Acquisition Details - Bel Fuse Inc. acquires an 80% stake in Enercon Technologies for $320 million in cash, with potential earnout payments of up to $10 million for 2025-2026, and plans to acquire the remaining 20% by early 2027[1] - The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals[2] - Bel will finance the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and an expansion of its existing credit facility[4] Financial Impact and Margins - The acquisition expands Bel's exposure to the aerospace and defense end market from 17.5% to 31% of total revenue based on LTM Q2 2024[2] - Enercon's gross margin is 46.0% and Adjusted EBITDA margin is 32.5% for LTM Q2 2024, which is ahead of Bel's historical margin profile[2] - The transaction is expected to be accretive to Bel's GAAP EPS within one-year post-close and to Bel's non-GAAP EPS on Day 1[2] - Bel's Power segment revenue from aerospace and defense end markets will increase to 30%, and approximately 37% of consolidated Bel revenue will support these markets[3] - Enercon's LTM Q2 2024 sales are $111 million with a gross profit margin of 46%[5] - Bel expects net leverage to be under 2.0x within one quarter from close as T-bills mature[2] Operational Expansion - The acquisition will expand Bel's manufacturing footprint into India and the U.S., and add new manufacturing capabilities and engineers in Israel[2] Financial Performance (Bel Fuse Inc.) - GAAP Net sales for the trailing 12-month period ended June 30, 2024, were $559.987 million[16] - GAAP Net earnings for the trailing 12-month period ended June 30, 2024, were $66.164 million[16] - EBITDA for the trailing 12-month period ended June 30, 2024, was $96.176 million, representing 17.2% of net sales[16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing 12-month period ended June 30, 2024, was $105.750 million, representing 18.9% of net sales[16] - Restructuring charges for the trailing 12-month period ended June 30, 2024, were $6.602 million[16] Financial Performance (Enercon Technologies) - Enercon's GAAP Net sales for the period ended 2024 were $110.684 million[16] - Enercon's GAAP Net earnings for the period ended 2024 were $24.587 million[16] - Enercon's EBITDA for the period ended 2024 was $35.922 million, representing 32.5% of net sales[16] - Enercon's forecasted GAAP Net sales for the full year 2024 are $120 million[16] - Enercon's forecasted EBITDA for the full year 2024 is $38.489 million, representing 32.1% of net sales[16]

Revenue Distribution - Revenue distribution for the six months ended June 30, 2024: 45% from Power Solutions and Protection, 43% from Connectivity Solutions, and 12% from Magnetic Solutions[115] Connectivity Solutions Performance - Connectivity Solutions sales increased by $3.0 million (5.4%) and $3.9 million (3.6%) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to 2023[121] - Gross margin for Connectivity Solutions improved to 38.9% in Q2 2024 from 37.4% in Q2 2023, driven by pricing actions and operational efficiencies[120][121] Power Solutions and Protection Performance - Gross margin for Power Solutions and Protection improved to 45.7% in Q2 2024 from 35.7% in Q2 2023, driven by strategic pricing actions and favorable exchange rates[120][131] SG&A Expenses - SG&A expenses decreased to $49.1 million in the first half of 2024 from $50.4 million in the first half of 2023, primarily due to lower legal and professional fees[124] Accounts Receivable and Inventory - Accounts receivable decreased by $2.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024, due to lower sales volume, with DSO remaining at 55 days[127] - Inventory decreased by $8.0 million at June 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, with inventory turns at 2.8 compared to 3.1[127] Credit Facility and Debt Covenants - Unused credit available under the credit facility at June 30, 2024, was $115.0 million, with compliance maintained on debt covenants[128] Foreign Exchange Impact - Foreign exchange transactional gains of $0.4 million were realized in the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to losses of $0.5 million in the same period of 2023[134] Tax Rate Fluctuations - The company's effective tax rate fluctuates based on geographic regions, with Asia having the lowest tax rates among the U.S., Europe, and Asia[125]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q2 2024 were $133.2 million, representing a 21.1% decline compared to Q2 2023 [6][12] - Gross margin increased to 40.1% in Q2 2024, up from 32.9% in Q2 2023 [6][12] - Cash and securities at the end of the quarter were $143.8 million, an increase of $16.9 million year-to-date [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Power solutions and protection sales were $58.6 million, a 32.8% decline year-over-year, primarily due to lower sales in networking and