Pitney Bowes (PBI) 10-K2022 FY Annual report

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (Annual Report) contains statements that are forward-looking. We believe that these forward-looking statements are reasonable based on our current expectations and assumptions. However, we caution readers that any forward-looking statement within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially. Words such as "estimate," "target," "project," "plan," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend" and similar expressions may identify such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report speak only as of the date hereof, and forward-looking statements in documents attached that are incorporated by reference speak only as of the date of those documents.

Digital delivery services enables clients to reduce transportation and logistics costs, select the best carrier based on need and cost, improve delivery times and track packages in real-time. Powered by our shipping APIs, clients can purchase postage, print shipping labels and access shipping and tracking services from multiple carriers that can be easily integrated into any web application such as online shopping carts or ecommerce sites and provide guaranteed delivery times and flexible payment options.

We are the largest workshare partner of the USPS and national outsource provider of mail sortation services that allow clients to qualify large volumes of First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail and Marketing Mail Flats and Bound Printed Matter for postal workshare discounts. In 2022, we processed over 16 billion pieces of mail through our network of operating centers throughout the United States. Using our fully-customized proprietary technology, we provide clients with end-to-end solutions from pick up to delivery into the postal system network, expedited mail delivery and optimal postage savings.

We market our products, solutions and services through a direct and inside sales force, global and regional partner channels, direct mailings and digital channels. We provide call-center, online and on-site support services for our products and solutions. Support services are primarily provided under maintenance contracts.

A summary of the competitive environment for each of our segments is as follows:

Our digital delivery services business competes with technology providers who help make shipping easier and more cost-effective. These technology providers range from large, established companies to smaller companies offering negotiated carrier rates. The principal competitive factors include technology stability and reliability, innovation, access to preferred shipping rates and ease of integration with existing systems.

We face competition from regional and local presort providers, cooperatives of multiple local presort providers, consolidators and service bureaus that offer presort solutions as part of a larger bundle of outsourcing services. We also face competition from large mailers that have sufficient volumes and the capability to sort their own mailings in-house and could use excess capacity to offer presort services to others. The principal competitive factors include price, innovative service, delivery speed, tracking and reporting, industry expertise and economies of scale. Our competitive advantages include our extensive network of presort facilities capable of processing significant volumes and our innovative proprietary technology that provides clients with reliable, secure and precise services and maximum postage discounts.

Our financing operations face competition, in varying degrees, from large, diversified financial institutions, including leasing companies, commercial finance companies and commercial banks, as well as small, specialized firms. We believe our competitive advantage that differentiates us from our competitors is the breadth of our financing and payment solutions and our ability to seamlessly integrate these solutions into our clients' shipping and mailing operations.

Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors for further details regarding the competition our businesses face.

We invest in research and development activities to develop new products and solutions, enhance the effectiveness and functionality of existing products and solutions and deliver high value technology and differentiated services in high value segments of the market.

Our SendTech Solutions segment depends on third-party suppliers and outsource providers for a variety of services and product components and the hosting of our SaaS offerings. Our Global Ecommerce and Presort Services segments rely on third party suppliers

to help equip our facilities, provide warehouse support and assist with our logistical operations. All of our businesses and corporate functions depend on third-party providers for a variety of data analytics, sales, reporting and other functions. In certain instances, we rely on single-sourced or limited-sourced suppliers and outsourcing vendors around the world because doing so is advantageous due to quality, price or lack of alternative sources. We have risk mitigation programs to monitor conditions affecting our suppliers' ability to fulfill expected commitments. We believe that our available sources for services, components, supplies, logistics and manufacturing are adequate.

We are subject to the regulations of postal authorities worldwide related to product specifications of our postage meters. Our Presort Services segment is also subject to regulations of the USPS. The Bank is chartered as an Industrial Bank under the laws of the State of Utah. The Bank and certain company affiliates that provide services to the Bank are subject to the regulations of the Utah Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We are also subject to transportation regulations for various parts of our business, customs and trade regulations worldwide related to our cross-border shipping services and regulations concerning data privacy and security for our businesses that use, process and store certain personal, confidential or proprietary data.

