presented separate results of operations since closing or combined pro forma financial
information of the Company and the acquired interest since the beginning of 2019, as the results of operations for this
acquisition is immaterial. The fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed for the acquisition were considered
final as of March 31, 2020.
During the third quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company acquired, in separate transactions, substantially all of the
assets of the Stationary Power Division (“SPD”) of Midtronics, Inc., and 100 percent of the ownership interest in Industrias
Rotor Pump S.A. (“Industrias Rotor Pump”), located in the United States and Argentina, respectively. Neither of the
acquisitions were material individually or in the aggregate, and the final combined purchase price was $37.0 million. SPD
offers a variety of products to users in the electrical substation monitoring, data center and mobile telecommunications markets.
Industrias Rotor Pump is the leading provider of water pumping equipment in Argentina.
Prior to the acquisition of the Argentina entity the economy in Argentina was classified as highly inflationary. Beginning from
the date of acquisition, the Company will apply the requisite accounting for highly inflationary economies, and the functional
currency of the entity will be the U.S. dollar. Monetary assets and liabilities will be remeasured into U.S. dollars using
exchange rates as of the latest balance sheet date while non-monetary assets and liabilities will be remeasured using historical
exchange rates. Remeasurement adjustments will be included in foreign exchange gain / (loss) on the consolidated statements of
income.
During the first quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company acquired 100 percent of the ownership interests of Lansing,
Michigan-based Valley Farms Supply, Inc. ("Valley Farms"). The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were
considered final in the first quarter of 2019, and the final purchase price was $9.5 million after working capital adjustments.
Valley Farms is a professional groundwater distributor operating four locations in the State of Michigan and one in the State of
Indiana. Valley Farms was acquired to serve customers in this region of the United States as part of the Company’s Distribution
Segment, which is a collection of professional groundwater equipment distributors. The Company has not presented separate
results of operations since closing or combined pro forma financial information of the Company and the acquired interest since
the beginning of 2018, as the results of operations for this acquisition is immaterial.
Transaction costs for all acquisition related activity were expensed as incurred under the guidance of FASB ASC Topic 805,
Business Combinations. Transaction costs are included in selling, general, and administrative expense in the Company’s
consolidated statements of income were $0.0 million, $0.2 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended 2020, 2019, and 2018,
respectively.
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as set forth in the
table below:
(In millions)
December 31,
2020
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
Cash equivalents
$
20.2 $
20.2 $
— $
—
December 31,
2019
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
Cash equivalents
$
4.0 $
4.0 $
— $
—
The Company’s Level 1 assets consist of cash equivalents which are generally comprised of foreign bank guaranteed
certificates of deposit.
The Company has no assets measured on a recurring basis classified as Level 2 or Level 3 excluding the recurring fair value
measurements in the Company's pension and other retirement plans as discussed in Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans.
Total debt, including current maturities, have carrying amounts of $94.6 million at December 31, 2020 and $115.0 million at
December 31, 2019. The estimated fair value of all debt was $107.3 million and $121.0 million at December 31, 2020 and
35
December 31, 2019, respectively. In the absence of quoted prices in active markets, considerable judgment is required in
developing estimates of fair value. Estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a
current market transaction. In determining the fair value of its debt, the Company uses estimates based on rates currently
available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Accordingly, the fair value of debt is classified
as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company’s deferred compensation stock program is subject to variable plan accounting and, accordingly, is adjusted for
changes in the Company’s stock price at the end of each reporting period. The Company has entered into share swap transaction
agreements (“the swap”) to mitigate the Company’s exposure to these fluctuations in the Company’s stock price. The swap has
not been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes and is cancellable with 30 days written notice by either party. As of
December 31, 2020, the swap has a notional value based on 280,000 shares. For the years ended December 31, 2020,
December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the swap resulted in a gain of $3.2 million, a gain of $3.4 million, and a loss of
$1.0 million, respectively. Gains and losses resulting from the swap were primarily offset by gains and losses on the fair value
of the deferred compensation stock liability. All gains or losses and expenses related to the swap are recorded in the Company’s
consolidated statements of income within the “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” line.
6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The carrying amounts of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:
(In millions)
2020
2019
Amortizing intangibles:
Patents
Technology
Customer relationships
Other
Total
Unamortizing intangibles:
Trade names
Total intangibles
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
$
$
$
7.5 $
(7.3) $
7.4 $
7.5
165.1
6.3
(7.2)
(78.5)
(3.0)
7.5
155.4
3.8
186.4 $
(96.0) $
174.1 $
43.4
—
45.0
229.8 $
(96.0) $
219.1 $
(7.0)
(6.8)
(71.4)
(2.8)
(88.0)
—
(88.0)
Amortization expense related to intangible assets for fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, was $9.4 million, $9.4 million, and $8.9
million, respectively.
Amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is projected as follows:
(In millions)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
$
9.9 $
9.7 $
9.6 $
9.4 $
8.5
36
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for 2020 and 2019, is as follows:
(In millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2018
$
145.5 $
67.5 $
35.7 $
248.7
Water Systems
Fueling Systems
Distribution
Consolidated
Acquisitions
Foreign currency translation
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Acquisitions
Foreign currency translation
Balance as of December 31, 2020
6.4
(0.9)
—
0.1
1.8
—
$
$
151.0 $
67.6 $
37.5 $
10.3
0.2
161.5 $
—
0.1
67.7
—
—
37.5 $
8.2
(0.8)
256.1
10.3
0.3
266.7
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Plans - As of December 31, 2020, the Company maintained two domestic pension plans and three German
pension plans. The Company used a December 31, 2020 measurement date for these plans. One of the Company’s domestic
pension plans covers one active management employee, while the other domestic plan covers all eligible employees (plan was
frozen as of December 31, 2011). The two domestic and three German plans collectively comprise the ‘Pension Benefits’
disclosure caption.
Other Benefits - The Company’s other post-retirement benefit plan provides health and life insurance to domestic employees
hired prior to 1992. The Company effectively capped its cost for those benefits through plan amendments made in 1992,
freezing Company contributions for insurance benefits at 1991 levels for current and future beneficiaries with actuarially
reduced benefits for employees who retire before age 65. The disclosures surrounding this plan are reflected in the “Other
Benefits” caption.
37
The following table sets forth aggregated information related to the Company’s pension benefits and other postretirement
benefits, including changes in the benefit obligations, changes in plan assets, funded status, amounts recognized in the balance
sheet, amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, and actuarial assumptions that the Company
considered in its determination of benefit obligations and plan costs. Benefit obligation balances presented below reflect the
projected benefit obligation (PBO) for the Company’s pension plans, and accumulated postretirement benefit obligations
(APBO) for the Company’s other benefit plans.
