Core Molding Technologies Inc: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2024

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS OF CORE MOLDING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Core Molding Technologies, Inc. (the "Company") and its subsidiaries operate in the engineered materials market as one operating segment as a molder of thermoplastic and thermoset structural products. The Company produces and sells molded products for varied markets, including medium and heavy-duty trucks, power sports, building products and other industrial markets. Core Molding Technologies has its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and operates six production facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In general, the Company achieves product growth and diversification in several different ways, including: (1) resourcing of existing structural products from another supplier by an original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”); (2) obtaining new structural products through a selection process in which an OEM solicits bids; (3) successful marketing of structural products for previously non-structural applications; (4) converting alternative materials to engineered materials; (5) successful marketing of structural products to OEMs outside of our traditional markets; (6) developing of new materials, technology and processes to meet current or prospective customer requirements; and (7) acquiring an existing business. The Company's efforts continue to be directed towards all seven of those identified areas.

PRODUCTS

Structural plastics compete largely against metals and have the strength to function well during prolonged use. Management believes that structural plastic components offer many advantages over metals, including:

• heat resistance;
• corrosion resistance;
• lighter weight;
• lower cost;
• greater flexibility in product design;
• part consolidation for multiple piece assemblies;
• lower initial tooling costs for lower volume applications;
• high strength-to-weight ratio; and
• dent-resistance in comparison to steel or aluminum.

Our manufacturing facilities utilize various production processes; however, end products are similar and are not unique to a facility or customer base.

Sheet Molding Compound (“SMC”)

SMC is primarily a combination of resins, fiberglass, fillers, and catalysts compounded and cured in sheet form, which is then used to manufacture compression-molded products, as discussed below. The Company incorporates a sophisticated computer program in the process of compounding various complex SMC formulations tailored to meet customer needs. The program provides for the control of information during various production processes and data for statistical batch controls. The Company also sells SMC to other molders.

Molded Products

The Company manufactures structural products using compression molding (54 presses), resin transfer molding (4 presses), and injection molding processes (24 presses). As of December 31, 2024, the Company owned 82 molding presses including 19 in its Columbus, Ohio facility; 24 in its Matamoros, Mexico facility; 18 in its Cobourg, Canada facility; 10 in its Gaffney, South Carolina facility; 5 in its Winona, Minnesota facility; and 6 in its Escobedo, Mexico facility. The Company's molding presses range in size from 250 to 5,500 tons.

SMC compression molding is a process whereby SMC is molded to form by matched die steel molds through which a combination of heat and pressure are applied via a molding press. Outer components and high strength reinforcing components are fabricated with this process. Visually appealing components are produced with vacuum assisted molding and through utilizing in-mold coating (IMC). IMC can provide an additional benefit of conductivity assisting in the process of post paint application along with reducing porosity and improving surface appearance. This thermoset process produces high quality, dimensionally consistent products and is typically used for high volume products.

Direct Long Fiber Thermoplastic (“DLFT”) compression molding employs two molds, typically a core and a cavity, similar to matched die SMC molding. This is a process for compounding and molding thermoplastic materials with "long" fibers (typically, 0.5 inch or longer). Engineered thermoplastic pellets and performance additives are compounded in a screw extruder, to which chopped reinforcements (typically, glass fibers) are added and further extruded. A "charge" of material is cut to a precise weight, and this "charge" is directly moved to a compression or injection transfer process, where it is molded into a finished part. The process allows for direct processing of the compounded material, bypassing the expense and delay of producing an intermediate product (pellets or sheets) as is used in other fiber-reinforced thermoplastic molding processes. The D-LFT process is an attractive option for products that have highly complex geometry, require high strength and stiffness, and benefit from the recyclability of a thermoplastic resin.

Vacuum resin transfer compression molding (“RTM”) process employs two mold halves, typically a core and a cavity, similar to matched die molding. The composite is produced by placing glass mat, chopped strand, or continuous strand fiberglass in the mold cavity in the desired pattern. Parts used for cosmetic purposes typically have a gel coat applied to the mold surface. The core mold is then fitted to the cavity, and upon a satisfactory seal, a vacuum is applied. When the proper vacuum is achieved, the resin is injected into the mold to fill the part. Finally, the part is allowed to cure and is then removed from the mold and trimmed to shape. Fiberglass reinforced products produced from the RTM process exhibit a high-quality surface on both sides of the part and excellent part thickness. The multiple insert tooling technique can be utilized in the RTM process to improve throughput based upon volume requirements.

Structural Foam and Web Injection Molding (“SIM”) are low-pressure injection molding processes that develop high-strength, rigid parts at low weight. This is accomplished by mixing a foaming agent (usually nitrogen gas) with the melted polymer (structural foam process), or by injecting nitrogen gas into the mold cavity immediately after the plastic resin is injected (structural web molding). Structural foam produces a cellular interior structure that can provide twice the rigidity of a solid plastic molding. The structural web process pushes the plastic out to the mold cavity walls, uniformly packing out the entire mold and hollowing out thicker sections to create products of varying wall thicknesses. As a result, structural web molded parts have a smoother, glossier finish than other low-pressure parts. Both processes give part designers flexibility when designing products that need strength and stiffness at low weight and also have the benefit of recyclability due to the use of a thermoplastic resin.

Reaction Injection Molding (“RIM”) is a process whereby a composite is produced through the injection of a two- component thermoset resin system utilizing dicyclopentadiene (“DCPD”) technology. DCPD technology involves injecting a liquid compound into matched die aluminum molds to form the part. In this process the mold is prepared, closed and the liquid compound is injected into the tool then cured. Additional finishing is required when the part is designated for top coat painting. The RIM process is an alternative to other closed mold processes for mid-volume parts that require a high level of impact resistance.

Hand Lay-Up is a process that utilizes a shell mold, typically the cavity, where glass cloth, either chopped strand or continuous strand glass mat, is introduced into the cavity. Resin is then applied to the cloth and rolled out to achieve a uniform wet-out from the glass and to remove any trapped air. The part is then allowed to cure and is removed from the mold. After removal, the part typically undergoes trimming to achieve the shape desired. Parts used for cosmetic purposes typically have a gel coat applied to the mold surface prior to the lay-up to improve the surface quality of the finished part. Parts produced from this process have a smooth outer surface and an unfinished or rough interior surface. These fiberglass-reinforced products are typically non-cosmetic components or structural reinforcements that are sold externally or used internally as components of larger assemblies.

Spray-Up is a process that utilizes the same type of shell mold as hand-lay-up, but instead of using glass cloth to produce the composite part, a chopper/spray system is employed. Glass rovings and resin feed the chopper/spray gun. The resin coated, chopped glass is sprayed into the mold to the desired thickness. The resin coated glass in the mold is then rolled out to ensure complete wet-out and to remove any trapped air. The part is then allowed to cure, is removed from the mold, and is then trimmed to the desired shape. Parts used for cosmetic purposes typically have a gel coat applied to the mold surface prior to the resin-coated glass being sprayed into the mold to improve the surface quality of the finished part. Parts produced from this process have a smooth outer surface and an unfinished or rough interior surface.

Assembly, Machining, and Paint Products

Many of the products molded by the Company are assembled, machined, and prime painted or topcoat painted to result in a finished product used by the Company's customers.

The Company has demonstrated manufacturing flexibility that accommodates a range of low volume hand assembly and machining work, to high volume, highly automated assembly and machining systems. Robotics are used as deemed productive for material handling, machining, and adhesive applications. In addition to conventional machining methods, water-jet cutting technology is also used where appropriate. The Company also utilizes paint booths and batch ovens in its facilities. The Company generally contracts with outside providers for higher volume programs that require top coat paint.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Capital expenditures totaled approximately $11.5 million, $9.1 million, and $16.6 million in 2024, 2023, and 2022 respectively. These capital expenditures primarily consisted of building and equipment improvements and additional production equipment to manufacture parts.

The Company continuously engages in product development. Research and development activities focus on developing new material formulations, new structural composite products, new production capabilities and processes, and improving existing products and manufacturing processes. The Company does not maintain a separate research and development organization or facility, but uses its production equipment, as necessary, to support these efforts and cooperates with its customers and its suppliers in research and development efforts. Likewise, manpower to direct and advance research and development is integrated with the existing manufacturing, engineering, production, and quality organizations. Management has estimated that costs related to research and development were approximately $1.9 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

MAJOR CUSTOMERS

The Company had five major customers during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, BRP, Inc. ("BRP"), International Motors, LLC ("International"), PACCAR, Inc. ("PACCAR"), Volvo Group North America, LLC ("Volvo") and Yamaha Motor Corporation ("Yamaha"). Major customers are defined as customers whose sales individually consist of more than ten percent of total sales during any annual or interim reporting period presented. The loss of a significant portion of sales to these customers could have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company. The following table presents sales to major customers as a percent of total sales for the years ended December 31:

BRP provides a portfolio of industry-leading products comprising of snowmobiles, watercraft, on and off-road vehicles, power sports propulsion systems as well as engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. Yamaha offers a diverse portfolio of products, including motorcycles, watercraft, outboard motors, ATVs, side-by-side vehicles, musical instruments, and audio solutions, all designed to deliver exceptional performance and innovation across land, water, and sound. Demand for these products is driven by consumer demand and general economic conditions.

