Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
 
x

 
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2018
or

o

 
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Transition Period from                  to                  .
Commission file number 001-37427
HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
47-3574483
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
2600 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 555
Troy, Michigan 48084
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(248) 593-8820
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x    No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x    No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Emerging growth company x
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No x
As of November 3, 2018, the number of outstanding shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, was 25,112,239 shares.


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
Index
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


1

Forward-Looking Statements
This report may contain “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “target,” “plan” or other comparable words, or by discussions of strategy that may involve risks and uncertainties.
These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to: the Company’s integration of the Westfalia Group (“Westfalia Group” consists of Westfalia-Automotive Holding GmbH and TeIJs Holding B.V.); leverage; liabilities imposed by the Company’s debt instruments; market demand; competitive factors; supply constraints; material and energy costs; technology factors; litigation; government and regulatory actions including the impact of any tariffs, quotas or surcharges; the Company’s accounting policies; future trends; general economic and currency conditions; various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry; and other risks that are discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The risks described in our Annual Report and elsewhere in this report are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deemed to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations or cash flows.
The cautionary statements set forth above should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue. We caution readers not to place undo reliance on the statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake any obligation to review or confirm analysts’ expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as otherwise required by law.
We disclose important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations implied by our forward-looking statements under Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere in this report. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributed to us or persons acting on our behalf. When we indicate that an event, condition or circumstance could or would have an adverse effect on us, we mean to include effects upon our business, financial and other conditions, results of operations, prospects and ability to service our debt.


2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands)


 
September 30,
2018

December 31,
2017
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 

 

Current assets:
 

 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
27,310


$
29,570

Receivables, net of reserves of approximately $4.5 million and $3.1 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
 
122,250


91,770

Inventories
 
161,110


171,500

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
11,930


10,950

Total current assets
 
322,600

 
303,790

Property and equipment, net
 
105,370


113,020

Goodwill
 
10,410


138,190

Other intangibles, net
 
81,930


90,230

Deferred income taxes
 
6,900

 
4,290

Other assets
 
9,170


11,510

Total assets
 
$
536,380

 
$
661,030

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 

 

Current liabilities:
 

 

Current maturities, long-term debt
 
$
12,530


$
16,710

Accounts payable
 
109,390


138,730

Accrued liabilities
 
57,430


53,070

Total current liabilities
 
179,350

 
208,510

Long-term debt
 
342,260


258,880

Deferred income taxes
 
13,600


14,870

Other long-term liabilities
 
19,000


38,370

Total liabilities
 
554,210

 
520,630

Commitments and contingent liabilities
 
—

 
—

Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par: Authorized 100,000,000 shares;
Issued and outstanding: None
 
—

 
—

Common stock, $0.01 par: Authorized 400,000,000 shares;
25,798,745 shares issued and 25,112,239 outstanding at September 30, 2018, respectively, and 25,625,571 shares issued and 24,939,065 outstanding at December 31, 2017, respectively
 
250

 
250

Paid-in capital
 
160,960

 
159,830

Treasury stock, at cost: 686,506 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017
 
(10,000
)
 
(10,000
)
Accumulated deficit
 
(175,960
)
 
(18,760
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
9,200

 
10,570

Total Horizon Global shareholders' equity
 
(15,550
)
 
141,890

Noncontrolling interest
 
(2,280
)
 
(1,490
)
Total shareholders' equity
 
(17,830
)
 
140,400

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
536,380

 
$
661,030

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited—dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)

 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net sales
 
$
227,840

 
$
240,120

 
$
677,990

 
$
696,990

Cost of sales
 
(184,220
)
 
(181,700
)
 
(548,350
)
 
(525,510
)
Gross profit
 
43,620

 
58,420

 
129,640

 
171,480

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
(40,920
)
 
(45,130
)
 
(145,220
)
 
(134,610
)
Impairment
 
(26,640
)
 
—

 
(125,770
)
 
—

Operating profit (loss)
 
(23,940
)
 
13,290

 
(141,350
)
 
36,870

Other expense, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(7,650
)
 
(5,540
)
 
(19,790
)
 
(16,650
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4,640
)
Other expense, net
 
(1,510
)
 
(1,310
)
 
(9,240
)
 
(2,560
)
Other expense, net
 
(9,160
)
 
(6,850
)
 
(29,030
)
 
(23,850
)
Income (loss) before income tax benefit
 
(33,100
)
 
6,440

 
(170,380
)
 
13,020

Income tax benefit
 
100

 
120

 
12,460

 
3,350

Net income (loss)
 
(33,000
)
 
6,560

 
(157,920
)
 
16,370

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(240
)
 
(330
)
 
(720
)
 
(920
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Horizon Global
 
$
(32,760
)
 
$
6,890

 
$
(157,200
)
 
$
17,290

Net income (loss) per share attributable to Horizon Global:
 
 
 
 
 

 

Basic
 
$
(1.31
)
 
$
0.28

 
$
(6.28
)
 
$
0.70

Diluted
 
$
(1.31
)
 
$
0.27

 
$
(6.28
)
 
$
0.69

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
25,101,847

 
24,948,410

 
25,028,072

 
24,728,643

Diluted
 
25,101,847

 
25,379,252

 
25,028,072

 
25,154,800



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited—dollars in thousands)

 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income (loss)
 
$
(33,000
)
 
$
6,560

 
$
(157,920
)
 
$
16,370

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
 
(680
)
 
2,020

 
(4,400
)
 
15,520

Derivative instruments (Note 9)
 
640

 
(1,080
)
 
2,960

 
170

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(40
)
 
940

 
(1,440
)
 
15,690

Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
(33,040
)
 
7,500

 
(159,360
)
 
32,060

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(240
)
 
(320
)
 
(790
)
 
(900
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Horizon Global
 
$
(32,800
)
 
$
7,820

 
$
(158,570
)
 
$
32,960



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited—dollars in thousands)
 
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(157,920
)
 
$
16,370

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used for operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net loss on dispositions of property and equipment
 
490

 
330

Depreciation
 
12,540

 
10,280

Amortization of intangible assets
 
6,170

 
7,660

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
 
125,770

 
—

Amortization of original issuance discount and debt issuance costs
 
6,050

 
5,090

Deferred income taxes
 
(3,370
)
 
840

Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
—

 
4,640

Non-cash compensation expense
 
1,430

 
2,760

Amortization of purchase accounting inventory step-up
 
—

 
420

Increase in receivables
 
(35,120
)
 
(28,360
)
(Increase) decrease in inventories
 
5,980

 
(7,920
)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets
 
1,410

 
3,490

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
(30,060
)
 
(17,440
)
Other, net
 
590

 
(480
)
Net cash used for operating activities
 
(66,040
)
 
(2,320
)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(10,820
)
 
(20,270
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 
—

 
(19,800
)
Net proceeds from disposition of property and equipment
 
160

 
1,080

Net cash used for investing activities
 
(10,660
)
 
(38,990
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings on credit facilities
 
12,550

 
36,970

Repayments of borrowings on credit facilities
 
(14,390
)
 
(41,630
)
Proceeds from Term B Loan, net of issuance costs
 
45,430

 
—

Repayments of borrowings on Term B Loan, inclusive of transaction costs
 
(6,490
)
 
(187,820
)
Proceeds from ABL Revolving Debt
 
72,430

 
114,500

Repayments of borrowings on ABL Revolving Debt
 
(34,830
)
 
(94,500
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs
 
—

 
79,920

Repurchase of common stock
 
—

 
(10,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of Convertible Notes, net of issuance costs
 
—

 
121,130

Proceeds from issuance of Warrants, net of issuance costs
 
—

 
20,930

Payments on Convertible Note Hedges, inclusive of issuance costs
 
—

 
(29,680
)
Other, net
 
(300
)
 
(240
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
74,400

 
9,580

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
40

 
1,960

Cash and Cash Equivalents:
 
 
 
 
Decrease for the period
 
(2,260
)
 
(29,770
)
At beginning of period
 
29,570

 
50,240

At end of period
 
$
27,310

 
$
20,470

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
13,520

 
$
10,090

Cash paid for taxes
 
$
4,340

 
$
6,110

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
(unaudited—dollars in thousands)

 
 
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total Horizon Global Shareholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interest
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017, as reported
 
$
250

 
$
159,490

 
$
(10,000
)
 
$
(17,860
)
 
$
10,010

 
$
141,890

 
$
(1,490
)
 
$
140,400

Impact of ASU 2018-02
 
—

 
340

 
—

 
(900
)
 
560

 
—

 
—

 
—

Balance at December 31, 2017, as restated
 
250

 
159,830

 
(10,000
)
 
(18,760
)
 
10,570

 
141,890

 
(1,490
)
 
140,400

Net loss
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(57,510
)
 
—

 
(57,510
)
 
(250
)
 
(57,760
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,680

 
4,680

 
10

 
4,690

Shares surrendered upon vesting of employees' share based payment awards to cover tax obligations
 
—

 
(200
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(200
)
 
—

 
(200
)
Non-cash compensation expense
 
—

 
720

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
720

 
—

 
720

Balance at March 31, 2018
 
250

 
160,350

 
(10,000
)
 
(76,270
)
 
15,250

 
89,580

 
(1,730
)
 
87,850

Net loss
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(66,930
)
 
—

 
(66,930
)
 
(230
)
 
(67,160
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(6,010
)
 
(6,010
)
 
(80
)
 
(6,090
)
Shares surrendered upon vesting of employees' share based payment awards to cover tax obligations
 
—

 
(10
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10
)
 
—

 
(10
)
Non-cash compensation expense
 
—

 
490

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
490

 
—

 
490

Balance at June 30, 2018
 
250

 
160,830

 
(10,000
)
 
(143,200
)
 
9,240

 
17,120

 
(2,040
)
 
15,080

Net loss
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(32,760
)
 
—

 
(32,760
)
 
(240
)
 
(33,000
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(40
)
 
(40
)
 

 
(40
)
Shares surrendered upon vesting of employees' share based payment awards to cover tax obligations
 
—

 
(90
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(90
)
 
—

 
(90
)
Non-cash compensation expense
 
—

 
220

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
220

 
—

 
220

Balance at September 30, 2018
 
$
250

 
$
160,960

 
$
(10,000
)
 
$
(175,960
)
 
$
9,200

 
$
(15,550
)
 
$
(2,280
)
 
$
(17,830
)


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


7

HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)


1. Basis of Presentation
Horizon Global Corporation (“Horizon,” “Horizon Global,” or the “Company”) is a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of a wide variety of high quality, custom-engineered towing, trailering, cargo management and other related accessories. These products are designed to support original equipment manufacturers and original equipment suppliers (collectively, “OEs”), aftermarket and retail customers within the agricultural, automotive, construction, horse/livestock, industrial, marine, military, recreational, trailer and utility markets. The Company groups its operating segments into reportable segments by the region in which sales and manufacturing efforts are focused. The Company’s reportable segments are Horizon Americas, Horizon Europe-Africa, and Horizon Asia-Pacific. See Note 10, “Segment Information,” for further information on each of the Company’s reportable segments.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. It is management’s opinion that these financial statements contain all adjustments, including adjustments of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and results of operations. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
2. New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-07, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)” (“ASU 2018-07”). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 718 to include all share-based payment arrangements related to the acquisition of goods and services from both nonemployees and employees. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company is in process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-07 on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”). ASU 2018-02 allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”). ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. It must be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from the 2017 Tax Act is recognized. The Company adopted the standard in the third quarter of 2018 and the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-02 is approximately a $0.9 million increase to accumulated deficit, a $0.3 million decrease to paid-in capital, and a $0.6 million decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities” (“ASU 2017-12”). ASU 2017-12 eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires, for qualifying hedges, the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, eases documentation and assessment requirements and modifies certain disclosure requirements. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2017-12 on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting” (“ASU 2017-09”). ASU 2017-09 amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements and provides guidance on when an entity would be required to apply modification accounting. This guidance is effective for all entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted and should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 on January, 1, 2018, on a prospective basis, and there was no impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a

8


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Business” (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 provides clarification on the definition of a business and adds guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, and should be applied on a prospective basis. As of January 1, 2018, ASU 2017-01 became effective for the Company for any new acquisitions (or disposals), and there was no impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory” (“ASU 2016-16”). ASU 2016-16 provides an amendment to the accounting guidance related to the recognition of income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. Under the new guidance, an entity is required to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Under the current guidance, the income tax effects are deferred until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 on January 1, 2018, on a modified retrospective basis, and there was no impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 was issued to reduce differences in practice with respect to how specific transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted and should be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018, and there was no impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”), which supersedes the leases requirements in “Leases (Topic 840).” The objective of this update is to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. The FASB has subsequently issued an additional ASU that provides entities with an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new leases standard. Under this new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The amendments also provide lessors with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component and, instead, to account for those components as a single component if the non-lease components otherwise would be accounted for under the revenue guidance (Topic 606) and certain criteria are met. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company expects the impact to the condensed consolidated balance sheet to be significant. The Company plans to elect the practical expedients upon transition that will retain the lease classification and initial direct costs for any leases that exist prior to adoption of the standard. Horizon will not reassess whether any contracts entered into prior to adoption are leases. The Company has formed a cross-functional implementation team and is in the process of cataloging its existing lease contracts and evaluating changes to its systems to implement the new guidance.
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09” or “Topic 606”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes most of the existing guidance on revenue recognition in ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition” (“Topic 605”), and establishes a broad principle that would require an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company did not record a cumulative adjustment related to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, and the effects of adoption were not significant. See Note 3, “Revenues,” for further information.