(In millions)
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain)/loss
Settlements paid
Benefits paid
Foreign currency exchange
Benefit obligation, end of year
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets, beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Company contributions
Settlements paid
Benefits paid
Foreign currency exchange
Plan assets, end of year
Funded status
Amounts recognized in balance sheet:
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Net liability, end of year
Amount recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income/(loss):
Prior service cost
Net actuarial loss
Settlement
Total recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income/(loss)
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
2020
2019
2020
2019
185.4 $
176.5 $
8.5 $
8.3
180.9 $
168.9 $
8.3 $
0.7
4.3
12.8
(0.6)
(11.4)
2.2
0.7
5.8
17.0
(0.7)
(10.3)
(0.5)
188.9 $
180.9 $
—
0.2
0.8
—
(0.8)
—
8.5 $
151.2 $
140.1 $
— $
13.0
0.5
(0.4)
(11.4)
0.4
20.0
2.0
(0.5)
(10.3)
(0.1)
153.3 $
151.2 $
—
0.8
—
(0.8)
—
— $
9.1
—
0.3
(0.2)
—
(0.9)
—
8.3
—
—
0.9
—
(0.9)
—
—
(35.6) $
(29.7) $
(8.5) $
(8.3)
(0.5) $
(35.1)
(35.6) $
(0.5) $
(29.2)
(29.7) $
(0.8) $
(7.7)
(8.5) $
— $
— $
— $
50.9
0.8
49.0
0.6
0.9
—
51.7 $
49.6 $
0.9 $
(0.8)
(7.5)
(8.3)
—
0.4
—
0.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
38
The following table sets forth other changes in plan assets and benefit obligation recognized in other comprehensive income for
2020 and 2019:
(In millions)
Net actuarial (gain)/loss
Amortization of:
Net actuarial gain
Prior service credit
Settlement recognition
Deferred tax asset
Foreign currency exchange
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
2020
2019
2020
2019
$
6.6 $
5.2 $
0.8 $
(0.2)
(3.1)
—
(0.8)
(0.9)
0.2
(2.2)
—
(0.6)
(0.6)
(0.1)
(0.1)
(0.1)
—
—
(0.1)
—
0.6 $
—
—
0.1
—
(0.2)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
$
2.0 $
1.7 $
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine domestic benefit obligations:
Discount rate
Rate of increase in future compensation
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
2020
2019
2020
2019
2.31 %
3.12 %
2.12 %
2.98 %
*
— %
*
— %
2.00 - 9.00%
(Graded)
3.00 - 8.00%
(Graded)
*No rate of increases in future compensation were used in the assumptions for 2020 and 2019, as the cash balance component
of the domestic Pension Plan was frozen and the other domestic Pension Plan components do not base benefits on
compensation. The weighted-average interest crediting rate of the cash balance component of the domestic Pension Plan was
4.5% for 2020, 2019, and 2018 and is based on the approximate 30-year Treasury rate as of November of the prior year with a
minimum of 4.5%.
Assumptions used to determine domestic periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate
Rate of increase in future
compensation
Expected long-term rate of
return on plan assets
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
2020
2019
2018
2020
2019
2018
3.17 %
4.31 %
3.64 %
*
— %
*
— %
*
— %
2.99 %
2.00 - 9.00%
(Graded)
4.18 %
3.00 - 8.00%
(Graded)
3.51 %
3.00 - 8.00%
(Graded)
4.90 %
5.75 %
5.90 %
— %
— %
— %
*No rate of increases in future compensation were used in the assumptions for 2020, 2019, and 2018, as the cash balance
component of the domestic Pension Plan was frozen and the other domestic Pension Plan components do not base benefits on
compensation..
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the Company used the PRI-2012 aggregate mortality table, and then projected
forward from 2012 using Scale MP-2019 released by the Society of Actuaries during 2019 to estimate future mortality rates
based upon current data. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Company used the RP-2014 aggregate table adjusted
to back out estimated mortality improvements from 2006 to the measurement date using Scale MP-2014, and then projected
forward using Scale MP-2018 released by the Society of Actuaries during 2018 to estimate future mortality rates.
39
The following table sets forth the aggregated net periodic benefit cost for all defined benefit plans for 2020, 2019, and 2018:
(In millions)
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on assets
Amortization of:
Transition obligation
Settlement cost
Prior service cost
Actuarial loss
Settlement cost
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
2020
2019
2018
2020
2019
2018
$
0.7 $
0.7 $
0.6 $
— $
— $
4.3
(6.8)
5.8
(8.1)
5.4
(8.5)
—
—
—
3.7
—
—
—
—
2.6
—
—
—
—
2.9
—
0.2
—
—
—
—
0.1
—
0.3
—
—
—
—
0.1
—
Net periodic benefit cost
$
1.9 $
1.0 $
0.4 $
0.3 $
0.4 $
—
0.3
—
—
—
0.1
0.2
—
0.6
The largest contributor to the net actuarial losses affecting the benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plans is due to a
decrease in the discount rate.
The Company consults with a third party investment manager for the assets of the funded domestic defined benefit plan. The
plan assets are currently invested primarily in pooled funds, where each fund in turn is composed of mutual funds that have at
least daily net asset valuations. Thus, the Company’s funded domestic defined benefit plan assets are invested in a “fund of
funds” approach.
The Company’s Board has delegated oversight and guidance to an appointed Employee Benefits Committee. The Committee
has the tasks of reviewing plan performance and asset allocation, ensuring plan compliance with applicable laws, establishing
plan policies, procedures, and controls, monitoring expenses, and other related activities.
The plan’s investment policies and strategies focus on the ability to fund benefit obligations as they come due. Considerations
include the plan’s current funded level, plan design, benefit payment assumptions, funding regulations, impact of potentially
volatile business results on the Company’s ability to make certain levels of contributions, and interest rate and asset return
volatility among other considerations. The Company currently attempts to maintain plan funded status at approximately 80
percent or greater pursuant to the Pension Protection Act of 2007. Given the plan’s current funded status, the Company’s cash
on hand, cash historically generated from business operations, and cash available under committed credit facilities, the
Company sees ample liquidity to achieve this goal.
Risk management and continuous monitoring requirements are met through monthly investment portfolio reports, quarterly
Employee Benefits Committee meetings, annual valuations, asset/liability studies, and the annual assumption process focusing
primarily on the return on asset assumption and the discount rate assumption. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31,
2019, funds were invested in equity, fixed income, and other investments as follows:
Asset Category
Equity securities
Fixed income securities
Other
Total
Target Percentage
at Year-End 2020
Plan Asset Allocation at Year-End
2020
2019
17 %
79 %
4 %
100 %
17 %
79 %
4 %
100 %
19 %
77 %
4 %
100 %
The Company does not see any particular concentration of risk within the plans, nor any plan assets that pose difficulties for fair
value assessment. The Company currently has no allocation to potentially illiquid or potentially difficult to value assets such as
hedge funds, venture capital, private equity, and real estate.
The Company works with actuaries and consultants in making its determination of the asset rate of return assumption and also
the discount rate assumption.
40
Asset class assumptions are set using a combination of empirical and forward-looking analysis for long-term rate of return on
plan assets. A variety of models are applied for filtering historical data and isolating the fundamental characteristics of asset
classes. These models provide empirical return estimates for each asset class, which are then reviewed and combined with a
qualitative assessment of long-term relationships between asset classes before a return estimate is finalized. This provides an
additional means for correcting for the effect of unrealistic or unsustainable short-term valuations or trends, opting instead for
return levels and behavior that are more likely to prevail over long periods. With that, the Company has assumed an expected
long-term rate of return on plan assets of 4.00 percent for the 2021 net periodic benefit cost, down from 4.90 percent in the prior
year. This decrease in the assumed long-term rate of return is primarily due to a higher percentage of assets in fixed income
securities.