consumer applications [7][8] - Connectivity solutions sales increased to $57.8 million, up 5.4% year-over-year, driven by growth in the distribution channel [9][10] - Magnetic solutions sales decreased to $16.8 million, a 37.3% decline year-over-year, aligned with expectations due to lower shipments to a large networking customer [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog of orders was $304 million as of June 30, 2024 [12] - Sales into commercial air applications amounted to $15.4 million, while military applications totaled $12 million for Q2 2024 [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on AI and e-mobility as long-term growth drivers, with a new president for Power Solutions and Protection appointed to lead these initiatives [5][6] - The company is actively evaluating M&A opportunities to support growth strategies [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a slight downward shift in sales for Q3 2024, projecting sales in the range of $118 million to $126 million compared to $159 million in Q3 2023 [14] - The company is experiencing destocking in networking and distribution, which has been an ongoing factor impacting sales [14][15] - Management expressed optimism about the potential for growth in AI and rail markets, despite challenges in other segments [22][15] Other Important Information - The company has continued its $25 million stock buyback program, purchasing a total of $14.2 million worth of shares as of June 30, 2024 [6] - The class A stock was added to the Russell 2000 Index, marking a significant milestone for the company [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on emerging opportunities in AI and EV - Management sees the power segment as the biggest beneficiary of AI, with expectations for sequential growth in AI customer orders [21] Question: Update on growth-focused sales initiatives - Early signs are optimistic, with increased activity and quoting in Europe since the new sales structure was implemented [25][26] Question: Impact of trade restrictions on supplier - Management is taking a conservative approach, assuming no sales from the affected supplier in Q3 2024, with potential for upside if new suppliers are onboarded quickly [30] Question: Granularity on the power segment's performance - The power segment is expected to benefit from growth in data centers and e-mobility, focusing on niche markets rather than hyperscalers [34] Question: Pricing environment and gross margins - There has been little price pressure in the current down market, with a focus on inventory management rather than pricing [36] Question: Trends in military and commercial airspace markets - Revenue for commercial air was $15.4 million, and military was $12 million in Q2 2024 [38] Question: Recovery outlook - Management is cautious, noting that recovery timelines are often projected as six months but can vary significantly [42][44]

ESS Tech, Inc.'s revenues are expected to be $3.24 million, up 14.5% from the year-ago quarter. While Bel Fuse has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have ch ...

Class A Common Stock ($0.10 par value)BELFA Nasdaq Global Select Market FORM 10-Q BEL FUSE INC. (Address of principal executive offices and zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (201) 432-0463 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit ...

Bel Fuse Inc. (NASDAQ:BELFB) Q1 2024 Earnings Conference Call April 26, 2024 8:30 AM ET Company Participants Jean Marie Young - Managing Director, Three Part Advisors Daniel Bernstein - President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Hutkin - Vice President of Financial Reporting and Investor Relations Farouq Tuweiq - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Theodore O'Neill - Litchfield Hills Research James Ricchiuti - Needham & Company Hendi Susanto - Gabelli Funds Robert Brooks - Northland Capital ...

Bel Fuse (BELFB) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.26 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.25 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 21.15%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this maker of electronic products for circuits would post earnings of $1.44 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.37, delivering a surprise of -4.86%.Over the last ...

Bel has scheduled a conference call for 8:30 a.m. ET on Friday, April 26, 2024 to discuss these results. To participate in the conference call, investors should dial 877-407-0784, or 201-689-8560 if dialing internationally. The presentation will additionally be broadcast live over the Internet and will be available at https://ir.belfuse.com/events-and-presentations. The webcast will be available via replay for a period of at least 30 days at this same Internet address. For those unable to access the live ca ...