9


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

3. Revenues
Revenue Recognition
The following tables present the Company’s net sales disaggregated by major sales channel for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
Horizon
Asia-Pacific
 
Total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automotive OEM
 
$
20,320

 
$
40,650

 
$
5,740

 
$
66,710

Automotive OES
 
1,700

 
12,600

 
15,190

 
29,490

Aftermarket
 
38,470

 
19,980

 
6,170

 
64,620

Retail
 
29,600

 
—

 
2,860

 
32,460

Industrial
 
11,160

 
—

 
3,850

 
15,010

E-commerce
 
13,750

 
1,290

 
—

 
15,040

Other
 
510

 
4,000

 
—

 
4,510

Total
 
$
115,510

 
$
78,520

 
$
33,810

 
$
227,840

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
Horizon
Asia-Pacific
 
Total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automotive OEM
 
$
60,320

 
$
134,930

 
$
18,250

 
$
213,500

Automotive OES
 
4,230

 
39,980

 
45,170

 
89,380

Aftermarket
 
96,700

 
65,180

 
19,210

 
181,090

Retail
 
96,330

 
—

 
8,050

 
104,380

Industrial
 
31,680

 
—

 
11,080

 
42,760

E-commerce
 
29,340

 
3,880

 
—

 
33,220

Other
 
1,210

 
12,450

 
—

 
13,660

Total
 
$
319,810

 
$
256,420

 
$
101,760

 
$
677,990

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with the Company’s customers are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of its towing, trailering, cargo management and other related accessory products. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring its products. Sales, value add, and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. The Company’s payment terms vary by the type and location of its customers and the products offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant.
For the majority of the Company’s sales arrangements, the Company deems control to transfer at a single point in time and recognizes revenue when it ships products from its manufacturing facilities to its customers. Once a product has shipped, the customer is able to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from, the asset. The Company considers control to transfer upon shipment because the Company has a present right to payment at that time, the customer has legal title to the asset, and the customer has significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset.
For certain sales arrangements within the automotive OEM and automotive OES sales channels, the Company deems control to transfer over time, and recognizes revenue as products are manufactured, when the terms of the arrangement include both a right

10


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

to payment and contractual restrictions against the alternative use of its products. For revenue recognized over time, the Company estimates the amount of revenue earned at a given point during the production cycle based on certain costs factors such as raw materials and labor, incurred to date, plus a reasonable profit. The Company believes this method, which is the cost-to-cost input method, best estimates the revenue recognizable for these arrangement. At September 30, 2018, the aggregate amount of the transaction prices allocated to remaining performance obligations was not material, and the Company will recognize this revenue as the manufacturing of the products is completed, which is expected to occur over the next 12 months.
Provisions for customer volume rebates, product returns, discounts and allowances are variable consideration and are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the same period the related sales are recorded. Such provisions are calculated using historical averages adjusted for any expected changes due to current business conditions. Consideration given to customers for cooperative advertising is recognized as a reduction of revenue as there is no distinct good or service received in return for the advertising. The Company uses the most likely amount method to estimate variable consideration. Adjustments to estimates of variable consideration for previously recognized revenue were insignificant during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections and payments results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (contract assets), and deferred revenues (contract liabilities).
Revenue recognized over time gives rise to contract assets, which represent revenue recognized but unbilled. The Company’s sales arrangements satisfied over time create contract assets when revenue is recognized as the products are manufactured, as payment is not contractually required until the products have shipped. Contract assets in these arrangements are reclassified to accounts receivable upon shipment. At September 30, 2018, total opening and closing balances of contract assets were not material.
Contract liabilities are comprised of customer payments received or due in advance of the Company’s performance. At September 30, 2018, total opening and closing balances of deferred revenue were not material. The Company recognizes deferred revenue as net sales after the Company has transferred control of the products to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria is met. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the total amount of revenue recognized from revenue deferred in prior periods was not material.
Additionally, the Company monitors the aging of uncollected billings and adjusts its accounts receivable allowance on a quarterly basis, as necessary, based upon its evaluation of the probability of collection. The adjustments made by the Company due to the write-off of uncollectible amounts have been immaterial for all periods presented. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s accounts receivable, net of reserves were $122.3 million and $91.8 million, respectively.
Practical Expedients
The Company elects the practical expedient to expense costs incurred to obtain a contract with a customer when the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs include sales commissions as the Company has determined annual compensation is commensurate with annual sales activities.
The Company elects the practical expedient that does not require the Company to adjust consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when the period between shipment of its products and customer’s payment is one year or less.
4. Facility Closures
Solon, Ohio and Mosinee, Wisconsin

In the first quarter of 2018, the Company announced plans to close its facility in Solon, Ohio along with an engineering center in Mosinee, Wisconsin. The activities at these locations have been consolidated and moved to the headquarters of the Horizon Americas segment, located in Plymouth, Michigan. As of September 30, 2018, the Company vacated the Solon, Ohio and Mosinee, Wisconsin facilities. The Company is party to lease agreements for these facilities for which it has non-cancellable future rental obligations. The Company exited the facilities during the third quarter of 2018, and recorded a liability of approximately $1.5 million within accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018. The lease agreements expire in 2019 and 2022, respectively.

11


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

During the second quarter of 2018, the Company finalized workforce consolidation plans related to the facility closures. There were no severance and other employee-related costs incurred in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and approximately $3.4 million of severance and other employee-related costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
Horizon
Asia-Pacific
 
Total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
$
5,280

 
$
126,160

 
$
6,750

 
$
138,190

Accumulated impairment losses
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net beginning balance
 
5,280

 
126,160

 
6,750

 
138,190

Impairment
 
—

 
(124,660
)
 
—

 
(124,660
)
Foreign currency translation and other
 
(970
)
 
(1,500
)
 
(650
)
 
(3,120
)
Balance at September 30, 2018
 
$
4,310

 
$
—

 
$
6,100

 
$
10,410

During the first quarter of 2018, the Company continued to experience a decline in market capitalization. Additionally, the Europe-Africa reporting unit did not perform in-line with forecasted results driven by a shift in volume to lower margin programs as well as increased commodity costs, which negatively impacted margins. As a result, an indicator of impairment was identified during the first quarter of 2018. The Company performed an interim quantitative assessment as of March 31, 2018, utilizing a combination of the income and market approaches, which were weighted evenly. The results of the quantitative analysis performed indicated the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit by $43.4 million, and accordingly an impairment was recorded. Key assumptions used in the analysis were a discount rate of 13.5%, a terminal growth rate of 2.5% and EBITDA margin.
Due to the impairment indicators noted above, the Company also performed an interim impairment assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets in the first quarter of 2018 in the Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segment. Based on the results of our analyses, there were certain trade names where the estimated fair values approximated the carrying values. Key assumptions used in the analysis were discount rates of 13.5% to 16.0% and royalty rates ranging from 0.5% to 1.0%.
During the second quarter of 2018, the Company continued to experience a decline in market capitalization. Additionally, the Europe-Africa reporting unit did not perform in-line with forecasted results driven by an unfavorable shift in volume to lower margin channels as well as increased commodity costs, which negatively impacted margins. Further, the expected benefits of shifting production to lower cost manufacturing sites have not been realized. As a result, an indicator of impairment was identified during the second quarter of 2018. The Company performed an interim quantitative assessment as of June 30, 2018, utilizing a combination of the income and market approaches. The income approach was weighted 75%, while the market approach was weighted 25%. The results of the quantitative analysis performed indicated the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit by $54.6 million and, accordingly, an impairment was recorded. Key assumptions used in the analysis were a discount rate of 14.0%, a terminal growth rate of 2.5% and EBITDA margin.
Due to the impairment indicators noted above, the Company performed an interim impairment assessment for indefinite-lived intangible assets within the Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segment, for which the gross carrying amounts totaled approximately $12.1 million as of June 30, 2018. Based on the results of the Company’s analyses, it was determined that the carrying values of the Westfalia and Terwa trade names exceeded their fair values by $1.1 million and, accordingly, an impairment was recorded. Key assumptions used in the analysis were discount rates of 15.0% and royalty rates ranging from 0.5% to 1.0%.
During the third quarter of 2018, the Europe-Africa reporting unit continued to underperform in relation to forecasted results driven by increased commodity costs and the failure to realize benefits from previously implemented synergy plans. The Company performed an interim quantitative assessment as of August 31, 2018, utilizing a combination of the income and market approaches. The income approach was weighted 75%, while the market approach was weighted 25%. The results of the quantitative analysis performed indicated the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded fair value and, accordingly, an impairment of $26.6 million was recorded. Key assumptions used in the analysis were a discount rate of 13.5%, a terminal growth rate of 2.5% and EBITDA margin.

12


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Due to impairment indicators noted above, the Company performed an interim impairment assessment for indefinite-lived intangible assets within the Europe-Africa reportable segment as of August 31, 2018, for which the gross carrying amounts totaled approximately $10.9 million as of September 30, 2018. Based on the results of the Company’s analyses, the carrying value of the trademarks approximated fair value. Key assumptions used in the analysis were discount rates of 14.5%, and royalty rates ranging from 0.5% to 1.0%.
The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of the Company’s other intangibles as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized below. The Company amortizes these assets over periods ranging from two to 20 years.
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Intangible Category by Useful Life
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Finite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Customer relationships, 2 – 20 years
 
$
178,240

 
$
(126,170
)
 
$
180,850

 
$
(121,750
)
   Technology and other, 3 – 15 years
 
21,200

 
(15,930
)
 
19,950

 
(15,260
)
   Trademark/Trade names, 1 - 8 years
 
730

 
(230
)
 
730

 
(190
)
Total finite-lived intangible assets
 
200,170

 
(142,330
)
 
201,530

 
(137,200
)
 Trademark/Trade names, indefinite-lived
 
24,090

 
—

 
25,900

 
—

Total other intangible assets
 
$
224,260

 
$
(142,330
)
 
$
227,430

 
$
(137,200
)
Amortization expense related to intangible assets as included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) is summarized as follows:
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Technology and other, included in cost of sales
 
$
430

 
$
210

 
$
990

 
$
570

Customer relationships & Trademark/Trade names, included in selling, general and administrative expenses
 
1,600

 
2,490

 
5,180

 
7,090

Total amortization expense
 
$
2,030

 
$
2,700

 
$
6,170

 
$
7,660

6. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following components:
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Finished goods
 
$
93,160

 
$
105,070

Work in process
 
18,770

 
16,590

Raw materials
 
49,180

 
49,840

Total inventories
 
$
161,110

 
$
171,500


13


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

7. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment consists of the following components:
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Land and land improvements
 
$
460

 
$
480

Buildings
 
23,730

 
23,370

Machinery and equipment
 
163,470

 
162,830

 
 
187,660

 
186,680

Less: Accumulated depreciation
 
82,290

 
73,660

Property and equipment, net
 
$
105,370

 
$
113,020

As discussed in See Note 5, “Goodwill and other intangible assets,” the Company identified indicators of impairment in its Horizon Europe-Africa reporting unit. As a result, the Company performed an impairment test for long-lived assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”, as of August 31, 2018. The test did not result in an impairment of long-lived assets. There were no indicators of impairment identified in the Horizon Americas or Horizon Asia-Pacific reporting units.
Depreciation expense included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Depreciation expense, included in cost of sales
 
$
3,960

 
$
3,440

 
$
11,560

 
$
9,330

Depreciation expense, included in selling, general and administrative expense
 
340

 
330

 
980

 
950

Total depreciation expense
 
$
4,300

 
$
3,770

 
$
12,540

 
$
10,280

8. Long-term Debt
The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
ABL Facility
 
$
47,600

 
$
10,000

Term B Loan
 
193,130

 
149,620

Convertible Notes
 
125,000

 
125,000

Bank facilities, capital leases and other long-term debt
 
22,790

 
25,780

 
 
388,520

 
310,400

Less:
 
 
 
 
Unamortized debt issuance costs and original issuance discount on Term B Loan
 
8,110

 
4,940

Unamortized debt issuance costs and discount on the Convertible Notes
 
25,620

 
29,870

Current maturities, long-term debt
 
12,530

 
16,710

Long-term debt
 
$
342,260

 
$
258,880


14


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Convertible Notes
On February 1, 2017, the Company completed a public offering of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes (the “Convertible Notes”) in an aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million. Interest is payable on January 1 and July 1 of each year, beginning on July 1, 2017. The Convertible Notes are convertible into 5,005,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, based on an initial conversion price of $24.98 per share. The Convertible Notes will mature on July 1, 2022 unless earlier converted.
The Convertible Notes are convertible at the option of the holder (i) during any calendar quarter beginning after March 31, 2017, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (ii) during the five business days after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes for each trading day of such period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events; and (iv) on or after January 1, 2022 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. During the third quarter of 2018, no conditions allowing holders of the Convertible Notes to convert have been met. Therefore, the Convertible Notes were not convertible during the third quarter of 2018 and are classified as long-term debt. Should conditions allowing holders of the Convertible Notes to convert be met in a future quarter, the Convertible Notes will be convertible at their holders’ option during the immediately following quarter. As of September 30, 2018, the if-converted value of the Convertible Notes did not exceed the principal value of those Convertible Notes.
Upon conversion by the holders, the Company may elect to settle such conversion in shares of its common stock, cash, or a combination thereof. Because the Company may elect to settle conversion in cash, the Company separated the Convertible Notes into their liability and equity components by allocating the issuance proceeds to each of those components in accordance with ASC 470-20, “Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options.” The Company first determined the fair value of the liability component by estimating the value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The Company then deducted that amount from the issuance proceeds to arrive at a residual amount, which represents the equity component. The Company accounted for the equity component as a debt discount (with an offset to paid-in capital in excess of par value). The debt discount created by the equity component is being amortized as additional non-cash interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the Convertible Notes ending on July 1, 2022.
The Company allocated offering costs of $3.9 million to the debt and equity components in proportion to the allocation of proceeds to the components, treating them as debt issuance costs and equity issuance costs, respectively. The debt issuance costs of $2.9 million are being amortized as additional non-cash interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the Convertible Notes. The Company presents debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the liability component. The carrying value of the liability component at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $99.4 million and $95.1 million, respectively, including total unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs of $25.6 million and $29.9 million, respectively. The $1.0 million portion of offering costs allocated to equity issuance costs was charged to paid-in capital. The carrying amount of the equity component was $20.0 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, net of issuance costs and taxes.
Interest expense recognized relating to the contractual interest coupon, amortization of debt discount and amortization of debt issuance costs on the Convertible Notes included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) are as follows:
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Contractual interest coupon on convertible debt
 
$
880

 
$
880

 
$
2,610

 
$
2,310

Amortization of debt issuance costs
 
$
130

 
$
130

 
$
400

 
$
350

Amortization of "equity discount" related to debt
 
$
1,290

 
$
1,190

 
$
3,860

 
$
3,180

The estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes based on a market approach as of September 30, 2018 was approximately $94.1