The North American truck market in which International, Volvo, and PACCAR compete is highly competitive and the demand for medium and heavy-duty trucks is subject to considerable volatility as it moves in response to cycles in the overall business environment and is particularly sensitive to the industrial sector, which generates a significant portion of the freight tonnage hauled. Truck demand also depends on general economic conditions and changes to emission regulations, among other factors.

OTHER CUSTOMERS

The Company also produces products for other customers and industries, including medium and heavy-duty trucks, power sports, building products, industrial and utilities and other commercial markets. Sales to these customers individually were all less than 10% of total sales for interim and annual reporting during 2024, 2023, and 2022.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Substantially all of the Company's products are sold in U.S. dollars. The following table provides information related to the Company's sales by country, based on the ship to location of customers' production facilities, for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

SEASONALITY & BUSINESS CYCLE

The Company's business is affected annually by the production schedules of its customers. Certain of the Company's customers typically shut down their operations on an annual basis for a period of one to several weeks during the Company's third quarter. Certain customers also typically shut down their operations during the last week of December. As a result, demand for the Company's products typically decreases during the third and fourth quarters. Demand for medium and heavy-duty trucks, power sports, automotive, and commercial products also fluctuates on an economic, cyclical and seasonal basis, causing a corresponding fluctuation for demand of the Company's products.

MAJOR COMPETITORS

The Company believes that it is one of the largest compounders and molders of thermoset and thermoplastic structural products in North America. The Company faces competition from a number of other molders including, most significantly, Molded Fiber Glass Companies, Teijin, Ashley Industrial Molding, René Matériaux Composite Ltée ("RMC"), STS Group, and 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics.

RAW MATERIALS

The principal raw materials used in the Company's processes are unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and dicyclopentadiene resins, fiberglass, and filler. Other significant raw materials include adhesives for assembly of molded components, in-mold coating, gel-coat, prime paint for preparation of cosmetic surfaces, and hardware (primarily metal components). Many of the raw materials used by the Company are petrochemical-based, natural gas-based, as well as downstream derivatives, and therefore, the costs of certain raw materials can be affected by changes in costs in these upstream commodities. Due to fluctuating commodity prices, suppliers are typically reluctant to enter into long-term contracts. The Company generally has supplier alternatives for each raw material, and regularly evaluates its supply base to improve its overall purchasing position.

Normally we do not carry inventories of raw materials or finished products in excess of what is reasonably required to meet production and shipping schedules, and to manage risk of supply and variation in demand.

CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS

Capacity utilization is measured based on standard cycle times and a standard work week, which can range from five days per week, three-shifts per day to seven days per week, 24x7 operation, depending on the facility and molding process. During times when demand exceeds the standard five day, three -shift capacity, the Company will work weekends to create additional capacity, which can provide capacity utilization percentages greater than 100%. During 2024, the Company has used various methods from overtime to weekend manpower crews to support the customers' production requirements.

The Company measures facility capacity in terms of its large compression molding presses (2,000 tons or greater). The Company owned 28 large compression molding presses at its facilities at December 31, 2024. The capacity utilization in these production facilities was 73% and 83% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The Company measures facility capacity in terms of its large injection molding presses (750 tons or greater). The Company owned 12 large injection molding presses at its facilities at December 31, 2024. The capacity utilization in these production facilities was 52% and 64% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

BACKLOG

The Company relies on production schedules provided by its customers to plan and implement production. These schedules are normally provided on a weekly basis and typically considered firm for approximately four weeks. Some customers update these schedules daily for changes in demand, allowing them to run their inventories on a “just-in-time” basis. The ordered backlog of four weeks of expected shipments was approximately $19.1 million (100% of which the Company shipped during the first month of 2025) and $25.3 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

As of December 31, 2024, the Company employed a total of 1,570 employees, which consisted of 509 employees in the United States, 880 employees in Mexico and 181 employees in Canada. The salary workforce consisted of 335 employees, while 1,235 employees were hourly. Four plant locations making up 67.4% of the workforce are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Details on the collective bargaining agreements are as follows:

To support the Company’s long-term strategic plan, the Company is committed to being an employer of choice focusing on providing a safe place to work, organizational development opportunities, talent planning and a competitive total rewards package.

Safety – The safety of the Company's workforce is a top priority with continued improvement in the Company's safety record. The Company utilizes behavior-based safety programs at all global facilities as a proactive method of increasing safe behaviors.

Organizational Development – The Company offers learning and development opportunities throughout the workforce, including a comprehensive leadership program for high-potential employees identified through our succession and talent planning process.

Talent Planning – The Company has developed people management processes that enable us to hire, retain and develop a high-performing workforce. We have performance procedures that align with our organization’s strategic goals and support employee development. Employee engagement surveys are conducted to understand employee satisfaction and provide opportunities to create action plans to improve our workplace culture and employee retention.

Total Rewards – Our total rewards package supports an environment where employees want to stay and build their career. We provide fair and competitive compensation and benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being. With a focus on the employee experience, our workplace fosters employee engagement, productivity and morale while encouraging effort, creativity and innovation.

ENVIRONMENTAL, CLIMATE RELATED REGULATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

The Company's manufacturing operations are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, which impose limitations on the discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous pollutants into the air and waterways. The Company has established and implemented standards for the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Our policy is to conduct our business with due regard for the preservation and protection of the environment. Our environmental waste management process involves the regular auditing of hazardous waste accumulation points, hazardous waste activities, authorized treatment, and storage and disposal facilities. We believe that our operations are in substantial compliance with all material environmental laws and regulations applicable to our plants and operations. Historically, our annual costs of achieving and maintaining compliance with environmental laws and regulations have not been material to our financial results. However, new requirements, more stringent application of existing requirements or the discovery of previously unknown environmental conditions could result in material environmental related expenditures in the future. See below under "Item 1A Risk Factors - Legal, Insurance, Tax and Cybersecurity Risks - Changes in legal, regulatory, and social responses to climate change, including any possible effect on energy prices, could adversely affect our business and reduce our profitability."

The Company has Environmental Management Systems at all of its facilities and has obtained ISO 14001 certification at all facilities. As part of the Company's environmental policy, all manufacturing employees are trained on waste management and other environmental issues. The Company's full Board provides oversight of the Company's environmental and climate matters through an Enterprise Risk Management system and quarterly reporting process.

The Company holds various environmental operating permits for its production facilities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada as required by U.S., Mexican and Canadian federal, state and local regulations. The Company has substantially complied with all requirements of these operating permits.

The Company produces structural parts that are long-lived assets and generally not considered single source plastics. As such, the Company is not currently subject to any resin plastic taxes or single-use plastic regulations.

PATENTS, TRADE NAMES, AND TRADEMARKS

The Company will evaluate, apply for, and maintain patents, trade names, and trademarks where it believes that such patents, trade names, and trademarks are reasonably required to protect its rights in its products. However, the Company does not believe that any single patent, trade name, or trademark or related group of such rights is materially important to its business or its ability to compete.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We maintain a website at www.coremt.com (http://www.coremt.com). Annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports, and other information about us are available free of charge through this website as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are electronically filed with the SEC. These materials are also available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov (http://www.sec.gov).

The following risk factors describe various risks that may affect our business, financial condition, and operations. References to “we,” “us,” and “our” in this “Risk Factors” section refer to Core Molding Technologies and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified or unless the context otherwise requires.

Risks Relating to our Business

Our business has concentration risks associated with significant customers.

Sales to five customers constituted approximately 69% of our 2024 total sales. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our total sales for this period. The loss of any significant portion of sales to any of our significant customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Accounts receivable balances with five customers accounted for 71% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2024. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and maintains reserves for potential bad debt losses. If the financial conditions of any of these customers were to deteriorate, impacting their ability to pay their receivables, our reserves may not be adequate which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Beginning in the second half of 2024 and continuing through 2026, our business with Volvo, a significant customer accounting for approximately 14% of our 2024 total sales, will begin transitioning from existing production programs that the Company currently supplies to new programs that the Company does not support. There is no assurance that we will be able to replace the loss of any revenue that we may experience from the expiration of our existing production programs with Volvo, or from the loss of any other significant customer whether due to unexpected loss or future expiration of production programs.

Furthermore, these customers may not continue to do business with us as they have in the past and we may not be able to supply these customers or any of our other customers at current levels.