Part I [Business](index=7&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Business) Bel Fuse Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets electronic circuit products across networking, telecommunications, computing, military, aerospace, and eMobility industries, managed through three product groups - The company operates through three main product groups: **Power Solutions & Protection (49% of 2023 net sales)**, **Connectivity Solutions (33%)**, and **Magnetic Solutions (18%)**[312](index=312&type=chunk) - Strategic acquisitions are a key growth element, including CUI's power business (2019), EOS Power (2021), rms Connectors (2021), and a 2023 noncontrolling investment in innolectric AG for eMobility[307](index=307&type=chunk)[308](index=308&type=chunk)[309](index=309&type=chunk)[310](index=310&type=chunk)[291](index=291&type=chunk) - The company's backlog of orders was approximately **$373.1 million** at the end of 2023, a **34% decrease** from the prior year, yet still considered elevated compared to pre-COVID levels[158](index=158&type=chunk)[336](index=336&type=chunk) - Bel formalized its ESG focus by establishing a Board-level Nominating and ESG Committee in October 2022 and an internal ESG Committee to drive sustainability and corporate responsibility initiatives[59](index=59&type=chunk)[78](index=78&type=chunk) - As of December 31, 2023, the company employed approximately **5,260 associates** across 6 countries, with **33%** located in North America[323](index=323&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=17&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) The company faces strategic, operational, financial, legal, tax, regulatory, and common stock-related risks, including intense competition, supply chain disruptions, and debt obligations [Strategic Risks](index=17&type=section&id=STRATEGIC%20RISKS) Strategic risks include intense competition, dependence on new product development, acquisition integration failures, and inadequate intellectual property protection - The company's growth is significantly attributable to acquisitions, and failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses could materially harm operating results and enterprise value[14](index=14&type=chunk) - Future operating results depend on the ability to anticipate technological changes and timely develop new products to meet evolving customer needs[65](index=65&type=chunk) - Efforts to protect intellectual property rights may not prevent misappropriation, which could adversely affect the business[64](index=64&type=chunk)[84](index=84&type=chunk) [Operational Risks](index=18&type=section&id=OPERATIONAL%20RISKS) Operational risks involve health epidemics, raw material procurement, inflationary pressures, labor issues, and substantial manufacturing presence in the People's Republic of China - The company's global operations face risks from health epidemics such as COVID-19, which could impact facilities and supply continuity[2](index=2&type=chunk)[67](index=67&type=chunk) - Significant manufacturing operations are located in the PRC, exposing the company to risks from broad government regulatory authority, foreign currency fluctuations, and potential labor shortages[69](index=69&type=chunk)[3](index=3&type=chunk)[89](index=89&type=chunk) - The business may be adversely impacted by difficulties in obtaining raw materials, supplier capacity constraints, and inflationary pressures on input costs[15](index=15&type=chunk)[374](index=374&type=chunk) [Financial Risks](index=21&type=section&id=FINANCIAL%20RISKS) Financial risks stem from declining prices, rising costs, order backlog reliability, debt levels, and compliance with credit agreement covenants - Profit margins are pressured by declining selling prices over product life cycles and increases in labor and material costs[72](index=72&type=chunk)[93](index=93&type=chunk)[112](index=112&type=chunk) - The company's ability to service its debt depends on financial performance; insufficient cash flow could force asset sales, new capital seeking, or debt restructuring[94](index=94&type=chunk)[73](index=73&type=chunk) - Significant U.S. debt service requirements expose the company to risk during business downturns, and failure to comply with credit agreement covenants could result in default[75](index=75&type=chunk)[16](index=16&type=chunk) [Legal, Tax and Regulatory Risks](index=23&type=section&id=LEGAL%2C%20TAX%20AND%20REGULATORY%20RISKS) Legal, tax, and regulatory risks include multi-jurisdictional tax laws, environmental regulations, increasing ESG scrutiny, and evolving data privacy laws - As an international company, Bel is subject to tax laws in multiple jurisdictions, and adverse developments or challenges to its tax positions could materially affect its business[115](index=115&type=chunk)[4](index=4&type=chunk) - Manufacturing operations are subject to environmental laws governing hazardous substances, emissions, and product content, with new regulations potentially increasing operating costs[96](index=96&type=chunk)[116](index=116&type=chunk) - Increasing scrutiny of ESG policies from investors and stakeholders may hinder access to capital and result in increased