Belden Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Belden Inc. reported fiscal fourth quarter and full year results for the period ended December 31, 2023. Revenues for the fourth quarter were $551 million, down 16% y/y. GAAP EPS was $0.91, down 35% y/y. Adjusted EPS was $1.46, down 17% y/y. Full year revenues were $2.512 billion, down 4% y/y. GAAP EPS was $5.66, down 6% y/y. Adjusted EPS was $6.83, up 7% y/y.

Positive

• Revenues for the fourth quarter and full year were down compared to the previous year.
• GAAP and Adjusted EPS showed declines for both the fourth quarter and full year.
• Despite lower volumes, profitability improved with gross profit margins increasing by 270 basis points to 38.5% and EBITDA margins increasing by 40 basis points to 17.4%.
• The company executed $42 million of share repurchases during the fourth quarter, and $50 million through January 2024.
• The company's solid execution led to an increase in EPS of 7% for the full year to $6.83.

Negative

• Revenues declined organically by 18% for the fourth quarter, with Industrial Automation Solutions down 17% and Enterprise Solutions down 19%.
• Net income for the fourth quarter and full year declined compared to the previous year.
• Adjusted EBITDA was down 23% for the fourth quarter compared to the year-ago period.
• The company's guidance for the first quarter of 2024 anticipates challenges from the prior year to continue, with end demand expected to be stable but with revenue down, in line with normal seasonal patterns.

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Belden Inc. (NYSE: BDC) (the “Company”), a leading global supplier of network infrastructure and digitization solutions, today reported fiscal fourth quarter and full year results for the period ended December 31, 2023.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights

• Revenues of $551 million, down 16% y/y and down 18% organically
• GAAP EPS of $0.91, down 35% y/y
• Adjusted EPS of $1.46, down 17% y/y
• Executed $42 million of share repurchases during the quarter, and $50 million through January 2024

Full Year 2023 Highlights

• Revenues of $2.512 billion, down 4% y/y and down 4% organically
• GAAP EPS of $5.66, down 6% y/y
• Adjusted EPS of $6.83, up 7% y/y
• Executed $192 million of share repurchases during the year, and $200 million through January 2024

“Given recent industry-wide demand challenges, our team performed well as we wrapped up another transformational year for Belden,” said Ashish Chand, President and CEO of Belden Inc. “For the fourth quarter, our revenues and EPS both exceeded expectations as our solutions transformation continues to drive incremental demand and margin expansion. Revenues for the year were down 4%, driven by broad customer destocking and other temporary headwinds. Despite lower volumes, our profitability continues to improve with gross profit margins increasing by 270 basis points to 38.5% and EBITDA margins increasing by 40 basis points to 17.4%. Our solid execution led to EPS increasing 7% for the full year to $6.83.”

Fourth Quarter 2023

Revenues for the quarter totaled $551 million, decreasing $108 million, or 16%, compared to $659 million in the year-ago period. Revenue declined organically by 18%, with Industrial Automation Solutions down 17% and Enterprise Solutions down 19%. Net income was $39 million, compared to $61 million in the year-ago period. Net income as a percentage of revenue was 7.0%, compared to 9.3% in the year-ago period. EPS totaled $0.91 for the quarter, compared to $1.40 in the year-ago period.

Adjusted EBITDA was $88 million, decreasing $27 million, down 23%, compared to $115 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 16.0%, down 140 bps, compared to 17.4% in the year-ago period. Adjusted EPS was $1.46, decreasing 17% compared to $1.75 in the year-ago period. Relative to our prior guidance, Adjusted EPS benefited in the fourth quarter by $0.15 from a lower-than-expected tax rate. Adjusted results are non-GAAP measures, and a non-GAAP reconciliation table is provided as an appendix to this release.

Full Year 2023

Revenues for the year totaled $2.512 billion, decreasing $94 million, or 4%, compared to $2.606 billion in the prior year. Revenue declined organically by 4%, with Industrial Automation Solutions down 1% and Enterprise Solutions down 8%. Net income was $243 million, compared to $268 million in the prior year. Net income as a percentage of revenue was 9.7%, compared to 10.3% in the prior year. EPS totaled $5.66, compared to $6.01 in the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA was $438 million, decreasing $6 million, or 1%, compared to $444 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 17.4%, up 40 bps, compared to 17.0% in the prior year. Adjusted EPS was $6.83, increasing 7% compared to $6.41 in the prior year.