The Company uses the Aon Hewitt AA Above Median curve to determine the discount rate. All cash flow obligations under the
plan are matched to bonds in the Aon Hewitt universe of liquid, high-quality, non-callable / non-putable corporate bonds with
outliers removed. From that matching exercise, a discount rate is determined.
The Company’s German pension plans are funded by insurance contract policies whereby the insurance company guarantees a
fixed minimum return. Due to tax legislation, individual pension benefits can only be financed using direct insurance policies
up to certain maximums. These maximum amounts in respect of each member are paid into such an arrangement on a yearly
basis.
The Company designated all equity and most domestic fixed income plan assets as Level 1, as they are mutual funds with prices
that are readily available. The U.S. Treasury securities and German plan assets are designated as Level 2 inputs. The fair value
of the German plan assets are measured by the reserve that is supervised by the German Federal Financial Supervisory
Authority. The U.S. Treasury securities are administered by the United States government.
The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets for 2020 and 2019 by asset category are as follows:
(In millions)
Equity
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
2020
International equity mutual funds
$
26.1 $
26.1 $
— $
Fixed income
U.S. treasury and government agency securities
Fixed income mutual funds
16.8
104.8
—
104.8
Other
Insurance contracts
Cash and equivalents
Total
4.8
0.8
153.3 $
—
0.8
131.7 $
$
16.8
—
4.8
—
21.6 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
41
(In millions)
Equity
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
2019
International equity mutual funds
$
29.1 $
29.1 $
— $
Fixed income
U.S. treasury and government agency securities
Fixed income mutual funds
Other
Insurance contracts
Cash and equivalents
Total
17.5
99.3
4.5
0.8
—
99.3
—
0.8
17.5
—
4.5
—
$
151.2 $
129.2 $
22.0 $
—
—
—
—
—
—
The Company estimates total contributions to the plans of about $1 million in 2021.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in accordance
with the following schedule:
(In millions)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Years 2026 through 2030
Pension
Benefits
Other
Benefits
$
$
$
$
$
$
11.1 $
10.8 $
10.5 $
16.2 $
13.0 $
47.6 $
0.8
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.6
2.6
Defined Contribution Plans - The Company maintained two defined contribution plans during 2020, 2019, and 2018. The
Company’s cash contributions are allocated to participant’s accounts based on investment elections.
The following table sets forth Company contributions to the defined contribution plans:
(In millions)
2020
2019
2018
Company contributions to the plans
$
7.3 $
7.4 $
6.8
8. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of:
(In millions)
Salaries, wages, and commissions
Product warranty costs
Insurance
Employee benefits
Other
2020
2019
36.4 $
9.7
2.4
9.8
30.7
89.0 $
28.6
9.1
2.6
9.9
18.2
68.4
$
$
42
9. INCOME TAXES
Income before income taxes consisted of the following:
(In millions)
Domestic
Foreign
2020
2019
2018
$
$
74.1 $
49.6
123.7 $
55.5 $
61.3
116.8 $
54.7
65.7
120.4
The income tax provision/(benefit) from continuing operations consisted of the following:
(In millions)
Current:
Federal
Foreign
State
Total current
Deferred:
Federal
Foreign
State
Total deferred
2020
2019
2018
$
11.9 $
6.9 $
12.3
2.6
26.8
(0.2)
(4.0)
(0.1)
(4.3) $
22.5 $
15.1
1.4
23.4
(0.6)
(2.5)
0.5
(2.6) $
20.8 $
$
$
4.6
14.3
1.2
20.1
3.6
(2.6)
(6.2)
(5.2)
14.9
A reconciliation of the tax provision for continuing operations at the U.S. statutory rate to the effective income tax expense rate
as reported is as follows:
U.S. Federal statutory rate
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
Foreign operations
R&D tax credits
Uncertain tax position adjustments
Valuation allowance on state and foreign deferred tax
Share-based compensation
Realized foreign currency loss
Other items
Impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Transition tax
Deferred tax effects
Foreign Derived Intangible Income
Effective tax rate
2020
2019
2018
21.0 %
21.0 %
21.0 %
1.5
0.3
(0.7)
0.1
1.7
(0.8)
(4.0)
1.7
—
—
(2.6)
18.2 %
1.1
(1.0)
(0.8)
(0.6)
0.4
(0.8)
(0.4)
0.9
—
—
(2.0)
17.8 %
1.1
(3.5)
(0.7)
(0.5)
(2.4)
(1.3)
(0.1)
0.9
0.5
(0.3)
(2.3)
12.4 %
The effective tax rate continues to be lower than the statutory rate of 21 percent primarily due to the recognition of the U.S.
foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) provisions, the impact of foreign tax rates, and certain incentives and discrete events.
During the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2020, the Company realized a foreign currency translation loss on the
second quarter settlement of a discrete intercompany loan that was long-term-investment in nature resulting in a tax benefit of
$5.0 million.
43
The Company recorded discrete excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $1.2 million in the twelve-month period
ended December 31, 2020 pursuant to ASU 2016-09. ASU 2016-09 can add variability to the Company’s provision for income
taxes, mainly due to the timing of stock option exercises, vesting of restricted stock, and the stock price.
The Company also recorded net $0.9 million of expense for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions
to recognize only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. During the twelve-month
period ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a net discrete benefit related to the release of valuation allowances on
deferred taxes of $4.2 million in domestic and foreign jurisdictions.
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
(In millions)
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses and reserves
Compensation and employee benefits
Net operating losses, tax credit carryforwards, and other
Lease liability
Valuation allowance on state and foreign deferred tax
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated depreciation on fixed assets
Amortization of intangibles
Right-of-Use asset, net
Other items
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities
2020
2019
$
13.0 $
19.8
20.7
8.0
(8.3)
53.2
12.1
49.4
8.0
0.5
70.0
$
(16.8) $
10.1
17.7
18.8
7.0
(6.4)
47.2
11.9
46.5
7.0
0.2
65.6
(18.4)
The Company assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be
generated to permit use of the existing deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated was the
cumulative loss for certain state and foreign income tax purposes incurred over the 3-year period ended December 31, 2020.
Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as our projections for future growth.
On the basis of this evaluation, as of December 31, 2020, a valuation allowance of $8.3 million has been recorded to recognize
only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. The Company has foreign income tax net
operating loss (“NOL”) and credit carryforwards of $14.1 million and state income tax NOL and credit carryforwards of $6.6
million, which will expire on various dates as follows:
(In millions)
2021-2024
2025-2029
2030-2034
2035-2039
Unlimited
$
$
2.1
4.4
2.2
0.6
11.4
20.7
The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain foreign NOL carryforwards as well as certain
state credit carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, the Company has provided a valuation allowance of
$6.5 million on the deferred tax assets related to these foreign NOL carryforwards and a valuation allowance of $1.8 million on
the deferred tax assets related to these state credit carryforwards.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company has accumulated undistributed earnings generated by our foreign subsidiaries of
approximately $506.7 million. Any taxes due with respect to such earnings or the excess of the amount for financial reporting
44
over the tax basis of our foreign investments would generally be limited to foreign and state taxes. The Company intends,
however, to indefinitely reinvest these earnings and expects future U.S. cash generation to be sufficient to meet future U.S. cash
needs. The Company, therefore, has not recorded a deferred tax liability of $6.4 million.