compliance costs or reputational harm if expectations are not met[365](index=365&type=chunk)[97](index=97&type=chunk)[17](index=17&type=chunk) - Complex and changing data privacy laws globally could impact business operations and expose the company to significant financial penalties for non-compliance[98](index=98&type=chunk) [Risks Related to Our Common Stock](index=26&type=section&id=RISKS%20RELATED%20TO%20OUR%20COMMON%20STOCK) Common stock risks include price volatility due to quarterly results and protective provisions that may suspend Class A shareholder voting rights - The stock price has been and may continue to be volatile, influenced by factors like quarterly results, technological developments, and general market conditions[18](index=18&type=chunk)[101](index=101&type=chunk) - Provisions in the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation may suspend the voting rights of Class A shareholders who acquire **10% or more** of Class A stock without a corresponding percentage of Class B stock, potentially increasing the voting power of insiders[99](index=99&type=chunk)[118](index=118&type=chunk) [Unresolved Staff Comments](index=28&type=section&id=Item%201B.%20Unresolved%20Staff%20Comments) The company reports no unresolved staff comments - None[125](index=125&type=chunk) [Cybersecurity](index=28&type=section&id=Item%201C.%20Cybersecurity) The Audit Committee oversees cybersecurity risk management, supported by a dedicated team, with 2023 efforts focused on third-party collaboration, IT security investments, and penetration testing - The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the management of cybersecurity risks and receives quarterly updates[276](index=276&type=chunk) - The company has seen an increased volume of cybersecurity threats in 2023 and expects them to continue, posing risks to systems, networks, and data integrity[123](index=123&type=chunk) - In 2023, the company worked with third-party cybersecurity companies, invested in IT security (including training, layered defenses, and monitoring), and conducted periodic external penetration tests to enhance its security posture[126](index=126&type=chunk) [Properties](index=30&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Properties) As of December 31, 2023, Bel Fuse operated 19 manufacturing facilities across 7 countries, with a significant portion of assets and operations located in Asia, particularly China Principal Manufacturing Facilities (as of Dec 31, 2023) | Location | Approx. Sq. Ft. | Product Group(s) | Owned/Leased | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Dongguan, PRC | 661,000 | Magnetic Solutions | Leased | | Pingguo, PRC | 180,000 | Magnetic Solutions | Leased | | Shenzhen, PRC | 227,000 | Power Solutions & Protection | Leased | | Zhongshan, PRC | 77,000 | All three product groups | Leased | | Zhongshan, PRC | 118,000 | All three product groups | Owned | | Guangxi, PRC | 78,000 | All three product groups | Owned | | Mumbai, India | 243,000 | Magnetic Solutions | Leased | | Dubnica nad Vahom, Slovakia | 56,000 | Power Solutions & Protection | Leased | | Dubnica nad Vahom, Slovakia | 35,000 | Power Solutions & Protection | Owned | | Worksop, UK | 51,000 | Connectivity Solutions | Leased | | Cananea, Mexico | 30,000 | Connectivity Solutions | Leased | | Reynosa, Mexico | 80,000 | Connectivity Solutions | Leased | | Glen Rock, PA | 74,000 | Connectivity Solutions | Owned | - A significant portion of the Company's manufacturing operations and approximately **21.6%** of its identifiable assets are located in Asia[128](index=128&type=chunk) [Legal Proceedings](index=30&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Legal%20Proceedings) Legal proceedings information is incorporated by reference from Note 19, with no expected material adverse effects on the company's financial position - Information on legal proceedings is incorporated by reference to Note 19, "Commitments and Contingencies"[129](index=129&type=chunk) - The company is party to several legal actions, but management does not expect them to have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position or results[413](index=413&type=chunk) [Mine Safety Disclosures](index=30&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Mine%20Safety%20Disclosures) This item is not applicable to the company - Not applicable[148](index=148&type=chunk) Part II [Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](index=31&type=section&id=Item%205.%20Market%20for%20Registrant's%20Common%20Equity%2C%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters%20and%20Issuer%20Purchases%20of%20Equity%20Securities) Bel Fuse's Class A and B common stocks trade on NASDAQ, with quarterly dividends declared and a new $25 million share repurchase program authorized in February 2024 - The Company's Class A (voting) and Class B (non-voting) Common Stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under symbols **BELFA** and **BELFB**, respectively[149](index=149&type=chunk) - In 2023, the company paid total dividends of **$3.5 million**, at a quarterly rate of **$0.06 per Class A share** and **$0.07 per Class B share**, slightly up from **$3.4 million** in 2022[151](index=151&type=chunk) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (Q4 2023) | Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2023 | - | - | | Nov 1 - Nov 30, 2023 | - | - | | Dec 1 - Dec 31, 2023 | 2,000 (Class B) | $52.60 | | **Total** | **2,000 (Class B)** | **$52.60** | - In February 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to **$25 million** of the company's common stock[214](index=214&type=chunk)[277](index=277&type=chunk) [Reserved](index=33&type=section&id=Item%206.