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Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
Kadant Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in November 1991 and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "KAI."
Kadant Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the Company) is a global supplier of technologies and engineered systems that drive Sustainable Industrial Processing. Its products and services play an integral role in enhancing efficiency, optimizing energy utilization, and maximizing productivity in process industries while helping customers advance their sustainability initiatives with products that reduce waste or generate more yield with fewer inputs, particularly fiber, energy, and water. Producing more while consuming less is a core aspect of Sustainable Industrial Processing and a major element of the strategic focus of the Company's three reportable operating segments: Flow Control, Industrial Processing, and Material Handling.

Noncontrolling Interest
One of the Company's foreign subsidiaries that manufactures fluid-handling products is part of a joint venture agreement with an Italian company in which each holds a 50% ownership interest. The agreement provides the Company's subsidiary with the option to purchase the remaining 50% interest in the joint venture.

Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year
The Company has adopted a fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31. References to 2023, 2022, and 2021 are for the Company's fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 (fiscal 2023), December 31, 2022 (fiscal 2022) and January 1, 2022 (fiscal 2021).

Financial Statement Presentation
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform with the current period presentation. Within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company previously included certain non-cash movements between right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities as a decrease in other assets and an increase in other liabilities, respectively. The Company recast the prior periods to exclude this non-cash movement, which did not result in a change to net cash provided by operating activities within the consolidated statement of cash flows in these periods.

Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although the Company makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements or in the application of accounting policies, if business conditions were different, or if the Company were to use different estimates and assumptions, it is possible that materially different amounts could be reported in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that entail significant judgments and estimates, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company believes that the most critical accounting policies upon which its financial position depends, and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments, concern income taxes, revenue recognition, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, and inventories. A discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies is included within this note.

Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606). Most of the Company’s revenue is recognized at a point in time for each performance obligation under the contract when the customer obtains control of the goods or service. Most of the
Company’s parts and consumables products and its capital products with minimal customization are accounted for at a point in time. The Company has made a policy election to not treat the obligation to ship as a separate performance obligation under the contract and, as a result, the associated shipping costs are reflected in the cost of revenue when revenue is recognized.
The remaining portion of the Company's revenue is recognized over time based on an input method that compares the costs incurred to date to the total expected costs required to satisfy the performance obligation. Contracts are accounted for on an over time basis when they include products which have no alternative use and an enforceable right to payment over time. Most of the contracts recognized on an over time basis are for large capital projects. These projects are highly customized for the customer and, as a result, would include a significant cost to rework in the event of cancellation.
The following table presents revenue by revenue recognition method:
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022January 1, 2022
Point in Time$849,507 $807,966 $705,709 
Over Time108,165 96,773 80,870 
$957,672 $904,739 $786,579 

The transaction price includes estimated variable consideration where applicable. Such variable consideration relates to certain performance guarantees and rights to return the product. The Company estimates variable consideration as the most likely amount to which it expects to be entitled based on the terms of the contracts with customers and historical experience, where relevant. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling price.
The Company disaggregates its revenue from contracts with customers by reportable operating segment, product type and geography as this best depicts how its revenue is affected by economic factors.
The following table presents the disaggregation of revenue by product type and geography:
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022January 1, 2022
Revenue by Product Type:   
Parts and Consumables$598,343 $572,988 $511,766 
Capital359,329 331,751 274,813 
$957,672 $904,739 $786,579 
Revenue by Geography (based on customer location):   
North America$538,658 $508,899 $420,382 
Europe245,154 233,790 220,578 
Asia113,511 113,932 103,810 
Rest of World60,349 48,118 41,809 
$957,672 $904,739 $786,579 

See Note 12, Business Segment and Geographical Information, for information on the disaggregation of revenue by reportable operating segment.
The following table presents contract balances from contracts with customers:
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Contract Assets$8,366 $14,898 
Contract Liabilities$79,397 $82,413 

