Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Packaging & Containers / Viskase Companies, Inc.

Viskase Companies, Inc.

vksc · OTC Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker vksc
Exchange OTC
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Packaging & Containers
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2023 Annual Report · Viskase Companies, Inc.
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Financial Report for 
year end  

December 31, 2023 

 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
OF VISKASE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

1.  Financial Statements: 

-  Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants 

-  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 

-  Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations  for  the  years  ended December  31, 2023,  2022 

and 2021 

-  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended 

December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 

-  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 

2022 and 2021 

-  Consolidated Statements  of Cash  Flows  for  the  years  ended December  31,  2023, 2022 

and 2022 

-  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 

      Operations (unaudited) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRANT THORNTON LLP 

Grant Thornton Tower 

171 N. Clark Street, Suite 200 

Chicago, IL 60601 

D  +1 312 856 0200 
F  +1 312 602 8099 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 

Board of Directors 
Viskase Companies, Inc. 

Opinion 
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Viskase Companies, Inc. 
(a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”), which comprise the 
consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related 
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (or loss), changes in 
stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended, 
and the related notes to the financial statements. 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in 
all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 
and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three 
years in the period ended in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audits of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAS). 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s 
Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are 
required to be independent of the Company and to meet our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our 
audits. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. 

Responsibilities of management for the financial statements 
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and 
maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of 
consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to 
evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that 
raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for 
one year after the date the financial statements are issued. 

GT.COM 

Grant Thornton LLP is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and each of its member firms 
are separate legal entities and are not a worldwide partnership.     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 
financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable 
assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is 
not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with US GAAS will always 
detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud 
may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a 
substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the 
judgment made by a reasonable user based on the consolidated financial statements. 

In performing an audit in accordance with US GAAS, we: 

  Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout 

 

the audit. 
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 
financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit 
procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a 
test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements. 

  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design 

audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the 
purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal 
control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed. 

  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 

reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as 
well as evaluate the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. 
  Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in 

the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. 

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, 
among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit 
findings, and certain internal control-related matters that we identified during the audit. 

Chicago, Illinois 
March 28, 2024 

 
 
 
VISKASE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(In Thousands, Except for Number of Shares) 

See notes to consolidated financial statements 

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022ASSETS  Current assets:   Cash and cash equivalents$7,862$8,783   Receivables, net88,95087,584   Inventories111,310103,172   Other current assets42,67440,152Total current assets250,796239,691Property, plant and equipment436,372416,628Less accumulated depreciation(302,027)(274,781)Property, plant and equipment, net134,345141,847Right of use assets22,30924,520Other assets, net15,67623,258Intangible assets15,79916,808Goodwill3,3213,207Deferred income taxes18,59722,261Total Assets$460,844$471,592LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCurrent liabilities:   Short-term debt$21,747$39,375   Accounts payable44,76843,377   Accrued liabilities39,16331,491   Short-term portion lease liabilities4,777                            4,851                            Total current liabilities110,454119,094Long-term debt, net of current maturities111,738                        122,521                        Long-term liabilities1,330                            7,383Accrued employee benefits32,25736,211Deferred income taxes3,0213,405Long-term lease liabilities20,40822,693Stockholders’ equity:Common stock, $0.01 par value; 103,995,935 shares issued and 103,190,665 outstanding 1,0401,040Paid in capital182,343182,343Retained earnings58,97445,467Less 805,270 treasury shares, at cost(298)(298)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(59,200)(67,114)Total Viskase stockholders' equity182,859161,438Deficit attributable to non-controlling interest(1,223)(1,153)Total stockholders' equity181,636160,285Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity$460,844$471,592 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VISKASE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
(In Thousands) 

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 

YearYearYearEndedEndedEndedDecemberDecemberDecember31, 202331, 202231, 2021   NET SALES$445,984$430,834$415,672Cost of sales352,221356,701343,636GROSS MARGIN93,76374,13372,036Selling, general and administrative52,43650,28348,169Amortization of intangibles1,6061,5761,755Asset impairment charge338                 27                   498              Restructuring expense-                 -                 507              OPERATING INCOME39,38322,24721,107Interest income-                 5                     -               Interest expense, net12,0188,4336,157Other expense, net10,3954,39613,779INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES16,9709,4231,171Income tax provision 3,5347,1394,527NET INCOME (LOSS) $13,436$2,284($3,356)Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(70)(245)(137) Net income (loss) attributable to Viskase Companies, Inc$13,506$2,529($3,219)WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES- BASIC AND DILUTED103,190,665103,190,665103,190,665  PER SHARE AMOUNTS:EARNINGS PER SHARE- BASIC AND DILUTED$0.13$0.02($0.03) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VISKASE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 
(In Thousands) 

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 

YearYearYearEndedEndedEndedDecemberDecemberDecember31, 202331, 202231, 2021Net income (loss)$13,436$2,284($3,356)Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax    Pension liability adjustment2,63411,3049,914    Foreign currency translation adjustment5,280(4,779)(4,902)Other comprehensive income, net of tax7,9146,5255,012Comprehensive income $21,350$8,809$1,656Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(70)(245)(137) Net comprehensive income attributable to Viskase Companies, Inc$21,420$9,054$1,793 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VISKASE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  
(In Thousands) 

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 

Accumulated otherTotal ViskaseTotalCommonPaid inTreasury  Retained  comprehensive stockholders’Non-controllingstockholders’stockcapitalstockearningslossequityInterest equityBalance December 31, 2020$1,040$182,343($298)$46,157($78,651)$150,591($771)$149,820Net loss-          -           -         (3,219)-                            (3,219)(137)(3,356)            Foreign currency translation adjustment-          -           -         -           (4,902)                       (4,902)-                     (4,902)            Pension liability adjustment, net of tax-          -           -         -           9,914                        9,914-                     9,914             Balance December 31, 2021$1,040$182,343($298)$42,938($73,639)$152,384($908)$151,476Net income (loss)-          -           -         $2,529-                            2,529               (245)                   2,284             Foreign currency translation adjustment-          -           -         -           (4,779)                       (4,779)             -                     (4,779)            Pension liability adjustment, net of tax-          -           -         -           11,304                       11,304             -                     11,304           Balance December 31, 2022$1,040$182,343($298)$45,467($67,114)$161,438(1,153)$              $160,285Net income (loss)-          -           -         13,506      -                            13,506             (70)                    13,436           Foreign currency translation adjustment-          -           -         -           5,280                        5,280               -                     5,280             Pension liability adjustment, net of tax-          -           -         -           2,634                        2,634               -                     2,634             Balance December 31, 2023$1,040$182,343($298)$58,973($59,200)$182,858($1,223)$181,635 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VISKASE COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(In Thousands) 

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 

YearYearYearEndedEndedEndedDecemberDecemberDecember31, 202331, 202231, 2021Cash flows from operating activities:Net income (loss) $13,436$2,284($3,356)   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash     provided by operating activities:Depreciation and amortization25,22327,30327,994Amortization of deferred financing fees464403572Deferred income taxes3,241                 (99)(803)Loss on disposition/impairment of assets449337505Bad debt and accounts receivable provision175187277Changes in operating assets and liabilities:Receivables598(8,795)2,926Inventories(5,934)(13,019)(7,102)Other current assets(1,104)3,509850Accounts payable4809,1091,264Accrued current liabilities6,508(2,186)(6,859)Accrued employee benefits(699)(1,636)(8,844)Other assets748(4,349)(3,070)Other580(2,669)(1,140)Total adjustments30,7298,0956,570Net cash provided by operating activities44,16510,3793,214Cash flows from investing activities:Capital expenditures(14,470)(22,336)(17,234)Proceeds from disposition of assets101499Net cash used in investing activities(14,460)(22,187)(17,225)Cash flows from financing activities:Deferred financing costs(16)(294)(605)Proceeds from short-term debt10,10114,00013,000Repayment of short-term debt(30,240)              -                     -                     Repayment of long-term debt(9,126)                (7,500)                (8,690)                Repayment of capital lease(11)(12)(27)Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(29,292)6,1943,678Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash(1,334)4,5214,361Net decrease in cash and equivalents(921)(1,093)(5,972)Cash and  cash equivalents at beginning of period8,7839,87615,848Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$7,862$8,783$9,876Supplemental cash flow information:Interest paid less capitalized interest$11,418$7,427$5,217Income taxes paid $4,060$7,324$4,180 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 (In Thousands) 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policy 

Nature of Operations 

Viskase  Companies,  Inc.  together  with  its  subsidiaries  (“we”  or  the  “Company”)  is  a 
producer  of  non-edible  cellulosic,  fibrous  and  plastic  casings  used  to  prepare  and 
package processed meat products, and provides value-added support services relating 
to  these  products,  for  some  of  the  largest  global  consumer  products  companies.  We 
were  incorporated  in  Delaware  in  1970.    The  Company  operates  ten  manufacturing 
facilities in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia and, as a result, is able to sell 
its products in nearly one hundred countries throughout the world.  

Seasonality 

Historically, our domestic sales and profits have been seasonal in nature, increasing in 
the spring and summer months. Sales outside of the United States follow a relatively 
stable pattern throughout the year. 