%20%5BReserved%5D) This item is reserved [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=33&type=section&id=Item%207.%20Management's%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) This section analyzes 2023 financial performance, noting a 2.2% revenue decrease, improved gross margin, decreased order backlog, ongoing restructuring, and strong liquidity [Overview](index=33&type=section&id=Overview) The company's 2023 results reflect a 2.2% revenue decrease, a 34% drop in order backlog, and ongoing restructuring initiatives expected to yield $6.9 million in annual cost savings - Revenues decreased by **2.2%** in 2023 compared to 2022, with Power Solutions sales growing **8.9%** and Connectivity Solutions sales growing **12.6%**, while Magnetic Solutions sales decreased by **35.6%**[139](index=139&type=chunk) - Order backlog totaled **$373.1 million** at year-end 2023, a **34% decrease** from 2022, primarily due to reduced demand in networking and distribution channels[158](index=158&type=chunk) - Restructuring initiatives, including four facility consolidations, were substantially completed in 2023 and are expected to generate aggregate annual cost savings of **$6.9 million** starting in Q1 2024[270](index=270&type=chunk) - The company ended 2023 with a strong liquidity position, holding **$126.9 million** in cash and U.S. Treasury securities, and had **$115 million** available under its revolving credit facility[160](index=160&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=36&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) In 2023, net sales decreased 2.2% to $639.8 million, while gross profit increased to $215.8 million, improving gross margin to 33.7% due to pricing and product mix Net Sales and Gross Margin by Operating Segment (in thousands) | Segment | Net Sales 2023 | Net Sales 2022 | Gross Margin % 2023 | Gross Margin % 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Power Solutions and Protection | $314,105 | $288,366 | 38.1% | 30.5% | | Connectivity Solutions | $210,572 | $187,085 | 34.2% | 25.9% | | Magnetic Solutions | $115,136 | $178,782 | 22.0% | 27.6% | | **Total** | **$639,813** | **$654,233** | **33.7%** | **28.0%** | Cost of Sales as a Percentage of Net Sales | Component | 2023 | 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Material costs | 40.8% | 45.4% | | Labor costs | 6.6% | 8.3% | | Other expenses | 18.9% | 18.3% | | **Total cost of sales** | **66.3%** | **72.0%** | - R&D expenses increased to **$22.5 million** in 2023 from **$20.2 million** in 2022, due to higher salaries and product development costs[166](index=166&type=chunk) - SG&A expenses increased to **$99.1 million** in 2023 from **$92.3 million** in 2022, driven by higher salaries, legal fees, and travel expenses[167](index=167&type=chunk) - The provision for income taxes was **$9.5 million** in 2023, compared to **$6.4 million** in 2022, with the effective tax rate rising to **11.4%** from **10.8%**[170](index=170&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=40&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) The company maintains strong liquidity with $89.4 million cash, $37.5 million in securities, and $115 million available credit, supported by $108.3 million in operating cash flow - Cash and cash equivalents increased by **$19.1 million** during 2023, driven by **$108.3 million** in net cash from operating activities[173](index=173&type=chunk)[188](index=188&type=chunk) - Inventories decreased by **$33.6 million** from year-end 2022, and inventory turns improved from **2.7 to 3.1 times**[189](index=189&type=chunk) - At December 31, 2023, the company had **$60 million** outstanding under its revolving credit facility and an additional **$115 million** of unused credit available[190](index=190&type=chunk)[215](index=215&type=chunk) - In February 2024, the Board authorized a new share repurchase program for up to **$25 million** of common stock[214](index=214&type=chunk) - At year-end 2023, **46%** of cash and cash equivalents (**$40.9 million**) was held by foreign subsidiaries, and the company repatriated **$47.2 million** during the year[210](index=210&type=chunk) [Critical Accounting Estimates](index=43&type=section&id=Critical%20Accounting%20Estimates) Critical accounting estimates include business combinations, inventory valuation, goodwill impairment, and pension obligations, all requiring significant judgment and showing no goodwill impairment in 2023 - The most critical accounting estimates are identified as business combinations, inventory valuation, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, and pension benefit obligations[196](index=196&type=chunk)[217](index=217&type=chunk) - The annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2023, indicated no impairment, with the fair value of reporting units exceeding carrying values by margins ranging from **71% to 169%**[203](index=203&type=chunk)[578](index=578&type=chunk) - Reserves for excess or obsolete inventory were **$13.7 million** at December 31, 2023, down from **$14.5 million** at the end of 2022[198](index=198&type=chunk) - The pension benefit obligation (SERP) is sensitive to the discount rate; a **25 basis point decrease** would have increased the obligation by **$0.6 million** at year-end 2023[242](index=242&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=46&type=section&id=Item%207A.