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BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform with the current period's presentation.

Revenue Recognition and Cost of Sales

Revenue Recognition

Revenue for each of the Company’s business segments is recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to realize in exchange for those goods. The Company reports amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling as revenue and includes costs incurred for shipping and handling in cost of sales. Amounts received for unshipped merchandise are not recognized as revenue but rather they are recorded as customer deposits and are included in current liabilities. In instances of shipments made on consignment, revenue is recognized when control is transferred to the customer.

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, revenue-generating contracts are assessed to identify distinct performance obligations, allocating transaction prices to those performance obligations, and criteria for satisfaction of a performance obligation. The standard allows for recognition of revenue only when we have satisfied a performance obligation through transferring control of the promised good or service to a customer. Control, in this instance, may mean the ability to prevent other entities from directing the use of, and receiving benefit from, a good or service. The standard indicates that an entity must determine at contract inception whether it will transfer control of a promised good or service over time or satisfy the performance obligation at a point in time through analysis of the following criteria: (i) the entity has a present right to payment, (ii) the customer has legal title, (iii) the customer has physical possession, (iv) the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership and (v) the customer has accepted the asset. The Company assesses collectability based primarily on the customer’s payment history and on the creditworthiness of the customer.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales are primarily comprised of raw materials and supplies consumed in the manufacture of product, as well as manufacturing labor, maintenance labor, depreciation expense, and direct overhead expense necessary to convert purchased materials and supplies into finished product. Cost of sales also includes inbound freight costs, outbound freight costs for shipping products to customers, warehousing costs, quality control and obsolescence expense.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has funds in its cash accounts that are with third party financial institutions, primarily in certificates of deposit and money market funds. The Company's balances of cash and cash equivalents in the U.S. and other countries exceed the insurance limits of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and other relevant insurance limits in other countries.

Accounts Receivable

Credit terms are granted in the normal course of business to the Company’s customers and on-going credit evaluations are performed on the Company’s customers. In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments", which requires that credit losses be reported based on expected losses instead of the incurred loss model. Based on this ASU, customers' credit limits are adjusted based upon their reasonably expected credit worthiness which is determined through review of their payment history, their current credit information, and any foreseeable future events. Collections and payments from customers are continuously monitored and allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Company’s customers to make required payments are maintained. Estimated losses are based on historical experience, any specific customer collection issues identified, and any reasonably expected future adverse events. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances and related bad debt expense may be required.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or net realizable value and have been reduced by an allowance for excess or obsolete inventories. Cost elements include material, labor and manufacturing overhead.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost.

Depreciation of plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:


Buildings			15-25 years
Equipment			2-28 years

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense. Alterations and major overhauls that extend the lives or increase the capacity of plant assets are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resultant gain or loss is included in earnings from operations.

Business Concentrations

Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable and money market investments. Investments are managed within established guidelines to mitigate risks. Accounts receivable subject the Company to credit risk partially due to the concentration of amounts due from customers. The Company extends credit to its customers based upon an evaluation of the customers’ financial condition and credit histories. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total net sales or accounts receivable.

Post-employment Benefits

We provide life insurance, health care benefits, and defined benefit pension plan payments for certain eligible retirees and health care benefits for certain retirees’ eligible survivors. The costs and obligations related to these benefits reflect our assumptions as to health care cost trends and key economic conditions including discount rates, expected rate of return on plan assets, and expected salary increases. The cost of providing plan benefits also depends on demographic assumptions including retirements, mortality, turnover, and plan participation. If actual experience differs from these assumptions, the cost of providing these benefits could increase or decrease.

In accordance with ASC 715, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits,” we are required to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit post retirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in our statement of financial position, and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income.

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in accordance with ASC 805, "Business Combinations". Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a business combination that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are instead assessed for impairment annually and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other". The Company performed its annual test as of October 1. ASC 350 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment if events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”), which addresses changes to the testing for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 of the process. In accordance with this update, a goodwill impairment test will be performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value.

As of October 1, 2023 and 2022, the Company opted to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceeded directly to performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company assessed the fair values of its reporting units by utilizing the income approach, based on a discounted cash flow valuation model as the basis for its conclusions. The Company's estimates of future cash flows included significant management assumptions such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates, estimated terminal values and future economic and market conditions. The Company's assessment concluded that the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts, including goodwill. Accordingly, the goodwill of the reporting units was not considered impaired as of October 1, 2023 and 2022. The Company may resume performing the qualitative assessment in subsequent periods.

The following intangible assets with finite lives are stated at cost and are amortized either on an accelerated basis or on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:


						Amortization Period (in years)
Customer relationships and lists						10 - 20
Trademarks and trade names						2 - 17
Developed technology						5 - 12
Regulatory registration costs						5 - 10
Patents and trade secrets						15 - 17
Other						2 - 18

Intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally based on discounted cash flows. The useful life of an intangible asset is based on our assumptions regarding expected use of the asset; the relationship of the intangible asset to another asset or group of assets; any legal, regulatory or contractual provisions that may limit the useful life of the asset or that enable renewal or extension of the asset’s legal or contractual life without substantial cost; the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors; and the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the asset and their related impact on the asset’s useful life. If events or circumstances indicate that the life of an intangible asset has changed, it could result in higher future amortization charges or recognition of an impairment loss. For the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no triggering events which required intangible asset impairment reviews.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the fiscal year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, in full or in part, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, our forecast of future market growth, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The assumptions utilized in determining future taxable income require judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses.