15


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

million, which represents a Level 2 valuation. The estimated fair value was determined based on the estimated or actual bids and offers of the Convertible Notes in an over-the-counter market on the last business day of the period.
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the “Convertible Note Hedges”) in privately negotiated transactions with certain of the underwriters or their affiliates (in this capacity, the “option counterparties”). The Convertible Note Hedges provide the Company with the option to acquire, on a net settlement basis, 5,005,000 shares of its common stock, which is equal to the number of shares of common stock that notionally underlie the Convertible Notes, at a strike price of $24.98, which corresponds to the conversion price of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Note Hedges have an expiration date that is the same as the maturity date of the Convertible Notes, subject to earlier exercise. The Convertible Note Hedges have customary anti-dilution provisions similar to the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Note Hedges have a default settlement method of net-share settlement but may be settled in cash or shares, depending on the Company’s method of settlement for conversion of the corresponding Convertible Notes. If the Company exercises the Convertible Note Hedges, the shares of common stock it will receive from the option counterparties to the Convertible Note Hedges will cover the shares of common stock that it would be required to deliver to the holders of the converted Convertible Notes in excess of the principal amount thereof. The aggregate cost of the Convertible Note Hedges was $29.0 million (or $7.5 million net of the total proceeds from the Warrants sold, as discussed below), before the allocation of issuance costs of approximately $0.7 million. The Convertible Note Hedges are accounted for as equity transactions in accordance with ASC 815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s own Equity.”
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company also sold net-share-settled warrants (the “Warrants”) in privately negotiated transactions with the option counterparties for the purchase of up to 5,005,000 shares of its common stock at a strike price of $29.60 per share, for total proceeds of $21.5 million, before the allocation of $0.6 million of issuance costs. The Company also recorded the Warrants within shareholders’ equity in accordance with ASC 815-40. The Warrants have customary anti-dilution provisions similar to the Convertible Notes. As a result of the issuance of the Warrants, the Company will experience dilution to its diluted earnings per share if its average closing stock price exceeds $29.60 for any fiscal quarter. The Warrants expire on various dates from October 2022 through February 2023 and must be net-settled in shares of the Company’s common stock. Therefore, upon exercise of the Warrants, the Company will issue shares of its common stock to the purchasers of the Warrants that represent the value by which the price of the common stock exceeds the strike price stipulated within the particular warrant agreement.
ABL Facility
On December 22, 2015, the Company entered into that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement among the Company, Horizon Global Americas Inc. (f/k/a Cequent Performance Products, Inc., successor by merger to Cequent Consumer Products, Inc.) (“HGA”), Cequent UK Limited, Cequent Towing Products of Canada Ltd., certain other subsidiaries of the Company party thereto as guarantors, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as agent for the lenders (the “ABL Loan Agreement”), under which the lenders party thereto agreed to provide the Company and certain of its subsidiaries with a committed asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) providing for revolving loans up to an aggregate principal amount of $99.0 million.
The ABL Loan Agreement establishes (i) a U.S. sub-facility, in an aggregate principal amount of up to $94.0 million (subject to availability under a U.S.-specific borrowing base) (the “U.S. Facility”), (ii) a Canadian sub-facility, in an aggregate principal amount of up to $2.0 million (subject to availability under a Canadian-specific borrowing base) (the “Canadian Facility”), and (iii) a U.K. sub-facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $3.0 million (subject to availability under a U.K.-specific borrowing base) (the “U.K. Facility”). The ABL Facility also includes a $20.0 million U.S. letter of credit sub-facility, which matures on June 30, 2020.
Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest, at the Company’s election, at either (i) with respect to the U.S. Facility and the U.K. Facility, (a) the Base Rate (as defined per the ABL Loan Agreement, the “Base Rate”) plus the Applicable Margin (as defined per the ABL Loan Agreement “Applicable Margin”), or (b) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus the Applicable Margin, and (ii) with respect to the Canadian Facility, (a) the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, or (b) the Canadian Prime Rate (as defined per the ABL Loan Agreement).
The Company incurs fees with respect to the ABL Facility, including (i) an unused line fee of 0.25% times the amount by which the revolver commitments exceed the average daily revolver usage during any month, (ii) facility fees equal to the applicable margin in effect for (a) LIBOR Revolving Loans (as defined per the ABL Loan Agreement), with respect to the U.S. Facility and the U.K. Facility or (b) Canadian BA Rate Loans (as defined per the ABL Loan Agreement), with respect to the Canadian Facility,

16


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

times the average daily stated amount of letters of credit, (iii) a fronting fee equal to 0.125% per annum on the stated amount of each letter of credit, and (iv) customary administrative fees.
All of the indebtedness of the U.S. Facility is and will be guaranteed by the Company’s existing and future material domestic subsidiaries and is and will be secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and such guarantors. In connection with the ABL Loan Agreement, HGA and certain other subsidiaries of the Company party to the ABL Loan Agreement entered into a foreign facility guarantee and collateral agreement (the “Foreign Collateral Agreement”) in order to secure and guarantee the obligation under the Canadian Facility and the U.K. Facility. Under the Foreign Collateral Agreement, HGA and the other subsidiaries of the Company party thereto granted a lien on certain of their assets to Bank of America, N.A., as the agent for the lenders and other secured parties under the Canadian Facility and U.K. Facility.
The ABL Loan Agreement contains customary negative covenants, and does not include any financial maintenance covenants other than a springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 on a trailing twelve-month basis, which will be tested only upon the occurrence of an event of default or certain other conditions as specified in the agreement. At September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants contained in the ABL Facility.
Debt issuance costs of approximately $2.5 million were incurred in connection with the entry into and amendment of the ABL Facility. These debt issuance costs will be amortized into interest expense over the contractual term of the loan. The Company recognized $0.1 million and $0.4 million of amortization of debt issuance costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, which are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). There were $0.9 million and $1.3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
There were $47.6 million and $10.0 million outstanding under the ABL Facility as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.9% and 3.6%, respectively. Total letters of credit issued were approximately $3.4 million and $6.3 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company had $40.4 million and $58.5 million in availability under the ABL Facility as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Term Loan
On June 30, 2015, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement among the Company, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Term Loan Agreement”) under which the Company borrowed an aggregate of $200.0 million (“Original Term B Loan”), which matures on June 30, 2021. On September 19, 2016, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (“Term Loan Amendment”), which amended the Original Term B Loan to provide for incremental commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $152.0 million (“2016 Incremental Term Loans”) that were extended to the Company on October 3, 2016. The Original Term B Loan and 2016 Incremental Term Loans are collectively referred to as “Term B Loan”. On March 31, 2017, the Company entered into the 2017 Replacement Term Loan Agreement Amendment (Third Amendment to Credit Agreement) (the “2017 Replacement Term Loan Amendment”); the Term Loan Agreement, as amended by the Term Loan Amendment, the 2017 Replacement Term Loan Amendment and as otherwise amended prior to July 1, 2018, the “Amended Term Loan Agreement”), which replaced the Term B Loan to provide for a new term loan commitment (the “2017 Replacement Term Loan”). The proceeds from the 2017 Replacement Term Loan were used to repay in full the outstanding principal amount of the Term B Loan. As a result of the 2017 Replacement Term Loan Amendment, the interest rate was reduced by 1.5% per annum.
The Amended Term Loan Agreement permits the Company to request incremental term loan facilities, subject to certain conditions, in an aggregate principal amount, together with the aggregate principal amount of incremental equivalent debt incurred by the Company, of up to $75.0 million, plus an additional amount such that the Company’s pro forma first lien net leverage ratio (as defined in the term loan agreement) would not exceed 3.50 to 1.00 as a result of the incurrence thereof.
Borrowings under the 2017 Replacement Term Loan bore interest, at the Company’s election, at either (i) the Base Rate plus 3.5% per annum, or (ii) LIBOR, with a 1% floor, plus 4.5% per annum. Principal payments required under the Term B Loan were $1.9 million due each calendar quarter beginning June 2017.
During the first quarter of 2017, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the Convertible Notes offering as described above, along with proceeds from the Common Stock Offering as described in Note 12, “Earnings per Share”, to prepay a total of $177.0 million of the Term B Loan. In accordance with ASC 470, “Debt - Modifications and Extinguishments”, the prepayment was determined to be an extinguishment of the existing debt. As a result, the pro-rata share of the unamortized debt issuance costs

17


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

and original issuance discount related to the prepayment, aggregating to $4.6 million, was recorded as a loss on the extinguishment of debt in the condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). The remaining unamortized debt issuance costs and original issuance discount, including $2.4 million of additional transactions fees incurred in connection to the 2017 Replacement Term Loan Amendment, was approximately $6.1 million. Both the aggregate debt issuance costs and the original issue discount will be amortized into interest expense over the remaining life of the Term B Loan. The Company recognized approximately $0.6 million and $1.4 million of amortization of debt issuance cost and original issue discount for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, which is included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). The Company had an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $193.1 million and $149.6 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, under the Amended Term Loan Agreement bearing interest at 8.2% and 6.1%, respectively. The Company had $8.1 million and $4.9 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discount, all of which are recorded as a reduction of the debt balance on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The Company’s Term B Loan traded at approximately 97.8% and 101.4% of par value as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The valuation of the Term B Loan was determined based on Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.
On February 16, 2018, the Company entered into an amendment to the 2017 Replacement Term Loan (the “February 2018 Replacement Term Loan Amendment”), which would have replaced the 2017 Replacement Term Loan to provide for a new term loan commitment in an original aggregate principal amount of $385.0 million (the “2018 Replacement Term Loan”). The proceeds from the 2018 Replacement Term Loan were to be used to (i) repay in full the outstanding principal amount of the existing term loans, (ii) to consummate the acquisition of Brink International B.V. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Brink Group”) and pay a portion of the acquisition consideration thereof and the fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith, and (iii) for general corporate purposes. On June 14, 2018, the Company and H2 Equity Partners mutually agreed to terminate the Brink Group acquisition agreement. As part of the termination agreement, the Company agreed to pay a break fee of approximately $5.5 million to H2 Equity Partners and incurred $0.8 million and $5.7 million of transaction fees during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, which are all included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). There were no financing fees incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred $5.1 million of financing costs in connection with the pursuit of the Brink Group acquisition which are included in other expense, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). Due to the termination of the Brink Group acquisition, the February 2018 Replacement Term Loan Amendment was not effective.
On July 31, 2018, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment”; the Amended Term Loan Agreement, as amended by the Fourth Amendment, the “2018 Term Loan Agreement”). The Fourth Amendment provided for additional borrowings of $50.0 million (the “2018 Incremental Term Loan”; the 2017 Replacement Term Loan as increased by the 2018 Incremental Term Loan, the “2018 Term B Loan”) that were used to pay outstanding balances under the ABL Loan Agreement, pay fees and expenses in connection with the amendment and for general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the 2018 Term B Loan bear interest, at the Company’s election, at either (i) the Base Rate plus 5.0% per annum, or (ii) LIBOR, with a 1.0% floor, plus 6.0% per annum. Principal payments required under the 2018 Term B Loan are $2.6 million due each calendar quarter beginning September 2018. Under the 2018 Term Loan Agreement, commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and for each fiscal year thereafter, the Company is required to make prepayments of outstanding amounts under the Term B Loan in an amount up to 75.0% of the Company’s excess cash flow for such fiscal year, as defined in the 2018 Term B Loan, subject to adjustments based on the Company’s leverage ratio and optional prepayments of term loans and certain other indebtedness.
All of the indebtedness under the 2018 Term B Loan is and will be guaranteed by the Company’s existing and future material domestic subsidiaries and is and will be secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and such guarantors. The 2018 Term Loan Agreement contains customary negative covenants, and also contains a financial maintenance covenant which requires the Company to maintain a net leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement, not exceeding 7.00 to 1.00 on the last day of each fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending on June 30, 2018 and ending, and including, the fiscal quarter ending on December 31, 2018; 6.50 to 1.00 on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2019; 5.00 to 1.00 on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2019; 4.75 to 1.00 on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2019; and on the last day of each fiscal quarter thereafter, 4.50 to 1.00. At September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants under the Term B Loan.