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) The company is not required to provide information for this item as it qualifies as a smaller reporting company - As a "smaller reporting company," the registrant is not required to provide the information called for by this Item[225](index=225&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](index=46&type=section&id=Item%208.%20Financial%20Statements%20and%20Supplementary%20Data) This section presents consolidated financial statements for 2023 and 2022, along with unqualified audit opinions from Grant Thornton LLP on both financial statements and internal controls [Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](index=48&type=section&id=Report%20of%20Independent%20Registered%20Public%20Accounting%20Firm) Grant Thornton LLP issued unqualified opinions on Bel Fuse Inc.'s 2023 and 2022 consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, with no critical audit matters identified - The auditor, Grant Thornton LLP, issued an unqualified opinion, stating the financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects[228](index=228&type=chunk) - An unqualified opinion was also issued on the company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023[260](index=260&type=chunk) - The auditor determined that there were no critical audit matters to communicate[231](index=231&type=chunk) [Consolidated Financial Statements](index=52&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) The consolidated financial statements show 2023 net sales of $639.8 million, gross profit of $215.8 million, and net earnings of $73.8 million, with total assets at $571.6 million Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Account | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $89,371 | $70,266 | | Inventories | $136,540 | $172,465 | | Total Current Assets | $381,478 | $381,408 | | Total Assets | $571,631 | $560,466 | | Long-term debt | $60,000 | $95,000 | | Total Liabilities | $231,073 | $298,120 | | Total Stockholders' Equity | $340,558 | $262,346 | Consolidated Statement of Operations Highlights (in thousands) | Account | Year Ended Dec 31, 2023 | Year Ended Dec 31, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net sales | $639,813 | $654,233 | | Gross profit | $215,849 | $183,453 | | Income from operations | $87,976 | $65,147 | | Net earnings | $73,831 | $52,689 | | Diluted EPS (Class B) | $5.83 | $4.24 | [Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](index=60&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) The notes detail accounting policies, including revenue recognition, goodwill impairment, debt obligations, derivative instruments, segment information, retirement plans, leases, and legal contingencies - Revenue is disaggregated by geographic region and sales channel; in 2023, North America accounted for **$447.8 million** in sales, Europe for **$98.5 million**, and Asia for **$93.5 million**, with direct-to-customer sales at **$439.3 million** and distribution sales at **$200.5 million**[484](index=484&type=chunk) - The annual goodwill impairment test on October 1, 2023, resulted in no impairment, and the company changed its reporting unit structure effective October 1, 2023, to align with management's current view of the business[562](index=562&type=chunk) - At December 31, 2023, the company had **$60 million** in long-term debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility, which matures in 2026[383](index=383&type=chunk)[386](index=386&type=chunk) - The company uses interest rate swaps to hedge variable interest rate risk on its debt and foreign currency forward contracts to hedge operational cash flow exposures, primarily in Chinese renminbi[390](index=390&type=chunk)[622](index=622&type=chunk) - Total lease liabilities amounted to **$22.6 million** at year-end 2023, with **$20.6 million** for operating leases and **$2.0 million** for finance leases[440](index=440&type=chunk) [Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](index=103&type=section&id=Item%209.%20Changes%20in%20and%20Disagreements%20With%20Accountants%20on%20Accounting%20and%20Financial%20Disclosure) The company reports no changes in or disagreements with its accountants regarding accounting principles or financial disclosure - None reported[417](index=417&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=103&type=section&id=Item%209A.