As of the beginning of fiscal year 2020, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $0.4 million, excluding accrued
interest and penalties. The unrecognized tax benefits increased due to uncertain tax positions identified in the current year based
on evaluations made during 2020. The Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued interest and penalties,
of $0.6 million as of December 31, 2020.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for 2020, 2019, and 2018 (excluding
interest and penalties) is as follows:
(In millions)
Beginning balance
Additions for tax positions of the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
Statute expirations
Settlements
Ending balance
2020
2019
2018
$
0.4 $
1.1 $
0.6
—
—
(0.4)
—
0.6 $
—
—
(0.4)
(0.3)
—
0.4 $
$
1.3
—
0.3
—
(0.5)
—
1.1
If recognized, each annual effective tax rate would be affected by the net unrecognized tax benefits of $0.6 million, $0.4
million, and $1.0 million as of year-end 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The
Company has accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018 of
approximately $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million, respectively.
The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, as of
December 31, 2020, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years
before 2017 and is no longer subject to foreign or state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2015.
It is reasonably possible that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next twelve months as a result of an
audit or due to the expiration of a statute of limitation. Based on the current audits in process and pending statute expirations,
the payment of taxes as a result would not be significant.
10. DEBT
Debt consisted of the following:
(In millions)
New York Life Agreement
Credit Agreement
Tax increment financing debt
Financing leases
Foreign subsidiary debt
Other
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs
Less current maturities
Long-term debt
2020
2019
$
75.0 $
—
17.6
0.1
1.8
0.2
(0.1)
94.6
(2.6)
92.0 $
$
75.0
19.0
18.7
0.1
2.3
—
(0.1)
115.0
(21.9)
93.1
45
Debt outstanding at December 31, 2020, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, matures as follows:
(In millions)
Total
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Debt
Financing leases
$
$
94.6 $
2.5 $
1.3 $
1.3 $
1.4 $
76.4 $
0.1
0.1
—
—
—
—
94.7 $
2.6 $
1.3 $
1.3 $
1.4 $
76.4 $
11.7
—
11.7
New York Life Agreement
On May 27, 2015, the Company entered into an uncommitted and unsecured private shelf agreement with NYL Investors LLC,
an affiliate of New York Life, and each of the undersigned holders of Notes (the “New York Life Agreement”) for $150.0
million maximum aggregate principal borrowing capacity. On October 28, 2016, the Company entered into the First
Amendment to the Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement. The Amendment was intended to make the covenants within
the New York Life Agreement consistent with the covenants that were modified in the Third Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). On September 26, 2018 the Company entered into the Second Amendment to the Note
Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement which increased the aggregate borrowing capacity to $200.0 million and authorized the
issuance of $75.0 million of fixed rate senior noted due September 26, 2025. These senior notes bear an interest rate of 4.04
percent with interest-only payments due semi-annually. The proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used to pay off
existing variable rate indebtedness with New York Life. As of December 31, 2020, there was $125.0 million remaining
borrowing capacity under the New York Life Agreement.
Project Bonds
On December 31, 2012, the Company, Allen County, Indiana and certain institutional investors entered into a Bond Purchase
and Loan Agreement. Under the agreement, Allen County, Indiana issued a series of Project Bonds entitled “Taxable Economic
Development Bonds, Series 2012 (Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Project).” The aggregate principal amount of the Project Bonds
that were issued, authenticated, and are now outstanding thereunder was limited to $25.0 million. The Company then borrowed
the proceeds under the Project Bonds through the issuance of Project Notes to finance the cost of acquisition, construction,
installation and equipping of the new Global Corporate Headquarters and Engineering Center. These Project Notes (“Tax
increment financing debt”) bear interest at 3.6 percent per annum. Interest and principal balance of the Project Notes are due
and payable by the Company directly to the institutional investors in aggregate semi-annual installments commencing on July
10, 2013, and concluding on January 10, 2033. The use of the proceeds from the Project Notes was limited to assist the
financing of the new Global Corporate Headquarters and Engineering Center. On May 5, 2015, the Company entered into
Amendment No. 1 to the Bond Purchase and Loan Agreement. This amendment provided for debt repayment guarantees from
certain Company subsidiaries and waived certain non-financial covenants related to subsidiary guarantees.
Prudential Agreement
On April 9, 2007, the Company entered into the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the
“Prudential Agreement”) in the amount of $175.0 million. Under the Prudential Agreement, the Company issued notes in an
aggregate principal amount of $110.0 million on April 30, 2007 (the “B-1 Notes”) and $40.0 million on September 7, 2007 (the
“B-2 Notes”). The B-1 Notes and B-2 Notes bear a coupon of 5.79 percent and had at issuance an average life of 10 years with
a final maturity in 2019. On July 22, 2010, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Prudential Agreement to
increase its borrowing capacity by $25.0 million. On December 14, 2011, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4 to the
Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement to redefine the debt to EBITDA ratio covenant in
order to be equivalent to that under the Agreement. On December 31, 2012, the Company and Prudential Insurance Company of
America entered into an amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement to
extend the effective date to December 31, 2015. On May 5, 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 6 to the Second
Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement. This amendment provided for debt repayment guarantees
from certain Company subsidiaries and waived certain non-financial covenants related to subsidiary guarantees. On May 28,
2015, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement with Prudential to
increase the total borrowing capacity from $200.0 million to $250.0 million. On October 28, 2016, the Company entered into
Amendment No. 1 to the Third Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement. This amendment was
intended to make the covenants within the Prudential Agreement consistent with the covenants that were modified in the Credit
Agreement (below). The Prudential Agreement expires on July 30, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has $150.0
million borrowing capacity available under the Prudential Agreement.
46
Credit Agreement
On October 28, 2016, the Company entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”).
The Credit Agreement extended the maturity date of the Company’s previous credit agreement to October 28, 2021 and
increased the commitment amount from $150.0 million to $300.0 million. The Credit Agreement provides that the Borrowers
may request an increase in the aggregate commitments by up to $150.0 million (not to exceed a total commitment of $450.0
million) subject to the conditions contained therein. All of the Company’s present and future material domestic subsidiaries
unconditionally guaranty all of the Borrowers’ obligations under and in connection with the Credit Agreement. Additionally,
the Company unconditionally guaranties all of the obligations of Franklin Electric B.V. under the Credit Agreement. Under the
Credit Agreement, the Borrowers are required to pay certain fees, including a facility fee of 0.100% to 0.275% (depending on
the Company’s leverage ratio) of the aggregate commitment, payable quarterly in arrears. Borrowings may be made either at (i)
a Eurocurrency rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 0.75% to 1.60% (depending on the Company’s leverage
ratio) or (ii) an alternative base rate as defined in the Credit Agreement.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding borrowings, $4.1 million in letters of credit outstanding, and
$295.9 million of available capacity under the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had $19.0 million
outstanding borrowings, $4.5 million in letters of credit outstanding, and $276.5 million of available capacity under the Credit
Agreement.