Our business is affected by the cyclical and overall nature of the industries and markets that we serve.

The North American heavy and medium-duty truck industry, on which the demand of our products is largely dependent, is highly cyclical. In 2024, approximately 56% of our product sales was in this industry. The market for this industry fluctuates in response to factors that are beyond our control, such as: general economic conditions; interest rates; federal and state regulations, including engine emissions regulations, import regulations, tariffs (for example, on products imported into or exported from the U.S., including under U.S. or other trade laws or measures, or other key markets); and other taxes, consumer spending, fuel costs, supply chain constraints, our customers' inventory levels and production rates, and the overall strength of the economy. Our manufacturing operations have a significant fixed cost component. Accordingly, during periods of changing demands, including an increase or slowdown in truck demand, the profitability of our operations may change proportionately more than revenues from operations. In particular, the continuing adoption or expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs and prices, our customers, our suppliers, and the economy, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

In addition, our operations are typically seasonal as a result of regular customer maintenance shutdowns, which typically vary from year to year based on production demands and occur in the third and fourth quarter of each calendar year. This seasonality may result in decreased net sales and profitability during the third and fourth fiscal quarters of each calendar year. Weakness in overall economic conditions or in the markets that we serve, or significant reductions by our customers in their inventory levels or future production rates, could result in decreased demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Price increases in raw materials (including price increases due to prolonged inflation or imposition of tariffs) and availability of raw materials, including disruptions in supply chain, could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

We purchase resins and fiberglass for use in production as well as hardware and other components for product assembly. The prices for purchased materials are affected by the prices of material feed stocks such as crude oil, natural gas, and downstream components, as well as processing capacity versus demand. If we are unsuccessful in developing ways to mitigate the adverse effects of these raw material price increases or are unable to offset the increase through price increases to our customers, our results of operations could be materially adversely impacted.

We rely upon a global supply chain to deliver the raw materials, components, systems and parts that we need to manufacture and service our products. Any direct or indirect supply chain disruptions, including from the effects of any imposition of tariffs or retaliatory trade measures, pandemics or epidemics, economic slowdowns, recessions, geopolitical events, natural disasters or similar catastrophes, inflation or rising interest rates, may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, recent inflationary pressures have resulted in increased raw material, labor and logistics expenses and evolving trade policies could continue to make sourcing products from foreign countries difficult and costly, including the imposition of tariffs and related retaliatory measures, which may force us to face higher costs that could require us to raise prices for our products, which, may adversely affect our results of operations. If our costs are subject to continuing significant inflationary pressures and/or imposition of tariffs, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases. Our inability to do so could harm our results of operations and financial condition.

Long-term fixed price customer contracts could adversely impact operating results in an inflationary economy.

In order to obtain new business in a competitive environment, the Company enters into long-term contracts that fix the customer product price and requires the Company to accept all product orders pursuant to such contracts. These fixed price customer contracts allow for certain price increases but may not provide for recovery of all of the Company's cost increases. As a result, if the Company’s operating costs, such as raw material, labor and overhead costs, increase the Company may not be able to increase the price of products sold to customers enough to offset operating costs increases, which could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Cost reduction and quality improvement initiatives by original equipment manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

We are primarily a components supplier to large original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) that are able to exert considerable pressure on components suppliers to reduce costs, improve quality, and provide additional design and engineering capabilities. OEMs continue to demand and receive price reductions and measurable increases in quality through their use of competitive selection processes, rating programs, and various other arrangements. We may be unable to generate sufficient production cost savings in the future to offset such price reductions. OEMs may also seek to save costs by purchasing components from suppliers that are geographically closer to their production facilities or relocating production to locations with lower cost structures and purchasing components from suppliers with lower production costs.

These decisions by OEMs could require us to shift production between our facilities, move production lines between our facilities, or open new facilities to remain competitive. Shifting production, moving production lines, or opening new locations could result in significant costs required for capital investment, transfer expenses, and operating costs. Additionally, OEMs have generally required component suppliers to provide more design engineering input at earlier stages of the product development process, the costs of which have, in some cases, been absorbed by the suppliers. To the extent that the Company does not meet the quality standards or demands of quality improvement initiatives sought by OEMs, or does not match the quality of suppliers of comparable products, OEMs may choose to purchase from these alternative suppliers, and as a result the Company may lose existing business or not qualify for new business with OEMs. Future price reductions, increased quality standards, and additional engineering capabilities required by OEMs may reduce our profitability and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

We operate in highly competitive markets, and if we are unable to effectively compete it may negatively impact future operating results, sales, and earnings.

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. We compete with a number of other manufacturers that produce and sell similar products. Our products primarily compete on the basis of capability, product quality, cost, and delivery. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources, research and development facilities, design engineering, manufacturing, and marketing capabilities. If we are unable to develop new and innovative products, diversify the markets, materials, and processes we utilize and increase operational enhancements, we may fall behind competitors or lose the ability to achieve competitive advantages. In the highly competitive market in which we operate, this may negatively impact our ability to retain existing customers or attract new customers, and if that occurs, it may negatively impact future operating results, sales, and earnings.

We may be subject to additional shipping expense or late fees if we are not able to meet our customers' on-time demand for our products.

We must continue to meet our customers' demand for on-time delivery of our products. Factors that could result in our inability to meet customer demands include a failure by one or more of our suppliers to supply us with the raw materials and other resources that we need to operate our business effectively, potential quality issues could materialize forcing us to halt, delay or materially adjust deliveries, and an unforeseen spike in demand for our products, which would create capacity constraints, among other factors. If this occurs, we may be required to incur additional shipping expenses to ensure on-time delivery or otherwise be required to pay late fees, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition. Additionally, our customers may halt or delay their production for the same reason if one of their other suppliers fails to deliver necessary components. This may cause our customers to suspend their orders or instruct us to suspend delivery of our products, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Increasing competition for highly skilled and talented workers, as well as labor shortages, could adversely affect our business.

Our success largely depends on the efforts and abilities of our key personnel and our continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Their skills, experience, and industry contacts significantly benefit us. A number of factors may adversely affect the labor force available to us or increase labor costs, including high employment levels and government regulations or policies. The increasing competition for highly skilled and talented employees has resulted, and could in the future result, in higher compensation costs resulting in difficulties in maintaining a capable workforce. If we are unable to hire and retain skilled employees capable of performing at a high level, or if mitigation measures we may take to respond to a decrease in the availability of skilled laborers, such as overtime and third-party outsourcing, have unintended negative effects, then our business could be adversely affected. A sustained labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, increased turnover or labor cost inflation, as a result of general macroeconomic factors, could lead to increased costs, such as increased overtime to meet demand and increased wage rates to attract and retain employees, which could negatively affect our ability to efficiently operate our manufacturing facilities and overall business and have other adverse effects on our results of operations and financial condition.

Work stoppages or other labor issues at our facilities or at our customers' facilities, or those of our supplies or vendors, could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

As of December 31, 2024, unions at our Columbus, Ohio, Matamoros and Escobedo, Mexico, and Cobourg, Canada facilities represented approximately 67.4% of our entire workforce. As a result, we are subject to the risk of work stoppages and other labor-relations matters. The current Columbus, Ohio, Matamoros, Mexico, Cobourg, Canada, and Escobedo, Mexico union contracts extend through August 9, 2025, December 31, 2025, November 1, 2025 and February 14, 2026, respectively. Any prolonged work stoppage or strike at our unionized facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition. Any failure by us to reach a new agreement upon expiration of such union contracts may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

In addition, if any of our customers, vendors or suppliers experience a material work stoppage, that customer may halt or limit the purchase of our products or that supplier or vendor may interrupt supply or services of our necessary production components. This could cause us to shut down, partially or completely, production facilities relating to these products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Our foreign operations in Mexico and Canada subject us to risks that could negatively affect our business.

We operate manufacturing facilities in Matamoros and Escobedo, Mexico and Cobourg, Canada. As a result, a significant portion of our business and operations is subject to the risk of changes in economic conditions, tax systems, consumer preferences, social conditions, safety and security conditions, and political conditions inherent in Mexico and Canada, including changes in the laws and policies that govern foreign investment, as well as changes in United States laws, policies and regulations relating to foreign trade, investment and relations. Changes in laws, policies and regulations related to foreign trade, investment and relations may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. Similarly, the potential imposition of tariffs, especially in Mexico, may lead to further challenges that may negatively affect our business if there is a resulting reduction in demand for our products, result in the loss of customers and harm our competitive position in key markets.