We seek to create a high-performance culture that will drive and sustain enhanced value for all our stakeholders. To attract, retain and engage the talent needed, we provide competitive compensation and strive to maintain a diverse, inclusive and safe workplace, with equitable opportunities for growth and development. Our compensation programs are designed to reward performance and contribution. We regularly assess the business environments and labor markets in the areas we operate to ensure our compensation programs reflect best practices and are market competitive. Depending on position and level, elements of our compensation packages include base salary or wages, variable compensation based on individual and company objectives and equity. We provide a competitive benefits package fostered on work/life balance, including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, and benefits that provide additional support for our employees’ mental, physical, financial and social well being.

We continue to increase diversity and inclusion awareness throughout our company through enhancements and improvements to our talent acquisition processes, cultural awareness training and the creation of allies and mentors to help advance diversity and inclusion in our workforce.

Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented numerous protocols, policies and process changes in our warehouses and offices to ensure the health and safety of our employees, suppliers and the surrounding communities. All our offices and facilities are open to employees; however, we have adopted a flexible workplace strategy in our offices, allowing employees that can work remotely the opportunity to continue to do so. For those employees that report to an office or facility, we continue to place an emphasis on maintaining a high level of performance while ensuring a safe work environment.

Our operations face certain risks that should be considered in evaluating our business. We manage and mitigate these risks on a proactive basis, using an enterprise risk management program. Nevertheless, the following risk factors, some of which may be beyond our control, could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, brand and reputation, and may cause future results to be materially different than our current expectations. These risk factors are not intended to be all inclusive.

We are dependent on financially viable national posts in the geographic markets where we operate, particularly in the United States. A significant portion of our revenue depends upon the ability of these posts, especially the USPS, to provide competitive mail and package delivery services to our clients and the quality of the services they provide. Their ability to provide high quality service at affordable rates in turn depends upon their ongoing financial strength. Although Congress provided the USPS a measure of relief with the enactment of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, the USPS, and national posts in our other major markets, still face financial challenges. If these challenges interfere with these posts’ ability to continue to provide the services they currently provide, our financial performance may be adversely affected.

The USPS is our primary provider for the “last mile” component of our parcel delivery services in the United States. This represents a significant component of our cost in offering these services. If we are unable to receive competitive pricing from the USPS or take advantage of lower cost USPS options, our ability to compete with private carriers and achieve profitable revenue growth may be adversely affected. Our digital delivery options also depend upon certain contractual relationships with the USPS to enable us to offer these services profitably, and the USPS has adjusted the terms of those contracts in the past. Should the USPS make additional changes to how it contracts with us for this service, our profitability could be adversely affected. The quality of service we provide to our clients also depends upon the quality of delivery services received from the USPS. As the ecommerce market continues to evolve, and as the USPS implements changes to its network, if the USPS’ service performance is materially worse than that of the private carriers, we may lose clients to competition and our financial performance may be adversely affected.

Traditional mail volumes have declined and continue to decline and impact our current and future financial results, primarily within our SendTech Solutions and Presort Services segments. An accelerated or sudden decline could result from one or more of the following factors: changes in communication technologies and their use; changes in frequency and quality of mail delivery from national posts; legislation incentivizing alternative means of communication, burdening mail, or limiting how the mail be used; or pandemics or other external events affecting physical mail delivery. If we are not successful at meeting the continuing challenges faced in our mailing business, or if physical mail volumes were to experience an accelerated or sudden decline, our financial performance could be adversely affected.

As a significant portion of our revenue and earnings is dependent on postal operations, changes in the laws and regulations that affect how posts operate could have an adverse effect on our financial performance. As posts consider new strategies for their operations in

an era of declining mail volumes and increasing package volumes, if we are unable to work with posts to support those strategies, our financial performance could be adversely affected.

Business Operational Risks

The markets for our products and services in each of our segments are highly competitive. In our Global Ecommerce segment, we face competition from full-service ecommerce business process outsourcers, online marketplaces, freight forwarders, posts, and major global delivery services companies, including those that can offer both domestic and cross-border solutions in a single package. Our digital delivery business competes with technology providers ranging from large, established companies and national posts to smaller companies offering negotiated carrier rates. If we cannot compete successfully in these markets with, among other things, speed of delivery, price, reliability, functionality and scalability of our platform and logistic services and ease of integration and use, we may lose clients, incur additional costs and suffer from reduced margins, and the financial results of the segment may be adversely affected. Our Presort Services segment faces competition from regional and local presort providers, cooperatives of multiple local presort providers, consolidators and service bureaus that offer presort solutions as part of a larger bundle of outsourcing services and large volume mailers that have sufficient volumes and the capability to presort their own mailings in-house and could use excess capacity to offer presort services to others. If we are not able to effectively compete on price, innovative service, delivery speed, tracking and reporting, we may lose clients and the financial results of the segment may be adversely affected. Our Sending Technology Solutions segment faces competition from other mail equipment and solutions providers, companies that offer products and services as alternative means of message communications and those that offer online shipping and mailing products and services solutions. In addition, our financing operations face competition, in varying degrees, from large, diversified financial institutions, including leasing companies, commercial finance companies and commercial banks, as well as small, specialized firms. If we are not able to differentiate ourselves from our competitors or effectively compete with them, the financial results of the segment may be adversely affected.