Contract assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet represent unbilled revenue associated with revenue recognized on contracts accounted for on an over time basis, which will be billed in future periods based on the contract terms. Contract liabilities consist of short- and long-term customer deposits, advanced billings, and deferred revenue. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and long-term customer deposits are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Contract liabilities will be recognized as revenue in future periods once the revenue recognition criteria are met. The majority of the contract liabilities relate to advance payments on contracts accounted for at a point in time. These advance payments will be recognized as revenue when the
Company's performance obligations have been satisfied, which typically occurs when the product has shipped and control of the asset has transferred to the customer.
The Company recognized revenue of $65,562,000 in 2023 and $61,804,000 in 2022 that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The majority of the Company's contracts for capital equipment have an original expected duration of one year or less. Certain capital contracts require longer lead times and could take up to 24 months to complete. For contracts with an original expected duration of over one year, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations as of year-end 2023 was $38,458,000. The Company will recognize revenue for these performance obligations as they are satisfied, approximately 88% of which is expected to occur within the next twelve months and the remaining 12% after December 28, 2024.
Customers in China will often settle their accounts receivable with banker's acceptance drafts, in which case cash settlement will be delayed until the drafts mature or are settled prior to maturity. For customers outside of China, final payment for the majority of the Company's products is received in the quarter following the product shipment. Certain of the Company's contracts include a longer period before final payment is due, which is typically within one year of final shipment or transfer of control to the customer.
The Company includes in revenue amounts invoiced for shipping and handling with the corresponding costs reflected in cost of revenue. Provisions for discounts, warranties, returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period in which the related sale was recorded. Sales taxes, value-added taxes, and certain excise taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from revenue.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses
Accounts receivable arise from sales on credit to customers, are recorded at the invoiced amount, and do not bear interest. The Company establishes an allowance for credit losses to reduce accounts receivable to the net amount expected to be collected. The Company exercises judgment in determining its allowance for credit losses, which is based on its historical collection and write-off experience, adjusted for current macroeconomic trends and conditions, credit policies, specific customer collection issues, and accounts receivable aging. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and each customer's current creditworthiness. The Company continuously monitors collections and payments from its customers. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. In some instances, the Company utilizes letters of credit to mitigate its credit exposure.
The changes in the allowance for credit losses are as follows:
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022January 1, 2022
Balance at Beginning of Year$3,595 $2,735 $2,977 
Provision charged to expense531 1,165 
Accounts written off(89)(129)(178)
Currency translation53 (176)(69)
Balance at End of Year$4,090 $3,595 $2,735 

Banker's Acceptance Drafts Included in Accounts Receivable
The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may receive banker's acceptance drafts from customers as payment for their trade accounts receivable. The drafts are non-interest bearing obligations of the issuing bank and generally mature within six months of the origination date. The Company's Chinese subsidiaries may sell the drafts at a discount to a third-party financial institution or transfer the drafts to vendors in settlement of current accounts payable prior to the scheduled maturity date. These drafts, which totaled $10,826,000 at year-end 2023 and $5,729,000 at year-end 2022, are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet until the subsidiary sells the drafts to a bank and receives a discounted amount, transfers the banker's acceptance drafts in settlement of current accounts payable prior to maturity, or obtains cash payment on the scheduled maturity date.

Warranty Obligations
The Company's contracts covering the sale of its products include warranty provisions that provide assurance to its customers that the products will comply with agreed-upon specifications during a defined period of time. The Company
provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time of sale based on the historical occurrence rates and repair costs, as well as knowledge of any specific warranty problems that indicate projected warranty costs may vary from historical patterns. The Company negotiates the terms regarding warranty coverage and length of warranty depending on the products and applications. While the Company engages in extensive product quality programs and processes, the Company's warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, repair costs, service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure, and supplier warranties on parts delivered to the Company. Should these factors or actual results differ from the Company's estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be required.
The Company's liability for warranties is included in other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty obligations are as follows:
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Balance at Beginning of Year$7,283 $7,298 
Provision charged to expense5,255 4,955 
Usage(4,606)(4,587)
Currency translation222 (383)
Balance at End of Year$8,154 $7,283 
Leases
In accordance with ASC 842, Leases (ASC 842), the Company determines whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at inception. Operating lease liabilities are included in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities and the corresponding right-of-use (ROU) assets are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Classification of operating lease liabilities as either current or noncurrent is based on the expected timing of payments due under the Company’s lease obligations.
ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities with original contract terms greater than 12 months are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. Operating leases with an original term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
In determining the present value of future lease payments, the Company utilizes either the rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily determinable or its incremental secured borrowing rate commensurate with the term of the underlying lease. Lease terms may include the effect of options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. The Company recognizes operating lease expense for lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease costs are not included in fixed lease payments and, as a result, are excluded from the measurement of the ROU assets and lease liabilities. The Company expenses all variable lease costs as incurred.
As a lessee, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components of its real estate and equipment leases as a single lease component. For vehicle leases, the Company does not combine lease and non-lease components.
See Note 9, Leases, for additional information about the Company's lease obligations.