Changes in U.S. trade policy, including the imposition of new or increased tariffs and the resulting consequences, could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Evolving trade policies could make sourcing and selling products between foreign countries difficult and costly, as the Company and its customers sell foreign produced products into the United States and the Company sources a portion of its raw materials used in production from outside of the U.S. For example, in early 2025, the current U.S. administration announced significant new tariffs on foreign imports into the U.S., specifically from Mexico and Canada, all of which were subsequently postponed for 30 days prior to becoming effective. We cannot predict the extent to which the U.S. or other countries will impose new or additional quotas, duties, taxes or other similar restrictions upon the import or export of our products in the future, nor can we predict the outcome of negotiations between the U.S. and affected countries, the responses of other countries or regions, exemptions or exclusions that may be granted, availability and cost of alternative sources of supply, and demand for our products in affected markets. The continuing adoption or expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs and prices, our customers, our suppliers, and the economy, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Our business is subject to risks associated with manufacturing equipment and infrastructure.

We convert raw materials into molded products through a manufacturing process at each production facility. A catastrophic loss of the use of all or a portion of our facilities due to accident, fire, explosion, or natural disaster, whether short or long-term, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Unexpected failures of our equipment and machinery may result in production delays, revenue loss, and significant repair costs, as well as injuries to our employees. Any interruption in production capability may require us to make large capital expenditures to remedy the situation, which could have a negative impact on our profitability and cash flows. Our business interruption insurance may not be sufficient to offset the lost revenues or increased costs that we may experience during a disruption of our operations. Because we supply our products to OEMs, a temporary or long-term business disruption could result in a permanent loss of customers. If this were to occur, our future sales levels and therefore our profitability could be materially adversely affected.

Our business is subject to risks associated with new business awards. In order to recognize profit from new business, we must accurately estimate product costs as part of the quoting process and implement effective and efficient manufacturing processes. Expected future sales from business awards may not materialize. We may not realize the sales or operating results that we anticipate from new business awards, and we may experience difficulties in meeting the production demands of new business awards.

The success of our business relies on our ability to produce products which meet the quality, performance, and price expectations of our customers. Our ability to recognize profit is largely dependent upon accurately identifying the costs associated with the manufacturing of our products and executing the manufacturing process in a cost-effective manner. All costs may not be accurately identified during the Company's quoting process and the expected level of manufacturing efficiency may not be achieved. As a result, we may not realize the anticipated operating results related to new business awards.

We will continue to pursue, and may be awarded, new business from existing or new customers. The Company may make capital investments, which may be material to the Company, in order to meet the expected production requirements of existing or new customers related to these business awards, and to support the potential production demands which may result from continued sales growth. The anticipated impact on the Company's sales and operating results related to these business awards may not materialize, as our growth could be adversely affected by many factors, including macroeconomic events such as inflation, recession, and interest rate increases, competition, and labor market shortages or regulations. Any delays or production difficulties encountered in connection with these business awards, and any change in customer demand, could adversely impact our business, results of operations, and liquidity, and the benefits we anticipate may never materialize.

We have made acquisitions and may make acquisitions in the future. We may not realize the operating results that we anticipate from these acquisitions or from acquisitions or business exits we may make in the future, and we may experience difficulties in integrating the acquired businesses or may inherit significant liabilities related to such businesses.

We explore opportunities to acquire businesses that we believe are related to our core competencies, some of which may be material to us. We expect such acquisitions will produce operating results consistent with our other operations; however, any such acquisition could fail to produce the expected operating results.

Any acquisitions may present significant challenges for our management due to the increased time and resources required to properly integrate management, employees, information systems, accounting controls, personnel, and administrative functions of the acquired business with those of ours and to manage the combined company on a going forward basis. The diversion of management's attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the integration of these businesses could adversely impact our business, results of operations, and liquidity, and the benefits we anticipate may never materialize.

If we are unable to meet future capital requirements, our business may be adversely affected.

As we grow our business, we may have to incur significant capital expenditures. We may make capital investments to, among other things, build new or upgrade our facilities, purchase equipment, and enhance our production processes. We may not have, or be able to obtain, adequate funds to make all necessary capital expenditures when required, and the amount of future capital expenditures may be materially in excess of our anticipated or current expenditures. If we are unable to make necessary capital expenditures we may not have the capability to support our customer demands, which in turn could reduce our sales and profitability and impair our ability to satisfy our customers' expectations. The need for additional capital may necessitate that the Company incur further indebtedness or issue additional stock in the equity markets in order to raise needed capital. In addition, even if we are able to invest sufficient resources, these investments may not generate net sales that exceed our expenses, generate any net sales at all, or result in any commercially acceptable products.

We may not achieve expected efficiencies related to the proximity of our customers' production facilities to our manufacturing facilities, or with respect to existing or future production relocation plans.

Certain facilities are located in close proximity to our customers in order to minimize both our customers' and our own costs. If any of our customers were to move or if nearby facilities are closed or impaired, that may impact our ability to remain competitive. Additionally, our competitors could build a facility that is closer to our customers' facilities which may provide them with a geographic advantage. Any of these events might require us to move closer to our customers, build new facilities, or shift production between our current facilities to meet our customers' needs, resulting in additional cost and expense.

Our products may be rendered obsolete or less attractive if there are changes in technology, regulatory requirements, governmental policies or competitive processes.

Changes in technology, regulatory requirements, and competitive processes may render certain products obsolete or less attractive. Future chemical regulations may restrict our ability to manufacture products, cause us to incur substantial expenditures to comply with them, and subject us to liability for adverse environmental or health effects linked to the manufacture of our products. Failure to comply with future regulations and policies may subject us to penalties or other enforcement actions. Our ability to anticipate changes in these areas will be a significant factor in our ability to remain competitive. If we are unable to identify or compensate for any one of these changes it may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Financial and Accounting Risks

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow, liquidity, or financial condition.

Because of our international operations, we are exposed to risk associated with value changes in foreign currencies, which may adversely affect our business. Historically, our reported net sales, earnings, cash flow, and financial condition have been subjected to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Our primary exchange rate exposure is with the Canadian dollar and the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar. We may experience losses from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and such losses could adversely affect our sales, earnings, cash flow, liquidity, results of operations or financial condition.

Our stock price can be volatile.

Our stock price can fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors. Factors include actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results, our relatively small public float, changes in securities analysts' estimates of our future earnings, the loss of major customers, or significant business developments relating to us or our competitors, and other factors, including those described in this “Risk Factors” section. Our common stock also has a low average daily trading volume, which limits a person's ability to quickly accumulate or quickly divest themselves of large blocks of our stock. In addition, a low average trading volume can lead to significant price swings even when a relatively few number of shares are being traded.

On March 11, 2024, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $7,500,000 of its outstanding shares of common stock. Repurchases of shares of common stock under the stock repurchase program are made in the open market. The stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be suspended or terminated at any time at the Company’s discretion. Company stock repurchases under the program may result in common stock price and volume fluctuations. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 172,043 common shares under the stock repurchase program and had a remaining repurchase authorization of $4,561,000 as of December 31, 2024.

We have incurred impairment charges in the past and we may be required to incur additional impairment charges in the future on a portion or all of the carrying value of our goodwill or other intangible assets associated with our reporting unit which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Each year, and more frequently on an interim basis if appropriate, we are required by ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” to assess the carrying value of our indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill to determine whether the carrying value of those assets is impaired. Such assessment and determination involves significant judgments to estimate the fair value of our reporting unit including estimating future cash flows, near term and long term revenue growth, and determining appropriate discount rates, among other assumptions. As of December 31, 2024, goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles were $21,806,000, or 10.4% of our total assets. If operating earnings fall below forecasted operating earnings, we would perform an interim or annual goodwill impairment analysis. Should that analysis conclude that the reporting unit’s fair value were to be below carrying value a goodwill impairment charge would be necessary. Any such charges could materially adversely affect our financial results in the periods in which they are recorded.

Our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting may be insufficient to allow us to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, and this could cause our financial statements to become materially misleading and adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

We require effective internal control over financial reporting in order to provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial reports and to effectively prevent fraud. Internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we cannot provide reasonable assurance with respect to our financial statements and effectively prevent fraud, our financial statements could become materially misleading, which could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

If we are not able to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business, financial condition, and operating results could be harmed. Any material weakness could affect investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial statements. As a result, our ability to obtain any additional financing, or additional financing on favorable terms, could be materially and adversely affected. This, in turn, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and the market value of our stock and require us to incur additional costs to improve our internal control systems and procedures. In addition, perceptions of the Company among customers, suppliers, lenders, regulators, investors, securities analysts, and others could also be adversely affected. Material weaknesses may arise in the future due to our failure to implement and maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting.

Our failure to comply with our debt covenants could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

The Company’s credit agreements contain certain covenants. The Company’s ability to borrow money and repay existing debt on scheduled terms under its existing credit agreements requires the Company to be compliant with its covenants. If a default of covenants were to occur, we may not be able to pay our debts or borrow sufficient funds, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Legal, Insurance, Tax and Cybersecurity Risks

Changes in the legal, regulatory, and social responses, including those of stockholder activist organizations, to climate change, including any possible effect on energy prices, could adversely affect our business and reduce our profitability.