Outlook

“I am pleased with our full year 2023 results and execution during ongoing challenges,” said Dr. Chand. “The ever-increasing need for data and automation continues. Our long-term growth opportunities are considerable, and with our continued transformation towards solutions, our portfolio is well-positioned to succeed as the next investment cycle ramps up. I am confident in the ability of the Belden team to continue to transform our business, adjust to changing market conditions, leverage our superior product portfolio, and capitalize on growth opportunities in all market conditions as we continue to generate sustainable, long-term shareholder value.”

Challenges from the prior year are anticipated to continue into the first quarter, including customer destocking and other temporary headwinds. Relative to the fourth quarter, end demand is expected to be stable with revenue down, in line with normal seasonal patterns.

Assuming no significant changes to the current market environment, the table below provides guidance for the first quarter of 2024.

First Quarter 2024:
		Guidance
Revenues (million)		$505 - $520
GAAP EPS		$0.65 - $0.75
Adjusted EPS		$1.00 - $1.10

Earnings Conference Call

Management will host a conference call today at 8:30 am ET to discuss the results. The listen-only audio of the conference call will be broadcast live via the Internet at https://investor.belden.com. The dial-in number for participants is 1-888-254-3590 with confirmation code 9183010. A replay of this conference call will remain accessible in the investor relations section of the Company’s website for a limited time.

Net Income, Earnings per Share (EPS), and Organic Growth

All references to net income and EPS within this earnings release refer to income from continuing operations and income from continuing operations per diluted share attributable to Belden stockholders, respectively. Organic growth is calculated as the change in revenues excluding the impacts from currency exchange rates, copper prices, acquisitions and divestitures.

BELDEN INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
		(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenues		$	551,243			$	659,072			$	2,512,084			$	2,606,485
Cost of sales			(344,878	)			(412,594	)			(1,557,118	)			(1,690,196	)
Gross profit			206,365				246,478				954,966				916,289
Selling, general and administrative expenses			(126,414	)			(129,889	)			(492,702	)			(448,636	)
Research and development expenses			(25,883	)			(28,599	)			(116,427	)			(104,350	)
Amortization of intangibles			(10,113	)			(9,761	)			(40,375	)			(37,860	)
Gain on sale of assets			—				—				12,056				37,891
Operating income			43,955				78,229				317,518				363,334
Interest expense, net			(8,032	)			(7,984	)			(33,625	)			(43,554	)
Loss on debt extinguishment			—				—				—				(6,392	)
Non-operating pension benefit			401				1,709				1,863				4,005
Income from continuing operations before taxes			36,324				71,954				285,756				317,393
Income tax benefit (expense)			2,185				(10,631	)			(43,200	)			(49,645	)
Income from continuing operations			38,509				61,323				242,556				267,748
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax			—				—				—				(3,685	)
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax			—				692				—				(9,241	)
Net income			38,509				62,015				242,556				254,822
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest			42				48				(203	)			159
Net income attributable to Belden stockholders		$	38,467			$	61,967			$	242,759			$	254,663
Weighted average number of common shares and equivalents:
Basic			41,565				42,819				42,237				43,845
Diluted			42,046				43,705				42,859				44,537
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders:
Continuing operations		$	0.93			$	1.43			$	5.75			$	6.10
Discontinued operations			—				—				—				(0.08	)
Disposal of discontinued operations			—				0.02				—				(0.21	)
Net income (loss)		$	0.93			$	1.45			$	5.75			$	5.81
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Belden stockholders:
Continuing operations		$	0.91			$	1.40			$	5.66			$	6.01
Discontinued operations			—				—				—				(0.08	)
Disposal of discontinued operations			—				0.02				—				(0.21	)
Net income (loss)		$	0.91			$	1.42			$	5.66			$	5.72
Common stock dividends declared per share		$	0.05			$	0.05			$	0.20			$	0.20