18


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Covenant and Liquidity Matters

In 2018, the Company experienced a combination of increased distribution costs and constrained shipments from the Americas distribution network primarily resulting from the transfer of aftermarket shipping volume from Dallas, TX to Kansas City, KS.  Since amending our Term Loan on July 31, 2018, our Europe-Africa segment has continued to underperform.  Additionally, our new leadership team in Europe has performed an initial assessment of our business in that segment, resulting in reduced expectations through the remainder of 2018.  Primarily due to these factors as well as costs associated with remediating these factors, the Company has increased draws on our ABL and experienced a decline in Bank EBITDA.  Based on our results for the quarter-ended September 30, 2018 and our current forecast for the next twelve months, LTM Bank EBITDA will likely underperform management’s expectations at the time we entered into the Fourth Amendment.  In addition, total debt is expected to be higher than our projections at the time we entered into the Fourth Amendment.  As a result, we do not expect to comply with the 7.00 to 1.00 net leverage ratio covenant in our 2018 Term Loan Agreement for the quarter-ending December 31, 2018, which absent an amendment or waiver, would constitute a default when reported.  Such a default, if not cured, would allow the lenders to accelerate the maturity of the debt, making it due and payable at that time.  The Company is in active discussions with the administrative agent for the Term Loan lenders regarding the modification of covenant terms through the periods that will be impacted on an LTM basis by the factors described above and the Company believes it is probable that the Company will obtain an amendment modifying the covenant terms prior to triggering a default.
Bank facilities
On July 3, 2017, the Company’s Australian subsidiaries entered into an agreement (collectively, the “Australian Loans”) to provide for revolving borrowings with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $29.6 million. The Australian Loans include two sub-facilities: (i) Facility A, with a borrowing capacity of $18.7 million that matures on July 3, 2020 and (ii) Facility B, with a borrowing capacity of $10.8 million that matured on July 3, 2018. There were $5.9 million and $6.6 million outstanding under the Australian Loans as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Borrowings under Facility A bear interest at the Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate (“BBSY”) plus a margin determined based on the most recent net leverage ratio (as defined per the Australian credit agreement). The margin is to be determined on the first day of the period as follows: (i) 1.10% per annum if the net leverage ratio is less than 1.50 to 1.00; (ii) 1.20% per annum if the net leverage ratio is less than 2.00 to 1.00 and (iii) 1.30% if the net leverage ratio is less than 2.50 to 1.00. Borrowings under Facility B bear interest at the BBSY plus a margin of 0.9% per annum.
The Australian Loans contain financial covenants, which require the Company’s Australian subsidiaries to maintain: (i) a net leverage ratio not exceeding 2.50 to 1.00 during the period commencing on the date of the agreement and ending on the first anniversary of the date of the agreement; and 2.00 to 1.00 thereafter; (ii) a working capital coverage ratio (as defined per the Australian credit agreement) greater than 1.75 to 1.00 at all times; and (iii) a gearing ratio (defined as the ratio of senior debt to senior debt plus equity) not to exceed 50%. At September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants under the Australian Loans.
9. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
As of September 30, 2018, the Company was party to forward contracts to hedge changes in foreign currency exchange rates with notional amounts of approximately $20.5 million. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risk associated with fluctuations in currency rates impacting cash flows related to certain payments for contract manufacturing in its lower-cost manufacturing facilities. The foreign currency forward contracts hedge currency exposure between the Mexican peso and the U.S. dollar, and the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar and mature at specified monthly settlement dates through June 2019. At inception, the Company designated the foreign currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges. Upon the performance of contract manufacturing or purchase of certain inventories, the Company de-designates the foreign currency forward contract.
On October 4, 2016, the Company entered into a cross currency swap arrangement to hedge changes in foreign currency exchange rates. As of September 30, 2018, the notional amount of the cross currency swap was approximately $110.8 million. The Company uses the cross currency swap to mitigate the risk associated with fluctuations in currency rates impacting cash flows related to a non-U.S. denominated intercompany loan of €110.0 million. The cross currency swap hedges currency exposure between the Euro and the U.S. dollar and matures on January 3, 2019. The Company makes quarterly principal payments of €1.4 million, plus

19


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

interest at a fixed rate of 5.4% per annum, in exchange for $1.5 million, plus interest at a fixed rate of 7.2% per annum. At inception, the Company designated the cross currency swap as a cash flow hedge. Changes in the currency rate result in reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings to offset the re-measurement gain or loss on the non-U.S. denominated intercompany loan.
On August 16, 2017, the Company’s Australian subsidiary entered into a cross currency swap arrangement to hedge changes in foreign currency exchange rates. As of September 30, 2018, the notional amount of the cross currency swap was approximately $3.9 million. The Australian subsidiary uses the cross currency swap to mitigate the risk associated with fluctuations in currency rates related to a non-functional currency intercompany loan of NZ$10.0 million. The floating-to-floating cross currency swap hedges currency exposure between the New Zealand dollar and the Australian dollar and matures on June 30, 2020. The Australian subsidiary makes quarterly principal payments of NZ$0.8 million, plus interest at the 3-month Bank Bill Benchmark Rate ("BKBM") in New Zealand plus a margin of 0.31% per annum, in exchange for A$0.8 million, plus interest at the three-month BBSY in Australia per annum. At inception, the cross currency swap was not designated as a hedging instrument.
Financial Statement Presentation
As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair value carrying amount of the Company’s derivative instruments were recorded as follows:
 
 
 
 
Asset / (Liability) Derivatives
 
 
Balance Sheet Caption
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
1,350

 
$
—

Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Accrued liabilities
 
—

 
(670
)
Cross currency swap
 
Accrued liabilities
 
(2,330
)
 
—

Cross currency swap
 
Other long-term liabilities
 
—

 
(7,830
)
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
(980
)
 
(8,500
)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
260

 
110

Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Accrued liabilities
 
—

 
(90
)
Cross currency swap
 
Other assets
 
40

 
90

Total derivatives de-designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
300

 
110

Total derivatives
 
 
 
$
(680
)
 
$
(8,390
)

20


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

The following tables summarize the gain or loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and the amounts reclassified from AOCI into earnings and the amounts recognized directly into earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
AOCI on Derivatives
(Effective Portion, net of tax)
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified
from AOCI into Earnings
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
As of
September 30, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings
(Effective Portion)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Derivatives instruments
Foreign currency forward contracts
$
1,340

 
$
(660
)
 
Cost of sales
 
$
580

 
$
620

 
$
790

 
$
880

Cross currency swap
$
1,310

 
$
270

 
Other expense, net
 
$
780

 
$
(4,100
)
 
$
4,000

 
$
(13,840
)
Over the next 12 months, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $1.4 million of pre-tax deferred gains, related to the foreign currency forward contracts, from AOCI to cost of sales as contract manufacturing and inventory purchases are settled. Over the next 12 months, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $1.6 million of pre-tax deferred losses, related to the cross currency swap, from AOCI to other expense, net as an offset to the re-measurement gains or losses on the non-U.S. denominated intercompany loan.
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
The gain or loss resulting from the change in fair value on de-designated forward contracts is reported within cost of sales on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). There were $0.1 million of losses on de-designated derivatives for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and there were $0.1 million of losses on de-designated derivatives for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. There were no gains or losses on de-designated derivatives for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $0.1 million of gains on de-designated derivatives for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The gain or loss resulting from the change in fair value on the floating-to-floating cross currency swap is recorded within other expense, net on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). There were no gains or losses and $0.1 million of losses on this cross currency swap for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.
During May 2018, the Company entered into foreign currency option contracts known as zero-cost collars with an aggregate notional amount of €63.4 million to hedge changes in foreign currency related to the cash portion of the purchase price of the pending acquisition of the Brink Group; the acquisition was later terminated as described in Note 8 “Long-term Debt.” During June 2018, these zero-cost collar arrangements matured, resulting in a loss of $1.2 million which is included within other expense, net in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. There was no gain or loss for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

21


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of the Company’s derivatives are estimated using an income approach based on valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single, discounted amount. The Company’s derivatives are recorded at fair value in its condensed consolidated balance sheets and are valued using pricing models that are primarily based on market observable external inputs, including spot and forward currency exchange rates, benchmark interest rates, and discount rates consistent with the instrument’s tenor, and consider the impact of the Company’s own credit risk, if any. Changes in counterparty credit risk are also considered in the valuation of derivative financial instruments. Fair value measurements and the fair value hierarchy level for the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are shown below.
 
 
Frequency
 
Asset / (Liability)
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Recurring
 
$
1,610

 
$
—

 
$
1,610

 
$
—

Cross currency swaps
 
Recurring
 
$
(2,290
)
 
$
—

 
$
(2,290
)
 
$
—

December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
 
Recurring
 
$
(650
)
 
$
—

 
$
(650
)
 
$
—

Cross currency swaps
 
Recurring
 
$
(7,740
)
 
$
—

 
$
(7,740
)
 
$
—

10. Segment Information
The Company groups its operating segments into reportable segments by the region in which sales and manufacturing efforts are focused. Each operating segment has discrete financial information evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in determining resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company reports the results of its business in three reportable segments: Horizon Americas, Horizon Europe‑Africa, and Horizon Asia‑Pacific. Horizon Americas is comprised of the Company’s North American and South American operations. Horizon Europe‑Africa reportable segment is comprised of the European and South African operations, while Horizon Asia‑Pacific is comprised of the Australia, Thailand, and New Zealand operations. See below for further information regarding the types of products and services provided within each reportable segment.
Horizon Americas - A market leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of a wide variety of high-quality, custom engineered towing, trailering and cargo management products and related accessories. These products are designed to support OEMs, OESs, aftermarket and retail customers in the agricultural, automotive, construction, industrial, marine, military, recreational vehicle, trailer and utility end markets. Products include brake controllers, cargo management, heavy-duty towing products, jacks and couplers, protection/securing systems, trailer structural and electrical components, tow bars, vehicle roof racks, vehicle trailer hitches and additional accessories.
Horizon Europe‑Africa - With a product offering similar to Horizon Americas, Horizon Europe‑Africa focuses its sales and manufacturing efforts in Europe and Africa.
Horizon Asia‑Pacific - With a product offering similar to Horizon Americas, Horizon Asia‑Pacific focuses its sales and manufacturing efforts in the Asia-Pacific region of the world.

22


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Segment activity is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
115,510

 
$
115,460

 
$
319,810

 
$
351,400

Horizon Europe-Africa
 
78,520

 
87,950

 
256,420

 
253,070

Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
33,810

 
36,710

 
101,760

 
92,520

Total
 
$
227,840

 
$
240,120

 
$
677,990

 
$
696,990

Operating Profit (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
7,270

 
$
10,930

 
$
4,730

 
$
38,840

Horizon Europe-Africa
 
(31,370
)
 
2,680

 
(132,150
)
 
5,950

Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
5,960

 
5,880

 
15,020

 
13,240

Corporate
 
(5,800
)
 
(6,200
)
 
(28,950
)
 
(21,160
)
Total
 
$
(23,940
)
 
$
13,290

 
$
(141,350
)
 
$
36,870

11. Equity Awards
Description of the Plan
Horizon employees and non-employee directors participate in the Horizon Global Corporation 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended and restated, the “Horizon 2015 Plan”). The Horizon 2015 Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee of the Horizon Board of Directors to grant stock options (including “incentive stock options” as defined in Section 422 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code), restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units, cash incentive awards, and certain other awards based on or related to the Company’s common stock to Horizon employees and non-employee directors. No more than 4.4 million Horizon common shares may be delivered under the Horizon 2015 Plan.
Stock Options

The following table summarizes Horizon stock option activity from December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018:

 
 
Number of
Stock Options
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Average  Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
338,349

 
$
10.38

 

 
 
  Granted
 
—

 
—

 

 
 
  Exercised
 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
  Canceled, forfeited
 
(225,676
)
 
10.37

 
 
 
 
  Expired
 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2018
 
112,673

 
$
10.39

 
6.6
 
$
—

As of September 30, 2018, the unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is immaterial. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company related to stock options was immaterial. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, respectively. There was no aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding options at September 30, 2018. Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income (loss).

23


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Restricted Shares
In the first nine months of 2018, the Company granted an aggregate of 466,763 restricted stock units and performance stock units to certain key employees and non-employee directors. The total grants consisted of: (i) 5,680 time-based restricted stock units that vested on July 1, 2018; (ii) 43,799 time-based restricted stock units that vest ratably on (1) March 1, 2019, (2) March 1, 2020 and (3) March 1, 2021; (iii) 101,204 time-based restricted stock units that vest ratably on (1) March 1, 2019, (2) March 1, 2020, (3) March 1, 2021 and (4) March 1, 2022; (iv) 145,003 market-based performance stock units that vest on March 1, 2021 (the “2018 PSUs”); (v) 43,416 time-based restricted stock units that vest on March 1, 2021; (vi) 17,575 time-based restricted stock units that vest on May 8, 2019; (vii) 84,210 time-based restricted stock units that vest on May 15, 2018; (viii) 11,404 time-based restricted stock units that vest on May 15, 2020; and (ix) 14,472 time-based restricted stock units that vest on August 1, 2020.
During 2017, the Company granted an aggregate of 185,423 restricted stock units and performance stock units to certain key employees and non-employee directors. The total grants consisted of: (i) 22,449 time-based restricted stock units that vest ratably on (1) March 1, 2018, (2) March 1, 2019 and (3) March 1, 2020; (ii) 50,416 time-based restricted stock units that vest ratably on (1) March 1, 2018, (2) March 1, 2019, (3) March 1, 2020 and (4) March 1, 2021; (iii) 72,865 market-based performance stock units that vest on March 1, 2020 (the “2017 PSUs”); (iv) 33,426 time-based restricted stock units that vest on July 1, 2018, and (v) 6,267 time-based restricted stock units that vest on July 1, 2019.
The performance criteria for the market-based performance stock units is based on the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative to the TSR of the common stock of a pre-defined industry peer group. For the 2018 PSUs, TSR is measured over a period beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2020. For the 2017 PSUs, TSR is measured over a period beginning January 1, 2017 and ending December 31, 2019. TSR is calculated as the Company’s average closing stock price for the 20-trading days at the end of the performance period plus Company dividends, divided by the Company’s average closing stock price for the 20-trading days prior to the start of the performance period. Depending on the performance achieved, the amount of shares earned can vary from 0% of the target award to a maximum of 200% of the target award. The Company estimated the grant-date fair value of the awards subject to a market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model, using the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 2.34% and 1.52% for the 2018 PSUs and 2017 PSUs, respectively, and annualized volatility of 37.4% and 38.5% for the 2018 PSUs and 2017 PSUs, respectively. Due to the lack of adequate stock price history of Horizon common stock, the expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the common stock of the peer group. The grant date fair value of the performance stock units were $7.08 and $18.41 for the 2018 PSUs and 2017 PSUs, respectively.
The grant date fair value of restricted shares is expensed over the vesting period. Restricted share fair values are based on the closing trading price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Changes in the number of restricted shares outstanding for the period ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:
 
 
Number of Restricted Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
582,611

 
$
13.51

  Granted
 
466,763

 
7.47

  Vested
 
(210,882
)
 
12.19

  Canceled, forfeited
 
(238,284
)
 
11.41

Outstanding at September 30, 2018
 
600,208

 
$
10.11

As of September 30, 2018, there was $2.4 million in unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted shares that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.
The Company recognized approximately $0.1 million and $1.5 million of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted shares during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and approximately $0.9 million and $2.5 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income (loss).