Principles of Consolidation 

The  consolidated  financial  statements 
Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

include  the  accounts  of  the  Company. 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements 

The  financial  statements  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted 
accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America and include the use of 
estimates and assumptions that affect a number of amounts included in the Company’s 
financial statements, including, among other things, pensions and other postretirement 
benefits and related disclosures, reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, allowance 
for doubtful accounts, and income taxes. Management bases its estimates on historical 
experience  and  other  assumptions  that  we  believe  are  reasonable.  If  actual  amounts 
are  ultimately  different  from  previous  estimates,  the  revisions  are  included  in  the 
Company’s  results  for  the  period  in  which  the  actual  amounts  become  known. 
Historically,  the aggregate differences,  if  any,  between  the Company’s  estimates  and 
actual  amounts  in  any  year  have  not  had  a  significant  effect  on  the  Company’s 
consolidated financial statements. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers cash equivalents to 
consist  of  all  highly  liquid  debt  investments  purchased  with  an  initial  maturity  of 
approximately three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, the 
carrying values approximate the fair market value.  Of the cash held on deposit in the 
U.S., approximately $252 of the cash balance was in excess of amounts insured by the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  The Company performs periodic evaluations of 
these institutions for relative credit standing and has not experienced any losses as a result 
of its cash concentration.  Consequently, no significant concentrations of credit risk are 
considered to exist. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Receivables, net 

Trade  accounts  receivable  are  classified  as  current  assets  and  are  reported  net  of 
allowance  for  doubtful  accounts,  which  includes  the  evaluation  of  expected  credit 
losses  following  the  adoption  of  ASC  Topic  326.   This  estimated  allowance  is  primarily 
based  upon  our  evaluation  of  the  future  expected  loss  for  the  asset.   The  Company 
estimates this using the financial condition of each customer, each customer’s ability to 
pay and the economic conditions of the country the customer resides in.  For all trade 
accounts receivable, the Company defines “past due” as any payment, that is at least 
15 days past the contractual due date. For the  year ended December 31, 2023, there 
have been write offs of $175 related to expected credit losses.  

Inventories 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Cost is determined by 
using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis method. 

Property, Plant and Equipment 

The  Company  carries  property,  plant  and  equipment  at  cost,  less  accumulated 
depreciation.  Property  and  equipment  additions  include  acquisition  of  property  and 
equipment and costs incurred for computer software purchased for internal use including 
related  external  direct  costs  of  materials  and  services  and payroll  costs  for  employees 
directly  associated  with  the  project.  Upon  retirement  or  other  disposition,  cost  and 
related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss 
is included in results of operations. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method 
using a half year convention over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from (i) 
building and improvements - 10 to 32 years, (ii) machinery and equipment - 4 to 12 years, 
(iii)  furniture  and  fixtures  -  3  to  12  years,  (iv)  auto  and  trucks  -  2  to  5  years,  (v)  data 
processing – 3 to 7 years and (vi) leasehold improvements - shorter of lease or useful life. 

In the ordinary course of business, we lease certain equipment, consisting mainly of autos, 
and certain real property. Real property consists of manufacturing, distribution and office 
facilities.   

Deferred Financing Costs 

Deferred financing costs are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from 
the  carrying  amount  of  debt  liability  and  amortized  as  expense  using  the  effective 
interest  rate  method  over  the  expected  term  of  the  related  debt  agreement. 
Amortization of deferred financing costs is classified as interest expense. 

Intangible Assets and Goodwill 

The Company has recognized definite lived intangible assets for patents and trademarks, 
customer  relationships,  technologies  and  in-place  leases.  The  intangible  assets  are 
amortized on the straight-line method over an estimated weighted average useful life of 
12  years  for  patents  and  trademarks,  20  years  for  customer  relationships,  13  years  for 
technologies and 14 years for in-place leases.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our  estimates  of  the  useful  lives  of  finite-lived  intangible  assets  consider  judgments 
regarding  the  future  effects  of  obsolescence,  demand,  competition  and  other 
economic  factors.  We  conduct 
in 
circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  value  of  these  finite-lived  assets  may  not  be 
recoverable. Undiscounted cash flow analyses are used to determine if an impairment 
exists.  If  an  impairment  is  determined  to  exist,  the  loss  is  calculated  based  on  the 
estimated fair value of the assets. 

impairment  tests  when  events  or  changes 

Current  accounting  guidance  provides  entities  an  option  of  performing  a  qualitative 
assessment  (a  "step-zero"  test)  before  performing  a  quantitative  analysis.  If  the  entity 
determines, on the basis of certain qualitative factors, that it is more-likely than- not that 
the  goodwill  is  not  impaired,  the  entity  would  not  need  to  proceed  to  the  two  step 
impairment testing process (quantitative analysis) as prescribed in the guidance. During 
fourth  quarter  2023,  the  Company  performed  a  “step  zero”  test  of  its  goodwill  and 
concluded that there was no impairment based on this guidance.   

Long-Lived Assets  

The  Company  continues  to  evaluate  the  recoverability  of  long-lived  assets  including 
property, plant and equipment, trademarks and patents.  Impairments are recognized 
when  the  expected  undiscounted future  operating  cash  flows derived from  long-lived 
assets are less than their carrying value. If impairment is identified, valuation techniques 
deemed appropriate under the particular circumstances will be used to determine the 
asset’s fair value. The loss will be measured based on the excess of carrying value over 
the determined fair value.  The review for impairment is performed whenever events or 
changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  of  assets  may  not  be 
recoverable.  No events or changes in circumstances were identified in the current year 
that would indicate a change in carrying amount.  

Shipping and Handling 

The  Company  periodically  bills  customers  for  shipping  charges.    These  amounts  are 
included in net sales, with the associated costs included in cost of sales. 

Repairs and Maintenance 

Routine repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Improvements 
and  major  repairs,  which  extend  the  useful  life  of  an  asset,  are  capitalized  and 
depreciated. 

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits 

The Company uses appropriate actuarial methods and assumptions in accounting for its 
defined benefit pension plans and non-pension postretirement benefits. 

Actual  results  that  differ  from  assumptions  used  are  accumulated  and  amortized  over 
future periods and, accordingly, generally affect recognized expense and the recorded 
obligation in future periods. Therefore, assumptions used to calculate benefit obligations 
as  of  the  end  of  a  fiscal  year  directly  impact  the  expense  to  be  recognized  in  future 
periods.  The  primary  assumptions  affecting  the  Company’s  accounting  for  employee 
benefits as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  •   Long-term rate of return on plan assets: The required use of the expected long-term 
rate of return on plan assets may result in recognized returns that are greater or less than 
the  actual  returns  on  those  plan  assets  in  any  given  year.  Over  time,  however,  the 
expected  long-term  rate  of  return  on  plan  assets  is  designed  to  approximate  actual 
earned  long-term  returns.  The  Company  uses  long-term  historical  actual  return 
information,  the  mix  of  investments  that  comprise  plan  assets,  and  future  estimates  of 
long-term investment returns by reference to external sources to develop an assumption 
of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The expected long-term rate of 
return  is  used  to  calculate  net  periodic  pension  cost.  In  determining  its  pension 
obligations, the Company is using a long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets of 6.00% 
for December 31, 2023.  The Company is using a long-term rate of return on French plan 
assets of 2.60% for 2023.  The German pension plan has no assets.   

  •  Discount rate: The discount rate is used to calculate future pension and postretirement 
obligations.  The Company is using a Mercer Bond yield curve in determining its pension 
obligations. The Company is using a discount rate of 5.48% for December 31, 2023.  The 
Company  is  using  a  weighted  average  discount  rate  of  3.40%  on  its  non-U.S.  pension 
plans for December 31, 2023.  

Income Taxes 

Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  measured  using  enacted  tax  laws  and  tax  rates 
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences 
are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities 
due  to  a  change  in  tax  rates  is  recognized  in  income  in  the  period  that  includes  the 
enactment date. In addition, the amounts of any future tax benefits are reduced by a 
valuation allowance to the extent such benefits are not expected to be realized on a 
more likely than not basis. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are 
included as a component of tax expense. 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes all other non-stockholder changes in equity. 
Changes  in  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  in  2023,  2022  and  2021  resulted  from 
changes in foreign currency translation and pension liability. 

Revenue Recognition 

The Company’s revenues are comprised of product sales. All revenue is recognized when 
the Company satisfies its performance obligation(s) under the contract (either implicit or 
explicit) by transferring the promised product to its customer when its customer obtains 
control of the product. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a 
distinct product or service to a customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to 
each distinct performance obligation. Substantially all of the Company’s contracts have 
a  single  performance  obligation,  as  the  promise  to  transfer  products  is  not  separately 
identifiable from other promises in the contract and, therefore, not distinct.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive 
in exchange for transferring products or providing services. The nature of the Company’s 
contracts  gives  rise  to  several  types  of  variable  consideration.  As  such,  revenue  is 
recorded  net  of  estimated  discounts,  rebates  and  allowances.  These  estimates  are 
based  on  historical  experience,  anticipated  performance  and  the  Company’s  best 
judgment at the time. Because of the Company’s certainty in estimating these amounts, 
they are included in the transaction price of its contracts. 

Sales,  value  add,  and  other  taxes  collected  from  customers  and  remitted  to 
governmental authorities are accounted for on a net (excluded from revenues) basis. 

Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is from products transferred to customers at a 
point in time. The Company recognizes revenue at the point in time in which the customer 
obtains  control  of  the  product,  which  is  generally  when  product  title  passes  to  the 
customer  upon  shipment.  In  certain  cases,  title  does  not  transfer  and  revenue  is  not 
recognized  until  the  customer  has  received  the  products  at  its  physical  location  or  at 
port. 

Financial Instruments 

The Company routinely enters into fixed price natural gas agreements which require us 
to purchase a portion of our natural gas each month at fixed prices.  These fixed price 
agreements qualify for the “normal purchases” scope exception under derivative and 
hedging  standards,  therefore  the  natural  gas  purchases  under  these  contracts  were 
expensed as incurred and included within cost of sales. As of December 31, 2023, future 
annual minimum purchases remaining under the agreement are $3,472. 