BELDEN INC. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)
		Enterprise Solutions				Industrial Automation Solutions				Total Segments
	(In thousands, except percentages)
For the three months ended December 31, 2023
Segment Revenues		$	251,054			$	300,189			$	551,243
Segment EBITDA			30,253				57,666				87,919
Segment EBITDA margin			12.1	%			19.2	%			15.9	%
Depreciation expense			6,164				6,737				12,901
Amortization of intangibles			4,914				5,199				10,113
Amortization of software development intangible assets			—				2,457				2,457
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			6,074				7,232				13,306
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures			4,837				298				5,135
For the three months ended December 31, 2022
Segment Revenues		$	303,403			$	355,669			$	659,072
Segment EBITDA			42,699				70,436				113,135
Segment EBITDA margin			14.1	%			19.8	%			17.2	%
Depreciation expense			6,173				6,053				12,226
Amortization of intangibles			4,544				5,217				9,761
Amortization of software development intangible assets			2				1,017				1,019
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			1,595				950				2,545
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures			8,684				596				9,280
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023
Segment Revenues		$	1,122,831			$	1,389,253			$	2,512,084
Segment EBITDA			149,107				287,328				436,435
Segment EBITDA margin			13.3	%			20.7	%			17.4	%
Depreciation expense			24,943				26,436				51,379
Amortization of intangibles			20,085				20,290				40,375
Amortization of software development intangible assets			—				7,692				7,692
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			11,221				13,931				25,152
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures			5,359				818				6,177
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022
Segment Revenues		$	1,198,478			$	1,408,007			$	2,606,485
Segment EBITDA			161,517				277,079				438,596
Segment EBITDA margin			13.5	%			19.7	%			16.8	%
Depreciation expense			23,387				23,282				46,669
Amortization of intangibles			17,595				20,265				37,860
Amortization of software development intangible assets			54				3,821				3,875
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			9,200				7,485				16,685
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures			5,589				2,244				7,833

BELDEN INC. OPERATING SEGMENT RECONCILIATION TO CONSOLIDATED RESULTS (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
		(In thousands)
Total Segment and Consolidated Revenues		$	551,243			$	659,072			$	2,512,084			$	2,606,485
Total Segment EBITDA		$	87,919			$	113,135			$	436,435			$	438,596
Total non-operating pension benefit			401				1,709				1,863				4,005
Non-operating pension settlement loss			—				235				—				1,189
Eliminations			(52	)			(75	)			(198	)			(231	)
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (1)			88,268				115,004				438,100				443,559
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			(13,306	)			(2,545	)			(25,152	)			(16,685	)
Depreciation expense			(12,901	)			(12,226	)			(51,379	)			(46,669	)
Amortization of intangibles			(10,113	)			(9,761	)			(40,375	)			(37,860	)
Interest expense, net			(8,032	)			(7,984	)			(33,625	)			(43,554	)
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures			(5,135	)			(9,280	)			(6,177	)			(7,833	)
Amortization of software development intangible assets			(2,457	)			(1,019	)			(7,692	)			(3,875	)
Non-operating pension settlement loss			—				(235	)			—				(1,189	)
Loss on debt extinguishment			—				—				—				(6,392	)
Gain on sale of assets			—				—				12,056				37,891
Income from continuing operations before taxes		$	36,324			$	71,954			$	285,756			$	317,393
(1) Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. See Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures for additional information.

BELDEN INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
		(Unaudited)
		(In thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	597,044			$	687,676
Receivables, net			413,806				440,102
Inventories, net			366,987				341,563
Other current assets			79,142				66,866
Total current assets			1,456,979				1,536,207
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation			451,069				381,864
Operating lease right-of-use assets			89,686				73,376
Goodwill			907,331				862,253
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization			269,144				246,830
Deferred income taxes			15,739				14,642
Other long-lived assets			50,243				46,503
		$	3,240,191			$	3,161,675
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	343,215			$	350,058
Accrued liabilities			290,289				289,861
Total current liabilities			633,504				639,919
Long-term debt			1,204,211				1,161,176
Postretirement benefits			74,573				67,828
Deferred income taxes			49,472				58,582
Long-term operating lease liabilities			74,941				59,250
Other long-term liabilities			37,188				30,970
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock			503				503
Additional paid-in capital			818,663				825,669
Retained earnings			985,807				751,522
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(41,279	)			(5,871	)
Treasury stock			(597,437	)			(428,812	)
Total Belden stockholders’ equity			1,166,257				1,143,011
Noncontrolling interests			45				939
Total stockholders’ equity			1,166,302				1,143,950
		$	3,240,191			$	3,161,675