24


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

12. Earnings per Share
On February 1, 2017, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 4.6 million shares of common stock, which includes the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase 0.6 million shares of common stock, at a public offering price of $18.50 per share (the “Common Stock Offering”). Proceeds from the Common Stock Offering were approximately $79.9 million, net of underwriting discounts, commissions, and offering-related transaction costs.
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using net income (loss) attributable to Horizon Global and the number of weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed using net income (loss) attributable to Horizon Global and the number of weighted average shares outstanding, adjusted to give effect to the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants, vesting of restricted shares outstanding, and conversion of the Convertible Notes. Due to net losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the effect of potentially dilutive securities had an anti-dilutive effect and therefore were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share.
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the numerator and the denominator of basic earnings per share attributable to Horizon Global and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Horizon Global for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Horizon Global
 
$
(32,760
)
 
$
6,890

 
$
(157,200
)
 
$
17,290

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic
 
25,101,847

 
24,948,410

 
25,028,072

 
24,728,643

Dilutive effect of stock-based awards
 
—

 
430,842

 
—

 
426,157

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
 
25,101,847

 
25,379,252

 
25,028,072

 
25,154,800

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Horizon Global
 
$
(1.31
)
 
$
0.28

 
$
(6.28
)
 
$
0.70

Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Horizon Global
 
$
(1.31
)
 
$
0.27

 
$
(6.28
)
 
$
0.69

The effect of certain common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, as inclusion would have resulted in anti-dilution. A summary of these anti-dilutive common stock equivalents is provided in the table below:
 
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Number of options
 
220,726

 
—

 
285,538

 
—

Exercise price of options
 
$9.20 - $11.29

 
—

 
$9.20 - $11.29

 
—

Restricted stock units
 
629,507

 
—

 
685,286

 
57,118

Convertible Notes
 
5,005,000

 
5,005,000

 
5,005,000

 
4,418,333

Warrants
 
5,005,000

 
5,005,000

 
5,005,000

 
4,418,333

For purposes of determining diluted earnings per share, the Company has elected a policy to assume that the principal portion of the Convertible Notes, as described in Note 8, “Long-term Debt,” is settled in cash and the conversion premium is settled in shares. Therefore, the Company has adopted a policy of calculating the diluted earnings per share effect of the Convertible Notes using the treasury stock method. As a result, the dilutive effect of the Convertible Notes is limited to the conversion premium, which is

25


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

reflected in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as if it were a freestanding written call option on the Company’s shares. Using the treasury stock method, the Warrants issued in connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes are considered to be dilutive when they are in the money relative to the Company’s average common stock price during the period. The Convertible Note Hedges purchased in connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes are always considered to be anti-dilutive and therefore do not impact the Company’s calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share.
13. Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock
The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $0.01 per share. There were no preferred shares outstanding at September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.
Common Stock
The Company is authorized to issue 400,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01 per share. At September 30, 2018, there were 25,798,745 shares of common stock issued and 25,112,239 shares of common stock outstanding. At December 31, 2017, there were 25,625,571 shares of common stock issued and 24,939,065 shares of common stock outstanding.
Share Repurchase Program
In April 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 1.5 million shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock during the period beginning on May 5, 2017 and ending May 5, 2020 (the “Share Repurchase Program”). The Share Repurchase Program provides for share purchases in the open market or otherwise, depending on share price, market conditions and other factors, as determined by the Company. In addition, the Company’s ABL Loan Agreement and Term B Loan place certain limitations on the Company’s ability to repurchase its common stock. As of September 30, 2018, cumulative shares purchased totaled 686,506 at an average purchase price per share of $14.55, excluding commissions. The repurchased shares are presented as treasury stock, at cost, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 Derivative Instruments
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
(310
)
 
$
10,880

 
$
10,570

Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period (a)
 
6,850

 
(4,330
)
 
2,520

Less: Net realized losses reclassified to net loss (b)
 
3,890

 
—

 
3,890

Net current-period change
 
2,960

 
(4,330
)
 
(1,370
)
Balance at September 30, 2018
 
$
2,650

 
$
6,550

 
$
9,200

__________________________
(a) Derivative instruments, net of income tax expense of $(1.3) million. See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” for further details.
(b) Derivative instruments, net of income tax benefit of $0.9 million. See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” for further details.

26


HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 Derivative Instruments
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
(930
)
 
$
(7,410
)
 
$
(8,340
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period (a)
 
(7,950
)
 
15,500

 
7,550

Less: Net realized losses reclassified to net loss (b)
 
(8,120
)
 
—

 
(8,120
)
Net current-period change
 
170

 
15,500

 
15,670

Balance at September 30, 2017
 
$
(760
)
 
$
8,090

 
$
7,330

__________________________
(a) Derivative instruments, net of income tax benefit of $5.2 million. See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” for further details.
(b) Derivative instruments, net of income tax benefit of $4.8 million. See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” for further details.
14. Income Taxes
At the end of each interim reporting period, the Company makes an estimate of the annual effective income tax rate. Tax items included in the annual effective income tax rate are pro-rated for the full year and tax items discrete to a specific quarter are included in the effective income tax rate for that quarter. The estimate used in providing for income taxes on a year-to-date basis may change in subsequent interim periods. The Company has experienced overall pre-tax losses. In light of the losses, the Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis. In completing this evaluation, the Company considers all available evidence in order to determine whether, based on the weight of the evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. As of September 30, 2018, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the recorded deferred tax assets will be realized. If the Company continues to experience losses, management may determine a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets is necessary, which would result in significant tax expense in the period recognized, as well as subsequent periods.
The effective income tax rate was 0.3% and 7.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the effective income tax rates were (1.9)% and (25.7)%, respectively. The higher effective income tax rate in 2018 is driven by a decrease in tax benefits related to the release of certain unrecognized tax positions and the impairment of goodwill related to the Horizon Europe-Africa segment which does not result in the recognition of a tax benefit.
Other Matters
The 2017 Tax Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. The Company is applying the guidance in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 when accounting for the enactment-date effects of the 2017 Tax Act.
At September 30, 2018, the Company has not completed its accounting for all of the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act nor has the Company recognized any significant adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017. In all cases, the Company will continue to make and refine its calculations, primarily regarding the Transition Tax, as additional analysis is completed. Horizon’s estimates may also be affected as it gains a more thorough understanding of the tax law. These changes could be material to income tax expense.

27

Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition contains forward-looking statements regarding industry outlook and our expectations regarding the performance of our business. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements,” at the beginning of this report. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements. You should read the following discussion together with the Company’s reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (See Item 1A. Risk Factors).
Overview
We are a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of a wide variety of high-quality, custom-engineered towing, trailering, cargo management and other related accessory products on a global basis, serving the aftermarket, retail and OE channels.
Our business is comprised of three reportable segments: Horizon Americas, Horizon Europe-Africa, and Horizon Asia-Pacific. Horizon Americas has operations in North and South America, and we believe has been a leader in towing and trailering-related products sold through retail, aftermarket, OE, e-commerce and industrial channels. Horizon Europe-Africa and Horizon Asia-Pacific focus their sales and manufacturing efforts outside of North and South America. Horizon Europe-Africa operates primarily in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Romania, and South Africa, while Horizon Asia-Pacific operates primarily in Australia, Thailand, and New Zealand. We believe Horizon Europe-Africa and Horizon Asia-Pacific have been leaders in towing related products sold through the OE and aftermarket channels in their regions.
Our products are used in two primary categories across the world: commercial applications, or “Work”, and recreational activities, or “Play”. Some of the markets in our Work category include agricultural, automotive, construction, fleet, industrial, marine, military, mining and municipalities. Some of the markets in our Play category include equestrian, power sports, recreational vehicle, specialty automotive, truck accessory and other specialty towing applications.
Key Factors and Risks Affecting Our Reported Results.  Our products are sold into a diverse set of end-markets; the primary applications relate to automotive accessories for light and recreational vehicles. Purchases of automotive accessory parts are discretionary and we believe demand is driven by macro-economic factors including (i) employment trends, (ii) consumer sentiment and (iii) fuel prices, among others. We believe all of these metrics impact both our Work- and Play-related sales. In addition, we believe the Play-related sales are more sensitive to changes in these indices, given the Play-related sales tend to be more directly related to disposable income levels. In general, recent decreases in unemployment and fuel prices, coupled with increases in consumer sentiment, are positive trends for our businesses.
Critical factors affecting our ability to succeed include: our ability to realize the expected economic benefits of structural realignment of manufacturing facilities and business units; our ability to quickly and cost-effectively introduce new products; our ability to acquire and integrate companies or products that supplement existing product lines, add new distribution channels and expand our geographic coverage; our ability to manage our cost structure more efficiently via supply base management, internal sourcing and/or purchasing of materials, selective outsourcing and/or purchasing of support functions, working capital management, and leverage of our administrative functions. If we are unable to do any of the foregoing successfully, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted.
We experience some seasonality in our business. Sales of towing and trailering products in the northern hemisphere, where we generate the majority of our sales, are generally stronger in the second and third calendar quarters, as trailer OEs, distributors and retailers acquire product for the spring and summer selling seasons. Our growing businesses in the southern hemisphere are stronger in the first and fourth calendar quarters. We do not consider order backlog to be a material factor in our businesses.
We are sensitive to price movements in our raw materials supply base. Our largest material purchases are for steel, copper, and aluminum. We also consume a significant amount of energy via utilities in our facilities. Historically, when we have experienced increasing costs of steel, we have successfully worked with our suppliers to manage cost pressures and disruptions in supply. Price increases used to offset inflation or a disruption of supply in core materials have generally been successful, although sometimes delayed. Increases in price for these purposes represent a risk in execution.
We report shipping and handling expenses associated with our Horizon Americas reportable segment’s distribution network as an element of selling, general and administrative expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of income (loss). As such, gross margins for the Horizon Americas reportable segment may not be comparable to those of our Horizon Europe-Africa and Horizon Asia-Pacific segments, which primarily rely on third-party distributors, for which all costs are included in cost of sales.

28

Goodwill impairment
We assess goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 1, after the annual forecasting process is complete. More frequent evaluations may be required if we experience changes in our business climate or as a result of other triggering events that take place. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value.
In the fourth quarter of 2017, we experienced a significant decline in our market capitalization. Further, the Horizon Europe-Africa reporting unit did not perform in-line with expectations during the fourth quarter, driven by a delayed closure and additional costs incurred relating to closing facilities in the United Kingdom and Sweden, delayed realization of price increases and inefficiencies transferring production to lower cost manufacturing sites. Because of the decline in market capitalization and fourth quarter results, we identified an indicator of impairment in the fourth quarter. As a result, we performed an interim quantitative assessment as of December 31, 2017, utilizing a combination of the income and market approaches, which were weighted evenly. The results of the quantitative analysis performed indicated the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by approximately 1.0%. Key assumptions used in the analysis were a discount rate of 13.0%, a terminal growth rate of 2.5% and EBITDA margin.
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company continued to experience a decline in market capitalization. Additionally, the Europe-Africa reporting unit did not perform in-line with forecasted results driven by a shift in volume to lower margin programs as well as increased commodity costs, which negatively impacted margins. As a result, an indicator of impairment was identified during the first quarter of 2018. The Company performed an interim quantitative assessment as of March 31, 2018, utilizing a combination of the income and market approaches, which were weighted evenly. The results of the quantitative analysis performed indicated the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit by $43.4 million and, accordingly, an impairment was recorded. Key assumptions used in the analysis were a discount rate of 13.5%, a terminal growth rate of 2.5% and EBITDA margin. The primary factors leading to the decline in value from the analysis performed at December 31, 2017 were a reduction in expected future cash flows, in part due to the Company re-evaluating its forecasted results and an increase in the discount rate, which is based on the segment’s weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). Additionally, there was a decline in the value of the market approach due to a decrease in the market multiple used based on a decline seen with selected guideline companies. The decline in expected future cash flows resulted from a reduction of forecasted volumes on a significant OE program. While we have made up the lost volume, this has resulted in a reduced margin. Further, the business continued to be negatively impacted by rising input costs with a delayed ability to recover through price increases as well as inefficiencies with transferring production to lower cost facilities.
During the second quarter of 2018, the Company’s market capitalization decreased by approximately 27.7%. Additionally, the Europe-Africa reporting unit did not perform in-line with forecasted results driven by a shift in volume to lower margin channels, continued increase in commodity costs and the failure to realize benefits from certain margin improvement initiatives. As a result, an indicator of impairment was identified during the second quarter of 2018. The Company performed an interim quantitative assessment as of June 30, 2018, utilizing a combination of the income and market approaches. The income approach was weighted 75%, while the market approach was weighted 25%. The results of the quantitative analysis performed indicated the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit by $54.6 million and, accordingly, an impairment was recorded. Key assumptions used in the analysis were a discount rate of 14.0%, a terminal growth rate of 2.5% and EBITDA margin. The primary factors leading to the decline in value from the analysis performed at March 31, 2018 were a reduction in expected future cash flows, in part due to the Company re-evaluating its forecasted results and an increase in the discount rate, which is based on the segment’s WACC. Additionally, there was a decline in the value of the market approach due to a decrease in the market multiple used based on a decline seen with selected guideline companies. The decline in expected future cash flows resulted from a reduction in forecasted revenues, particularly in the higher margin aftermarket channel. Further, the business continued to be negatively impacted by rising commodity costs with a delayed ability to recover through price increases and the benefits of transferring production to lower cost facilities have not been realized. It is expected that additional restructuring expenses will be incurred in the near-term to generate the margins expected from this business.
Based on the results of the quantitative test, we performed sensitivity analysis around the key assumptions used in the analysis, the results of which were: a) a 100 basis point decline in EBITDA margin used to determine expected future cash flows would have resulted in an additional impairment of approximately $24.0 million and b) a 50 basis point increase in the discount rate would have resulted in an additional impairment of approximately $7.0 million.