Covenants
The Company’s credit agreements contain customary financial covenants. The Company’s most significant agreements and
restrictive covenants are in the New York Life Agreement, the Project Bonds, the Prudential Agreement, and the Credit
Agreement; each containing both affirmative and negative covenants. The affirmative covenants relate to financial statements,
notices of material events, conduct of business, inspection of property, maintenance of insurance, compliance with laws and
most favored lender obligations. The negative covenants include limitations on loans, advances and investments, and the
granting of liens by the Company or its subsidiaries, as well as prohibitions on certain consolidations, mergers, sales and
transfers of assets. The covenants also include financial requirements including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 and a
minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00. Cross default is applicable with the Credit Agreement, the Prudential
Agreement, the Project Bonds, and the New York Life Agreement, but only if the Company is defaulting on an obligation
exceeding $10.0 million. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 2020.
11. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Authorized Shares
The Company has the authority to issue 65,000,000, $.10 par value shares.
Share Repurchases
During 2020, 2019, and 2018, pursuant to a stock repurchase program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, the
Company repurchased and retired the following amounts and number of shares:
(In millions, except share amounts)
Repurchases
Shares
2020
2019
2018
$
15.2 $
6.6 $
322,147
150,778
31.4
749,614
The Company retired shares in the amount of 79,663, 82,601, and 62,908 in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, that were
received from employees as payment for the exercise price of their stock options and taxes owed upon the exercise of their
stock options and release of their restricted awards. The Company also retired shares in the amount of 22,438, 5,345, and 8,775,
in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively that had been previously granted as stock awards to employees but were forfeited upon
not meeting the required restriction criteria or termination.
47
12. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, by component are summarized below:
(In millions)
Balance, December 31, 2017
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
Pension and
Post-
Retirement
Plan Benefit
Adjustments (2)
Total
$
(99.7) $
(49.3) $ (149.0)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (1)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)
(34.8)
—
(34.8)
—
0.8
0.8
(34.8)
0.8
(34.0)
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
(134.5) $
(48.5) $ (183.0)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (1)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)
(5.7)
—
(5.7)
—
(1.5)
(1.5)
(5.7)
(1.5)
(7.2)
Balance, December 31, 2019
$
(140.2) $
(50.0) $ (190.2)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (1)
Net other comprehensive income/(loss)
(12.0)
—
(12.0)
—
(2.6)
(2.6)
(12.0)
(2.6)
(14.6)
Balance, December 31, 2020
$
(152.2) $
(52.6) $ (204.8)
(1) This accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost
(refer to Note 7 - Employee Benefit Plans for additional details) and is included in the “Selling, general, and administrative
expenses” line of the Company’s consolidated statements of income.
(2) Net of tax (benefit)/expense of $(1.1) million, $(0.6) million and $0.3 million for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Amounts related to noncontrolling interests were not material.
13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings per common share using the two-class method. Under the two-class
method, net earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and participating security as if all of the net earnings for the
period had been distributed. The Company’s participating securities consist of share-based payment awards that contain a non-
forfeitable right to receive dividends and therefore are considered to participate in undistributed earnings with common
shareholders.
Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by
the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by
dividing net earnings allocated to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the
period, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards.
48
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
(In millions, except per share amounts)
2020
2019
2018
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities
Net income available to common shareholders
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
Effect of dilutive securities:
Non-participating employee stock options and
performance awards
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
$
$
$
$
100.5 $
95.5 $
0.7
99.8 $
0.7
94.8 $
46.2
46.4
0.5
46.7
2.16 $
2.14 $
0.4
46.8
2.04 $
2.03 $
105.9
0.8
105.1
46.6
0.4
47.0
2.25
2.23
There were 0.2 million, 0.2 million, and 0.1 million stock options outstanding as of 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, that
were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
14. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 2017 Stock Plan (the “2017 Stock Plan”) is a stock-based compensation plan that provides for
discretionary grants of stock options, stock awards, stock unit awards, and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to key employees
and non-employee directors. The number of shares that may be issued under the Plan is 1,400,000. Stock options and SARs
reduce the number of available shares by one share for each share subject to the option or SAR, and stock awards and stock unit
awards settled in shares reduce the number of available shares by 1.5 shares for every one share delivered.
The Company also maintains the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 2012 Stock Plan (the “2012 Stock Plan”), which is a share-based
compensation plan that provides for discretionary grants of stock options, stock awards and stock unit awards to key employees
and non-employee directors.
The 2012 Stock Plan authorized 2,400,000 shares for issuance as follows:
2012 Stock Plan
Authorized Shares
Stock Options
Stock/Stock Unit Awards
1,680,000
720,000
The Company also maintains the Amended and Restated Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Stock Plan (the “2009 Stock Plan”) which,
as amended in 2009, provided for discretionary grants of stock options and stock awards. The 2009 Stock Plan authorized
4,400,000 shares for issuance as follows:
2009 Stock Plan
Authorized Shares
Stock Options
Stock Awards
3,200,000
1,200,000
All options in the 2009 Stock Plan have been awarded and no additional awards are granted out of the plan.
The Company currently issues new shares from its common stock balance to satisfy option exercises and the settlement of stock
awards and stock unit awards made under the outstanding stock plans.
The total share-based compensation expense recognized in 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $10.1 million, $8.9 million, and $8.4
million, respectively.
49
Stock Options:
Under the above plans, the exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of
grant, and the options expire 10 years after the date of the grant. Options granted to employees in 2019 and after vest at 33
percent a year and become fully vested and fully exercisable after 3 years. Options granted prior to 2019 vest at 25 percent a
year and become fully vested and fully exercisable after 4 years. Vesting is accelerated upon death or disability. Subject to the
terms of the plans, in general, the aggregate option exercise price and any applicable tax withholding may be satisfied in cash or
its equivalent, by the plan participant’s delivery of shares of the Company’s common stock having a fair market value at the
time of exercise equal to the aggregate option exercise price and/or the applicable tax withholding or by having shares
otherwise subject to the award withheld by the Company or via cashless exercise through a broker-dealer.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with a
single approach and amortized using a straight-line attribution method over the option’s vesting period. Options granted to
retirement eligible employees are immediately expensed. The Company uses historical data to estimate the expected volatility
of its stock, the weighted average expected life, the period of time options granted are expected to be outstanding, and its
dividend yield. The risk-free rates for periods within the contractual life of the option are based on the U.S. Treasury yield
curve in effect at the time of the grant.