BELDEN INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
		(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	242,556			$	254,822
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			99,446				88,738
Share-based compensation			21,024				23,676
Loss on debt extinguishment			—				6,392
Deferred income tax benefit			(12,957	)			(627	)
Gain on sale of assets			(12,056	)			(37,891	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of currency exchange rate changes, acquired businesses and disposals:
Receivables			24,527				(33,605	)
Inventories			(15,331	)			5,558
Accounts payable			(8,175	)			(20,595	)
Accrued liabilities			(16,292	)			(5,416	)
Income taxes			(3,668	)			2,335
Other assets			(9,314	)			2,881
Other liabilities			9,878				(4,972	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			319,638				281,296
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures			(116,731	)			(105,094	)
Cash used for acquisitions and investments, net of cash acquired			(106,712	)			(104,603	)
Proceeds from disposal of businesses, net of cash sold			9,300				334,574
Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets			13,785				43,534
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities			(200,358	)			168,411
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under share repurchase program			(192,135	)			(150,000	)
Withholding tax payments for share-based payment awards			(17,444	)			(7,186	)
Cash dividends paid			(8,498	)			(8,949	)
Payments under financing lease obligations			(423	)			(157	)
Payments under borrowing arrangements			—				(230,639	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			6,568				3,717
Net cash used for financing activities			(211,932	)			(393,214	)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			2,020				(12,574	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(90,632	)			43,919
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			687,676				643,757
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	597,044			$	687,676
The Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement includes the results of discontinued operations up to the disposal date, February 22, 2022.

BELDEN INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(Unaudited)

In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, we provide non-GAAP operating results adjusted for certain items, including: asset impairments; accelerated depreciation expense due to plant consolidation activities; purchase accounting effects related to acquisitions, such as the adjustment of acquired inventory to fair value, and transaction costs; severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs; gains (losses) recognized on the disposal of businesses and assets; amortization of intangible assets; gains (losses) on debt extinguishment; certain gains (losses) from patent settlements; discontinued operations; and other costs. We adjust for the items listed above in all periods presented, unless the impact is clearly immaterial to our financial statements. When we calculate the tax effect of the adjustments, we include all current and deferred income tax expense commensurate with the adjusted measure of pre-tax profitability.

We utilize the adjusted results to review our ongoing operations without the effect of these adjustments and for comparison to budgeted operating results. We believe the adjusted results are useful to investors because they help them compare our results to previous periods and provide important insights into underlying trends in the business and how management oversees our business operations on a day-to-day basis. As an example, we adjust for acquisition-related expenses, such as amortization of intangibles and impacts of fair value adjustments because they generally are not related to the acquired business' core business performance. As an additional example, we exclude the costs of restructuring programs, which can occur from time to time for our current businesses and/or recently acquired businesses. We exclude the costs in calculating adjusted results to allow us and investors to evaluate the performance of the business based upon its expected ongoing operating structure. We believe the adjusted measures, accompanied by the disclosure of the costs of these programs, provides valuable insight.