The Global Ecommerce segment receives a large portion of its revenue from a relatively small number of clients and business partners. If any of these larger clients or business partners leave our network or reduce their use of our services, which has occurred in the past, and we are unable to replace that lost volume, it could have a material adverse effect on the revenue and profitability of the segment.

There can be no assurance that our larger clients and business partners will continue to utilize our products or services at current levels, or that we would be able to replace any of these clients or business partners with others who can generate revenue at current levels.

Our SendTech Solutions segment relies on third-party suppliers for services and components for our mailing equipment, spare parts, supplies and services and for the hosting of our SaaS offerings. We also rely on third-party suppliers to help us equip our Presort and Ecommerce facilities and to provide us with services related to some of our operations and productivity initiatives. In certain instances, we rely on single-sourced or limited-sourced suppliers around the world because of advantages in quality, price or lack of alternative sources. During the past few years, like many other companies, we and our suppliers experienced supply chain interruptions and increased supply costs, due to, among other things, lockdowns associated with COVID-19, disruptions in the container transportation market, volatility in the semiconductor industry, shortage of raw materials such as rubber and resin, threats of rail strikes, rising inflation and geopolitical instability. Although our 2022 financial results were not significantly impacted, these factors, at times, caused us to experience longer wait times for supplies or increased costs. If these supply chain constraints were to worsen or, if other unknown events cause our suppliers to not be able to provide their services, components or equipment to us in a timely manner, or, if the quality of the goods or services received were to deteriorate, our relationship with certain suppliers were to be terminated, or if the costs of using these third parties were to continue to increase and we were not able to find alternate suppliers, we could lose clients, incur significant disruptions in manufacturing and operations and increased costs (including higher freight and re-engineering costs) and delay automation and productivity initiatives in our warehouses.

In addition to our reliance on the USPS, our Global Ecommerce and Presort Services segments rely upon independent third-party transportation service providers to transport a significant portion of our parcel and mail volumes. Some of our providers may also be our competitors. The use of these providers is subject to risks, including our ability to negotiate acceptable terms, increased competition during peak periods, capacity issues, performance problems, extreme weather, natural or man-made disasters, pandemics, increased fuel costs, labor shortages or disputes and other unforeseen difficulties. Given our continued reliance upon these providers, any disruption to the timely supply of these services for any reason, any future unforeseen disruptions affecting these providers, any dramatic increase in the cost of these services or any deterioration of the performance of these services (each of which we have experienced, at times),have adversely affected or could adversely affect client satisfaction and our financial performance.

The rapid growth of the ecommerce industry has resulted in intense competition for employees in the shipping, transportation, and logistics industry, including drivers and warehouse employees. At times, both our Global Ecommerce and Presort Services segments have experienced increased demand and competition for labor, especially for our warehouses, driving up costs. We supplement our workforce with contingent hourly workers from staffing agencies on an as-needed basis; however, if we experience labor shortages, do not effectively manage our use of contingent workers, or if our staffing agencies chose to terminate their relationship with us and we cannot find alternative providers, it could result in increased costs and adversely affect our operations. Moreover, given the nature of our Global Ecommerce and Presort Services employee base, if we cannot continue to maintain good relationships with those employees resulting in employee dissatisfaction and turnover, our operating costs could significantly increase, and our operational flexibility could be significantly reduced.

There is also significant competition for the talent needed for research and development of new products and services and talent needed to sell and service our other products and services within all our business units. Increased competition for employees has resulted in higher costs for wages and other benefits necessary to attract and retain employees with the right skill sets. Additional labor costs which may also impact our business include those triggered by regulatory actions; increased health care and workers’ compensation insurance expenses; and costs associated with the health and safety of our employees.