The  Company’s  financial  instruments  include  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  accounts 
receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of these financial assets and 
liabilities  approximate 
these 
instruments.   Management  believes  the  fair  value  of  the  Company’s  revolving  loans 
approximate  the  carrying  value  due  to  credit  risk  or  current  market  rates,  which 
approximate  the  effective  interest  rates  on  those  instruments.    The  fair  value  of  the 
Company’s  term  loans  is  estimated  by  discounting  the  future  cash  flow  using  the 
Company’s current borrowing rates for similar types and maturities of debt. 

short  maturities  of 

fair  value  due 

the 

to 

Leases 

The Company accounts for leases under FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases, which has resulted 
in  the  company  reporting  a  right  of  use  (“ROU”)  asset  and  lease  liability  related  to 
operating  leases  reported  on  our  balance  sheet.  Financing  leases  under  current  U.S. 
GAAP  are  classified  and  accounted  for  in  substantially  the  same  manner  as  capital 
leases  under  prior  U.S.  GAAP  and  therefore,  we  do  not  distinguish  between  financing 
leases and capital leases unless the context requires.  The determination of whether an 
arrangement is or contains a lease occurs at inception. We have elected the practical 
expedient  to  include  both  the  lease  component  and  the  non-lease  component  as  a 
single component when accounting for each lease and calculating the resulting lease 
liability and ROU asset. The following is our accounting policy for leases in which we are 
the lessee. 

Leases are classified as either operating or financing by the lessee depending on whether 
the lease terms provide for control of the underlying asset to be transferred to the lessee. 
When control transfers to the lessee, we classify the lease as a financing lease. All other 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
leases are recorded as operating leases. For leases with an initial lease term in excess of 
twelve months, we record a ROU asset with a corresponding lease liability in our balance 
sheet. We have elected the practical expedient for all leases less than 12 months to not 
record a ROU asset or corresponding lease liability. ROU assets represent our right to use 
an  underlying  asset  for  the  lease  term  and  lease  liabilities  represent  our  obligation  to 
make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are 
recognized  at  commencement  of  the  lease  based  on  the  present  value  of  lease 
payments over the lease term. ROU assets are adjusted for any lease payments made 
on or before commencement of the lease, less any lease incentives received. 

The lease liability represents future lease payments for lease and non-lease components 
discounted for present value. Lease payments that may be included in the lease liability 
include fixed payments, variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate and 
payments for penalties for terminating the lease if the lessee is reasonably certain to utilize 
a termination option, among others. Certain of our leases contain rent escalation clauses 
that are specifically stated in the lease and these are included in the calculation of the 
lease liability. Variable lease payments for lease and non-lease components which are 
not based on an index or rate are excluded from the calculation of the lease liability and 
are recognized in the statement of operations during the period incurred. 

We utilize discount rates to determine the net present value of our gross lease obligations 
when  calculating  the  lease  liability  and  related  ROU  asset.  In  cases  in  which  the  rate 
implicit in the lease is readily determinable, we utilize that discount rate for purposes of 
the net present value calculation. In most cases, our lease agreements do not have a 
discount  rate  that  is  readily  determinable  and  therefore  we  utilize  an  estimate  of  our 
incremental  borrowing  rate.  Our  incremental  borrowing  rate  is  determined  at  lease 
commencement or lease modification and represents the rate of interest we would have 
to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the 
lease payments in a similar economic environment.  For adoption of the new standard, 
the rate was determined at the adoption date. 

The  lease  term  is  determined  by  taking  into  account  the  initial  period  as  stated  in  the 
lease  contract  and  adjusted  for  any renewal  options  that  the  company  is  reasonably 
certain to exercise as well as any period of time that the lessee has control of the space 
before the stated initial term of the lease. If we determine that we are reasonably certain 
to  exercise  a  termination  option,  the  lease  term  is  then  adjusted  to  account  for  the 
expected termination date. 

Operating lease expense is recorded as a single expense recognized on a straight-line 
basis  over  the  lease  term.  Financing  lease expense consists  of  interest expense  on  the 
financing lease liability and amortization of the ROU financing lease asset on a straight-
line basis over the lease term. 

New Accounting Pronouncements  

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate 
Reform  on  Financial  Reporting,  which  amends  FASB  ASC  Topic  848,  Reference  Rate 
Reform.  Banks  are  no  longer  required  to  report  information  that  is  used  to  determine 
London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) which is used globally by all types of entities for 
various types of transactions. As a result, LIBOR could be discontinued, as well as other 
interest  rates  used  globally.  This  ASU  provides  companies  with  optional  expedients  for 
contract  modifications  under  U.S.  GAAP,  excluded  components  of  certain  hedging 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
relationships,  fair  value  hedges,  and  cash  flow  hedges,  as  well  as  certain  exceptions, 
which  are  intended  to  help  ease  the  potential  accounting  burden  associated  with 
transitioning away from these reference rates. We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 
2023. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated 
financial statements. 

In  December  2023,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2023-09,  Income  Taxes  (Topic  740)  – 
Improvements  to  Income  Tax  Disclosures,  which  requires  enhanced  income  tax 
disclosures that reflect how operations and related tax risks, as well as how tax planning 
and  operational  opportunities,  affect the  tax  rate and prospects  for  future cash  flows. 
This standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2025 with early adoption 
permitted.  We  are  currently  assessing  the  impact  of  adopting  this  standard  on  our 
consolidated financial statements.  

In  November  2023,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2023-07,  Segment  Reporting  (Topic  280)  – 
Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which includes requirements for more 
robust disclosures  of  significant segment expenses  and  measures  of  a  segment’s profit 
and  loss  used  in  assessing  performance.  This  standard  is  effective  for  the  Company’s 
annual period beginning January 1, 2024 and interim periods beginning January 1, 2025 
with early adoptions permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting this 
standard on our consolidated financial statements.   

2.   Cash and cash equivalents 

As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, cash held in foreign banks was $7,218 
and $9,134, respectively. 

Letters of credit for $735 were outstanding under our New Senior Credit Facility.  

3.  Receivables, net 

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Cash and cash equivalents$7,862 $8,783 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Accounts receivable, gross$91,858 $91,431 Less allowance for doubtful accounts (2,908)(3,847)$88,950 $87,584  December 31, 2023December 31, 2022December 31, 2021Beginning balance$3,847 $3,404 $3,470    Provision (recoveries) (132)187 277    Write-offs                                  -                                  373                               (306)   Other and translation(807)(117)(37)Ending balance$2,908 $3,847 $3,404  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Inventories 

5.  Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 

Depreciation  expense  associated  with  property,  plant  and  equipment  was  $23,617, 
$25,727 and $26,239 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 

6.  Other Assets 

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Raw materials$35,573 $30,630 Work in process51,872 46,210 Finished products 23,865 26,332   $111,310 $103,172  December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Land and improvements $1,939 $1,920 Buildings and improvements 53,613 48,883 Machinery and equipment372,311 354,544 Construction in progress 8,509 11,281   $436,372 $416,628 Accumulated depreciationDecember 31, 2023December 31, 2022  Land and improvements $496 $472 Buildings and improvements 26,790 23,662 Machinery and equipment274,741 250,647   $302,027 $274,781 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Other taxes receivable$15,048 $15,828 Indemnification asset                                   -   6,793 Other  628 637 $15,676 $23,258  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.   Accrued Liabilities 

8.   Debt Obligations 

Senior Credit Facility  

On  October  09,  2020,  the  Company  entered  into  a  Credit  Agreement  with  Bank  of 
America, N.A. (“BofA”) as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and L/C Issuer, and the 
other Lender parties thereto, providing for a $150,000 term loan (the “Term Loan”) and a 
$30,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and together with the Term 
Loan, the “Senior Credit Facility”).  

On  August  10,  2022,  the  Company  entered  into  the  Second  Amendment  to  the  New 
Senior Credit Facility (the “Amended Senior Credit Facility”). The Amended Senior Credit 
Facility increased the commitment of the New Revolving Credit Facility to $37,000 and 
transitioned Term Loans on September 30, 2022 and Revolving Loans on August 30,2022 
from LIBOR Loans to SOFR Loans. Amended terms of the facility are stated below. 

The interest rates per annum applicable to the Amended Senior Credit Facility (other than 
in respect of Swingline Loans) will be SOFR, but in any event, not less than 0.00%, plus the 
Applicable Rate (as defined below), or, for U.S. dollar denominated loans only, made to 
the Company at the option of the Company, the Base Rate, defined as the highest of: 
(a) the Federal Funds Rate plus one-half percent (0.50%); (b) the Bank of America prime 
rate; and (c) the one (1) month SOFR (adjusted daily) plus one percent (1.00%), but in 
any  case  not  less  than  1.00%.  plus  the  Applicable  Rate.  Applicable  Rate  means,  with 
respect  to  the  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility,  a  percentage  per  annum  to  be 
determined  in  accordance  with  the  applicable  pricing  grid  set  forth  in  the  Amended 
Senior  Credit  Facility  based  upon  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Coverage  Ratio  as 
reflected in a quarterly Compliance Certificate.  Each Swingline Loan shall bear interest 
at the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate for Base Rate loans under the New Revolving 
Credit Facility.  As of December 31, 2023, our current interest rate is 7.49%.  

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Compensation and employee benefits$15,919 $8,017 Taxes payable17,171 16,124 Accrued volume and sales rebates2,409 3,410 Other3,664 3,940 $39,163 $31,491 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Short-term debt:        Senior credit facility$11,250$39,375        Europe Line of Credit10,497-                                                  Total short-term debt21,74739,375Long-term debt:         Senior credit facility, net $111,176$121,978        Other562543                Total long-term debt111,738122,521                      Total debt$133,485$161,896 
      
 
 
 
 
 
The Amended Senior Credit Facility requires the Company to repay principal of the New 
Term Loan at the rate of 5% of the original principal balance during each of the first two 
years, 7.5% during the third and fourth years and 10% of the original principal balance 
during the fifth year. The maturity date on the Amended Senior Credit Facility is August 
13, 2026.  

The Company may prepay the Amended Senior Credit Facility, in whole or in part, at any 
time  without  premium  or  penalty,  subject  to  reimbursement  of  the  Lenders’  breakage 
and  redeployment  costs  in  the  case  of  prepayment  of  LIBOR  borrowings  and  foreign 
currency borrowings bearing interest at a rate other than LIBOR. Each such prepayment 
of  the  New  Term  Facility  shall  be  applied  as  directed  by  the  Company.  The  unutilized 
portion  of  the  commitments  under  the  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility  may  be 
irrevocably reduced or terminated by the Company at any time without penalty.  