Income Taxes
In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740), the Company recognizes deferred income taxes based on the expected future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, calculated using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which these differences are expected to reverse. A tax valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the period in which it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized, the valuation allowance will be adjusted.
It is the Company's policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. At December 30, 2023, the Company believes that it has appropriately accounted for any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established, the statute of limitations expires for a tax jurisdiction year, or the Company is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, its effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected.
In December 2021, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released model rules introducing a new 15% global minimum tax for large multinational enterprises with an annual global revenue exceeding 750,000,000 euros (Pillar Two Rules). Since the release of the Pillar Two Rules, the OECD has issued three tranches of
administrative guidance, as well as guidance on transitional safe harbor relief. Various countries, including the member states of the European Union, have adopted the Pillar Two Rules into their domestic laws, with certain rules coming into effect for fiscal years beginning in 2024. Some countries are in the process of drafting legislation for adoption in future years. While the Pillar Two Rules serve as a framework for implementing the minimum tax, countries may enact domestic laws that vary slightly from the Pillar Two Rules and may also adjust domestic tax incentives to align with the Pillar Two Rules on different timelines. The Company is monitoring developments of the Pillar Two Rules and is evaluating the potential impact they may have on the jurisdictions in which it operates.

Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income attributable to Kadant by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method assuming the effect of all potentially dilutive securities, including stock options (in 2021), restricted stock units (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan shares.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
At year-end 2023 and 2022, cash equivalents included investments in money market funds and highly liquid short-term investments, which had maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
The Company's restricted cash generally serves as collateral for bank guarantees associated with providing assurance to customers that the Company will fulfill certain customer obligations entered into in the normal course of business and for certain banker's acceptance drafts issued to vendors. The majority of these restrictions will expire over the next twelve months.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet that are shown in aggregate in the consolidated statement of cash flows:
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022January 1, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents$103,832 $76,371 $91,186 
Restricted cash2,621 3,354 2,975 
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash$106,453 $79,725 $94,161 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022January 1, 2022
Cash Paid for Interest$8,071 $6,053 $4,441 
Cash Paid for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds$47,519 $36,971 $24,174 
Non-Cash Investing Activities:
Fair value of assets acquired$1,338 $2,785 $190,977 
Cash paid for acquired businesses, net(1,074)(3,597)(152,661)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities assumed$264 $(812)$38,316 
Purchase of property with outstanding loan receivable$— $1,397 $— 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment in accounts payable$4,453 $1,040 $363 
Non-Cash Financing Activities:   
Issuance of Company common stock upon vesting of RSUs$5,163 $5,555 $4,108 
Dividends declared but unpaid$3,395 $3,036 $2,905 

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out; or weighted average basis) or net realizable value and include materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead. The Company regularly reviews its quantities of inventories on hand and compares these amounts to the historical and forecasted usage of and demand for each particular product or
product line. The Company records a charge to cost of revenue for excess and obsolete inventory to reduce the carrying value of inventories to net realizable value.
The components of inventories are as follows:
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Raw Materials $66,738 $71,040 
Work in Process32,147 38,612 
Finished Goods (includes $5,182 and $658 at customer locations)
53,792 54,020 
 $152,677 $163,672 

Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Assets acquired as part of a business combination are initially recorded at fair value. The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property as follows: buildings, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 2 to 10 years; and leasehold improvements, the shorter of the term of the lease or the life of the asset. For construction in progress, no provision for depreciation is made until the assets are available and ready for use.
Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following:
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Land$10,769 $10,729 
Buildings92,631 68,915 
Machinery, Equipment, and Leasehold Improvements161,041 143,642 
Construction in Progress8,909 17,011 
 273,350 240,297 
Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization132,846 121,442 
 $140,504 $118,855 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $14,849,000 in 2023, $14,429,000 in 2022, and $13,433,000 in 2021. See Note 9, Leases, for further details relating to assets under financing leases included in property, plant and equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Intangible Assets, Net
Acquired intangible assets by major asset class are as follows:
(In thousands)GrossAccumulated
Amortization
Currency
Translation
Net
December 30, 2023
Definite-Lived
Customer relationships$218,959 $(108,519)$(5,562)$104,878 
Product technology67,576 (43,786)(2,367)21,423 
Tradenames7,039 (4,262)(388)2,389 
Other20,320 (17,715)(604)2,001 
 313,894 (174,282)(8,921)130,691 
Indefinite-Lived
Tradenames29,059 — (464)28,595 
Acquired Intangible Assets$342,953 $(174,282)$(9,385)$159,286 
(In thousands)GrossAccumulated
Amortization
Currency
Translation
Net
December 31, 2022    
Definite-Lived
Customer relationships$218,782 $(94,653)$(7,045)$117,084 
Product technology67,548 (39,940)(2,754)24,854 
Tradenames7,427 (3,903)(420)3,104 
Other20,314 (17,338)(623)2,353 
 314,071 (155,834)(10,842)147,395 
Indefinite-Lived
Tradenames29,059 — (809)28,250 
Acquired Intangible Assets$343,130 $(155,834)$(11,651)$175,645 
    