Our businesses are not materially dependent on any one patent or license or group of related patents and licenses; however, our business success depends in part upon protecting our intellectual property rights, including proprietary technology developed or obtained through acquisitions. We rely on copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets and other intellectual property laws to establish and protect our proprietary rights. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our competitive position may suffer, which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability. The continued evolution of patent law and the nature of our innovation work may affect the number of patents we are able to receive for our development efforts. As we continue to transition our business to more software and service-based offerings, patent protection of these innovations will be more difficult to obtain. In addition, from time to time, third parties may claim that we, our clients, or our suppliers, have infringed their intellectual property

rights. These claims, if successful, may require us to redesign affected products, enter into costly settlement or license agreements, pay damage awards, or face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting us from marketing or selling certain products.

We have a significant number of contracts with governmental entities. Government contracts are subject to extensive and complex procurement laws and regulations, along with regular audits and investigations by government agencies. If one or more government agencies discovers contractual noncompliance by us or one of our subcontractors in the course of an audit or investigation, we may be subject to various civil or criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, which could include the termination of the contract, reimbursement of payments received, fines and debarment from doing business with one or more governments. Any of these events could not only affect our financial performance, but also adversely affect our brand and reputation.

We may make strategic acquisitions or divest certain businesses. These actions may involve significant risks and uncertainties, which could have an adverse effect on our financial performance, including:

We made and are continuing to make significant capital investments in new products, services, and facilities. If we are not successful in these new product or service introductions at the levels anticipated when making the investments, or our investments in facilities do not yield the expected productivity improvements, there may be an adverse effect on our financial performance.

We depend on the security of our and our suppliers' information technology systems to support numerous business processes and activities, to service our clients, and to enable consumer transactions and postal services. There are numerous cybersecurity risks to these systems, including individual and group criminal hackers, industrial espionage, denial of service attacks, ransomware and malware attacks, attacks on the software supply chain, and employee errors and/or malfeasance. The risk of cyberattacks has increased in the past year by cyberwarfare in connection with the ongoing Russia/Ukraine conflict, including proliferation of malware from the conflict into systems unrelated to the conflict. These cyber threats are constantly evolving, thereby increasing the difficulty of preventing, detecting, and successfully defending against them. Successful breaches could, among other things, disrupt our operations or result in the unauthorized disclosure, theft and misuse of company, client, consumer and employee sensitive and confidential information, all of which could adversely affect our financial performance. Cybersecurity breaches could result in financial liability to other parties, governmental investigations, regulatory enforcement actions and penalties, and damage to our brand and reputation. Although we maintain insurance coverage relating to cybersecurity incidents, we may incur costs or financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through our insurance.

Our businesses use, process, and store proprietary information and personal, sensitive, or confidential data relating to our business, clients, and employees. Privacy laws and similar regulations in many jurisdictions where we do business require that we take significant steps to safeguard that information, and these laws and regulations continue to evolve. The scope of the laws that may be applicable to us is often uncertain and may be conflicting. In addition, new laws may add a broad array of requirements on how we handle or use information and increase our compliance obligations. For example, the European Union greatly increased the jurisdictional reach of European Law by enacting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which, among other things, enhanced an individual’s rights with respect to their information. However, ongoing litigation in the European Union on how to comply with GDPR requirements continues to create uncertainty in how to demonstrate compliance, and the outcome of these cases could impact how companies do business in the European Union. In the United States, several states have enacted different laws regarding personal information and privacy that impose significant new requirements on consumer personal information. In some instances (e.g., California), these laws also expand the definition of consumer personal information to include information related to employees and business contacts. Other countries or states may enact laws or regulations in the future that have similar or additional requirements. Although we continually monitor and assess the impact of these laws and regulations, and continually update our systems to protect our data and comply with these laws, their interpretation and enforcement are uncertain, subject to change, and may require substantial costs to monitor and implement. Failure to comply with data privacy and protection laws and regulations could also result in government enforcement actions (which could include substantial civil and/or criminal penalties) and private litigation, which could adversely affect our reputation and financial performance.