Many of our products are made from a material whose manufacturing process involves the emission of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that scientists have attributed as a cause of climate change. Our products require transportation from our facilities to the site where they are used, which consumes energy. Although it is uncertain at this time precisely what actions various governmental bodies will take early to address the effects of climate change and to achieve goals in response to the potential effects of climate change, various proposed legislative or regulatory initiatives related to climate changes, such as cap-and-trade systems, increased limits on emissions of greenhouse gases and fuel efficiency standards, or other measures, could in the future have a material impact on us, our customers, or the markets we serve, thereby resulting in a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operation. For example, customers in the transportation (automotive and truck) industry could be required to incur greater costs in order to comply with such initiatives, which could have an adverse impact on their profitability or viability. This could in turn lead to further changes in the structure of the transportation industry that could reduce demand for our products. We are also reliant on energy to manufacture our products, with our operating costs being subject to increase if energy costs rise. If new regulations would result in higher energy costs we may not be able to recover our operating cost increases through production efficiencies and price increases. Increases in energy prices for any reason (including as a result of new initiatives related to climate change) will increase our operating costs and likely reduce our profitability. Until the timing, scope and extent of any future regulation becomes known, we cannot predict its effect on our cost structure or our operating results, but it is likely our costs will increase in relation to any climate change legislation and regulation concerning greenhouse gases, which could have an adverse effect on our future financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In addition, changes in weather severity may result in sufficient insurance availability to be limited or the price of insurance to materially increase. The Company, its suppliers and customers are located in areas that may be subject to damage or disruption due to changes in weather severity (i.e. floods, hurricanes, fires, etc.). Although the Company maintains property and business interruption insurance, damage from a weather event, natural disaster, or disruption in the supply chain or customer demand may not be fully covered by our insurance and could cause a material adverse impact on our business. Disruption in our supply chain could also have an adverse effect on our ability to manufacture and deliver our products on a timely basis, and thereby affect our results of operations. Thus, any supply chain disruption, however small, could potentially cause the complete shutdown of an assembly line of one of our customers, and any such shutdown could expose us to claims for compensation. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient insurance coverage or the cost of insurance materially increases, the Company’s financial condition and results of operation could be materially impacted.

We may be subject to product liability claims, recalls or warranty claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

As a components supplier to OEMs, we face a business risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that our products malfunction and result in significant property damage, personal injury or death. Product liability claims could result in significant losses as a result of expenses incurred in defending claims or the award of damages. In addition, we may be required to participate in recalls involving components sold by us if any prove to be defective, or we may voluntarily initiate a recall or make payments related to such claims in order to maintain positive customer relationships. While we do maintain product liability insurance, it may not be sufficient to cover all product liability claims, and as a result, any product liability claim brought against us could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Further, we warrant the quality of our products under limited warranties, and as such, we are subject to risk of warranty claims in the event that our products do not conform to our customers’ specifications. Such warranty claims may result in costly product recalls, significant repair costs, and damage to our reputation, all of which would adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to protect against the potential hazards to our business.

We maintain property, business interruption, stop loss for health care and workers' compensation, director and officer, product liability, cyber, and casualty insurance coverage, but such insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential claims, including losses resulting from war risks, terrorist acts, or product liability claims relating to products we manufacture. Consistent with market conditions in the insurance industry, premiums and deductibles for some of our insurance policies have been increasing and may continue to increase in the future. In some instances, some types of insurance may become available only for reduced amounts of coverage, if at all. In addition, our insurers may challenge coverage for certain claims. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully insured or that our insurers disputed, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

We are subject to environmental, occupational health and safety rules and regulations that may require us to make substantial expenditures or expose us to financial or other obligations including substantial damages, penalties, fines, civil or criminal sanctions, and remediation costs that could adversely affect our results.

Our operations, facilities, and personnel are subject to extensive and evolving state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to air emissions, wastewater discharges, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous materials and wastes, health and safety, the investigation and remediation of contamination, and the protection of the environment and natural resources. It is difficult to predict the future interpretations and developments of environmental and health and safety laws, policies, and regulations or their impact on our future results and cash flows. Continued compliance could result in significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs. In addition, we may be exposed to obligations or involved from time to time in administrative or legal proceedings relating to environmental, health and safety or other regulatory matters, and may incur financial and other obligations relating to such matters that could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Certain senior management employees have entered into potentially costly severance arrangements with us if terminated by the employee for good reason.

We have entered into executive employment agreements with executive officers that provide for significant severance payments in the event such employee's employment with us is terminated by the employee for good reason (as defined in the employment agreement). Good reason includes one or more of the following occurring in the ordinary course of business or within one year of a change in control: (i) a material reduction in base salary, (ii) a material diminution in the executive's position and/or duties, (iii) a material breach of the employment agreement by the person or other entity then controlling the Company, or (iv) a disavowal of the employment agreement by the person or other entity then controlling the Company. A change in control occurs when (a) one Person (as defined in the employment agreement), or more than one Person acting as a group, acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, (b) a majority of the members of the Board are replaced during any twelve-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the Board before the date of appointment or election, or (c) the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. These agreements would make it costly for the employment of certain of our senior management employees to be terminated and such costs may also discourage potential acquisition proposals, which may negatively affect our stock price.

Our provision for income tax, adverse tax audits, or changes in tax policy could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Our provision for income taxes and cash flow related to taxes may be negatively impacted by: (1) changes in the mix of earnings taxable in jurisdictions with different statutory rates, (2) changes in tax laws and accounting principles, (3) changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, (4) discovery of new information during the course of tax return preparation, (5) increases in nondeductible expenses, or (6) being subject to include foreign income in the United States as part of the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income or the GILTI tax provision.

Tax audits may also negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We are subject to continued examination of our income tax returns, and tax authorities may disagree with our tax positions and assess additional tax. We regularly evaluate the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. Outcomes from examinations may have a negative impact on our future financial condition and operating results.

Cybersecurity incidents may threaten our confidential information, disrupt operations and result in harm to our reputation and adversely impact our business and financial performance.

Cybersecurity incidents across industries, including ours, are increasing in sophistication and frequency and may range from uncoordinated individual attempts to measures targeted specifically at us. These attacks include but are not limited to, malicious software or viruses, attempts to gain unauthorized access to, or otherwise disrupt, our information systems, attempts to gain unauthorized access to business, proprietary or other confidential information, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. Cybersecurity failures may be caused by employee error, malfeasance, system errors or vulnerabilities, including vulnerabilities of our customers, vendors, suppliers, and their products. We have been subject to cybersecurity incidents in the past. Based on information known to date, past incidents have not had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, if our controls are not effective in timely identifying the occurrence of material cybersecurity incidents involving our information systems or data, then we may not comply with SEC’s cybersecurity disclosure regulations, which could lead to regulatory action, fines, penalties, inquiries or reprimands that adversely impact our business, as well as lead to a decline in customer engagement or confidence, negative publicity, and possibly an increase in our operating costs to improve monitoring and compliance features relating to cybersecurity. The rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence technologies may intensify these risks. We, or third parties who provide material services to us, may experience such incidents in the future, potentially with more frequency or sophistication.

In the conduct of our business, we collect, use, transmit and store data on information systems, which are vulnerable to disruption and an increasing threat of continually evolving cybersecurity risks. Failures of our IT systems as a result of cybersecurity incidents or other disruptions could result in a breach of critical operational or financial controls and lead to a disruption of our operations, commercial activities or financial processes. Cybersecurity incidents or other disruptions impacting significant customers and/or suppliers could also lead to a disruption of our operations or commercial activities. Despite our attempts to implement safeguards on our systems and mitigate potential risks, our actions may not be sufficient to prevent cyberattacks or security breaches that manipulate or improperly use our systems or networks, compromise confidential or otherwise protected information, destroy or corrupt data, or otherwise disrupt our operations. The occurrence of such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to Economic Conditions

Economic conditions and disruptions in the financial markets could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Disruptions in the financial markets could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition if our ability to borrow money were to be impaired. Disruptions in the financial markets may also have a material adverse impact on the availability and cost of credit in the future. Our ability to pay our debt or refinance our obligations will depend on our future performance, which could be affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions. Disruptions in the financial markets may also have an adverse effect on the U.S. and world economies, which would have a negative impact on demand for our products. In addition, tightening of credit markets may have an adverse impact on our customers' ability to finance the sale of their products or our suppliers' ability to provide us with raw materials, either of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Risk management and strategy

The Company maintains a cyber risk management program designed to assess, identify, manage, mitigate, and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents. The cyber risk management program is integrated into the Company’s overall enterprise risk management (“ERM”) program. The ERM program is designed to provide cross-functional board and executive insight across the business to identify and monitor risks, opportunities and emerging trends that can impact the Company’s strategic business objectives.