The Amended Senior Credit Facility is guaranteed by each existing and future direct and 
indirect  wholly  owned  material  domestic  Restricted  Subsidiary  and  foreign  Restricted 
Subsidiary  of  the Company  (other  than any Brazilian  subsidiary).    The  Amended  Senior 
Credit  Facility  is  secured  by  substantially  all  assets  of  the  Company  and  its  material 
domestic Restricted Subsidiaries, with the exception of real property.    

The  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility  contains  various  covenants  which  restrict  the 
Company’s ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, create liens on our assets, 
make investments, enter into merger, consolidation or acquisition transactions, dispose 
of  assets  (other  than  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business),  make  certain  restricted 
payments, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and transactions with affiliates, in 
each  case  subject  to  permitted  exceptions.  The  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility  also 
requires  that  we  comply  with  certain  financial  covenants,  including  meeting  a 
consolidated  leverage  ratio  and  consolidated  fixed  charge  coverage  ratio.    The 
Company  is  in  compliance  with  the  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility  covenants  as  of 
December 31, 2023. 

Foreign Lines of Credit 

In its foreign operations, the Company has unsecured lines of credit with various banks 
providing approximately $12,000 of availability.  There were borrowings of $10,498 under 
the lines of credit at December 31, 2023 and no borrowings at December 31, 2022.  As of 
December 31, 2023, our current interest rate is 5.85%.  

Debt Maturity 

     The aggregate maturities of debt (1) for each of the next five years are: 

(1) The aggregate maturities of debt represent amounts to be paid at maturity and not the 

current carrying value of the debt. 

20242025202620272028ThereafterTerm Loan Facility $     11,250  $     13,125  $     99,375     $             -       $             -    $                 -   Other        10,498                 -   889                 -                   -                       -    $     21,748  $     13,125  $   100,264  $             -    $             -    $                 -    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9.  Leases 

We have operating leases primarily for real estate, equipment, and vehicles.  Our lease 
agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive 
covenants.  ROU assets and related lease liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet 
for leases with an initial term in excess of twelve months. 

     ROU assets and lease liabilities are as follows: 

The following is an analysis of leased property under financing leases by major classes as 
of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.  

Additional information with respect to our operating and finance leases as of December 
31, 2023 is presented below. 

Lease expense consists of the following: 

Cash flow information related to leases is as follows: 

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Operating Leases:   ROU assets $                       22,309  $                         24,520    Lease liabilities                           25,185                             27,544 Financing Leases:   ROU assets (property, plant and equipment, net)                                    -                                    10    Lease liabilities                                    -                                    11 December 31,December 31,20232022Building and improvements$453$453Machinery and equipment3,5353,599Less: Accumulated depreciation(3,988)(4,042)$0$10OperatingFinanceWeighted average remaining lease term (years)9.140.00Weighted average discount rate7.40%0.00%December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Operating lease rent expense5,255$                          5,182$                           Financing Leases:   Amortization of ROU assets10                                 20                                     Interest expense on lease liabilities-                                   3                                    10$                               23$                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 are as follows: 

10.  Retirement Plans 

The Company has contributed $2,235 and $75 to pension benefits in the U.S. during the 
years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. 

The Company and its subsidiaries have defined contribution and defined benefit plans 
varying by country and subsidiary. 

The Company’s operations in the United States, France, and Germany historically offered 
defined benefit retirement plans (“Plan”) to their employees.  Most of these benefits have 
been terminated, resulting in various reductions in liabilities and curtailment gains. 

Included  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss,  net  of  tax  is  $(22,160)  as  of 
December 31, 2023.  The following amounts not yet recognized in net periodic benefit 
cost: 

Amounts included in other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as 
a component of net periodic benefit cost for the year ending December 31, 2023 are: 

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Cash Paid For Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities:   Cash used in operating activities (operating leases)5,164$                           5,069$                              Cash used in operating activities (financing leases)12                                  42                                  Supplemental Cash Flow Information:   ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations (operating leases)114$                              755$                              YearOperating Leases20234,777$                             20244,548                               20253,926                               20263,819                               20273,545                               Thereafter14,714                                Total lease payments35,329                                Less: discounted interest(10,144)                            25,185$                           U.S. Pension Benefits Non U.S. Pension BenefitsNet actuarial gain (loss)                                      Prior service credit                                             $12,835                                        (1,777)(1)                                               -    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The measurement date for all defined benefit plans is December 31.  The year-end status 
of the plans is as follows: 

The  funded  status  of  these  pension  plans  as  a  percentage  of  the  projected  benefit 
obligation was 77% in 2023 compared to 73% in 2022.  

U.S. Pension Benefits Non U.S. Pension BenefitsNet actuarial (loss) gain                                      ($186)$50 U.S. Pension Benefits Non U.S. Pension Benefits2023202220232022 Change in benefit obligation:Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$97,738$128,974$17,761$25,597Service cost-               -               297415Interest cost5,1853,655737300Plan amendments-               -               (133)-               Actuarial (gain) loss (487)(27,697)1,962(6,375)Benefits paid(7,051)(7,194)(686)(684)Currency translation-               -               640(1,492)Estimated benefit obligation at end of year$95,385$97,738$20,578$17,761Change in plan assets:Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year$82,693$104,774$1,367$1,418Actual return on plan assets9,661(14,964)3332Employer contribution2,23676617              684              Plan settlements-               -               (154)             -               Benefits paid(7,052)(7,193)(686)             (384)             Currency translation-               -               50                (383)Fair value of plan assets at end of year$87,538$82,693$1,227$1,367Unfunded status of the plan($7,847)($15,045)($19,351)($16,394)U.S. Pension Benefits Non U.S. Pension Benefits2023202220232022Amounts recognized in statement of financial position:Current liabilities($73)($73)($798)($592)Noncurrent liabilities(7,774)(14,972)(18,553)(15,802)Net amount recognized($7,847)($15,045)($19,351)($16,394) 
 
 
 
 
In  connection  with  our  adoption  of  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2017-07,  Improving  the 
Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, 
the components of net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost component are 
included in the line item other expense in the income statement. 

Components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31: 

Weighted  average  assumptions  used  to  determine  the  benefit  obligation  and  net 
periodic benefit cost as of December 31: 

The  Company  evaluates  its  discount  rate  assumption  annually  as  of  December  31  for 
each of its retirement-related benefit plans.  The Company is using a Mercer bond model 
for determining its U.S. pension benefits.   

The  Company’s  expected  return  on  plan  assets  is  evaluated  annually  based  upon  a 
study which includes a review of anticipated future long-term performance of individual 
asset classes, and consideration of the appropriate asset allocation strategy to provide 
for the timing and amount of benefits included in the projected benefit obligation.  While 
the  study  gives  appropriate  consideration  to  recent  fund  performance  and  historical 
returns, the assumption is primarily a long-term prospective rate.  

Information for defined benefit plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:U.S. Pension Benefits Non U.S. Pension Benefits2023202220232022Projected benefit obligation$95,385 $97,738 $20,578 $17,761 Fair value of plan assets$87,538$82,693$1,227$1,367Information for defined benefit plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:U.S. Pension Benefits Non U.S. Pension Benefits2023202220232022Accumulated benefit obligation$95,385 $97,738 $20,578 $17,761 Fair value of plan assets$87,538$82,693$1,227$1,367Non U.S. Pension Benefits202320222021202320222021Component of net period benefit costService cost-$           -$           -$          $296$412$479Interest cost5,1853,6553,434725298270Expected return on plan assets(4,774)(5,029)(4,928)(36)(35)(37)Amortization of prior service cost-         -         -        10          1012Amortization of actuarial loss474        752        1,240     (326)      47          106        $885(622)$     (254)$    $669$732$830U.S. Pension BenefitsU.S. Pension Benefits Non U.S. Pension Benefits2023202220232022Discount rate5.48%5.55%3.40%4.11%Expected return on plan assets6.00%5.00%2.60%2.60%Rate of compensation increaseN/AN/A3.30%3.18% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
The Company’s overall investment strategy is a glide path to manage the plan to a fully 
funded status through a mix of approximately 75% of investments for long-term growth 
and 25% for near-term benefit payments with a wide diversification of asset types, fund 
strategies,  and  fund  managers.    The  target  allocations  for  plan  assets  are  45%  equity 
securities,  5%  in  alternatives  and  48%  to  fixed  income  investments.  Equity  securities 
primarily include investments in large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap companies primarily 
located  in  the  United  States  and  international  developed  markets.  Fixed  income 
securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, mortgage-
backed securities, and U.S. Treasuries. Other types of investments include investments in 
hedge funds that follow several different strategies. 

Plan management uses the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate 
fair value of investments.  

Money market – overnight bank deposits and money market mutual funds maintaining 
at all times $1.00 Net Asset Value (“NAV”). 

US  Government  and  agency  obligations  –  U.S.  Treasury  bonds,  notes  and  other 
government obligations. 

Exchange traded funds – marketable securities tracking asset baskets traded on active 
markets.  

Mutual funds - Valued at the net asset value (“NAV”) of shares or units held by the Plan 
at year-end which is obtained from an active market or at share or unit prices provided 
by the fund manager with significant observable inputs.  

Hedge funds - Value provided by the administrator of the fund. The pricing for these funds 
is provided monthly by the fund to determine the quoted price. 

Common stocks - marketable corporate equity securities traded on active markets. 
The  fair values  of  the Company’s pension  plan  asset allocation at December  31,  2023 
and 2022, by asset category are as follows: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
The  following  table  provides  a  summary  of  the  estimated  benefit  payments  for  the 
postretirement plans for the next five fiscal years and thereafter.   

