Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to various risks in its business activities, including market risks related to interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and fluctuations in commodity prices.
Interest Rate Risk
On November 14, 2024, Bel entered into a Third Amendment Agreement (the "Third Amendment") to the Credit and Security Agreement (CSA). This amendment includes certain modifications, such as (i) increasing the maximum revolving credit amount from $175 million to $325 million to finance the Enercon acquisition and (ii) making loans under the new revolving credit facility with an aggregate principal amount of $240 million. As of December 31, 2024, outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility amounted to $287.5 million, with unused credit available of $37.5 million. The Company incurred $4.1 million in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2024, related to interest due on its outstanding borrowings under the CSA. An interest rate swap with a notional value of $60 million was designated as a cash flow hedge to mitigate the variability of cash flows associated with the Company's SOFR-based loans scheduled to mature on September 1, 2026. This cash flow hedge partially reduces the Company's exposure to future interest rate fluctuations. After accounting for the aforementioned hedge, the remaining borrowings of $227.5 million, which represent approximately 79% of the Company's total debt, are still subject to future interest rate changes that could adversely affect the Company's cash flows. A prospective increase of 100 basis points in the interest rate applicable to the Company's outstanding borrowings under its credit facility would lead to an estimated increase of $2.3 million in annual interest expense.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
The Company operates globally, exposing it to foreign exchange risks stemming from currency fluctuations that can impact sales, margins, and equity. To manage this risk, the Company strategically locates factories near sales regions, utilizes hedging contracts, and carefully manages costs and working capital. However, these strategies may not completely shield the Company from sudden declines in foreign currencies. Key currencies involved include the euro and British pound, Chinese renminbi, Mexican pesos and Israeli Shekel. As of December 31, 2024, the Company faced significant exposure to foreign currencies, particularly the euro, Chinese renminbi, Mexican peso, and Indian rupee. The carrying value of intercompany loans at risk was approximately $152 million, with potential losses of $15.2 million projected from a hypothetical 10% decline in currency rates. Some exposures may offset others, reducing the overall risk. In the PRC, Mexico and Israel, the Company's labor costs are incurred in the respective local currency. Any fluctuations in related exchange rates could result in the Company incurring higher expenses in those countries. The Company employs foreign exchange forward contracts for hedging, which, as of December 31, 2024, had a fair value that was not material. A 10% change in exchange rates would not significantly impact this value. The Company does not engage in speculative trading and maintains strong relationships with financial institutions to minimize exposure risks. See the "Inflation and Foreign Currency Exchange" section above for additional information related to the Company's foreign exchange rate risk.
Commodity Price Risk
The Company utilizes various metals in the production of its products, including copper, zinc, tin, gold, and silver. Fluctuations in the prices of these and other commodities can lead to significantly higher production costs. The Company believes it has adequate primary and secondary sources for each of its key materials. While facing potential volatility in metal prices and anticipating increased material costs, the Company actively monitors these risks. To mitigate any possible negative impacts from these changes, it has implemented and may continue to implement various strategies, including price adjustments and productivity improvements.
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