Adjusted results should be considered only in conjunction with results reported according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
		(In thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)
GAAP and Adjusted Revenues		$	551,243			$	659,072			$	2,512,084			$	2,606,485
GAAP gross profit		$	206,365			$	246,478			$	954,966			$	916,289
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			2,088				1,317				3,488				10,088
Amortization of software development intangible assets			2,457				1,019				7,692				3,875
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures			(270	)			—				252				1,648
Adjusted gross profit		$	210,640			$	248,814			$	966,398			$	931,900
GAAP gross profit margin			37.4	%			37.4	%			38.0	%			35.2	%
Adjusted gross profit margin			38.2	%			37.8	%			38.5	%			35.8	%
GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses		$	(126,414	)		$	(129,889	)			(492,702	)			(448,636	)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			9,637				1,228				20,039				6,597
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures			5,405				9,280				5,925				6,185
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses		$	(111,372	)		$	(119,381	)		$	(466,738	)		$	(435,854	)
GAAP research and development expenses		$	(25,883	)		$	(28,599	)		$	(116,427	)		$	(104,350	)
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			1,581				—				1,625				—
Adjusted research and development expenses		$	(24,302	)		$	(28,599	)		$	(114,802	)		$	(104,350	)
GAAP income from continuing operations		$	38,509			$	61,323			$	242,556			$	267,748
Income tax expense (benefit)			(2,185	)			10,631				43,200				49,645
Interest expense, net			8,032				7,984				33,625				43,554
Loss on debt extinguishment			—				—				—				6,392
Non-operating pension settlement loss			—				235				—				1,189
Total non-operating adjustments			5,847				18,850				76,825				100,780
Amortization of intangible assets			10,113				9,761				40,375				37,860
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs			13,306				2,545				25,152				16,685
Amortization of software development intangible assets			2,457				1,019				7,692				3,875
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures			5,135				9,280				6,177				7,833
Gain on sale of assets			—				—				(12,056	)			(37,891	)
Total operating income adjustments			31,011				22,605				67,340				28,362
Depreciation expense			12,901				12,226				51,379				46,669
Adjusted EBITDA		$	88,268			$	115,004			$	438,100			$	443,559
GAAP income from continuing operations margin			7.0	%			9.3	%			9.7	%			10.3	%
Adjusted EBITDA margin			16.0	%			17.4	%			17.4	%			17.0	%
GAAP income from continuing operations		$	38,509			$	61,323			$	242,556			$	267,748
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest			42				48				(203	)			159
GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders		$	38,467			$	61,275			$	242,759			$	267,589
GAAP income from continuing operations		$	38,509			$	61,323			$	242,556			$	267,748
Plus: Operating income adjustments from above			31,011				22,605				67,340				28,362
Plus: Loss on debt extinguishment			—				—				—				6,392
Plus: Non-operating pension settlement loss			—				235				—				1,189
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest			42				48				(203	)			159
Less: Tax effect of adjustments above			8,108				7,809				17,310				18,169
Adjusted net income from continuing operations attributable to Belden stockholders		$	61,370			$	76,306			$	292,789			$	285,363
GAAP income from continuing operations per diluted share attributable to Belden stockholders (EPS)		$	0.91			$	1.40			$	5.66			$	6.01
Adjusted income from continuing operations per diluted share attributable to Belden stockholders(Adjusted EPS)		$	1.46			$	1.75			$	6.83			$	6.41
GAAP and adjusted diluted weighted average shares			42,046				43,705				42,859				44,537

BELDEN INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(Unaudited)

We define free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as net cash from operating activities adjusted for capital expenditures net of the proceeds from the disposal of tangible assets. We believe free cash flow provides useful information to investors regarding our ability to generate cash from business operations that is available for acquisitions and other investments, service of debt principal, dividends and share repurchases. We use free cash flow, as defined, as one financial measure to monitor and evaluate performance and liquidity. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered only in conjunction with financial measures reported according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our definition of free cash flow may differ from definitions used by other companies.

		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
		(In thousands)
GAAP net cash provided by operating activities		$	159,645			$	202,496			$	319,638			$	281,296
Capital expenditures			(54,861	)			(54,844	)			(116,731	)			(105,094	)
Proceeds from disposal of assets			—				—				13,785				43,534
Non-GAAP free cash flow		$	104,784			$	147,652			$	216,692			$	219,736

BELDEN INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES 2024 Guidance
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2024
GAAP income from continuing operations per diluted share attributable to Belden common stockholders		$0.65 - $0.75
Amortization of intangible assets		0.24
Severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs		0.10
Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures		0.01
Adjusted income from continuing operations per diluted share attributable to Belden common stockholders		$1.00 - $1.10