Fair Value Measurement atDecember 31, 2023Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant Observable InputsSignificant Unobservable InputsTotal(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)Money market$2,448$2,448-$                -$                   US Government and agency obligations40,435              1,519            38,916            -                     Exchange traded funds10,699              10,699          -                  -                     Mutual funds19,100              19,100          -                  -                     Common stocks16,083              16,083          -                  -                     Total Assets in the fair value hierarchy88,765              $49,849$38,916-                     Investments measured at NAV (a)-                    Investments at fair value$88,765(a) Hedge funds are measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient,        and therefore have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.Fair Value Measurement atDecember 31, 2022Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant Observable InputsSignificant Unobservable InputsTotal(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)Money market$13,206$13,206-$                -$                   US Government and agency obligations15,142              2,336            12,806            -                     Exchange traded funds11,738              11,738          -                  -                     Mutual funds19,564              19,564          -                  -                     Common stocks24,410              24,410          -                  -                     Total Assets in the fair value hierarchy84,060              $71,254$12,806-                     Investments measured at NAV (a)-                    Investments at fair value$84,060(a) Hedge funds are measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient,        and therefore have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. 
 
 
 
 
  
 
The  Company’s  expected  contribution  for  the  2024  fiscal  year  is  $3,789  for  the  U.S. 
pension plan. There is no funding requirement for non-U.S. pension plans. 

Savings Plans 

The  Company  also  has  defined  contribution  savings  and  similar  plans  for  eligible 
employees, which vary by subsidiary. The Company’s aggregate contributions to these 
plans  are  based  on  eligible  employee  contributions  and  certain  other  factors.  The 
Company  expenses  for  these  plans  were  $1,218,  $1,160  and  $1,212  in  2023,  2022  and 
2021, respectively. 

International Plans 

The  Company  maintains  various  pension  and  statutory  separation  pay  plans  for  its 
European employees.  The expense, not including the French and German pension plan, 
in 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $1,767, $(431) and $379, respectively. As of their most recent 
valuation  dates,  for  those  plans  where  vested  benefits  exceeded  plan  assets,  the 
actuarially  computed  value  of  vested  benefits  exceeded  those  plans’  assets  by 
approximately $6,652. 

11.  Capital Stock, Treasury Stock and Paid in Capital 

Authorized  shares  of  preferred  stock  ($0.01  par  value  per  share)  and  common  stock 
($0.01  par  value  per  share)  for  the  Company  are  50,000,000  shares  and  150,000,000 
shares, respectively.  No preferred stock has been issued.   

On October 9, 2020, the Company completed a private placement of 50,000,000 shares 
of common stock at $2.00 per share. The Company used the net proceeds of the private 
placement to complete a refinancing of its short-term debt. 

As  a  result  of  the  private  placement  to  complete  an  extinguishment  of  the  Revolving 
Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility in 2020 and subsequent purchases, Icahn Enterprises 
L.P. currently owns approximately 90.0% of our outstanding common stock. 

In  2004,  the  Company  purchased  805,270  shares  of  its  common  stock  from  the 
underwriter for a purchase price of $298. The common stock has been accounted for as 
treasury stock. 

Total Estimated Benefit PaymentsU.S.Non U.S 2024$8,065$7712025 8,0597722026 8,0231,0302027 8,0928752028 7,978914Thereafter 37,1606,184 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12.  Income Taxes 

Income tax provision (benefit) consisted of: 

The reconciliation of income tax provision (benefit) attributable to earnings differed from 
the  amounts  computed  by  applying  the  U.S.  Federal  statutory  income  tax  rate  to 
earnings by the following amounts: 

202320222021CurrentDomestic$1,213 $51 $1,097 Foreign                  (920)                 7,187                  4,233           Total current                    293                  7,238                  5,330 Deferred         Domestic                 2,170                     (32)                 1,379 Foreign                 1,071                     (67)               (2,182)Total deferred                 3,241                     (99)                  (803)         Total$3,534 $7,139 $4,527 Income (loss) before income taxes: 202320222021Domestic($2,995)($6,297)($4,680)Foreign               19,965                15,720                  5,851                Total$16,970 $9,423 $1,171 Computed income tax provision (benefit) $3,592$1,979$246State and local taxes, net of federal tax113                   341                   48                     Foreign taxes, net1,355                655                   (103)                  Valuation allowance(1,568)               (887)                  (1,866)               Uncertain tax positions - (benefit) expense (6,214)               860                   545                   Foreign exchange impact(24)                    18                     930                   Permanent differences, net2,880                1,687                3,544                Revaluation of deferreds(328)                  1,016                795                   Other, net3,728                1,470                388                   Total income tax provision$3,534 $7,139 $4,527 Computed income tax (benefit) provision 21.0%21.0%21.0%State and local taxes, net of federal tax0.7%3.6%4.1%Foreign taxes, net7.9%6.9%-8.8%Valuation allowance-9.2%-9.4%-159.3%Uncertain tax positions - expense (benefit) -36.3%9.1%46.5%Foreign exchange impact-0.1%0.2%79.4%Permanent differences, net16.8%17.9%302.6%Revaluation of deferreds-1.9%10.8%67.9%Other, net21.8%15.7%33.1%Effective income tax rate20.7%75.8%386.5%Statutory federal rate21.0%21.0%21.0% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Temporary differences and net operating loss carryforwards that give rise to a significant 
portion of deferred tax assets and liabilities for 2023 and 2022 are as follows:    

The net deferred tax asset (liability) is classified in the balance sheet as follows: 

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all 
of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Management believes that is more 
likely  than  not  that  its  net  deferred  tax  assets  will  be  realized  based  on  the  weight  of 
positive evidence and future income except with respect to the loss in Brazil and a portion 
of the state loss in the US.  The Company has a valuation allowance for Brazil December 
31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 of $4,427 and $7,355, respectively.    The Company has 
a valuation allowance in the U.S. at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 of $265 
and  $426,  respectively.    The  Company  has  gross  U.S.  federal  net  operating  loss 
carryforwards  at  December  31,  2023  and  December  31,  2022  of  $36,649  and  $50,829, 
respectively,  with  amounts  beginning  to  expire  in  2024.    The  Company  has  gross  net 
operating loss carryforwards in Brazil at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 of 
$5,059  and  $6,015,  respectively,  and  has  an  unlimited  carryforward  period.    The 
Company has no gross net operating loss carryforwards in Poland at December 31, 2023 
and  $346  as  of  December  31,  2022.    The  Company  has  gross  net  operating  loss 
carryforwards  in  France  at  December  31,  2023  and  December  31,  2022  of  $4,321  and 
$7,433, respectively, and has an unlimited carryforward period. The Company has gross 
net  operating  loss  carryforwards  in  Viskase  Germany  at  December  31,  2023  and 
December 31, 2022 of $5,882 and $7,704 for Income Tax and Trade Tax, respectively.  The 
Company has no gross net operating loss carryforwards in CT Casings at December 31, 
2023 and $2,551 as of December 31, 2022 for Income Tax and Trade Tax.   

20232022Deferred tax asset    Provisions not currently deductible$10,520$7,756    Inventory basis differences1,7973,031    Stock options41                     42    Pension and healthcare 4,3126,281    Net operating loss carryforwards15,79519,903    Lease liability6,4096,003                    Foreign exchange and other2,0211,067                    Valuation allowance(4,692)              (7,781)              Total deferred tax asset$36,203$36,302Deferred tax liability    Property, plant, and equipment($7,106)($6,631)    Intangible asset(4,772)(4,912)    Right of use assets(6,480)(5,903)    Foreign exchange and other(2,269)              -                   Total deferred tax liability($20,627)($17,446)$15,576$18,85620232022Non-current deferred tax assets$18,597$22,261Non-current deferred tax liability(3,021)              (3,405)              Non-current deferred tax assets, net$15,576$18,856 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Following  the  Equity  Private  Placement,  Icahn  Enterprises  L.P.  (“IELP”)  became  the 
beneficial owner of more than 80% of the shares of our common stock and the Company 
became  a  member  of  the  consolidated  group  of  a  corporate  subsidiary  of  Icahn 
Enterprises  for  U.S.  federal  income  tax  purposes  (the  “IEP  Corporate  Subsidiary”).  As  a 
result,  the  IEP  Corporate  Subsidiary  and  the  Company  entered  into  a  tax  allocation 
agreement  for  the  allocation  of  certain  income  tax  items.  The  Company  and  its 
subsidiaries consented to join the IEP Corporate Subsidiary’s federal consolidated return 
and, if elected by the IEP Corporate Subsidiary, certain state consolidated returns.  

Uncertainty in Income Taxes 

The uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2023 totaled $9,190. The following table 
summarizes the activity related to the unrecognized tax benefits. 

In 2023, the Company recognized an approximate net decrease of $6,793 to the reserves 
for uncertain tax positions.  

Approximately $9,190 of the total gross unrecognized tax benefits represents the amount 
that,  if  recognized,  would  affect  the  effective  income  tax  rate  in  future  periods.    The 
Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax 
of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all 
U.S.  federal  income  tax  matters  for  years  through  2016.    Substantially  all  material  state 
and local and foreign income tax matters have been concluded for years through 2013.  
Based on the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain jurisdictions, it is reasonably 
possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in the next twelve months by 
approximately $1,600.   

The Company's continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to 
income tax matters in income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2023 
and 2022, the Company recorded adjustments for interest of $569 and $835, respectively, 
and for penalties of $10 and $10, respectively, related to these unrecognized tax benefits. 
In  total,  as  of  December  31,  2023  and  2021,  the  Company  has  recorded  a  liability  of 
interest of $3,715 and $3,146, respectively, and $167 and $157, respectively, for potential 
penalties. 

13.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net 

The Company currently has $3,321 of goodwill with no impairment. 

Goodwill consists of the following: 

(in thousands)20232022Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1$15,983 $16,158Increases in positions taken in a prior period -                26                Decreases in positions taken in a prior period -               -               Decreases de to settlements-                -               Increases due to currency translation-               -               Decreases due to currency translation-               (201)             Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations(6,793)           -                Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31$9,190$15,983 
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets, net consists of the following: 

Amortization expense associated with definite-lived intangible assets was $1,606, $1,576 
and  $1,755  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2023,  2022  and  2021,  respectively.  We 
utilize the straight-line method of amortization, recognized over the estimated useful lives 
of the assets. 