29

During the third quarter of 2018, the Europe-Africa reporting unit continued to underperform in relation to forecasted results. The primary factors were the continued pressure from increased commodity costs, as well as production inefficiencies and higher supply chain costs related to our European production realignment. A new management team was put in place in the region early in the third quarter, and as a result of their review of the business the Company re-evaluated the forecasted results for the reporting unit which resulted in a reduction in the expected future cash flows. As a result, an indicator of impairment was identified during the third quarter of 2018 and an interim impairment assessment was performed as of August 31, 2018, using a combination of the income and market approaches. The results of the quantitative analysis performed indicated the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit and, accordingly, an impairment of $26.6 million was recorded, which represented the remaining balance of goodwill in the reporting unit. Key assumptions used in the analysis were a discount rate of 13.5%, a terminal growth rate of 2.5% and EBITDA margin.
Indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test
Due to the impairment indicators noted above, we performed an interim impairment assessment for indefinite-lived intangible assets within the Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segment, for which the gross carrying amounts totaled approximately $12.1 million as of June 30, 2018. Based on the results of the Company’s analyses, it was determined that the carrying values of the Westfalia and Terwa trade names exceeded their fair values by $1.1 million and, accordingly, an impairment was recorded. Key assumptions used in the analysis were discount rates of 15.0% and royalty rates ranging from 0.5% to 1.0%.
The Company performed an interim impairment assessment for indefinite-lived intangible assets within the Europe-Africa reportable segment as of August 31, 2018, for which the gross carrying amounts totaled approximately $10.9 million as of September 30, 2018. Based on the results of the Company’s analyses, carrying value of the reporting unit approximated fair value. Key assumptions used in the analysis were discount rates of 14.5%, and royalty rates ranging from 0.5% to 1.0%. Based on the results of the quantitative test, we performed sensitivity analysis around the key assumptions used in the analysis, the results of which were: a) a 50 basis point increase in the discount rate used during our testing would not have resulted in any impairment and b) a 25 basis point decrease in the royalty rates used during our testing would have resulted in an impairment of approximately $5.0 million to our trade names.


30

Segment Information and Supplemental Analysis
The following table summarizes financial information for our reportable segments for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
As a Percentage
of Net Sales
 
2017
 
As a Percentage
of Net Sales
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
115,510

 
50.7
 %
 
$
115,460

 
48.1
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
78,520

 
34.5
 %
 
87,950

 
36.6
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
33,810

 
14.8
 %
 
36,710

 
15.3
%
Total
 
$
227,840

 
100.0
 %
 
$
240,120

 
100.0
%
Gross Profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
27,780

 
24.0
 %
 
$
34,230

 
29.6
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
6,750

 
8.6
 %
 
14,370

 
16.3
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
9,090

 
26.9
 %
 
9,820

 
26.8
%
Total
 
$
43,620

 
19.1
 %
 
$
58,420

 
24.3
%
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
20,470

 
17.7
 %
 
$
23,420

 
20.3
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
11,470

 
14.6
 %
 
11,720

 
13.3
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
3,160

 
9.3
 %
 
3,910

 
10.7
%
Corporate
 
5,820

 
N/A

 
6,080

 
N/A

Total
 
$
40,920

 
18.0
 %
 
$
45,130

 
18.8
%
Operating Profit (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
7,270

 
6.3
 %
 
$
10,930

 
9.5
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
(31,370
)
 
(40.0
)%
 
2,680

 
3.0
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
5,960

 
17.6
 %
 
5,880

 
16.0
%
Corporate
 
(5,800
)
 
N/A

 
(6,200
)
 
N/A

Total
 
$
(23,940
)
 
(10.5
)%
 
$
13,290

 
5.5
%
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
2,080

 
1.8
 %
 
$
2,630

 
2.3
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
2,920

 
3.7
 %
 
2,520

 
2.9
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
1,240

 
3.7
 %
 
1,250

 
3.4
%
Corporate
 
90

 
N/A

 
70

 
N/A

Total
 
$
6,330

 
2.8
 %
 
$
6,470

 
2.7
%

31

The following table summarizes financial information for our reportable segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
As a Percentage
of Net Sales
 
2017
 
As a Percentage
of Net Sales
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
319,810

 
47.2
 %
 
$
351,400

 
50.4
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
256,420

 
37.8
 %
 
253,070

 
36.3
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
101,760

 
15.0
 %
 
92,520

 
13.3
%
Total
 
$
677,990

 
100.0
 %
 
$
696,990

 
100.0
%
Gross Profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
73,750

 
23.1
 %
 
$
105,780

 
30.1
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
30,380

 
11.8
 %
 
42,070

 
16.6
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
25,510

 
25.1
 %
 
23,630

 
25.5
%
Total
 
$
129,640

 
19.1
 %
 
$
171,480

 
24.6
%
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
68,970

 
21.6
 %
 
$
67,050

 
19.1
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
36,760

 
14.3
 %
 
36,120

 
14.3
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
10,520

 
10.3
 %
 
10,390

 
11.2
%
Corporate
 
28,970

 
N/A

 
21,050

 
N/A

Total
 
$
145,220

 
21.4
 %
 
$
134,610

 
19.3
%
Operating Profit (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
4,730

 
1.5
 %
 
$
38,840

 
11.1
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
(132,150
)
 
(51.5
)%
 
5,950

 
2.4
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
15,020

 
14.8
 %
 
13,240

 
14.3
%
Corporate
 
(28,950
)
 
N/A

 
(21,160
)
 
N/A

Total
 
$
(141,350
)
 
(20.8
)%
 
$
36,870

 
5.3
%
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horizon Americas
 
$
6,280

 
2.0
 %
 
$
8,020

 
2.3
%
Horizon Europe-Africa
 
8,520

 
3.3
 %
 
6,570

 
2.6
%
Horizon Asia-Pacific
 
3,650

 
3.6
 %
 
3,150

 
3.4
%
Corporate
 
260

 
N/A

 
200

 
N/A

Total
 
$
18,710

 
2.8
 %
 
$
17,940

 
2.6
%


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Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overall, net sales decreased approximately $12.3 million, or 5.1%, to $227.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared with $240.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily driven by lower net sales in our Horizon Europe-Africa and Horizon Asia-Pacific reportable segments. The decrease in net sales of $9.4 million in our Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segment and $2.9 million in our Horizon Asia-Pacific reportable segment were primarily attributable to the decline in volumes in existing OE programs as well as unfavorable currency exchange in our Horizon Asia-Pacific reportable segment.
Gross profit margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales) approximated 19.1% and 24.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Negatively impacting gross profit margin were unfavorable input costs, driven by increased commodity and freight costs in both our Horizon Americas and Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segments.
Operating profit margin (operating profit as a percentage of net sales) approximated 10.5% and 5.5% in the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Operating profit decreased approximately $37.2 million to an operating loss of $23.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, from an operating profit of $13.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due the impairment of goodwill totaling approximately $26.6 million in our Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segment. In addition, lower sales levels and higher commodity and freight costs negatively impacted operating profit.
Interest expense increased approximately $2.2 million to $7.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $5.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of an increase in utilization of our revolving credit facilities, increased borrowings and an increased interest rate on our Term B Loan that occurred early in the third quarter of 2018.
Other expense, net remained relatively consistent at $1.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $1.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017.
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 0.3% and 1.9%, respectively. The higher effective income tax rate in the three months ended September 30, 2018 is driven by a decrease in tax benefits related to the release of certain unrecognized tax positions and the impairment of goodwill related to our Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segment which does not result in the recognition of a tax benefit.
Net income decreased approximately $39.6 million to a net loss of $33.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, from net income of $6.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in net income was the result of a $37.2 million decrease in operating income, driven primarily by the impairment of goodwill in the third quarter of 2018, lower sales levels and higher commodity and freight costs.
See below for a discussion of operating results by segment.
Horizon Americas.    Net sales were substantially unchanged in the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net sales increased $5.1 million in the aftermarket channel and $1.0 million in the industrial channel as past due orders with warehouse distributors and trailer manufactures accumulated during the start-up of the Kansas City distribution center were substantially shipped in the period. Net sales in our automotive OE channel increased approximately $0.7 million primarily as a result of increased volume on existing programs. Our increases in these channels were offset by a decline in net sales of $6.7 million in the retail channel primarily due to the impacts of inventory constraints with our Asian vendors. The sale of the Broom and Brush product line during the fourth quarter of 2017 further reduced net sales in the retail channel.
Horizon Americas’ gross profit decreased approximately $6.5 million to $27.8 million, or 24.0% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, from approximately $34.2 million, or 29.6% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2017. Gross profit margin was negatively impacted by $4.8 million of unfavorable input costs, including higher commodity costs in advance of pricing actions, and higher freight costs caused in part by reduced carrier capacity. Further contributing to a decline in gross profit margin was $0.6 million of costs related to fines and penalties due to lower fulfillment rates and $1.3 million of costs associated with closures of our Solon, Ohio and Mosinee, Wisconsin shared service and engineering facilities. Additionally, $0.7 million of outside service provider and expedited freight costs were incurred related to the paintline upgrade in our Mexico manufacturing facility completed in the fourth quarter of 2017, for which certain OE customer acceptance is pending. The remainder of the change is primarily the result of favorable manufacturing costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $2.9 million to $20.5 million, or 17.7% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $23.4 million, or 20.3% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2017. Contributing to the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses were $1.3 million of benefits related to organizational restructuring efforts substantially completed during the second quarter, $0.8 million in reduced legal costs and $0.8 million of lower amortization as certain customer relationships have fully amortized.

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Horizon Americas’ operating profit of $7.3 million, or 6.3% of net sales, reflects a decline of $3.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to an operating profit of $10.9 million, or 9.5% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2017. Operating profit and operating profit margin decreased primarily due to unfavorable commodity prices in advance of pricing actions, higher freight costs, and costs incurred for ongoing operational improvement projects.
Horizon Europe-Africa.    Net sales decreased approximately $9.4 million, or 10.7%, to $78.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $88.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease of $6.7 million in the automotive OE channel due in part to abnormally high sales on a program with a major customer in the third quarter of 2017, and lower demand on existing programs. Net sales in the aftermarket channel decreased $2.4 million primarily due to constrained product availability as a result of our production shift to our Braşov, Romania production facility. Net sales were also impacted by approximately $1.1 million of unfavorable currency, primarily driven by the euro. The remainder of the change is primarily a result of lower sales in our non-automotive businesses.
Horizon Europe-Africa’s gross profit decreased approximately $7.6 million to $6.8 million, or 8.6% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, from approximately $14.4 million, or 16.3% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2017, partially due to lower sales volumes. Gross profit margin was negatively impacted by unfavorable commodity costs in advance of pricing actions, production inefficiencies and higher supply chain costs related to our European production realignment over the last nine months.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $0.2 million to $11.5 million, or 14.6% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $11.7 million, or 13.3% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower people costs driven by a decrease in incentive compensation.
Horizon Europe-Africa’s operating loss increased approximately $34.1 million to an operating loss of $31.4 million, or 40.0% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to an operating profit of $2.7 million, or 3.0% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the impairment of goodwill of approximately $26.6 million. The remainder of the decrease is primarily due to unfavorable commodity costs which have not been fully recovered through pricing actions, manufacturing inefficiencies and higher freight costs.
Horizon Asia-Pacific.    Net sales decreased approximately $2.9 million, or 7.9%, to $33.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $36.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 due to unfavorable currency exchange of $2.1 million, as the Australian and New Zealand dollar weakened in relation to the U.S. dollar and a small decline in volumes in existing programs in our businesses in Thailand.
Horizon Asia-Pacific’s gross profit decreased approximately $0.7 million to $9.1 million, or 26.9% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, from approximately $9.8 million, or 26.8% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2017. Gross profit margin was negatively impacted by unfavorable currency exchange negatively impacting purchases denominated in Thai baht and U.S. dollars and a decline in volumes in existing programs in our businesses in Thailand, partially offset by efficiencies realized in Thailand and cost recoveries in Australia.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $0.8 million to $3.2 million, or 9.3% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $3.9 million, or 10.7% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to costs incurred in the third quarter of 2017 related to the acquisition of Best Bars that did not reoccur in 2018, as well as favorable effects of currency exchange.
Horizon Asia-Pacific’s operating profit increased approximately $0.1 million to $6.0 million, or 17.6% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $5.9 million, or 16.0% of net sales, in the three months ended September 30, 2017, remaining relatively flat quarter-over-quarter as ongoing operational improvements were mostly offset by unfavorable currency exchange.
Corporate Expenses.   Corporate expenses included in operating profit (loss) decreased approximately $0.4 million to $5.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $6.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 due to lower incentive compensation primarily as a result of the separation of our former CEO, partially offset by additional expenses related to the termination of the Brink Group acquisition.

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Overall, net sales decreased approximately $19.0 million, or 2.7%, to $678.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared with $697.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily driven by a decrease in net sales in our Horizon Americas reportable segment which was partially offset by higher net sales in our Horizon Europe-Africa and Horizon Asia-Pacific reportable segments. The decrease in net sales in our Horizon Americas reportable segment of approximately $31.6 million was driven by challenges transitioning to a new distribution facility in Kansas City. This decrease was partially offset by higher net sales of approximately $3.4 million in our Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segment, driven by favorable currency exchange, and by an increase of $9.2 million in our Horizon Asia-Pacific reportable segment, attributable to a regional bolt-on acquisition completed in the third quarter of 2017.
Gross profit margin (gross profit as a percentage of sales) approximated 19.1% and 24.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Negatively impacting gross profit margin were unfavorable input costs, driven by increased commodity and freight costs in both our Horizon Americas and Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segments.
Operating profit margin (operating profit as a percentage of sales) approximated 20.8% and 5.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Operating profit decreased approximately $178.2 million to an operating loss of $141.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to an operating profit of $36.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets totaling approximately $125.8 million in our Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segment. In addition, lower sales levels in our Horizon Americas reportable segment and higher commodity and freight costs Horizon Americas and Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segments negatively impacted operating profit. The remainder of the decline is primarily attributable to costs incurred with the terminated acquisition of the Brink Group.
Interest expense increased approximately $3.1 million, to $19.8 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as a result of an increase in utilization of our revolving credit facilities, increased borrowings and an increased interest rate on our Term B Loan that occurred early in the third quarter of 2018.
Other expense, net increased approximately $6.7 million to $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to financing costs in connection with the pursuit of the Brink Group acquisition which was expected to close in the second quarter of 2018; however, the parties to the acquisition agreement mutually agreed to terminate the transaction.
The effective income tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 7.3% and 25.7%, respectively. The higher effective income tax rate in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is driven by a decrease in tax benefits related to the release of certain unrecognized tax positions and the impairment of goodwill related to our Horizon Europe-Africa reportable segment which does not result in the recognition of a tax benefit.
Net income decreased by approximately $174.3 million, to a net loss of $157.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net income of $16.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease is primarily the result of a $178.2 million decrease in operating profit, primarily driven by the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, which was partially offset by a $4.6 million loss on the extinguishment of debt during 2017 that did not reoccur in 2018.
See below for a discussion of operating results by segment.
Horizon Americas.    Net sales decreased approximately $31.6 million, or 9.0%, to $319.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $351.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our aftermarket and retail channels were negatively impacted by delivery delays out of our Kansas City distribution facility due to challenges implementing processes and a warehouse management system coupled with reduced carrier capacity. Net sales decreased $15.8 million in the aftermarket channel and $15.0 million in our retail channel. Contributing further to the decline in net sales in the retail channel were $10.5 million in lower net sales due to the sale of the Broom and Brush product line that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2017. Net sales in our automotive OE channel decreased approximately $1.1 million primarily as a result of lower demand due to unplanned downtime at a significant customer. Net sales in our industrial channel increased $0.3 million as increased demand from trailer manufacturers more than offset the unfavorable effects of transitioning to the Kansas City distribution facility.
Horizon Americas’ gross profit decreased approximately $32.0 million to $73.8 million, or 23.1% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $105.8 million, or 30.1% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Negatively impacting gross profit margin was $13.1 million of unfavorable input costs, including higher commodity costs in advance of pricing actions, and higher freight costs caused in part by reduced carrier capacity. Further contributing to a decline in gross profit margin was approximately $3.7 million of costs related to fines and penalties due to lower fulfillment rates and $2.4 million of costs associated with closures of our Solon, Ohio and Mosinee, Wisconsin shared serviced and engineering facilities. Gross profit margin was negatively impacted by $1.9 million of outside service provider and expedited freight costs were incurred