The table below provides the weighted average grant-date fair values and key assumptions used for the Black-Scholes model to
determine the fair value of options granted during 2020, 2019, and 2018:
2020
2019
2018
Risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Volatility factor
Expected term
1.39 %
1.04 %
29.45 %
5.5 years
2.53 %
1.05 %
29.38 %
5.5 years
Weighted average grant-date fair value of options
$
15.63
$
15.61
$
A summary of the Company’s outstanding stock option activity and related information is as follows:
2.69 %
1.05 %
28.71 %
5.6 years
11.40
(Shares in thousands)
Stock Options
Outstanding at beginning of 2020
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at end of 2020
Expected to vest after applying forfeiture rate
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
Shares
1,262 $
214
(121)
(24)
1,331 $
1,330 $
37.99
59.71
30.64
52.58
41.90
41.88
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(000’s)
5.51 years $
5.50 years $
36,360
36,342
Vested and exercisable at end of period
884 $
36.41
4.15 years $
28,987
(In millions)
Intrinsic value of options exercised
Cash received from the exercise of options
Fair value of shares vested
Tax benefit of options exercised
$
2020
2019
2018
3.3 $
3.7
2.9
0.8
4.6 $
3.2
2.6
1.1
10.2
9.0
2.2
2.6
As of December 31, 2020, there was $0.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options
granted under the stock plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.53 years.
50
Stock/Stock Unit Awards:
Under the 2009 Stock Plan, non-employee directors and employees may be granted stock awards. Under the 2012 Stock Plan
and the 2017 Stock Plan, non-employee directors and employees may be granted stock awards and stock units.
Stock awards to non-employee directors are generally fully vested when made. Stock/stock unit awards to employees cliff vest
over 3 or 4 years (subject to accelerated vesting of a pro rata portion in the case of retirement, death or disability) and may be
contingent on the attainment of certain performance goals. Dividends are paid to the recipient prior to vesting, except that
dividends on performance-based stock awards under the 2012 Stock Plan and the 2017 Stock Plan will be paid only to the
extent the performance goals are met.
Stock/stock unit awards granted to retirement eligible employees are expensed over the vesting period. Compensation cost for
the performance stock/stock unit awards is accrued based on the probable outcome of specified performance conditions.
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock/stock unit award activity and related information is as follows:
(Shares in thousands)
Restricted Stock/Stock Unit Awards
Non-vested at beginning of 2020
Awarded
Vested
Forfeited
Non-vested at end of 2020
Shares
Weighted-Average
Grant-
Date Fair Value
463 $
118
(140)
(38)
403 $
42.36
59.28
34.63
49.62
49.34
The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock/stock unit awards granted in 2020, 2019, and 2018, is $59.28,
$51.47, and $40.48, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, there was $7.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock/stock
unit awards granted under the stock plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.25 years.
15. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Company’s business consists of the Water Systems, Distribution, and Fueling Systems reportable segments, based on the
principal end market served. The Company includes unallocated corporate expenses and intercompany eliminations in an
“Intersegment Eliminations/Other” segment that together with the Water Systems, Distribution, and Fueling Systems segments,
represent the Company.
The Water Systems segment designs, manufactures and sells motors, pumps, electronic controls and related parts and
equipment primarily for use in submersible water and other fluid system applications. The Fueling Systems segment designs,
manufactures and sells pumps, electronic controls and related parts and equipment primarily for use in submersible fueling
system applications. The Fueling Systems segment integrates and sells motors and electronic controls produced by the Water
Systems segment. The Company reports these product transfers between Water and Fueling as inventory transfers since a
significant number of the Company's manufacturing facilities are shared across segments for scale and efficiency purposes. The
Distribution segment sells to and provides presale support and specifications to the installing contractors. The Distribution
segment sells products produced by the Water Systems segment. The Company reports intersegment transfers from Water
Systems to Distribution as intersegment revenue at market prices to properly reflect the commercial arrangement of vendor to
customer that exists between the Water System and Distribution segments.
Segment operating income is a key financial performance measure. Operating income by segment is based on net sales less
identifiable operating expenses and allocations and includes profits recorded on sales to other segments of the Company.
The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 - Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies. Performance is evaluated based on the sales and operating income of the segments and a
variety of ratios to measure performance. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would
have occurred had each segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented.
51
Financial information by reportable business segment is included in the following summary:
(In millions)
Water Systems
External sales
United States & Canada
Latin America
Europe, Middle East & Africa
Asia Pacific
Intersegment sales
United States & Canada
Total sales
Distribution
External sales
United States & Canada
Intersegment sales
Total sales
Fueling Systems
External sales
United States & Canada
All other
Intersegment sales
Total Sales
Net Sales
2020
2019
2018
$
327.6 $
367.6 $
118.5
156.8
70.9
60.9
734.7
328.4
—
328.4
158.2
86.9
—
245.1
124.2
155.6
81.8
52.3
781.5
291.8
—
291.8
173.5
120.1
—
293.6
372.0
120.2
170.9
80.8
56.2
800.1
269.6
—
269.6
156.9
127.7
—
284.6
Intersegment Eliminations/Other
Consolidated
(60.9)
(52.3)
(56.2)
$
1,247.3 $
1,314.6 $
1,298.1
Water Systems
Distribution
Fueling Systems
Intersegment Eliminations/Other
Consolidated
Operating income (loss)
2020
2019
2018
$
114.4 $
11.5
63.4
(58.8)
103.0 $
3.6
75.8
(55.3)
$
130.5 $
127.1 $
112.7
3.4
70.6
(54.7)
132.0
52
Water Systems
Distribution
Fueling Systems
Other
Consolidated
Water Systems
Distribution
Fueling Systems
Other
Consolidated
Total assets
Depreciation
2020
2019
2018
2020
2019
2018
$
645.9 $
658.3 $
679.7 $
18.7 $
19.0 $
249.0
268.9
108.5
180.2
283.8
72.4
165.1
275.7
61.9
2.6
2.1
3.7
2.8
2.1
3.7
$
1,272.3 $
1,194.7 $
1,182.4 $
27.1 $
27.6 $
20.4
2.2
2.2
4.9
29.7
Amortization
Capital expenditures
2020
2019
2018
2020
2019
2018
$
6.9 $
6.9 $
6.5 $
16.9 $
15.1 $
0.6
1.8
0.1
0.5
1.9
0.1
0.5
1.8
0.1
3.5
2.0
0.5
3.9
1.9
1.2
$
9.4 $
9.4 $
8.9 $
22.9 $
22.1 $
18.2
2.0
2.2
1.0
23.4
Cash and property, plant and equipment are the major asset groups in “Other” of total assets for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Property, plant and equipment is the major asset group in "Other" of total assets
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
Financial information by geographic region is as follows:
(In millions)
United States
Foreign
Consolidated
2020
Net sales
2019
2018
2020
2019
2018
Long-lived assets
$
$
760.6 $
776.6 $
752.5 $
405.9 $
394.7 $
486.7
538.0
545.6
238.3
223.4
1,247.3 $
1,314.6 $
1,298.1 $
644.2 $
618.1 $
372.6
221.2
593.8
Net sales are attributed to geographic regions based upon the ship to location of the customer. Long-lived assets are attributed
to geographic regions based upon the country of domicile.
The Company offers a large array of products and systems to multiple markets and customers. Product sales information is
tracked regionally and products are categorized differently between regions based on local needs and reporting requirements.