The  estimated  future  amortization  expense  for  our  definite-lived  intangible  assets  is  as 
follows: 

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Beginning balance$3,207 $3,373    Translation114 (166)Ending balance $3,321 $3,207  Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying ValueDefinite live intangible assets:        Customer relationships$19,382 ($6,969)$12,413      Technologies2,318 (1,295)1,023      Patents/Trademarks9,866 (7,603)2,263      In-place leases201 (101)100  $31,767  ($15,968)$15,799 December 31, 2023Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying ValueDefinite live intangible assets:        Customer relationships$18,708 ($5,760)$12,948      Technologies2,234 (1,077)1,157      Patents/Trademarks9,681 (7,089)2,592      In-place leases194 (83)111  $30,817  ($14,009)$16,808 December 31, 20222024$1,625 20251,625 20261,625 20271,625 20281,625 Total thereafter7,674 Total amortization$15,799  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14. Contingencies 

The Company from time to time is involved in various other legal proceedings, none of 
which are expected to have a material adverse effect upon results of operations, cash 
flows or financial condition. 

15.  Stock-based compensation (Dollars in Thousands, except Per Share Amount) 

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on fair value of 
the award and is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite 
service period, which is the vesting period.  Included in net income is non-cash 
compensation expense of $0 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.   

The fair values of the options granted during 2013 were estimated on the date of grant 
using the binomial option pricing model. The assumptions used and the estimated fair 
values are as follows: 

In April 2013, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to its current Chief 
Administrative Officer for the purchase of 325,000 shares of its common stock under an 
employment agreement. Options were granted at the fair market value at date of 
grant and are fully vested.  The options for the Chief Administrative Officer were 
forfeited on June 26, 2022. 

The Company's outstanding options were: 

Vested and exercisable options as of December 31, 2023 were zero. 

16.  Research and Development Costs 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $4,755, $5,267 
and $4,531 for 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. 

2013Expected term10 yearsExpected stock volatility17.33%Risk-free interest rate1.75%Expected forfeiture rate0.00%Fair value per option$0.51Weighted AverageWeighted AverageShares Under Weighted AverageRemainingGrant-DateOptionExercise PriceContractual LifeFair ValueOutstanding, December 31, 2021325,0008.00$                        41 months0.51$                        Vested and exercisable at Dec. 31, 2021325,000             8.00$                        41 months0.51$                        Granted-                    -$                          -                            -                           Exercised-                    -$                          -                           -                           Forfeited(325,000)            -$                          -                           -                           Outstanding, December 31, 2022-                     -$                          -                            -$                          Vested and exercisable at Dec. 31, 2022-                    -$                          -                            -$                          Granted-                    -$                          -                            -                           Exercised-                    -$                          -                           -                           Forfeited-                    -$                          -                           -                           Outstanding, December 31, 2023-                     -$                           -$                          Vested and exercisable at Dec. 31, 2023-                    -$                           -$                           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17. Related-Party Transactions 

As  of  December  31,  2023,  and  December  31,  2022,  Icahn  Enterprises  L.P.  owned 
approximately 90.14% and 90.0% of our outstanding common stock, respectively.   

Equity Private Placement of Common Stock & Change in Number of Authorized Shares 

Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the Company entered into discussions with a number 
of banks, including BofA, regarding the terms of a new senior credit facility which would 
replace  both  the  Term  Loan  and  the  ABL  Loan.    Under  the  new  senior  credit  facility 
proposed by BofA, the Company was required to raise at least $100,000 in equity capital, 
the proceeds of which were to be used, together with borrowings under the new senior 
credit facility, to repay the Term Loan and the ABL Loan. The Company met this condition 
through  the  issuance  of  50,000,000  shares  of  common  stock  to  an  affiliate  of  IELP  in  a 
private placement transaction at a purchase price of $2.00 per share (the “Equity Private 
Placement”).    In  order  to  complete  the  offering  of  the  Equity  Private  Placement,  the 
Company amended its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase 
the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock by 50,000,000 shares. 

Prior  to  the  completion  of  the  Equity  Private  Placement,  IELP  beneficially  owned 
approximately  78.6%  of  the  Company’s  outstanding  common  stock.  As  a  result  of  the 
Equity  Private  Placement,  IELP  is  the  beneficial  owner  of  approximately  89.0%  of  the 
Company’s outstanding common stock. The Equity Private Placement was approved by 
a Special Committee of disinterested directors of the Company.   

Pension Liabilities 

Applicable pension and tax laws make each member of a "controlled group" of entities, 
generally defined as entities in which there is at least an 80% common ownership interest, 
jointly  and  severally  liable  for  certain  pension  plan  obligations  of  any  member  of  the 
controlled  group.  These  pension  obligations  include  ongoing  contributions  to  fund  the 
plan, as well as liability for any unfunded liabilities that may exist at the time the plan is 
terminated. In addition, the failure to pay these pension obligations when due may result 
in  the  creation  of  liens  in  favor  of  the  pension  plan  or  the  Pension  Benefit  Guaranty 
Corporation ("PBGC") against the assets of each member of the controlled group. 

As a result of the Equity Private Placement, IELP became the beneficial owner of more 
than 80% of the shares of our common stock and the Company became subject to the 
pension liabilities of all entities in which Mr. Icahn has a direct or indirect ownership interest 
of  at  least 80%.    One  such  entity,  ACF  Industries  LLC  ("ACF"),  is  the  sponsor  of  several 
pension plans. All the minimum funding requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, as 
amended, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, for 
the  ACF  plans  have  been  met  as  of  December 31, 2021.  If  the  plans  were  voluntarily 
terminated, 
they  would  be  underfunded  by  approximately  $6,800  as  of 
December 31, 2023. These results are based on the most recent information provided by 
the plans’ actuary. These liabilities could increase or decrease, depending on a number 
of factors, including future changes in benefits, investment returns, and the assumptions 
used to calculate the liability. As members of the controlled group, we would be liable 
for  any  failure  of  ACF  to  make  ongoing  pension  contributions  or  to  pay  the  unfunded 
liabilities upon a termination of the ACF pension plans. In addition, other entities now or 
in the future within the controlled group in which we are included may have pension plan 
obligations that are, or may become, underfunded and we would be liable for any failure  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of such entities to make ongoing pension contributions or to pay the unfunded liabilities 
upon termination of such plans. 

The  current  underfunded  status  of  the  ACF  pension  plans  requires  them  to  notify  the 
PBGC of certain “reportable events,” such as if we cease to be a member of the ACF 
controlled  group,  or  if  we  make  certain  extraordinary  dividends  or  stock  redemptions. 
The obligation to report could cause us to seek to delay or reconsider the occurrence of 
such reportable events. 

In  connection  with  the  Equity  Private  Placement,  the  Company  entered  into  an 
agreement  with  Icahn  Enterprises  Holdings  L.P.  pursuant  to  which  Icahn  Enterprises 
Holdings  L.P.  has agreed  to  indemnify  us and  our  subsidiaries  from  losses resulting from 
any imposition of certain pension funding or termination liabilities that may be imposed 
on  us  and  our  subsidiaries  or  our  assets  as  a  result  of  being  a  member  of  the  Icahn 
controlled group. 

Based on the contingent nature of potential exposure related to these affiliate pension 
obligations and the indemnification from Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P., no liability has 
been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

Tax Allocation 

Following the Equity Private Placement, IELP became the beneficial owner of more than 
80% of the shares of our common stock and the Company became a member of the 
consolidated group IEP Corporate Subsidiary for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  As a 
result,  the  IEP  Corporate  Subsidiary  and  the  Company  entered  into  a  tax  allocation 
agreement  for  the  allocation  of  certain  income  tax  items.  The  Company  and  its 
subsidiaries consented to join the IEP Corporate Subsidiary’s federal consolidated return 
and,  if  elected  by  the  IEP  Corporate  Subsidiary,  certain  state  consolidated  returns.  In 
those  jurisdictions  where  the  Company and  its  subsidiaries  will  file  consolidated  returns 
with the IEP Corporate Subsidiary, the Company will pay to the IEP Corporate Subsidiary 
any  tax  it  would  have  owed  had  it  and  its  subsidiaries  continued  to  file  as  a  separate 
consolidated group. To the extent that the IEP Corporate Subsidiary consolidated group 
is able to reduce its tax liability as a result of including the Company and its subsidiaries 
in its consolidated group, the IEP Corporate Subsidiary will pay the Company 20% of such 
reduction on a current basis and the Company will be treated as if it would carry forward 
for its own use under the tax allocation agreement, 80% of the items that caused the tax 
reduction  (the  “Excess  Tax  Benefits”).  Moreover,  if  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries 
should  ever  become  deconsolidated  from  the  IEP  Corporate  Subsidiary,  the  IEP 
Corporate Subsidiary will reimburse the Company for any tax liability in post-consolidation 
years that the Company and its subsidiaries would have avoided had they actually had 
the Excess Tax Benefits for their own consolidated group use. The cumulative payments 
to the Company by the IEP Corporate Subsidiary post-consolidation will not exceed the 
cumulative reductions in tax to the IEP Corporate Subsidiary group resulting from the use 
of the Excess Tax Benefits by the IEP Corporate Subsidiary group. 

18.   Business Segment Information and Geographic Area Information 

The Company primarily manufactures and sells cellulosic food casings as its sole business 
segment.  The  Company’s  operations  are  viewed  in  geographic  regions  of  North 
America, South America, Europe and Asia. Intercompany sales and charges (including 
royalties) have been reflected as appropriate in the following information. Certain items 
are  maintained  at  the  Company’s  corporate  headquarters  and  are  not  allocated 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
geographically. They include most of the Company’s debt and related interest expense 
and income tax benefits. 