The Company also maintains several processes intended to safeguard our information systems, protect the integrity of our data and respond to cybersecurity incidents. These processes include a formal information security training program for all employees, training on matters such as phishing and email security best practices, annual disaster recovery exercises, targeted access controls, and multi-factor authentication logins. The Company maintains a cybersecurity incident response process to help ensure a timely and consistent response to actual or attempted cybersecurity incidents impacting the Company.

The Company engages third-party service providers to aid in monitoring and safeguarding critical assets from cybersecurity attacks. Through these partnerships, the Company leverages specialized knowledge, insights, and practices to enhance the effectiveness of its cybersecurity strategies. Key third-party services include 24/7 active and passive monitoring and mitigation of the Company’s network, endpoints, and data. Additionally, the Company has contractual obligations in place with third-party service providers to adhere to specific information security standards and to promptly notify and collaborate with management in the event of qualifying cybersecurity incidents.

As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company is not aware of any cybersecurity incidents that have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a material impact on our business or operations. However, due to the evolving nature of cyber threats and their increased sophistication, there remains the potential for adverse impacts on the Company should a cybersecurity incident occur. These impacts could include reputational damage, competitive harm, operational disruptions, financial costs, and regulatory actions. Please refer to the risk factor titled "Cybersecurity incidents may threaten our confidential information, disrupt operations and result in harm to our reputation and adversely impact our business and financial performance." See Part I, Item 1A for further information regarding cybersecurity risks and potential impacts on our business and results of operations.

Governance

Management's responsibility

The Company’s senior executive team, which includes our Director of Information Systems, is responsible for providing input and oversight of our ERM program, including assessing and managing our material risks from cybersecurity threats. The senior executive team is informed about and oversees the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents through their management of, and participation in, our cybersecurity risk management and strategy processes. The senior executive team provides an in-depth annual report and quarterly updates on our enterprise risks, including cybersecurity risks, to present to the full Board.

Board oversight

While management is responsible for the day-to-day management of cybersecurity risks, our Board maintains principal oversight responsibility for our enterprise risk management, including cybersecurity. The Board has responsibility for, among other things, oversight of the Company’s information technology and cybersecurity processes and procedures, including oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats and the steps management has taken to monitor and mitigate such risks. The Board reviews and discusses with management, at least annually:

• the adequacy and effectiveness of our information technology security processes and procedures;
• the assessment of risks and threats to our information technology systems;
• the internal controls regarding information technology security and cybersecurity; and
• the steps management has taken to monitor and mitigate information technology security and cybersecurity risks and to remediate the effects of any cybersecurity incidents that may occur.

Core Molding Technologies has its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and operates six production facilities in three countries, United States, Canada and Mexico. Four of the production facilities are owned and the remaining two are leased. We consider our properties to generally be in good condition, well maintained, and suitable and adequate to meet our business requirements for the foreseeable future. We do not anticipate difficulty in renewing existing leases as they expire or in finding alternative facilities. All owned facilities are subject to liens securing the Company's obligations under our revolving and term loans as described in Note 9, Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company is not aware of any material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject.

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

Core Molding Technologies and its subsidiaries operate in the engineered materials market as one operating segment as a molder of thermoplastic and thermoset structural products. During the year ended December 31, 2024 the Company's operating segment consisted of one component reporting unit. The Company produces and sells molded products for varied markets, including medium and heavy-duty trucks, power sports, building products, industrial and utilities and other commercial markets. Core Molding Technologies has its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and operates six production facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

General

The Company’s business and operating results are directly affected by changes in overall customer demand, operational costs, and performance and leverage of our fixed cost and selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") infrastructure.

Product sales fluctuate in response to several factors, including many that are beyond the Company’s control, such as general economic conditions, interest rates, government regulations, consumer spending, labor availability, and our customers’ production rates and inventory levels. Product sales consist of demand from customers in many different markets with different levels of cyclicality and seasonality. The Company's largest market, North American truck, which is highly cyclical, accounted for 56%, 52%, and 45% of the Company’s product revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Operating performance is dependent on the Company’s ability to manage changes in input costs for items such as raw materials, labor, and overhead operating costs. The Company has certain contractual commitments that restrict its ability to pass through changes in input costs to certain customers. As a result, during periods of significant increases or decreases in input costs operating results may be impacted.

Performance is also affected by manufacturing efficiencies, including items such as on time delivery, quality, scrap, and productivity. Market factors of supply and demand can impact operating costs. In periods of rapid increases or decreases in customer demand, the Company is required to ramp operational activity up or down quickly, which may impact manufacturing efficiencies more than in periods of steady demand.

Operating performance is also dependent on the Company’s ability to effectively launch new customer programs, which are typically extremely complex in nature. The start of production of a new program is the result of a process of developing new molds and assembly equipment, validation testing, manufacturing process design, development and testing, along with training and often hiring employees. Meeting the targeted levels of manufacturing efficiency for new programs usually occurs over time as the Company gains experience with new tools and processes. Therefore, during a new program launch period, start-up costs and inefficiencies can affect operating results.

Business Outlook

Looking forward, based on industry analyst projections, customer forecasts, cyclical demand, and customer programs ramping down throughout 2025, offset by anticipated program launches and price changes, the Company expects revenues for first half of the calendar year 2025 to decrease by approximately 5 to 10 percent as compared to 2024, but remain flat for the full year 2025 as compared to 2024. The Company also expects a change in mix in 2025 as compared to 2024 between product revenues and tooling revenues as new programs launch during 2025.

During the second half of 2024 and continuing through 2026, the Company’s business with Volvo is transitioning from existing programs that the Company currently supplies to new programs that the Company does not support. Notwithstanding this transition and the completion of existing programs with Volvo, the Company continues to actively bid for new Volvo business, which we believe we will continue to secure outside of the current programs. Going forward we remain focused on continuing to replace phased out business from existing programs with new programs from Volvo or other customers.

The Company’s raw material supply chains remain stable, and the Company anticipates raw material pricing in 2025 to remain flat or slightly higher as compared to 2024; however, if tariffs are implemented in North America, the Company anticipates raw material cost to increase in 2025 as compared to 2024. Labor markets have also stabilized, although at higher cost levels over the past several years. The Company does not anticipate challenges in hiring hourly labor, although management believes wage pressure will continue, especially in Mexico.

2024 compared to 2023

Net sales for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $302,378,000 and $357,738,000, respectively. Included in total sales were tooling project sales of $11,286,000 and $10,363,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These sales are sporadic in nature and fluctuate in regard to scope and related revenue on a period-to-period basis. Product sales, excluding tooling project sales, for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $291,092,000 compared to $347,375,000 for the same period in 2023. The decrease in sales is primarily the result of lower demand from customers in all of the Company's significant markets.

The Company's product sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 by market are as follows (in thousands):

Gross margin was approximately 17.6% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with 18.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The gross margin percentage decrease was due to lower fixed cost leverage of 1.4% and unfavorable product mix and production inefficiencies of 1.3% offset by net changes in selling price and raw material cost of 2.3%.

Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") totaled $36,565,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, which included severance expense of $1,294,000. Excluding severance expense, SG&A cost for the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled $35,271,000 compared to $37,983,000 in 2023. Decreased SG&A expenses resulted primarily from lower bonus, labor and benefits of $2,380,000 and lower stock compensation of $426,000, offset by higher foreign currency translation of $1,336,000.

Net interest income totaled $193,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net interest expense of $1,011,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company recognized interest income of $1,443,000 from investment of the Company's accumulated cash balances during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $357,000 in 2023.

Income tax expense was approximately $4,182,000, or 23.9% of total income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2024. Income tax expense was approximately $5,422,000, or 21.3% of total income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in tax expense percentage year-over-year was due to increase in foreign taxes and permanent compensation differences, offset by foreign direct investment tax deduction.

The Company recorded net income for 2024 of $13,299,000 or $1.51 per diluted share, compared with net income of $20,324,000 or $2.31 per diluted share for 2023.

Comprehensive income totaled $10,290,000 in 2024, compared with comprehensive income of $22,572,000 in 2023. The decrease was primarily related to decreases in net income of $7,025,000, foreign currency hedges of $2,674,000, and post retirement benefit plan adjustments of $2,747,000.

2023 Compared to 2022

Net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $357,738,000 and $377,376,000, respectively. Included in total sales were tooling project sales of $10,363,000 and $18,675,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These sales are sporadic in nature and fluctuate in regard to scope and related revenue on a period-to-period basis. Product sales, excluding tooling project sales, for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $347,375,000 compared to $358,701,000 for the same period in 2022. The decrease in sales is primarily the result of lower demand from customers in building products and industrial and utilities industries, offset by higher demand from customers in the heavy-duty truck industry, full year impact of price increases related to the recoupment of raw material inflation costs, and revenues from new program launches.