35

related to the paintline upgrade in our Mexico manufacturing facility completed in the fourth quarter of 2017, for which certain OE customer acceptance is pending. The remainder of the change is primarily a result of unfavorable market channel mix and lower sales levels.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $1.9 million to $69.0 million, or 21.6% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $67.1 million, or 19.1% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to approximately $3.0 million of costs associated with a project to optimize our distribution footprint, $5.3 million of costs, including severance, associated with the aforementioned facility closures, and costs related to other organizational restructuring efforts. Partially offsetting these increases were $1.8 million of lower incentive compensation and $2.2 million of lower amortization as certain customer relationships have fully amortized.
Horizon Americas’ operating profit decreased approximately $34.1 million to an operating loss of $4.7 million, or 1.5% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to an operating profit of $38.8 million, or 11.1% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Operating profit and operating profit margin decreased primarily due to lower sales levels and unfavorable commodity costs in advance of pricing actions, higher freight costs, and costs incurred for ongoing operational improvement projects.
Horizon Europe-Africa.    Net sales increased approximately $3.4 million, or 1.3%, to $256.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $253.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to favorable currency exchange of approximately $16.4 million as the euro strengthened in relation to the U.S. dollar. Negatively impacting net sales was a decrease of $5.7 million in the aftermarket channel due to constrained product availability as a result of our production shift to our Braşov, Romania production facility, and customer rationalization efforts. Net sales in the automotive OE channel increased $7.2 million primarily due to higher volume with existing customers in the second quarter of 2018. The remainder of the change is due to lower sales in our non-automotive businesses.
Horizon Europe-Africa’s gross profit decreased approximately $11.7 million to $30.4 million, or 11.8% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from approximately $42.1 million, or 16.6% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Gross profit margin was negatively impacted by unfavorable commodity costs in advance of pricing actions, production inefficiencies and higher supply chain costs related to our European production realignment over the last nine months. Partially offsetting these decreases was approximately $2.2 million of favorable currency exchange.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $0.6 million to $36.8 million, or 14.3% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $36.1 million, or 14.3% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange of approximately $2.3 million was offset by lower people costs, driven by a decrease in incentive compensation.
Horizon Europe-Africa’s operating profit decreased approximately $138.1 million to an operating loss of approximately $132.2 million, or (51.5)% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to an operating profit of $6.0 million, or 2.4% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the impairment of goodwill and trademark and trade names of approximately $125.8 million. The remainder of the decrease is due to unfavorable commodity costs which have not been fully recovered through pricing actions, manufacturing inefficiencies and higher freight costs.
Horizon Asia-Pacific.   Net sales increased approximately $9.2 million, or 10.0%, to $101.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $92.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. A regional bolt-on acquisition contributed an increase of $10.1 million in net sales, partially offset by a decline in volumes in existing programs in our businesses in Thailand.
Horizon Asia-Pacific’s gross profit increased approximately $1.9 million to $25.5 million, or 25.1% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from approximately $23.6 million, or 25.5% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The improvement in gross profit was driven by the increased sales volume from the aforementioned acquisition along with the results of productivity initiatives in Thailand, partially offset by unfavorable currency exchange driven by the weakening Australian and New Zealand dollars against both the U.S. dollar and Thai baht.
Selling, general and administrative expenses remained relatively consistent at approximately $10.5 million, or 10.3% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $10.4 million, or 11.2% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Horizon Asia-Pacific’s operating profit increased approximately $1.8 million to $15.0 million, or 14.8% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $13.2 million, or 14.3% of net sales, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to increased volumes from the aforementioned acquisition.


36

Corporate Expenses.  Corporate expenses included in operating profit (loss) increased approximately $7.8 million to $29.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $21.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase between years is primarily attributable to approximately $11.0 million of expenses related to the termination of the Brink Group acquisition, which includes a $5.5 million break fee. Further increasing corporate expenses was approximately $2.8 million of severance costs associated with the previously announced termination of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Partially offsetting these increases were $2.6 million of costs incurred in 2017, related to the integration of the Westfalia Group, which did not reoccur in 2018. The remainder of the change was a result of lower incentive compensation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our capital and working capital requirements are funded through a combination of cash flows from operations, cash on hand and various borrowings and factoring arrangements described below, including our ABL Facility. We utilize intercompany loans and equity contributions to fund our worldwide operations. See Note 8, “Long-term Debt” included in Part I, Item 1, “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” within this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there was $21.0 million and $23.7 million, respectively, of cash held at foreign subsidiaries. There may be country specific regulations that may restrict or result in increased costs in the repatriation of these funds.
Our ability to fund our working capital needs, debt payments and other obligations, and to comply with financial covenants, including borrowing base limitations under our ABL Facility, depends on our future operating performance and cash flow and many factors outside of our control, including the costs of raw materials, the state of the automotive accessories market and financial and economic conditions and other factors. Any future acquisitions, joint ventures or other similar transactions will likely require additional capital and there can be no assurance that any such capital will be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all.
In 2018, the Company experienced a combination of increased distribution costs and constrained shipments from the Americas distribution network primarily resulting from the transfer of aftermarket shipping volume from Dallas, TX to Kansas City, KS.  Since amending our Term Loan on July 31, 2018, our Europe-Africa segment has continued to underperform.  Additionally, our new leadership team in Europe has performed an initial assessment of our business in that segment, resulting in reduced expectations through the remainder of 2018.  Primarily due to these factors as well as costs associated with remediating these factors, the Company has increased draws on our ABL and experienced a decline in Bank EBITDA.  Based on our results for the quarter-ended September 30, 2018 and our current forecast for the next twelve months, LTM Bank EBITDA will likely underperform management’s expectations at the time we entered into the Fourth Amendment.  In addition, total debt is expected to be higher than our projections at the time we entered into the Fourth Amendment.  As a result, we do not expect to comply with the 7.00 to 1.00 net leverage ratio covenant in our 2018 Term Loan Agreement for the quarter-ending December 31, 2018, which absent an amendment or waiver, would constitute a default when reported.  Such a default, if not cured, would allow the lenders to accelerate the maturity of the debt, making it due and payable at that time.  The Company is in active discussions with the administrative agent for the Term Loan lenders regarding the modification of covenant terms through the periods that will be impacted on an LTM basis by the factors described above and the Company believes it is probable that the Company will obtain an amendment modifying the covenant terms prior to triggering a default.
Cash Flows - Operating Activities
Net cash used for operating activities was approximately $66.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to a use of approximately $2.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company used $8.3 million in cash flows, based on the reported net loss of $157.9 million and after considering the effects of non-cash items related to losses on dispositions of property and equipment, depreciation, amortization, goodwill and intangible asset impairment, amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs, changes in deferred income taxes, stock compensation, and other, net. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company generated $47.9 million based on the reported net income of $16.4 million and after considering the effects of similar non-cash items plus the loss on extinguishment of debt.
Changes in operating assets and liabilities used approximately $57.8 million and $50.2 million of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Increases in accounts receivable resulted in a use of cash of $35.1 million and $28.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The use of cash in both periods was the result of higher sales activity during the third quarter compared to the fourth quarter due to seasonality of our businesses. The increase in 2018 was higher as a larger portion of the sales growth was in our Horizon Americas segment, as opposed to growth in 2017 in our Horizon Europe-Africa segment which factors a large portion of their receivables.
Changes in inventory resulted in a source of cash of approximately $6.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and a use of cash of approximately $7.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in inventory during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is due to the seasonality of our business. The increase in inventory levels in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was due to additional inventory built as safety stock in anticipation of the launch of our Kansas City distribution facility and the paintline upgrade in our Reynosa, Mexico facility during the fourth quarter.

37

Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities resulted in a use of cash of approximately $30.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and a use of cash of $17.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is primarily related to payments made to vendors with funding from the Term B Loan. The use of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is primarily related to the release of liabilities related to certain unrecognized tax positions and decreases to certain compensation accruals primarily related to bonus payments, as well as a decrease in liabilities associated with the acquisition of Westfalia from December 31, 2016.
Cash Flows - Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $10.7 million and $39.0 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we invested approximately $10.8 million in capital expenditures, as we have continued our investment in growth, capacity and productivity-related capital projects. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we incurred approximately $20.3 million in capital expenditures on growth, capacity and productivity-related projects, primarily within the Westfalia Group. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2017, we acquired the assets of Best Bars for total cash consideration of $19.8 million.
Cash Flows - Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $74.4 million and $9.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, proceeds from borrowings on our Term B Loan were $45.4 million, net of issuance costs; net borrowings from our ABL Facility totaled $37.6 million, while we used cash of $6.5 million for repayments on our Term B Loan. During the first nine months of 2017, we received proceeds of $121.1 million from the issuance of our Convertible Notes, net of issuance costs; proceeds of $79.9 million from the issuance of common stock, net of offering costs; proceeds of $20.9 million from the issuance of Warrants, net of issuance costs; and net borrowings from our ABL Facility totaled $20.0 million. Also during the nine months of 2017, we used cash of approximately $187.8 million for repayments on our Term B Loan, $29.7 million for the payments on Convertible Note Hedges, net of issuance costs and $10.0 million for the repurchase of common stock.
Factoring Arrangements
We have factoring arrangements with financial institutions to sell certain accounts receivable under non-recourse agreements. Total receivables sold during the year under the factoring arrangements were approximately $193.3 million and $189.8 million as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We utilize factoring arrangements as part of our financing for working capital. The costs of participating in these arrangements are immaterial to our results.
Our Debt and Other Commitments
We and certain of our subsidiaries are party to the ABL Facility, an asset-based revolving credit facility, that provides for $99.0 million of funding on a revolving basis, subject to borrowing base availability. The ABL Facility matures in June 2020 and bears interest on outstanding balances at variable rates as outlined in the agreement. On June 30, 2015, we entered into a term loan agreement under which we borrowed an aggregate amount of $200 million. On September 19, 2016, we entered into the First Amendment to the Original Term B Loan which provided for incremental commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $152.0 million. On March 31, 2017, we entered into the Third Amendment to the Original Term B Loan, which amended the Term B Loan to provide for a new term loan commitment. On July 31, 2018, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Term B Loan. The 2018 Incremental Term Loan provided for additional borrowings of $50.0 million that were used to pay outstanding balances under the ABL Loan Agreement, pay fees and expenses in connection with the amendment and for general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the 2018 Incremental Term Loan bear interest, at the Company’s election, at either (i) the Base Rate plus 5.0% per annum, or (ii) LIBOR, with a 1% floor, plus 6.0% per annum. Principal payments required under the 2018 Incremental Term Loan are $2.6 million due each calendar quarter beginning September 2018.
Refer to Note 8, “Long-term Debt,” in Part I, Item 1, “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” included within this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for additional information.
As of September 30, 2018, approximately $47.6 million was outstanding on the ABL Facility bearing interest at a weighted average rate of 3.9% and $193.1 million was outstanding on the Term B Loan bearing interest at 8.2%. The Company had $40.4 million in availability under the ABL Facility as of September 30, 2018.
The agreements governing the ABL Facility and Term B Loan contain various negative and affirmative covenants and other requirements affecting us and our subsidiaries, including restrictions on incurrence of debt, liens, mergers, investments, loans, advances, guarantee obligations, acquisitions, asset dispositions, sale-leaseback transactions, hedging agreements, dividends and other restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, restrictive agreements and amendments to charters, bylaws, and other material documents. The ABL Facility does not include any financial maintenance covenants other than a springing minimum fixed charge

38

coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 on a trailing twelve-month basis, which will be tested only upon the occurrence of an event of default or certain other conditions as specified in the agreement. The Term B Loan contains customary negative covenants, and also contains a financial maintenance covenant which requires the Company to maintain a net leverage ratio not exceeding 7.00 to 1.00 through the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2018, 6.50 to 1.00 through the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2019; 5.00 to 1.00 through the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2019; 4.75 to 1.00 through the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019; and thereafter, 4.50 to 1.00. At September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants in the Term B Loan.
On July 3, 2017, our Australia subsidiary entered into a new agreement to provide for revolving borrowings up to an aggregate amount of $29.6 million. The agreement includes two sub-facilities: (i) Facility A has a borrowing capacity of $18.7 million, matures on July 3, 2020, and is subject to interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate plus a margin determined based on the most recent net leverage ratio; (ii) Facility B has a borrowing capacity of $10.8 million, matured on July 3, 2018 and was subject to interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate plus 0.9% per annum. Borrowings under this arrangement are subject to financial and reporting covenants. Financial covenants include maintaining a net leverage ratio not exceeding 2.50 to 1.00 during the period commencing on the date of the agreement and ending on the first anniversary of the date of the agreement; and 2.00 to 1.00 thereafter; working capital coverage ratio (working capital over total debt) greater than 1.75 to 1.00 and a gearing ratio (senior debt to senior debt plus equity) not exceeding 50%. As of September 30, 2018 we were in compliance with all covenants.
We are subject to variable interest rates on our Term B Loan and ABL Facility. At September 30, 2018, one-Month LIBOR and three-Month LIBOR approximated 2.26% and 2.40%, respectively.
In addition to our long-term debt, we have other cash commitments related to leases. We account for these lease transactions as operating leases and annual rent expense related thereto approximated $20.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. We expect to continue to utilize leasing as a financing strategy in the future to meet capital expenditure needs and to reduce debt levels.