Intangible assets are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Subsequent impairment charges are reflected as a reduction in the gross balance, as applicable. Definite-lived intangible assets are stated net of accumulated amortization and currency translation in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets over lives that have been determined based on the anticipated cash flow benefits of the intangible asset.
Intangible assets acquired related to the Company's acquisition in 2023 were $211,000, which primarily consisted of customer relationships (see Note 2, Acquisitions). Definite-lived intangible assets at year-end 2023 have a weighted average amortization period of 13 years. Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets was $18,448,000 in 2023, $20,507,000 in 2022, and $20,869,000 in 2021 and was included in selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. The estimated future amortization expense of definite-lived intangible assets is $17,634,000 in 2024; $15,671,000 in 2025; $15,170,000 in 2026; $14,262,000 in 2027; $13,069,000 in 2028; and $54,885,000 in the aggregate thereafter.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquired business at the date of acquisition. The Company’s acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of the acquired net assets, resulting in goodwill, due to the expectation of synergies from combining the businesses.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows:
(In thousands)Flow ControlIndustrial ProcessingMaterial HandlingTotal
Balance as of January 1, 2022
        Gross balance$123,589 $214,982 $143,825 $482,396 
        Accumulated impairment losses— (85,509)— (85,509)
        Net balance123,589 129,473 143,825 396,887 
2022 Activity
Acquisitions (Note 2) (a)(33)— 1,231 1,198 
Impairment loss— (29)— (29)
Currency translation(5,247)(5,063)(2,291)(12,601)
Total 2022 activity
(5,280)(5,092)(1,060)(11,432)
Balance at December 31, 2022
    
        Gross balance118,309 209,919 142,765 470,993 
        Accumulated impairment losses— (85,538)— (85,538)
        Net balance118,309 124,381 142,765 385,455 
(In thousands)Flow ControlIndustrial ProcessingMaterial HandlingTotal
2023 Activity
Acquisition (Note 2)$— $793 $$797 
Currency translation2,473 2,020 1,339 5,832 
Total 2023 activity
2,473 2,813 1,343 6,629 
Balance at December 30, 2023    
        Gross balance120,782 212,732 144,108 477,622 
        Accumulated impairment losses— (85,538)— (85,538)
        Net balance$120,782 $127,194 $144,108 $392,084 
(a) Includes $1,733,000 for an acquisition completed in 2022 and adjustments to the purchase price allocations for acquisitions completed in 2021, principally related to inventory, machinery and equipment, and deferred taxes.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Beginning in 2023, the Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of the first day of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Prior to 2023, this evaluation was performed as of the end of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Potential impairment indicators include a significant decline in sales, earnings, or cash flows, material adverse changes in the business climate, and a significant decline in the market capitalization due to a sustained decrease in the Company's stock price. The Company is permitted to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the quantitative impairment test is necessary. If the qualitative assessment (Step 0) results in a determination that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not less than its carrying amount, the Company performs a quantitative impairment analysis (Step 1). The Company may bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative assessment.
The Company assesses its definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining lives of such assets or asset groups. If these projected cash flows were to be less than the carrying amounts, an impairment loss would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of the assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. The impairment loss would be measured based upon the difference between the carrying amounts of the assets and their fair values calculated using projected discounted cash flows.

Goodwill
At October 1, 2023 (the first day of the fourth quarter of 2023), the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis (Step 1) for all of its reporting units, which indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and determined that the assets were not impaired. At year-end 2023, no factors were identified that would alter the conclusions of the October 1, 2023 goodwill impairment analysis.
At year-end 2022, the Company performed a qualitative goodwill impairment assessment (Step 0) for each of its reporting units, which indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and determined that the asset was not impaired. The impairment analysis included an assessment of certain qualitative factors including, but not limited to, the results of prior fair value calculations, the movement of the Company's share price and market capitalization, the reporting units' and the Company's overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. The Company considered the qualitative factors and weighed the evidence obtained and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any of the respective reporting unit's assets was less than its carrying amount. Although the Company believes the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions used could have produced a different result.
Goodwill by reporting unit is as follows:
(In thousands)December 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Fluid-Handling$63,180 $62,426 
Doctoring, Cleaning, & Filtration57,602 55,883 
Stock-Preparation21,150 20,311 
Wood Processing106,044 104,070 
Material Handling144,108 142,765 
 $392,084 $385,455 
Intangible Assets
At October 1, 2023, the Company performed a quantitative impairment analysis (Step 1) on its indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined that the assets were not impaired. At year-end 2023, no factors were identified that would alter the conclusions of the October 1, 2023 indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis. At year-end 2022, the Company performed a qualitative impairment analysis (Step 0) on its indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined that the assets were not impaired.
No triggering events or indicators of impairment were identified in 2023 or 2022 related to the Company's definite-lived intangible assets.