Reporting Segment Information: 

19. Interest Expense, Net 

       Net interest expense, net consisted of: 

202320222021Net salesNorth America$222,093$216,819$203,525South America53,20150,62149,674Europe201,629187,401184,823Asia46,16248,94049,951Other and eliminations(77,101)(72,947)(72,301)$445,984$430,834$415,672Operating income North America$5,008$269($1,290)South America6,0946,3348,074Europe20,5977,7746,445Asia7,6847,8707,878 $39,383$22,247$21,107Net Sales by countryUnited States$135,057$134,885$121,114Brazil28,73325,22628,808Italy27,18428,24928,093Germany22,59423,01429,747France12,15910,97612,946Philippines27,29931,64428,741Poland9,9979,32810,154Other international182,961167,512156,069$445,984$430,834$415,672December 31, 2023December 31, 2022December 31, 2021Interest expense$12,152$8,433$6,319Less Capitalized interest(134)                                  -                                    (162)                                   Interest expense, net$12,018$8,433$6,157  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 

21. Variable Interest Entity 

The Company holds a variable interest in a joint venture for which the Company is the 
primary beneficiary. The joint venture, VE Netting, LLC, is a manufacturing, marketing and 
selling company  of  high-quality  netting  solutions  for  the  meat and poultry  industry.  VE 
Netting, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of business in 
Lombard, IL.  The netting product is manufactured under agreement by Viskase’s affiliate 
located in Monterrey, Mexico.  

As the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity (VIE), the VIEs’ assets, liabilities, 
and  results  of  operations  are  included  in  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial 
statements as of, and for the period ended, December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. 
The other equity holders’ interests are reflected in “Net loss attributable to noncontrolling 
interests” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and “Noncontrolling interests” in 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  

The  following  table  summarizes  the  carrying  amount  of  the  VIEs’  assets  and  liabilities 
included  in  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  at  December  31,  2023  and 
December 31, 2022: 

 Accrued Employee BenefitsTranslation AdjustmentsTotalBalance at December 31, 2022($24,747)($42,367)($67,114)Other comprehensive income (loss) before    reclassifications                   2,476 5,280 7,756 Reclassifications from accumulated other      comprehensive loss to earnings158-                      158Balance at December 31, 2023($22,113)($37,087)($59,200)Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Affected Line Items in the Consolidated Statement of Operations Accrued Employee Benefits     Amortization of net actuarial loss 158Other Expense, net$158 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All assets in the above table can only be used to settle obligations of the consolidated 
VIE.  Liabilities  are  nonrecourse  obligations.  Amounts  presented  in  the  table  above  are 
adjusted for intercompany eliminations. 

The following table summarizes the Statement of Operations of the VIE included in the 
Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period ended December 31, 
2023 and December 31, 2022. 

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022ASSETS  Current assets:   Cash and cash equivalents$23$114   Receivables, net104131   Inventories508682   Other current assets10956Property, plant and equipment1,2771,309Less: Accumulated depreciation(742)(631)   Property, plant and equipment,net535678Other assets2025Total Assets$1,299$1,686LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCurrent liabilities8141,059Total Liabilites8141,059Paid in capital2,9312,931Retained earnings(2,446)(2,304)Total Stockholder Equity485627Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity$1,299$1,686December 31, 2023December 31, 2022December 31, 2021Net sales$1,348$1,197$974Cost of sales1,2071,371981Gross margin141(174)(7)Selling, general and administrative197228206Asset impairment18-                    -                    Operating loss(74)(402)(213)Other expense 648760                     Loss before income taxes(138)(489)(273) Income tax expense-                    -                    -                        Net loss($138)($489)($273) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22. Subsequent Events 

Viskase  evaluated  its  December  31,  2023  consolidated  financial  statements  for 
subsequent  events  through  March  28,  2024,  the  date  the  consolidated  financial 
statements were available to be issued.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF 
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) 

FINANCIAL  CONDITION 

Company Overview  

The Company operates in the casing product segment of the food industry.  Viskase is a 
worldwide leader in the production and sale of cellulosic, fibrous and plastic casings for 
the processed meat and poultry industry.  Viskase currently operates ten manufacturing 
facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia.  Viskase provides 
value-added support services relating to these products for some of the world's largest 
global  consumer  products  companies.    Viskase  is  one  of  the  two  largest  worldwide 
producers  of  non-edible  cellulosic  casings  for  processed  meats  and  one  of  the  three 
largest manufacturers of non-edible fibrous casings. 

Our  net  sales  are  driven  by  consumer  demand  for  meat  products  and  the  level  of 
demand  for  casings by  processed  meat  manufacturers,  as  well  as  the  average selling 
prices of our casings. Specifically, demand for our casings is dependent on population 
growth,  overall  consumption  of  processed  meats  and  the  types  of  meat  products 
purchased by consumers. Average selling prices are dependent on overall supply and 
demand for casings and our product mix. 

Our  cellulose,  fibrous  and  plastic  casing  extrusion  operations  are  capital-intensive  and 
are  characterized  by  high  fixed  costs.  Our  finishing  operations  are  labor  intensive.  The 
industry’s  operating  results  have  historically  been  sensitive  to  the  global  balance  of 
capacity and demand. The industry’s extrusion facilities produce casings under a timed 
chemical process and operate continuously. 

Our contribution margin varies with changes in selling price, input material costs, labor 
costs and manufacturing efficiencies. The total contribution margin increases as demand 
for  our casings  increases.  Our financial results  benefit from  increased  volume  because 
we do not have to increase our fixed cost structure in proportion to increases in demand. 
For certain products, we operate at near capacity in our existing facilities. We regularly 
evaluate  our  capacity  and  projected  market  demand.    We  believe  the  current  and 
planned cellulosic production capacity in our industry is in balance with global demand. 

Comparison of Results of Operations for Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. 

The  following  discussion  compares  the  results  of  operations  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
December 31, 2023 to the results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 
2022,  and  compares  the  results  of  operations  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  31, 
2022 to the results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. We have 
provided the table below in order to facilitate an understanding of this discussion. The 
table shows our results of operations (in millions) for the 2023, 2022 and 2021 fiscal years.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NM= Not meaningful when comparing positive to negative numbers or to zero. 

2023 Versus 2022 

Net  Sales.  Our  net  sales  for  2023  were  $446.0 million,  which  represents  an  increase  of 
$15.2 million or 3.5% from the prior year. Net sales increased $40 million from price and 
mix,  $2  million  due  to  foreign  currency  translation  and  decrease  $27  million  due  to 
volume. 

Cost  of  Sales.  Cost  of  sales  for  2023  decreased  1.3%  from  the  comparable  prior  year 
period. The decrease is  mainly due to lower sales volume, decreased expense for raw 
materials and distribution cost offset by lower absorption of manufacturing costs at our 
plants and manufacturing performance. 

Selling,  General  and  Administrative  Expenses.  We  increased  selling,  general  and 
administrative expenses from $50.3 million in 2022 to $52.4 million in 2023. The increase is 
mainly due to increased costs for employee compensation plans. 

Amortization of Intangibles.  The Company incurred an expense of $1.6 million during 2023 
and 2022 on the amortization of intangibles recognized with the acquisitions. 

Asset Impairment Charge.  The Company incurred an asset impairment charge of $0.3 
million in 2023 related to assts removed from service. 

Operating  Income.  Operating  income  for  2023  was  $39.4 million,  representing  an 
increase  of  $17.2 million  from  the  prior  year.  The  increase  in  operating  income  was 
primarily due to items discussed above. 

YearYearYearEndedEndedEndedDecDecDec31,  202331,  202231,  2021NET SALES$446.03.5%$430.83.6%$415.7Cost of sales352.2-1.3%356.73.8%343.6Selling, general and administrative52.44.2%50.34.4%48.2Amortization of intangibles1.60.0%1.6-11.1%1.8Asset impairment0.3             NM-             -100.0%0.5Restructing expense-             NM-             -100.0%0.5OPERATING INCOME39.477.5%22.25.2%21.1Interest expense, net of income12.042.9%8.435.5%6.2Other expense, net10.4136.4%4.4-68.1%13.8Income tax provision 3.5-50.7%7.157.8%4.5NET INCOME (LOSS) $13.5487.0%$2.3NM($3.4) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest  Expense.  Interest  expense,  net  of  interest  income,  for  2023  was  $12.0  million, 
representing an increase of $3.6 million compared to 2022. The increase is a result of a 
higher interest rate on our Term loan. 

Other Expense.  Other expense for 2023 was approximately $10.4 million, representing an 
increase  of  $6.0  million  over  2022.    The  increase  is  primarily  due  to  the  reversal  of  a 
receivable on an uncertain tax position with the benefit running through the income tax 
provision. 

Income Tax Provision.  During 2023, an income tax expense of $3.5 million was recognized 
on the income before income taxes of $17.0 million compared to income tax expense of 
$7.1 million in 2022. The 2023 effective income tax rate was 20.7% compared to 75.8% for 
2022. The income tax rate benefited from the reversal of an uncertain tax position. 

Primarily as a result of the factors discussed above, net income for 2023 was $12.8 million 
compared to net income of $2.3 million for 2022. 

2022 Versus 2021 

Net  Sales.  Our  net  sales  for  2022  were  $430.8 million,  which  represents  an  increase  of 
$15.1 million or 3.6% from the prior year. Net sales increased $60 million from price and 
mix, offset by a decrease of $16 million due to foreign currency translation and $29 million 
due to volume. 

Cost  of  Sales.  Cost  of  sales  for  2022  increased  3.8%  from  the  comparable  prior  year 
period. The increase is mainly due to inflation of raw material cost and lower absorption 
of manufacturing costs at our plants due to labor and raw material supply shortages. 

Selling,  General  and  Administrative  Expenses.  We  increased  selling,  general  and 
administrative expenses from $48.2 million in 2021 to $50.3 million in 2022. The increase is 
mainly due to higher costs for employee compensation plans. 

Amortization of Intangibles.  The Company incurred an expense of $1.6 million during 2022 
on  the  amortization  of  intangibles  recognized  with  the  acquisitions  compared  to  $1.8 
million in 2021. 