Our guidance is based upon information currently available regarding events and conditions that will impact our future operating results. In particular, our results are subject to the factors listed under "Forward-Looking Statements" in this release. In addition, our actual results are likely to be impacted by other additional events for which information is not available, such as asset impairments, adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures, severance, restructuring, and acquisition integration costs, gains (losses) recognized on the disposal of assets, gains (losses) on debt extinguishment, discontinued operations, and other gains (losses) related to events or conditions that are not yet known.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains, and any statements made by us concerning the subject matter of this release may contain, forward-looking statements, including our outlook for the first quarter of 2024 and beyond. Forward-looking statements also include any statements regarding future financial performance (including revenues, growth, expenses, earnings, margins, cash flows, dividends, capital expenditures and financial condition), plans and objectives, and related assumptions. In some cases these statements are identifiable through the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “guide,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by any forward-looking statements for a number of reasons, including, without limitation: the impact of a challenging global economy, including the impact of inflation, or a downturn in served markets; the competitiveness of the global markets in which we operate; the inability of the Company to develop and introduce new products; competitive responses to our products; the inability to execute and realize the expected benefits from strategic initiatives (including revenue growth, cost control, and productivity improvement programs); foreign and domestic political, economic and other uncertainties, including changes in currency exchange rates; the impact of disruptions in the global supply chain, including the inability to timely obtain raw materials and components in sufficient quantities on commercially reasonable terms; the inability to achieve our strategic priorities in emerging markets; the impact of changes in global tariffs and trade agreements; volatility in credit and foreign exchange markets; the presence of substitute products in the marketplace; disruptions in the Company’s information systems including due to cyber-attacks; inflation and changes in the price and availability of raw materials leading to higher input and labor costs; the possibility of a resurgence of COVID-19 or the spread of other viruses; difficulty in forecasting revenue due to the unpredictable timing of orders related to customer projects as well as the impacts of channel inventory; changes in tax laws and variability in the Company’s quarterly and annual effective tax rates; the increased prevalence of cloud computing; the inability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions in furtherance of the Company’s strategic plan; the inability to retain key employees; disruption of, or changes in, the Company’s key distribution channels; the presence of activists proposing certain actions by the Company; perceived or actual product failures; the impact of regulatory requirements and other legal compliance issues; inability to satisfy the increasing expectations with respect to environmental, social and governance matters; assertions that the Company violates the intellectual property of others and the ownership of intellectual property by competitors and others that prevents the use of that intellectual property by the Company; risks related to the use of open source software; the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets and the resulting impact on financial performance; disruptions and increased costs attendant to collective bargaining groups and other labor matters; and other factors.

For a more complete discussion of risk factors, please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 24, 2023. Although the content of this release represents our best judgment as of the date of this report based on information currently available and reasonable assumptions, we give no assurances that the expectations will prove to be accurate. Deviations from the expectations may be material. For these reasons, Belden cautions readers to not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Belden disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by law.

About Belden

Belden Inc. delivers the infrastructure that makes the digital journey simpler, smarter and secure. We’re moving beyond connectivity, from what we make to what we make possible through a performance-driven portfolio, forward-thinking expertise and purpose-built solutions. With a legacy of quality and reliability spanning 120-plus years, we have a strong foundation to continue building the future. We are headquartered in St. Louis and have manufacturing capabilities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. For more information, visit us at www.belden.com; follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240208819877/en/

Belden Investor Relations

Aaron Reddington, CFA

(317) 219-9359

Investor.Relations@Belden.com

Source: Belden Inc.

FAQ

What were Belden Inc.'s revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Belden Inc.'s revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 were $551 million, down 16% y/y.

What was Belden Inc.'s GAAP EPS for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Belden Inc.'s GAAP EPS for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $0.91, down 35% y/y.

What was Belden Inc.'s Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Belden Inc.'s Adjusted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $1.46, down 17% y/y.

What were Belden Inc.'s revenues for the full year of 2023?

Belden Inc.'s revenues for the full year of 2023 were $2.512 billion, down 4% y/y.

What was Belden Inc.'s GAAP EPS for the full year of 2023?

Belden Inc.'s GAAP EPS for the full year of 2023 was $5.66, down 6% y/y.

What was Belden Inc.'s Adjusted EPS for the full year of 2023?

Belden Inc.'s Adjusted EPS for the full year of 2023 was $6.83, up 7% y/y.

What was the change in Belden Inc.'s gross profit margin for the full year of 2023 compared to the previous year?

Belden Inc.'s gross profit margins increased by 270 basis points to 38.5% for the full year of 2023 compared to the previous year.

What was the change in Belden Inc.'s EBITDA margin for the full year of 2023 compared to the previous year?

Belden Inc.'s EBITDA margins increased by 40 basis points to 17.4% for the full year of 2023 compared to the previous year.

What share repurchases did Belden Inc. execute during the fourth quarter of 2023?

Belden Inc. executed $42 million of share repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2023, and $50 million through January 2024.

What was the change in Belden Inc.'s EPS for the full year of 2023 compared to the previous year?

Belden Inc.'s solid execution led to an increase in EPS of 7% for the full year of 2023 to $6.83.