We recognize uncertain income tax positions taken on income tax returns at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a fifty percent likelihood of being sustained.

Our policy for recording interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions is to record such items as a component of our income tax provision.

Use of Estimates

Management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions during the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company has a number of financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value, and, accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value as the interest rate is based on market and the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Company’s financial instruments also include cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and are carried at cost which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

In addition, non-current assets includes rabbi trust funds related to the Company's deferred compensation plan. The money market and rabbi trust funds are valued using level one inputs, as defined by ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement."

The Company also had derivative financial instruments, consisting of a cross-currency swap and an interest rate swap, which were included in derivative assets and derivative liabilities, in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 20, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities). The fair values of these derivative instruments were determined based on Level 2 inputs, using significant inputs that were observable either directly or indirectly, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. These derivatives were settled on their maturity date on June 27, 2023 and there were no other derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2023.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefit costs, amortization of customer relationships and lists, trade promotions, advertising, commissions and other marketing costs. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and benefit costs, occupancy and operating costs of corporate offices, depreciation and amortization expense on non-manufacturing assets, information systems costs and other miscellaneous administrative costs.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are associated directly with the Company's efforts to develop, design, and enhance its products, services, technologies, or processes. Such costs are expensed as incurred.

Net Earnings Per Common Share

Basic net earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings per common share is calculated in a manner consistent with basic net earnings per common share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding also includes the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding, unvested restricted stock, and unvested performance shares (using the treasury stock method).

Stock-based Compensation

The Company has stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 3, Stockholders' Equity. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation,” which requires all share-based payments, including grants of stock options, to be recognized in the statement of earnings as an operating expense, based on their fair values. The Company estimates the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using either the Black-Scholes model or the Binomial model, whichever is deemed to be most appropriate. Estimates of and assumptions about forfeiture rates, terms, volatility, interest rates and dividend yields are used to calculate stock-based compensation. A significant change to these estimates could materially affect the Company’s operating results.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally based on discounted cash flows.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to market fluctuations in interest rates as well as variability in foreign exchange rates. In May 2019, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with JP Morgan Chase, N.A. (the "Swap Counterparty") and a cross-currency swap with JP Morgan Chase, N.A. (the "Bank Counterparty"). The Company's primary objective for holding derivative financial instruments was to manage interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

The derivative instruments were with the above single counterparty and were subject to a contractual agreement that provided for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. As such, the derivative instruments were categorized as a master netting arrangement and presented as a net derivative asset or derivative liability on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022. The Company settled its derivative instruments on their maturity date of June 27, 2023 and had no other derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2023.

On a quarterly basis through their maturity, we assessed the effectiveness of the hedging relationships for the interest rate swap and cross-currency swap by reviewing the critical terms indicated in the applicable agreement. The hedging relationships were determined to be highly effective. As such, the net change in fair values of the interest rate swap, that qualified as a cash flow hedge, was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and subsequently reclassified into interest expense as interest payments were made on our debt. For the cross-currency swap, the amounts that have not yet been recognized in earnings remain in the cumulative translation adjustment section of accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged net investment is sold or liquidated in accordance with paragraphs 815-35-35-5A, "Derivatives and Hedging - Net Investment Hedges", and 830-30-40-1 through 40-1A, "Foreign Currency Matters - Derecognition". Refer to Note 20, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, for detailed information about our derivative financial instruments.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." The new guidance is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures by requiring disaggregated information about a reporting entity's effective tax rate reconciliation and information on income taxes paid. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The amendment in this Update should be applied on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2023-09 will have to the financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures." The ASU expands reportable segment disclosure requirements by requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of a segment's profit or loss. The ASU also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of a segment's profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. Additionally, ASU 2023-07 requires all segment profit or loss and assets disclosures to be provided on an annual and interim basis. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The adoption of this guidance will not affect the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the guidance will have on its disclosures.

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, "Business Combinations - Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement." The new guidance applies to the formation of a joint venture and requires a joint venture to initially measure all contributions received upon its formation at fair value. The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice and is applicable to joint venture entities with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025 on a prospective basis. While ASU 2023-05 is not currently applicable to Balchem, the Company will apply this guidance in future reporting periods after the guidance is effective to any future arrangements meeting the definition of a joint venture.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting", and in December 2022 subsequently issued ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848.” These ASU’s provide temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The Standards Updates provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying accounting principles generally accepted in the United States to contract modifications and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate that are expected to be discontinued. The Standards Updates were effective upon issuance and can generally be applied through December 31, 2024. Due to the discontinuation of LIBOR and under the relief provided by Topic 848, during the third quarter of 2022, the Company modified its interest rate swap and replaced LIBOR with 1-month CME Term SOFR. The modification of the agreement did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The interest rate swap matured on June 27, 2023.