The Company's product sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022 by market are as follows (in thousands):

Gross margin was approximately 18.0% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with 13.9% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The gross margin percentage increase was due to net changes in selling price and raw material cost of 5.3% and favorable product mix and production efficiencies of 0.6%, offset by lower fixed cost leverage of 1.2% and unfavorable foreign currency impact of 0.6%.

Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") totaled $37,983,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $34,399,000 in 2022. The increase in SG&A expense primarily resulted from higher labor and benefit costs of $2,150,000, higher bonus of $907,000 and higher professional fees of $627,000. In connection with the decrease in sales, the Company has recognized a one-time severance expense totaling $570,000.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company refinanced its existing credit facility. As a result, the Company recorded one-time losses of $1,234,000 from writing off outstanding deferred loan costs and $348,000 from prepayment fees associated with the repayment of the FGI Term Loan.

Net interest expense totaled $1,011,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to interest expense of $1,960,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in net interest expense was due to lower average senior debt balance for the year ended December 31, 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022. The Company also recognized $346,000 of interest income during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Income tax expense was approximately $5,422,000, or 21.3% of total income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2023. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $2,382,000 and includes statutory foreign tax expense from foreign taxable income offset by tax benefits from tax losses in the United States. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, also includes a valuation allowance reversal of $2,363,000 related to deferred tax assets related to the federal jurisdiction in the United States.

The Company recorded net income for 2023 of $20,324,000 or $2.31 per diluted share, compared with net income of $12,203,000 or $1.44 per diluted share for 2022.

Comprehensive income totaled $22,572,000 in 2023, compared with comprehensive income of $14,181,000 in 2022. The increase was primarily related to an increase in net income of $8,121,000.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flow

The Company’s primary sources of funds have been cash generated from operating activities and borrowings from third parties. Primary cash requirements are for operating expenses, capital expenditures, repayments of debt, and acquisitions. The Company from time to time will enter into foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps to mitigate risk of foreign exchange and interest rate volatility. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $29,668,000 and $21,719,000, respectively. At December 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $9,195,000 and $23,229,000, respectively.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $35,151,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Net income of $13,299,000 positively impacted operating cash flows. Cash flows were positively impact by non-cash deductions in net income from depreciation and amortization, share based compensation and deferred income taxes of $13,399,000, $2,495,000 and $473,000, respectively. A decrease in working capital of $4,064,000 resulted in an increase in cash. The increase in cash from working capital was primarily related to net changes in accounts receivable, inventory and other prepaid assets, offset by net changes in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities.

Cash used in investing activities totaled $11,525,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, related to purchases of property, plant and equipment for additional capacity, automation, new programs and equipment improvements at the Company’s production facilities. The Company anticipates spending approximately $10,000,000 to $12,000,000 on property, plant and equipment purchases for all of the Company's operations for the year ended December 31, 2025. The Company plans on using cash on hand and cash from operations to finance capital expenditures. At December 31, 2024, purchase commitments for capital expenditures in progress were approximately $2,802,000.

Cash used in financing activities totaled $5,927,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Cash activity primarily consisted of the purchase of treasury stock related to the Company's stock buy back plan of $2,939,000, purchase of treasury stock of $1,440,000 in exchange for payment of taxes related to net share settlements of equity awards and repayments of long-term debt of $1,548,000.

At December 31, 2024, the Company had $41,803,000 of cash on hand, an available revolving line of credit of $25,000,000 and capex line of credit of $25,000,000. If a material adverse change in the financial position of the Company should occur, or if actual sales or expenses are substantially different than what has been forecasted, the Company's liquidity and ability to obtain further financing to fund future operating and capital requirements could be negatively impacted.

Management believes cash on hand, cash flow from operating activities and available borrowings under the Company’s credit agreement will be sufficient to meet the Company’s current liquidity needs.

Huntington Credit Agreement

On July 22, 2022, the Company entered into a credit agreement and on March 7, 2024, entered into the First Amendment to the credit agreement (as amended, the “Huntington Credit Agreement”) with The Huntington National Bank (“Huntington”), as the sole lender, administrative agent, lead arranger and book runner, and the lenders from time to time thereto. Pursuant to the terms of the Huntington Credit Agreement, Huntington made available to the Company secured loans (the “Huntington Loans”) in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $75,000,000 ($38,689,000 of which was advanced to the Company on July 22, 2022), comprised of three $25,000,000 commitments: a term loan commitment, a CapEx loan commitment, and a revolving loan commitment.

At the option of the Company, the Huntington Loans shall be comprised of Alternative Base Rate (ABR) Loans or Secure Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Loans.

ABR Loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to ABR plus a margin of 280 to 330 basis points determined based on the Company’s leverage ratio. ABR is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 0.50% per annum and (c) Daily Simple SOFR for such day (taking into account any floor set forth in the definition of “Daily Simple SOFR”) plus 1.00% per annum; provided, that if the ABR shall be less than 0.00%, then ABR shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

SOFR Loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to Daily Simple SOFR plus a margin of 180 to 230 basis points determined based on the Company’s leverage ratio. Daily Simple SOFR means, for any day (a “SOFR Rate Day”), a rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) SOFR for the day (such day, the “SOFR Determination Date”) that is five (5) U.S.

Government Securities Business Days prior to (i) if such SOFR Rate Day is a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, such SOFR Rate Day or (ii) if such SOFR Rate Day is not a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately preceding such SOFR Rate Day, in each case, as such SOFR is published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website, and (b) 0.00%.

The Company’s obligations under the Huntington Credit Agreement are secured by all of the U.S. and Canadian assets of the Company, including all of its equity interests in each of the Company’s U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries and 65% of the Company’s equity interest in its Mexican subsidiaries, and are unconditionally guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company.

The Huntington Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties, conditions, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The Company is in compliance with such covenants as of December 31, 2024.

Voluntary prepayments of amounts outstanding under the Huntington Loans are permitted at any time without premium or penalty.

In connection with the credit agreement, the Company incurred debt origination fees of $402,000 related to the Huntington Credit Agreement, which is being amortized over the life of the Credit Agreement. The aggregate unamortized deferred financing fees as of December 31, 2024 totaled $210,000.

Huntington Capex Loan

Pursuant to the terms of the Huntington Credit Agreement, Huntington made available to the Company secured Capex loan (the “Huntington Capex Loan”) in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $25,000,000 (none of which was advanced to the Company on July 22, 2022 and through December 31, 2024). Proceeds of the Huntington Capex Loan would be used to finance the ongoing capital expenditure needs of the Company.

Any borrowings from the Huntington Capex Loan will be converted to new term loans annually each February, beginning February 2025, and will have monthly principal repayments based on a sixty-month amortization period with all amounts outstanding on the Huntington Capex Loan being fully due on July 22, 2027.

Huntington Revolving Loan

Pursuant to the terms of the Huntington Credit Agreement, Huntington made available to the Company a revolving loan commitment (the “Huntington Revolving Loan”) of $25,000,000 ($13,689,000 of which was advanced to the Company on July 22, 2022). The Company has $25,000,000 of available revolving loans of which none is outstanding as of December 31, 2024. The interest rate for the Huntington Revolving Loan was 6.33% as of December 31, 2024.

The Huntington Credit Agreement makes available to the Company a revolving commitment in the maximum amount of $25,000,000 at the Company’s option at any time during the five-year period following the closing. The revolving loan commitment terminates, and all outstanding borrowings thereunder must be repaid on July 22, 2027.

Huntington Term Loan

Pursuant to the terms of the Huntington Credit Agreement, Huntington made available to the Company a Term Loan commitment (the “Huntington Term Loan”) of $25,000,000 ($25,000,000 of which was advanced to the Company on July 22, 2022). The Huntington Term Loan is to be repaid in monthly installments beginning August 2022 of $104,000 per month for the first 24 months, $156,000 per month for the next 24 months, $208,000 for the next 12 months and the remaining balance to be paid on July 22, 2027. The interest rate for the Huntington Term Loan was 6.11% as of December 31, 2024.

Interest Rate Swap Agreement

The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement that became effective July 22, 2022 and continues through July 2027, which was designed as a cash flow hedge for an initial aggregate amount of $25,000,000 of the Huntington Term Loan. Under this agreement, the Company will pay a fixed SOFR rate of 2.95% to the swap counterparty in exchange for the Term Loans daily variable SOFR. The fair value of the interest rate swap was an asset of $491,000 at December 31, 2024.

Leaf Capital Funding

On April 24, 2020 the Company entered into a finance agreement with Leaf Capital Funding of $175,000 for equipment. The parties agreed to a fixed interest rate of 5.50% and a term of 60 months.