Business Combinations
The Company's acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting under ASC 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805), and the results of the acquired businesses have been included in its consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. The Company accounts for all transactions and events in which it obtains control over a business under ASC 805 by establishing the acquisition date and recognizing the fair value of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company’s acquisitions have historically been made at prices above the fair value of identifiable net assets, resulting in goodwill, due to synergies expected to be realized by combining the businesses.
While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the business acquisition date, the estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the purchase price allocation period, which is generally one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. For changes in the valuation of intangible assets between the preliminary and final purchase price allocation, the related amortization is adjusted in the period it occurs. Subsequent to the purchase price allocation period, any adjustment to assets acquired or liabilities assumed is included in operating results in the period in which the adjustment is determined. Acquisition transaction costs are recorded as incurred in SG&A expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income and were $1,442,000 in 2023 (see Note 15, Subsequent Events), $668,000 in 2022, and $3,655,000 in 2021.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
All assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated at fiscal year-end exchange rates, and revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for each quarter in accordance with ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. Resulting translation adjustments are reflected in the "accumulated other comprehensive items" (AOCI) component of stockholders' equity (see Note 14, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Items). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the accompanying consolidated statement of income and are not material in the three years presented.

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards granted to employees and directors based on the grant date estimate of fair value for those awards. The fair value of RSUs is based on the grant date price of the Company's common stock, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends foregone during the requisite service period. For time-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for the entire award based on the grant date fair value, and net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur. For performance-based RSUs, compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of
the award based on the grant date fair value, net of actual forfeitures recorded when they occur, and remeasured each reporting period until the total number of RSUs to be issued is known. Compensation expense related to any modified stock-based awards is based on the fair value for those awards as of the modification date with any remaining incremental compensation expense recognized ratably over the remaining requisite service period.

Derivatives
The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to reduce its exposure to changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. When the Company enters into a derivative contract, the Company makes a determination as to whether the transaction is deemed to be a hedge for accounting purposes. If a contract is deemed a hedge, the Company formally documents the relationship between the derivative instrument and the risk being hedged. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the asset, liability, forecasted transaction, cash flow, or net investment that has been designated as the hedged item, and evaluates whether the derivative instrument is expected to reduce the risks associated with the hedged item. To the extent these criteria are not met, the Company does not use hedge accounting for the derivative. The change in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge is recorded currently in earnings. The Company does not hold or engage in transactions involving derivative instruments for purposes other than risk management.
ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, requires that all derivatives be recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the related gains or losses on these contracts are deferred as a component of AOCI. These deferred gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of income in the period in which the underlying anticipated transaction occurs. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the unrealized gains and losses resulting from the impact of currency exchange rate movements are recognized in earnings in the period in which the exchange rates change and offset the currency gains and losses on the underlying exposures being hedged. The Company performs an evaluation of the effectiveness of the hedge both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, and changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge, are recorded in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Business Combinations - Joint Venture Formations (Topic 805), Recognition and Initiation Measurement. In August 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-05, to address the diversity in practice on the accounting treatment of joint venture formations. Under this ASU, a joint venture is required to apply a new basis of accounting at its formation date by valuing the net assets contributed at fair value for both business and asset transactions. The value of the net assets in total is then allocated to individual assets and liabilities by applying Topic 805 with certain exceptions. This new guidance is effective for joint ventures with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025 and is required to be applied prospectively. Additionally, joint ventures with a formation date prior to January 1, 2025 have an option to elect to apply the guidance retrospectively, provided adequate information is available. The impact of the adoption of this ASU on the Company's consolidated financial statements will be dependent upon joint ventures formed in future periods.
Segment Reporting - Improving Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280). In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant expenses. Under this ASU, a company is required to enhance its segment disclosures to include significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment's profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. This ASU also requires all annual disclosures currently required by Topic 280 to be included in interim periods. This ASU is effective for the Company's fiscal year ending December 28, 2024, and interim periods beginning in fiscal 2025, with early adoption permitted and requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740). In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, to improve income tax disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. This ASU is effective for fiscal 2025, with early adoption permitted and may be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the effects that the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.