However, net sales by segment are representative of the Company’s sales by major product category. The Company sells its
products through various distribution channels including wholesale and retail distributors, specialty distributors, industrial and
petroleum equipment distributors, as well as major oil and utility companies and original equipment manufacturers.
No single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of the Company’s consolidated sales in 2020, 2019, or 2018. No single
customer accounted for more than 10 percent of the Company’s gross accounts receivable in 2020 or 2019.
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In 2011, the Company became aware of a review of alleged issues with certain underground piping connections installed in
filling stations in France owned by the French Subsidiary of Exxon Mobile, Esso S.A.F. A French court ordered that a
designated, subject-matter expert review 103 filling stations to determine what, if any, damages are present and the cause of
those damages. The Company has participated in this investigation since 2011, along with several other third parties including
equipment installers, engineering design firms who designed and provided specifications for the stations, and contract
manufacturers of some of the installed equipment. The subject-matter expert has issued their preliminary report, which indicates
that total damages incurred by Esso amounted to approximately 12 million euro. It is the Company’s position that its products
were not the cause of any alleged damage. The Company has retained experts to demonstrate that its products did not cause the
damage, and in January 2021, submitted its response to the expert’s preliminary report for each station. The expert's response to
the Company's report is due to the Court in June 2021. The Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter. Any
exposure related to this matter is neither probable nor estimable at this time. If payments result from a resolution of this matter,
depending on the amount, they could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations.
53
The Company is defending other various claims and legal actions which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. In the
opinion of management, based on current knowledge of the facts and after discussion with counsel, these claims and legal
actions can be defended or resolved without a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and net
cash flows.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had $9.1 million of commitments primarily for capital expenditures and the purchase of
raw materials to be used in production.
The changes in the carrying amount of the warranty accrual, as recorded in the “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities”
line of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets for 2020 and 2019, are as follows:
(In millions)
Beginning balance
Accruals related to product warranties
Additions related to acquisitions
Reductions for payments made
Ending balance
2020
2019
9.1 $
9.4
0.6
(9.4)
9.7 $
9.0
10.7
0.1
(10.7)
9.1
$
$
The Company maintains certain warehouses, distribution centers, office space, and equipment operating leases. The Company
also has lease agreements that are classified as financing. However, these financing leases are immaterial to the Company.
The components of the Company's operating lease portfolio as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
Lease Cost (In millions):
Operating lease cost
Short-term lease cost
Other Information:
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Weighted-average discount rate
$
11.4
0.4
3.9 years
3.7 %
Total rent expense charged to operations for operating leases including contingent rentals was $17.4 million in 2018 under
Topic 840.
The future minimum rental payments for non-cancellable operating leases as of December 31, 2020, are as follows:
(In millions)
Undiscounted future minimum rental
payments
Less: Imputed Interest
Present value of lease liabilities
Total
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
11.9 $
8.0 $
5.9 $
3.1 $
2.0 $
3.5
$
$
$
34.4 $
2.4
32.0
54
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company")
as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash
flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the
Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in
Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission and our report dated February 23, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over
financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that
was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that
are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The
communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and
we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the
accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill — Distribution Reporting Unit — Refer to Notes 1 and 6 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its
carrying value. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units by utilizing a combination of both the income and
market valuation approaches. The income approach estimates fair value based upon future revenue, expenses, and cash flows
discounted to present value. The market valuation approach estimates fair value using market multipliers of various financial
measures compared to a set of comparable public companies. The determination of the fair value by the income approach using
the discounted cash flow analysis requires management to make significant assumptions and estimates related to forecasts of
future revenues and operating margins and discount rates. The Company may be required to record an impairment if these
assumptions and estimates change whereby the fair value of the reporting units is below their associated carrying values. The
Company’s goodwill balance was $266.7 million at December 31, 2020, including $37.5 million of goodwill associated with
the Distribution Reporting Unit (“Distribution”). The fair value of the Distribution reporting unit exceeded its carrying value as
of the measurement date and, therefore, no impairment was recognized.
We identified goodwill of the Distribution reporting unit is a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments made by
management when developing the fair value measurement of the Distribution reporting unit. This led to a high degree of auditor
55
judgment and an increased extent of effort when performing audit procedures and evaluating audit evidence obtained relating to
management’s forecasts of future revenue and operating margin and determination of the discount rate used in the income
approach for determining fair value of the Distribution reporting unit.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the Company’s forecasts of future revenues and operating margins and the Company’s
determination of the discount rate for the Distribution reporting unit included the following, among others:
• We tested the effectiveness of internal controls over goodwill, including those over management’s forecasts of future
revenues and operating margins, and the determination of the discount rate.
• We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast future revenues and operating margins by comparing actual
results to management’s historical forecasts.
• We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s revenue and operating margin forecasts by comparing the forecasts
to:
◦
◦
◦
◦
Historical revenues and operating margins.
Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors.
Forecasted information included in Company’s press releases as well as in analyst and industry reports for the
Company and certain of its peer companies.
Publicly available information about companies considered to be comparable.
• We evaluated the impact of changes in management’s forecasts from the October 1, 2020, annual measurement date to
December 31, 2020.
• With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the discount rate by:
◦
◦
Testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rate and the mathematical
accuracy of the calculation.
Developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rate determined by
management.
/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 24, 2021
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1988.
56
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the
supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and
the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls
and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and
procedures were effective.
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the
evaluation required by Rules 13a-15 under the Exchange Act during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting of
the Company. This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of
the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; (iii) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect
to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions,
effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the
framework in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission. Management excluded Gicon Pumps & Equipment Inc., Waterite Inc., Waterite America Inc., and CPS
Pumps, Inc. (Note 3 - Acquisitions) from its assessment of internal controls over financial reporting as these acquisitions
occurred in 2020. This exclusion is in accordance with the general guidance from the Staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission that an assessment of a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope of management’s assessment of
internal control over financial reporting for one year following the acquisition. The net sales and total assets of current year
acquisitions represented was approximately 0.4 percent and 6.1 percent of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of
and for the year ended December 31, 2020. Based on its evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s system of
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. This report appears on page 58.