Shelf Registration

On December 22, 2023 the Company filed a universal shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which became effective on January 8, 2024. The Registration Statement replaces an existing shelf Registration Statement which expired on December 16,

2023. The Registration Statement registered common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, depositary shares, rights, units, and any combination of the foregoing, for a maximum aggregate offering price of up to $50 million, which may be sold from time to time. The terms of any securities offered under the Registration Statement and intended use of proceeds will be established at the times of the offerings and will be described in prospectus supplements filed with the SEC at the times of the offerings. The Registration Statement has a three-year term.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS

The Company has the following minimum commitments under contractual obligations, including purchase obligations, as defined by the SEC. A “purchase obligation” is defined as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum, or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Other long-term liabilities are defined as long-term liabilities that are reflected on the Company’s balance sheet under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Based on this definition, the table below includes only those contracts which include fixed or minimum obligations. It does not include normal purchases, which are made in the ordinary course of business.

The following table provides aggregated information about the maturities of contractual obligations and other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2024:

(A) Estimated future interest payments based on the effective interest rate as of December 31, 2024.

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no significant off-balance sheet arrangements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discuss the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to accounts receivable, inventories, goodwill and other long-lived assets, self-insurance, post-retirement benefits, revenue recognition and income taxes. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Management believes the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

Accounts Receivable Allowances

Management maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The Company determined that no allowance for doubtful accounts was needed at December 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023, respectively. Management also records estimates for customer returns and deductions, discounts offered to customers, and for price adjustments. Should customer returns and deductions, discounts, and price adjustments fluctuate from the estimated amounts, additional allowances may be required. The Company had an allowance for estimated chargebacks of $227,000 at December 31, 2024 and $138,000 at December 31, 2023.

Inventories

Inventories, which include material, labor and manufacturing overhead, are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of determining inventory costs. Inventory quantities on-hand are regularly reviewed, and where necessary, provisions for excess and obsolete inventory are recorded based on historical and anticipated usage. The Company has recorded an allowance for slow moving and obsolete inventory of $1,392,000 at December 31, 2024 and $671,000 at December 31, 2023.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangibles. The recoverability of long-lived assets is evaluated by an analysis of operating results and consideration of other significant events or changes in the business environment. The Company evaluates, whether impairment exists for long-lived assets on the basis of undiscounted expected future cash flows from operations before interest. There was no impairment of the Company's long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.

Goodwill

The purchase consideration of acquired businesses have been allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired based on the estimated fair values on the respective acquisition dates. Based on these values, the excess purchase consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill. The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. FASB ASC Topic 350 prohibits the amortization of goodwill and requires these assets be reviewed for impairment at the reporting unit level.

The annual impairment tests of goodwill may be completed through qualitative assessments; however the Company may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative impairment test for the reporting unit in any period. The Company may resume the qualitative assessment for the reporting unit in any subsequent period.

Under a qualitative and quantitative approach, the impairment test for goodwill consists of an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. As part of the qualitative assessment, the Company considers relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying amount of the Company. Such events and circumstances could include changes in economic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, reporting unit specific events and capital markets pricing. The Company places more weight on the events and circumstances that most affect the Company's fair value or carrying amount. These factors are all considered by management in reaching its conclusion about whether to perform step one of the impairment test. If the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment for the reporting unit, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more-likely-than-not that the estimated carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company proceeds to a quantitative approach.

The Company performed its annual impairment test for the years end December 31, 2024 and 2023, and determined there was no impairment of the Company’s goodwill.

Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured with respect to Columbus, Ohio; Gaffney, South Carolina; Winona, Minnesota; and Brownsville, Texas for medical, dental and vision claims and Columbus, Ohio for workers’ compensation claims, all of which are subject to stop-loss insurance thresholds. The Company is also self-insured for dental and vision with respect to its Cobourg, Canada location. The Company has recorded an estimated liability for self-insured medical, dental and vision claims incurred but not reported and worker’s compensation claims incurred but not reported at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 of $1,087,000 and $988,000, respectively, included within the Other Current Liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Post-Retirement Benefits

Management records an accrual for post-retirement costs associated with the health care plan sponsored by the Company for certain retirees. Should actual results differ from the assumptions used to determine the reserves, additional provisions may be required. In particular, increases in future healthcare costs above the assumptions could have an adverse effect on the Company's operations. The effect of a change in healthcare costs is described in Note 14 - Post Retirement Benefits. The Company had a liability for post-retirement healthcare benefits based on actuarial computed estimates of $3,298,000 at December 31, 2024 and $3,116,000 at December 31, 2023.

Revenue Recognition

The Company historically has recognized revenue from two streams, product revenue and tooling revenue. Product revenue is earned from the manufacture and sale of sheet molding compound and thermoset and thermoplastic products. Revenue from product sales is generally recognized as products are shipped, as the Company transfers control to the customer and is entitled to payment upon shipment. In certain circumstances, the Company recognizes revenue from product sales when products are produced and the customer takes control at our production facility.

Tooling revenue is earned from manufacturing multiple tools, molds and assembly equipment as part of a tooling program for a customer. Given that the Company is providing a significant service of producing highly interdependent component parts of the tooling program, each tooling program consists of a single performance obligation to provide the customer the capability to produce a single product. Based on the arrangement with the customer, the Company recognizes revenue either at a point in time or over time. When the Company does not have an enforceable right to payment, the Company recognizes tooling revenue at a point in time. In such cases, the Company recognizes revenue upon customer acceptance, which is when the customer has legal title to the tools.

Certain tooling programs include an enforceable right to payment. In those cases, the Company recognizes revenue over time based on the extent of progress towards completion of its performance obligation. The Company uses a cost-to-cost measure of progress for such contracts because it best depicts the transfer of value to the customer and also correlates with the amount of consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to the customer. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Revenues are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred.

Income Taxes

The Company evaluates the balance of deferred tax assets that will be realized based on the premise that the Company is more likely than not to realize deferred tax benefits through the generation of future taxable income. Management reviews all available evidence, both positive and negative, to assess the long-term earnings potential of the Company using a number of alternatives to evaluate financial results in economic cycles at various industry volume conditions. The projected availability of taxable income to realize the tax benefits from the reversal of temporary differences before expiration of these benefits are also considered. The Company evaluates provisions and deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if adjustments to our valuation allowance are required based on the consideration of all available evidence.

As of December 31, 2024 the Company had a net deferred tax asset of $1,454,000 and $183,000 related to tax positions in Mexico and Canada and deferred tax liabilities of $1,219,000 related to tax positions in the United States. Deferred tax assets are included in "Other non-current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and deferred tax liabilities are included in "Other non-current liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a valuation allowance of $1,265,000 against the deferred tax asset related to local tax positions in the United States, due to cumulative losses over the last three years and uncertainty related to the Company’s ability to realize the deferred assets. The Company believes that the deferred tax assets associated with the Mexican and Canadian tax jurisdictions are more-likely-than-not to be realizable based on estimates of future taxable income.

Management recognizes the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740). The ASU requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as additional information on income taxes paid. The ASU is effective on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. As this accounting standard only impacts disclosure, it will not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's primary market risk results from changes in the price of commodities used in its manufacturing operations. Core Molding Technologies is also exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations associated with the Mexican Peso and Canadian Dollar. The Company does not hold any material market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates.

The Company has the following three items that are sensitive to market risks: (1) non-hedged loans under the Huntington Credit Agreement, all of which bear a variable interest rate; (2) non-hedged foreign currency purchases in which the Company purchases Mexican Pesos and Canadian Dollars with United States Dollars to meet certain obligations; and (3) raw material purchases in which the Company purchases various resins, fiberglass, and metal components for use in production. The prices and availability of these materials are affected by the prices of crude oil, natural gas and other feedstocks, tariffs, as well as processing capacity versus demand.

Assuming a hypothetical 10% change in short-term interest rates, interest paid on the Term Loan would be impacted, as the interest rate on these loans is based upon SOFR. It would not, however, have a material effect on earnings before tax as the Company has entered into a hedge to offset changes in SOFR.

Assuming a hypothetical 10% decrease in the United States Dollar to Mexican Peso and Canadian Dollar exchange rate, the Company would be impacted by an increase in operating costs, which would have an adverse effect on operating margins.

Assuming a hypothetical 10% increase in commodity prices, Core Molding Technologies would be impacted by an increase in raw material costs, which would have an adverse effect on operating margins.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a -15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon this evaluation, the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure of controls and procedures were (i) effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act were 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, and (ii) effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of the Company’s financial statements would be prevented or detected.

The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting based on the criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). This evaluation included a review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.

The Company's independent registered public accounting firm, Crowe LLP, audited our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, as stated in their report in the section entitled "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" included elsewhere in this Form 10-K, which expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f)) that occurred in the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.