39

The following is a reconciliation of net loss attributable to Horizon Global, as reported, which is a U.S. GAAP measure of our operating results, to Consolidated Bank EBITDA, as defined in our credit agreement, for the twelve months ended September 30, 2018. We present Consolidated Bank EBITDA to show our performance under our financial covenants.
 
 
 
 
Less:
 
Add:
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Twelve Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Horizon Global
 
$
(3,550
)
 
$
17,290

 
$
(157,200
)
 
$
(178,040
)
Bank stipulated adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net (as defined)
 
22,410

 
16,650

 
24,920

 
30,680

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
9,750

 
(3,350
)
 
(12,460
)
 
640

Depreciation and amortization
 
25,340

 
17,940

 
18,710

 
26,110

Extraordinary charges (a)
 
2,520

 
—

 
23,000

 
25,520

Non-cash compensation expense (b)
 
3,630

 
2,760

 
1,440

 
2,310

Other non-cash expenses or losses
 
2,180

 
1,050

 
127,310

 
128,440

Pro forma EBITDA of permitted acquisition
 
840

 
840

 
—

 
—

Interest-equivalent costs associated with any Specified Vendor Receivables Financing
 
1,490

 
960

 
1,380

 
1,910

Debt extinguishment costs
 
4,640

 
4,640

 
—

 
—

Items limited to a % of consolidated EBITDA(c):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Non-recurring expenses (d)
 
2,440

 
1,310

 
7,500

 
8,630

Acquisition integration costs (e)
 
11,210

 
8,230

 
5,050

 
8,030

Synergies related to permitted acquisition (f)
 
1,480

 
1,480

 


 
—

Consolidated Bank EBITDA, as defined
 
$
84,380

 
$
69,800

 
$
39,650

 
$
54,230

 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Total Consolidated Indebtedness, as defined
 
$
361,207

Consolidated Bank EBITDA, as defined
 
54,230

Actual leverage ratio
 
6.66
 x
Covenant requirement
 
7.00
 x
______________________
(a)
Extraordinary distribution costs from Q1 and Q2 2018 that were included in special items, but not included as an add back in prior quarter's leverage calculations have been adjusted with the Q3 leverage calculation and are now included as extraordinary items.
(b)
Non-cash compensation expenses resulting from the grant of restricted units of common stock and common stock options.
(c)
Under the Fourth Amendment, the EBITDA limitation for nonrecurring expenses or costs was increased from 25% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period to 45% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period; provided further that such percentage shall be (i) 35% of Consolidated EBITDA on September 30, 2019 and (ii) 25% of Consolidated EBITDA on December 31, 2018 and thereafter. As such, the amounts added to Consolidated Net Income pursuant to items b-d shall not exceed 45% of Consolidated EBITDA, excluding these items, for such period.
(d)
Under the Amended Term Loan Agreement, cost and expenses related to cost savings projects, including restructuring and severance expenses, are not to exceed $5 million in any fiscal year and $20 million in aggregate, commencing on or after January 1, 2015. The Fourth Amendment has raised the annual cap to $7.5 million in any fiscal year and $25 million in aggregate.
(e)
Under the 2018 Term Loan Agreement, costs and expenses related to the integration of the Westfalia Group acquisition are not to exceed $10 million in any fiscal year and $30 million in aggregate, or other permitted acquisitions are not to exceed $7.5 million in any fiscal year and $20 million in aggregate.
(f)
Under the 2018 Term Loan Agreement, the add back for the amount of reasonably identifiable and factually supportable “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions, and other synergies cannot exceed $12.5 million for the Westfalia Group acquisition.
Refer to Note 8, “Long-term Debt,” in Part I, Item 1, “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” included within this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

40


Credit Rating
We and certain of our outstanding debt obligations are rated by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. On June 20, 2018, Moody’s issued a rating of B2 for our $160 million senior secured term loan and a rating of B3 for our corporate family rating. Moody’s also assigned the Company a negative outlook. On August 8, 2018, Standard & Poor’s issued a rating of CCC+ for our $160 million senior secured term loan, a rating of CCC+ for our corporate credit rating and a rating of CCC for our Convertible Notes. Standard & Poor’s also assigned the Company a stable outlook.
If our credit ratings were to decline, our ability to access certain financial markets may become limited, our cost of borrowings may increase, the perception of us in the view of our customers, suppliers and security holders may worsen and as a result, we may be adversely affected.
Market Risk
We conduct business in various locations throughout the world and are subject to market risk due to changes in the value of foreign currencies. The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are primarily the local currency in the country of domicile. We manage these operating activities at the local level and revenues and costs are generally denominated in local currencies; however, results of operations and assets and liabilities reported in U.S. dollars will fluctuate with changes in exchange rates between such local currencies and the U.S. dollar.
We use derivative financial instruments to manage currency risks associated with our procurement activities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries and the impact of currency rate volatility on our earnings. As of September 30, 2018, we were party to forward contracts and cross currency swaps, to hedge changes in foreign currency exchange rates, with notional amounts of approximately $20.5 million and $114.7 million, respectively. See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” included in Part I, Item 1, “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” within this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
We are also subject to interest risk as it relates to our long-term debt. We may in the future use interest rate swap agreements to fix the variable portion of our debt to manage this risk.
Outlook
Our global business remains susceptible to economic conditions that could adversely affect our results. In the near-term, the economies that most significantly affect our demand, including the United States, European Union, and Australia, are expected to continue to grow. The impact of tax reform in the U.S. should continue to drive growth in the near-term; however, the longer-term implications of tax reform on economic growth are not yet fully understood. We have been impacted by recently enacted tariffs on imports from China and seek to recover these incremental costs through pricing actions. If geopolitical tensions, particularly with respect to East Asia, escalate, it may affect global consumer sentiment affecting the expected economic growth in the near-term.
In 2017, we began experiencing performance issues including: manufacturing inefficiencies in our Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility, as well as startup inefficiencies in both our new Kansas City distribution facility in the Americas segment and our Romanian manufacturing facility in the Europe-Africa segment. In response to these challenges, we made organizational changes, enlisted the assistance of manufacturing consultants, and identified additional cost reduction projects, including the closure of two non-manufacturing facilities in our Americas segment. We believe the action plan we publicly communicated is substantially complete with respect to the Americas segment. While we expect the new leadership in Europe-Africa to enhance the focus on operational improvements, progress is expected to take longer to realize in this segment. In the short-term, the costs associated with executing these initiatives, including severance, unrecoverable lease obligations, and professional service fees, may affect our results and cash flows.
In 2018, the Company experienced a combination of increased distribution costs and constrained shipments from the Americas distribution network primarily resulting from the transfer of aftermarket shipping volume from Dallas, TX to Kansas City, KS.  Since amending our Term Loan on July 31, 2018, our Europe-Africa segment has continued to underperform.  Additionally, our new leadership team in Europe has performed an initial assessment of our business in that segment, resulting in reduced expectations through the remainder of 2018.  Primarily due to these factors as well as costs associated with remediating these factors, the Company has increased draws on our ABL and experienced a decline in Bank EBITDA.  Based on our results for the quarter-ended September 30, 2018 and our current forecast for the next twelve months, LTM Bank EBITDA will likely underperform management’s expectations at the time we entered into the Fourth Amendment.  In addition, total debt is expected to be higher than our projections at the time we entered into the Fourth Amendment.  As a result, we do not expect to comply with the 7.00 to 1.00 net leverage ratio covenant in our 2018 Term Loan Agreement for the quarter-ending December 31, 2018, which absent an amendment or waiver, would constitute a default when reported.  Such a default, if not cured, would

41

allow the lenders to accelerate the maturity of the debt, making it due and payable at that time.  The Company is in active discussions with the administrative agent for the Term Loan lenders regarding the modification of covenant terms through the periods that will be impacted on an LTM basis by the factors described above and the Company believes it is probable that the Company will obtain an amendment modifying the covenant terms prior to triggering a default.

We believe the unique global footprint we enjoy in our market space will benefit us as our OE customers continue to demonstrate a preference for stronger relationships with few suppliers. We believe that our strong brand positions, portfolio of product offerings, and existing customer relationships present a long-term opportunity for us.
While a strong global economy offers opportunities for growth and cost leverage, we are committed to delivering on our internal projects to drive margin improvement. We believe our internal projects, if executed well, will have a positive impact on our margins in future periods.
Our strategic priorities are to improve margins, reduce our leverage, and drive top line growth.
Impact of New Accounting Standards
See Note 2, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” included in Part I, Item 1, “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” within this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Certain of our accounting policies require the application of significant judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates that affect both the amounts and timing of the recording of assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on our historical experience, our evaluation of business and macroeconomic trends, and information from other outside sources, as appropriate.
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. Refer to Note 2, “New Accounting Pronouncements” and Note 3, “Revenues” in Part I, Item 1, “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” included within this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, related to the impact of the adoption on the Company’s financial statements and accounting policies.
During the third quarter of 2018, the Company adopted the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. Refer to the “Statement of Shareholder’s Equity” and Note 2, “New Accounting Pronouncements” in Part I, Item 1, Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” included within this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, related to the impact of the adoption on the Company’s financial statements and accounting policies.
Except for accounting policies related to our adoption of ASC 606 and ASU 2018-02 in 2018, there were no material changes to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Emerging Growth Company
The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, establishes a class of company called an “emerging growth company,” which generally is a company whose initial public offering was completed after December 8, 2011 and had total annual gross revenues of less than $1.07 billion during its most recently completed fiscal year. We currently qualify as an emerging growth company.
As an emerging growth company, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are not available to public reporting companies that do not qualify for this classification, including without limitation the following:
▪
An emerging growth company is exempt from any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and financial statements, commonly known as an “auditor discussion and analysis.”
▪
An emerging growth company is not required to hold a nonbinding advisory stockholder vote on executive compensation or any golden parachute payments not previously approved by stockholders.

42

▪
An emerging growth company is not required to comply with the requirement of auditor attestation of management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting, which is required for other public reporting companies by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
▪
An emerging growth company is eligible for reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic and annual reports, including without limitation exemption from the requirement to provide a compensation discussion and analysis describing compensation practices and procedures.
▪
A company that is an emerging growth company is eligible for reduced financial statement disclosure in registration statements, which must include two years of audited financial statements rather than the three years of audited financial statements that are required for other public reporting companies.
For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we expect that we will take advantage of the reduced disclosure obligations available to us as a result of this classification. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (i) December 31, 2020, the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenues of $1.07 billion (subject to further adjustment for inflation) or more; (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible debt during the previous three years; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under applicable SEC rules. We expect that we will remain an emerging growth company for the foreseeable future, but cannot retain our emerging growth company status indefinitely and will no longer qualify as an emerging growth company on or before December 31, 2020.
Emerging growth companies may elect to take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This allows an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for companies that are not “emerging growth companies.” Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk associated with fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices, insurable risks due to property damage, employee and liability claims, and other uncertainties in the financial and credit markets, which may impact demand for our products.
We conduct business in various locations throughout the world and are subject to market risk due to changes in the value of foreign currencies. The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are primarily the local currency in the country of domicile. We manage these operating activities at the local level and revenues and costs are generally denominated in local currencies; however, results of operations and assets and liabilities reported in U.S. dollars will fluctuate with changes in exchange rates between the local currencies and the U.S. dollar. A 10% change in average exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar would have resulted in an approximate $36.5 million and $35.3 million change to our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
We are exposed to market risk from changes in the interest rates on a significant portion of our outstanding debt. Outstanding balances under our Term B Loan, at the Company’s election, bear interest at variable rates based on a margin over defined LIBOR. Based on the amount outstanding on the Term B Loan as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, a 100 basis point change in LIBOR would result in an approximate $1.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, to our annual interest expense.
We use derivative financial instruments to manage our currency risks. We are also subject to interest risk as it relates to long-term debt. See Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” for details about our primary market risks, and the objectives and strategies used to manage these risks. Also see Note 8, “Long-term Debt,” and Note 9, “Derivative Instruments,” in Part I, Item 1, “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” included within this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for additional information.
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

43

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
As of September 30, 2018, an evaluation was carried out by management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed only to provide reasonable assurance that they will meet their objectives. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2018, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that they would meet their objectives.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
Beginning January 1, 2018, the Company implemented ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. Although Topic 606 is expected to have an immaterial impact on the Company’s ongoing net income (loss), the Company did modify and add new controls designed to address risks associated with recognizing revenue under the new standard. The Company has therefore augmented internal control over financial reporting as follows:
▪
Enhanced the risk assessment process to take into account risks associated with the new revenue recognition standard.
▪
Added controls that address risks associated with the five-step model for recording revenue, including the revision of the Company’s contract review controls.
There were no other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

44

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
We are subject to claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business, but we do not believe that any such claim or litigation is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A.    Risk Factors
A discussion of our risk factors can be found in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no significant changes in our risk factors as disclosed in our 2017 Form 10-K.
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The Company’s purchases of its shares of common stock during the third quarter of 2018 were as follows:
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (a)
July 1 - 31, 2018
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
813,494

August 1 - 31, 2018
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
813,494

September 1 - 30, 2018
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
813,494

Total
 
—

 

 
—

 
 
__________________________
(a) The Company has a share repurchase program that was announced in May 2017 to purchase up to 1.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock. At the end of the third quarter of 2018, 813,494 shares of common stock remains to be purchased under this program. The share repurchase program expires on May 5, 2020.
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5.    Other Information
Not applicable.

45

Item 6.    Exhibits.
Exhibits Index:
3.1(a)
3.2(b)
10.1(a)
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

(a)
 
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit filed with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2018 (File No. 001-37427).
(b)
 
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2018 (File No. 001-37427).



46

Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION (Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ DAVID G. RICE
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 8, 2018
By:
 
David G. Rice
Chief Financial Officer


47