57
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as
of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in
Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, of the Company and our
report dated February 23, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded Waterite, Inc. and
Waterite America, Inc. (“Waterite”), Gicon Pumps & Equipment, Inc. (“Gicon”) and CPS Pumps, Inc. (“CPS”) from its
assessment of internal control over financial reporting as these acquisitions occurred on November 2, 2020 and December 31,
2020, respectively. The combined net sales and total assets of these acquisitions represented approximately 0.4 percent and 6.1
percent, respectively, of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at these acquired companies.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report
on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk
that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 24, 2021
58
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information concerning directors and director nominees required by this Item 10 is set forth in the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 7, 2021, under the headings of “PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” and “INFORMATION CONCERNING NOMINEES AND CONTINUING DIRECTORS,”
and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information concerning executive officers required by this Item 10 is contained in Part I of this Form 10-K under the
heading of “INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information concerning Regulation S-K, Item 405 disclosures of delinquent Form 3, 4, or 5 filers required by this Item 10
is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 7, 2021, under the
heading of “DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS” and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information concerning the procedures for shareholders to recommend nominees to the Company’s board of directors, the
Audit Committee of the board of directors, and the Company’s code of conduct and ethics required by this Item 10 is set forth
in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 7, 2021 under the heading
“INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to
be held on May 7, 2021, under the headings of “INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES,”
“MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT,” “COMPENSATION,
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS,” “SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE,” “GRANT OF PLAN BASED AWARDS
TABLE,” “OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END TABLE,” “OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK
VESTED TABLE,” “PENSION BENEFITS TABLE,” “NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION,” “POTENTIAL
PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL OF THE COMPANY,” and “DIRECTOR
COMPENSATION,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by Item 12 is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to
be held on May 7, 2021, under the headings of “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS,”
“SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT” and “SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY
COMPENSATION PLANS,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by Item 13 is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to
be held on May 7, 2021, under the heading “INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES,” and is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 14 is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to
be held on May 7, 2021, under the heading “PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE &
TOUCHE LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE 2021
FISCAL YEAR,” and is incorporated herein by reference.
59
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES
PART IV
Documents filed as part of this report:
1. Financial Statements - Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years ended December 31, 2020
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three years ended December 31, 2020
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2020
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2020
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedule - Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not required or are not
applicable, or the required information is disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements and related notes.
Form 10-K
Annual Report
(page)
22
23
24
26
28
29
63
3. Exhibits
Number
Description
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2019)
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Franklin Electric Co., Inc., as amended January 27, 2020 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 30, 2020)
4.1 Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
10.1 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting held on April 29, 2005)*
10.2 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the
Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting held on April 24, 2009)*
10.3 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 2012 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting held on May 4, 2012)*
10.4 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Non-employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2020)*
10.5 First Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Non-employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan
dated December 18, 2020 *
10.6 Amended and Restated Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Pension Restoration Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009)*
10.7 First Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Pension Restoration Plan dated December 20, 2012
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
29, 2012)*
10.8 Second Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Pension Restoration Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015)*
10.9 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2012)*
10.10 First Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plan
dated December 20, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 29, 2012)*
10.11 Second Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Deferred Compensation
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 3, 2015)*
60
Number
Description
10.12 Third Amendment to the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Supplemental Retirement and Deferred Compensation
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 3, 2015)*
10.13 Employment Agreement between the Company and Gregg C. Sengstack (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.13 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012)*
10.14 Employment Agreement between the Company and John J. Haines (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.14 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012)*
10.15 Form of Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement between the Company and Gregg C. Sengstack, John J.
Haines, DeLancey W. Davis, Donald P. Kenney, Jonathan M. Grandon, Dr. Paul N. Chhabra, and Jay J.
Walsh (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
January 1, 2005)*
10.16 Form of Employment Security Agreement between the Company and DeLancey W. Davis and Donald P.
Kenney (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2013)*
10.17 Form of Employment Security Agreement between the Company and Jonathan M. Grandon (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2016)*
10.18 Form of Employment Security Agreement between the Company and Dr. Paul N. Chhabra (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2018)*
10.19 Form of Employment Security Agreement between the Company and Jay J. Walsh (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019)**
10.20 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Executive Severance Policy, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2021
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2020)*
10.21 Description of the Executive Officer Annual Incentive Cash Bonus Program (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016)*
10.22 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the
Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 8, 2015)*
10.23 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Director Employees (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*
10.24 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Director Employees (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*
10.25 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Director Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.5 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*
10.26 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Director Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4
of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*
10.27 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Non-Director Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*
10.28 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Director Employees (incorporated by reference to the
Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2012)*
10.29 Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement for Non-Director Employees (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*
10.30 Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement for Director Employees (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2013)*
10.31 Third Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement by and among the Company,
Prudential Investment Management, Inc., and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2015)
10.32 Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated
October 28, 2016, by and among the Company, Prudential Investment Management, Inc., and the purchasers
named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 1,
2016)
10.33 Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated July
30, 2018, by and among the Company, PGIM, Inc. (formerly known as Prudential Investment Management,
Inc., and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-
Q filed on July 31, 2018)
61
Number
Description
10.34 Bond Purchase and Loan Agreement, dated December 31, 2012, among the Company, The Board of
Commissions of the County of Allen, Indiana, and the Bondholders referred to therein (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 2, 2013)
10.35 Amendment No. 1 to Bond Purchase and Loan Agreement and Waiver, dated May 5, 2015, among the
Company, The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen, and the Bondholders referred to therein
(incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2015)
10.36 Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated October 28, 2016, by and among Franklin Electric Co.,
Inc., Franklin Electric B.V., JP Morgan Chase, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as
Syndication Agent, and the lenders identified therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2016)
10.37 Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement by and among the Company, NYL Investors LLC, and the
purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June
2, 2015)
10.38 First Amendment to Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated October 28, 2016, by and among the
Company, NYL Investors LLC, and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2016)
10.39 Second Amendment to Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated July 30, 2018, by and among the
Company, NYL Investors LLC, and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on July 31, 2018)
10.40 Issuance of Series B Notes Pursuant to the New York Life Agreement dated May 27, 2015 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 1, 2018)
10.41 Stock Redemption Agreement, dated April 15, 2015, between the Company and Ms. Patricia Schaefer and
Ms. Diane Humphrey (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April
20, 2015)
10.42 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 2017 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Company’s 2017
Proxy Statement filed on March 21, 2017)*
10.43 Retirement Agreement and General Release between the Company and Steven W. Aikman dated March 17,
2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on May 5, 2020)*
18.1 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries Preferability Letter from Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended April 2, 2011)
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002
32.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
99.1 Forward-Looking Statements
101 The following financial information from Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2020, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (Inline XBRL):
(i) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 (ii)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and
2018, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, (iv) Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, (v) Consolidated Statements of Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (filed herewith)
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
* Management Contract, Compensatory Plan or Arrangement
62
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Deductions (a)
Other (b)
Balance at End
of Period
(In millions)
2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
Allowance for deferred taxes
2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
Allowance for deferred taxes
2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
Allowance for deferred taxes
3.7 $
6.4
4.4 $
6.8
4.4 $
9.8
0.2 $
1.9
0.1 $
—
(0.1) $
2.3
1.0 $
—
0.9 $
0.4
— $
5.3
1.1 $
—
0.1 $
—
0.1 $
—
4.0
8.3
3.7
6.4
4.4
6.8
(a) Charges for which allowances were created.
(b) Primarily related to acquisitions
63
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
Registrant
Date: February 24, 2021
By
/s/ Gregg C. Sengstack
Gregg C. Sengstack, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
64
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 24, 2021.
By
/s/ Gregg C. Sengstack
Gregg C. Sengstack
Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ John J. Haines
John J. Haines
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ David T. Brown
David T. Brown
Director
/s/ Victor Grizzle
Victor Grizzle
Director
/s/ Renee J. Peterson
Renee J. Peterson
Director
/s/ Jennifer L. Sherman
Jennifer L. Sherman
Director
/s/ Thomas R. VerHage
Thomas R. VerHage
Director
/s/ David M. Wathen
David M. Wathen
Director
65