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded that disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2023, with no material changes reported in Q4 2023 - Management concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023[448](index=448&type=chunk) - Management concluded that the company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO 2013 framework[675](index=675&type=chunk) - There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting during Q4 2023 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the controls[419](index=419&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=103&type=section&id=Item%209B.%20Other%20Information) This section incorporates restructuring discussions from Item 7 and confirms no officers or directors adopted or terminated Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements in Q4 2023 - The discussion on restructuring from Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis," is incorporated by reference[701](index=701&type=chunk) - No officers or directors adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the fourth quarter of 2023[677](index=677&type=chunk) [Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections](index=104&type=section&id=Item%209C.%20Disclosure%20Regarding%20Foreign%20Jurisdictions%20that%20Prevent%20Inspections) This item is not applicable to the company - Not applicable[702](index=702&type=chunk) Part III [Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance](index=105&type=section&id=Item%2010.%20Directors%2C%20Executive%20Officers%20and%20Corporate%20Governance) Information on directors, executive officers, and corporate governance is incorporated by reference from the 2024 proxy statement, with a code of ethics available online - Information for this item will be incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders[422](index=422&type=chunk) - The company has adopted a code of ethics for all associates, which is available on its website[679](index=679&type=chunk) [Executive Compensation](index=105&type=section&id=Item%2011.%20Executive%20Compensation) Executive compensation information is incorporated by reference from the company's definitive proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting of shareholders - Information for this item will be incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders[423](index=423&type=chunk) [Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](index=105&type=section&id=Item%2012.%20Security%20Ownership%20of%20Certain%20Beneficial%20Owners%20and%20Management%20and%20Related%20Stockholder%20Matters) Security ownership information is incorporated from the 2024 proxy statement, with 517,000 shares available for future issuance under the 2020 Equity Compensation Plan as of year-end 2023 - Information regarding security ownership of beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference from the 2024 Proxy Statement[454](index=454&type=chunk) Equity Compensation Plan Information (as of Dec 31, 2023) | Plan Category | Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Securities Remaining for Future Issuance | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | - | - | 517,000 | | Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | - | | **Totals** | **-** | **-** | **517,000** | [Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](index=105&type=section&id=Item%2013.%20Certain%20Relationships%20and%20Related%20Transactions%2C%20and%20Director%20Independence) Information on related party transactions and director independence is incorporated by reference from the 2024 proxy statement - Information for this item will be incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders[455](index=455&type=chunk) [Principal Accountant Fees and Services](index=105&type=section&id=Item%2014.%20Principal%20Accountant%20Fees%20and%20Services) Information regarding principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference from the 2024 proxy statement - Information for this item will be incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders[424](index=424&type=chunk) Part IV [Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules](index=107&type=section&id=Item%2015.%20Exhibit%20and%20Financial%20Statement%20Schedules) This section lists financial statements and exhibits filed with the annual report, including corporate documents, credit agreements, and certifications - This section contains the list of financial statements (referenced in Item 8) and exhibits filed with the annual report[425](index=425&type=chunk)[682](index=682&type=chunk) [Form 10-K Summary](index=109&type=section&id=Item%2016.%20Form%2010-K%20Summary) This item is not applicable, and no summary is provided in the report - None[427](index=427&type=chunk)

In the latest trading session, Bel Fuse (BELFB) closed at $55.35, marking no change from the previous day. This change was narrower than the S&P 500's 1.02% loss on the day. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 1.04%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 1.65%.The the stock of maker of electronic products for circuits has fallen by 16.83% in the past month, lagging the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 3.72% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.64%.The investment community will be paying ...