Asset Impairment Charge.  The Company incurred an asset impairment charge of $0.5 
million in 2021 related to a prepaid IP royalty. 

Restructuring Expense.  Restructuring expense of $0.5 million during 2021 resulted from the 
planned  partial  relocation  of  our  manufacturing  operation  in  Thaon,  France  and  a 
downsizing  of  our  facility  in  Bomlitz,  Germany.  The  plan  involved  the  involuntary 
termination  of  approximately  150  employees.  The  Company  anticipates  an  annual 
savings of $10.0 million per year when the plan is fully implemented. 

Operating  Income.  Operating  income  for  2022  was  $22.2 million,  representing  an 
increase of $1.1 million from the prior year. The increase in operating income was primarily 
due to higher gross profit. 

Interest  Expense.  Interest  expense,  net  of  interest  income,  for  2022  was  $8.4  million, 
representing an increase of $2.2 million compared to 2021. The increase is a result of a 
higher interest rate on our Term loan and increased borrowing. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Other Expense.  Other expense for 2022 was approximately $4.4 million, representing an 
decrease  of  $9.4  million  over  2021.    The  decrease  is  primarily  due  to  foreign  currency 
translation loss. 

Income Tax Provision.  During 2022, an income tax expense of $7.1 million was recognized 
on the income before income taxes of $9.4 million compared to income tax expense of 
$4.5 million in 2021. The 2022 effective income tax rate was 75.8% compared to 386.5% 
for 2021.  

Primarily as a result of the factors discussed above, net income for 2022 was $2.3 million 
compared to net loss of $3.4 million for 2021. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $0.9 million during 2023. Net cash provided by 
operating activities was $45.9 million and net cash used in investing activities was $14.5 
million. Net cash used in financing activities was $29.3 million.  Cash flows provided by 
operating activities were principally attributable to results from operations. Our inventory 
increased  during  2023  due  to  increased  raw  material  pricing  for  our  manufacturing 
plants.    Cash  flows  used  in  investing  activities  were  principally  attributable  to  capital 
expenditure.  Cash  flows  provided  by  financing  activities  principally  consisted  of  debt 
repayments. 

Our  cash  held  in  foreign  banks  was  $7.2  million  (against  a  total  cash  balance  of  $7.7 
million) and $9.1 million (against a total cash balance of $8.7 million) as of December 31, 
2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Any cash held by our foreign subsidiaries does 
not have a significant impact on our overall liquidity, but if we fail to generate sufficient 
cash  through  our  domestic  operations,  our  foreign  operations  could  be  a  potential 
source of liquidity. 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had positive working capital of approximately 
$140.3  million,  with  additional  amounts  of  credit  available  under  its  New  Senior  Credit 
Facility. 

New Senior Credit Facility  

On  October  09,  2020,  the  Company  entered  into  a  Credit  Agreement  with  Bank  of 
America, N.A. (“BofA”) as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and L/C Issuer, and the 
other Lender parties thereto, providing for a $150,000 term loan (the “New Term Loan”) 
and a $30,000 revolving credit facility (the “New Revolving Credit Facility” and together 
with the New Term Loan, the “New Senior Credit Facility”).  

On  August  10,  2022,  the  Company  entered  into  the  Second  Amendment  to  the  New 
Senior Credit Facility (the “Amended Senior Credit Facility”). The Amended Senior Credit 
Facility increased the commitment of the New Revolving Credit Facility to $37,000 and 
transitioned Term Loans on September 30, 2022 and Revolving Loans on August 30,2022 
from LIBOR Loans to SOFR Loans. Amended terms of the facility are stated below. 

The interest rates per annum applicable to the Amended Senior Credit Facility (other than 
in respect of Swingline Loans) will be SOFR, but in any event, not less than 0.00%, plus the 
Applicable Rate (as defined below), or, for U.S. dollar denominated loans only, made to 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
the Company at the option of the Company, the Base Rate, defined as the highest of: 
(a) the Federal Funds Rate plus one-half percent (0.50%); (b) the Bank of America prime 
rate; and (c) the one (1) month SOFR (adjusted daily) plus one percent (1.00%), but  in 
any  case  not  less  than  1.00%.  plus  the  Applicable  Rate.  Applicable  Rate  means,  with 
respect  to  the  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility,  a  percentage  per  annum  to  be 
determined  in  accordance  with  the  applicable  pricing  grid  set  forth  in  the  Amended 
Senior  Credit  Facility  based  upon  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Coverage  Ratio  as 
reflected in a quarterly Compliance Certificate.  Each Swingline Loan shall bear interest 
at the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate for Base Rate loans under the New Revolving 
Credit Facility.  As of December 31, 2023, our current interest rate is 7.49%.  

The Amended Senior Credit Facility requires the Company to repay principal of the New 
Term Loan at the rate of 5% of the original principal balance during each of the first two 
years, 7.5% during the third and fourth years and 10% of the original principal balance 
during the fifth year. The maturity date on the Amended Senior Credit Facility is August 
13, 2026.  

The Company may prepay the Amended Senior Credit Facility, in whole or in part, at any 
time  without  premium  or  penalty,  subject  to  reimbursement  of  the  Lenders’  breakage 
and  redeployment  costs  in  the  case  of  prepayment  of  LIBOR  borrowings  and  foreign 
currency borrowings bearing interest at a rate other than LIBOR. Each such prepayment 
of  the  New  Term  Facility  shall  be  applied  as  directed  by  the  Company.  The  unutilized 
portion  of  the  commitments  under  the  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility  may  be 
irrevocably reduced or terminated by the Company at any time without penalty.  

The Amended Senior Credit Facility is guaranteed by each existing and future direct and 
indirect  wholly  owned  material  domestic  Restricted  Subsidiary  and  foreign  Restricted 
Subsidiary  of  the Company  (other  than any Brazilian  subsidiary).    The  Amended  Senior 
Credit  Facility  is  secured  by  substantially  all  assets  of  the  Company  and  its  material 
domestic Restricted Subsidiaries, with the exception of real property.    

The  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility  contains  various  covenants  which  restrict  the 
Company’s ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, create liens on our assets, 
make investments, enter into merger, consolidation or acquisition transactions, dispose 
of  assets  (other  than  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business),  make  certain  restricted 
payments, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and transactions with affiliates, in 
each  case  subject  to  permitted  exceptions.  The  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility  also 
requires  that  we  comply  with  certain  financial  covenants,  including  meeting  a 
consolidated  leverage  ratio  and  consolidated  fixed  charge  coverage  ratio.    The 
Company  is  in  compliance  with  the  Amended  Senior  Credit  Facility  covenants  as  of 
December 31, 2023. 

Foreign Lines of Credit 

In its foreign operations, the Company has unsecured lines of credit with various banks 
providing approximately $12,000 of availability.  There were borrowings of $10,498 under 
the lines of credit on December 31, 2023 and no borrowings at December 31, 2022.  As 
of December 31, 2023, our current interest rate is 5.85%. 

Pension and Postretirement Benefits 

Our long-term pension and postretirement benefit liabilities totaled $32.2 million at 
December 31, 2023. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Expected annual cash contributions for U.S. pension liabilities are expected to be (in 
millions): 

Contract Obligations 

As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate maturities of debt(1), leases and purchase 
commitments for each of the next five years are (in millions): 

(1) The aggregate maturities of debt represent amounts to be paid at maturity and not the 

current carrying value. 

 New Accounting Pronouncements 

Please reference Footnote 1 in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This report includes “forward-looking statements.”  Forward-looking statements are those 
that do not relate solely to historical fact. These statements relate to future events or our 
future financial performance and implicate known and unknown risks, uncertainties and 
other factors that may cause the actual results, performances or levels of activity of our 
business or our industry to be materially different from that expressed or implied by any 
such forward-looking statements. They include, but are not limited to, any statement that 
may  predict,  forecast,  indicate  or  imply  future  results,  performance,  achievements  or 
events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by use of words such 
as  “believe,”  “anticipate,”  “expect,”  “estimate,”  “intend,”  “project,”  “plan,”  “will,” 
“would,” “could,” “predict,” “propose,” “potential,” “may” or words or phrases of similar 
meaning. Statements concerning our financial position, business strategy and measures 
to  implement  that  strategy,  including  changes  to  operations,  competitive  strengths, 
goals, plans, references to future success and other similar matters are forward-looking 
statements. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things: 

                  our ability to meet liquidity requirements and to fund necessary capital expenditures; 

                  the strength of demand for our products, prices for our products and changes in overall 

demand; 

                  assessment of market and industry conditions and changes in the relative market shares of 

industry participants; 

                  consumption patterns and consumer preferences; 

20242025202620272028Pension $          3.0  $          5.9     $          6.0     $             6.0     $          6.1 20242025202620272028ThereafterTerm Credit Facility $        11.3  $        13.1     $        99.4     $              -       $            -    $            -   Operating Leases4.84.53.93.83.514.7Other           10.5                -                0.9                  -                  -                  -    $        26.6  $        17.6  $      104.2  $             3.8  $          3.5  $         14.7  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
                  the effects of competition and competitor responses to our products and services ; 

                  our ability to realize operating improvements and anticipated cost savings; 

                  pending or future legal proceedings and regulatory matters; 

                  general economic conditions and their effect on our business; 

                  changes in the cost or availability of raw materials and changes in energy prices or other costs; 

                  pricing pressures for our products; 

                  the cost of and compliance with environmental laws and other governmental regulations; 

                  our results of operations for future periods; 

                  our anticipated capital expenditures; 

                  our ability to pay, and our intentions with respect to the payment of, dividends on shares of our 

capital stock; 

                  our ability to protect our intellectual property; 

                  economic and industry conditions affecting our customers and suppliers 

                  our ability to identify, complete and integration acquisitions; and 

                  our strategy for the future, including opportunities that may be presented to and/or pursued by 

us. 

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-
looking statements are based on management’s expectations that involve risks and 
uncertainties.