Our business relies upon the continuous and uninterrupted performance of our and our suppliers' cloud-based applications and systems to support numerous business processes, to service our clients and to support their transactions with their customers and postal services. Our applications and systems, and those of our partners, may be subject to interruptions due to technological errors, system capacity constraints, software errors or defects, human errors, computer or communications failures, power loss, adverse acts of nature and other unexpected events. We have business continuity and disaster recovery plans in place to protect our business operations in case of such events and we also require our suppliers to have the same. Nonetheless, there can be no guarantee that these plans will function as designed. If we are unable to limit interruptions or successfully correct them in a timely manner or at all, it could result in lost revenue, loss of critical data, significant expenditures of capital, a delay or loss in market acceptance of our services and damage to our reputation, brand and relationships, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business and our financial performance.

We provide competitive finance offerings and fund discretionary priorities, such as business investments, strategic acquisitions, dividend payments and share repurchases through a combination of cash generated from operations, deposits held at the Bank and access to capital markets. Our ability to access U.S. capital markets and the associated cost of borrowing is dependent upon our credit ratings and is subject to capital market volatility. Given our current credit rating, we may experience reduced financial or strategic flexibility and higher costs when we do access the U.S. capital markets. We maintain a $500 million revolving credit facility that requires we maintain certain financial and nonfinancial covenants.

A significant decline in cash flows, noncompliance with any of the covenants under the revolving credit facility, further credit rating downgrades, material capital market disruptions, significant withdrawals by depositors at the Bank, adverse changes to our industrial

loan charter or an increase in our credit default swap spread could impact our ability to maintain adequate liquidity, which could impact our ability to provide competitive finance offerings, repay or refinance maturing debt, and fund other strategic or discretionary activities, which could adversely affect our operational and financial performance.

The sales generated from many of our clients who use our cross-border services are exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Currently, merchants using our cross-border services are located primarily in the U.S. and the U.K. and a majority of consumers making purchases through these platforms are in a limited number of foreign countries. The current strength of the U.S. Dollar relative to currencies in the countries where we do the most business continues to impact our client’s ability to compete internationally as the cost of similar international products improved relative to the cost of U.S. retailer’s products. This in turn, adversely affected Global Ecommerce’s revenue and profitability during 2022. If the strength of the U.S. dollar continues, or if the British Pound were to strengthen relative to other currencies, our retailers may continue to experience a decrease in international sales volumes, which, in turn would adversely affect this segment’s revenue and profitability.

Our Global Ecommerce segment is subject to significant trade regulations, taxes, and duties throughout the world. Any changes to these regulations could potentially impose increased documentation and delivery requirements, delay delivery times and subject us to increased costs and additional liabilities, which could adversely affect our financial performance. Within the last four years, the United States increased tariffs for certain goods, which triggered other nations to also increase tariffs on certain of their goods. For our Global Ecommerce segment, tariff increases, or even an environment of uncertainty surrounding trade issues, could reduce demand and adversely affect its financial performance. For our SendTech Solutions segment, increased tariffs resulted in additional costs on certain components used in some of our products.

The set of topics incorporated within the term ESG in general, and climate change in particular, cover a range of issues that pose potential risks to our operations. From an environmental perspective, the impact of climate change and a potential increase in extreme weather events may pose risk to the operation of our sortation facilities and the ability to transport mail and packages. The increased focus on alternative energy sources and the need to reduce our carbon footprint over time, could result in higher investments in capital spending and increased operational costs. There are also a series of laws related to product stewardship and waste disposal to which we need to comply. From a “social” perspective, a failure to meet employee expectations around safety and diversity, equity and inclusion could impact our ability to recruit new employees and retain talent. Finally, from a “governance” perspective, if we do not maintain a good governance processes in general or do not satisfy investor stakeholder expectations on ESG, our reputation and attractiveness to portions of the investment community could be adversely affected.

We value constructive input from investors and regularly engage in dialogue with our stockholders regarding strategy and performance. Our board of directors and management team are committed to acting in the best interests of all of our stockholders. There is no assurance that the actions taken by our board and management in seeking to maintain constructive engagement with certain stockholders will be successful.

statements critical of our board, management and strategy. Responding to Hestia’s actions or potential actions by another activist stockholder could be time-consuming, disrupt our operations and divert the attention of management, our board and our employees. It could also require us to incur substantial legal, communications and other advisory fees and proxy solicitation expenses. Further, we may choose to initiate, or may become subject to, litigation as a result of proposals by activist stockholders or proxy contests or matters relating thereto, which would serve as a further distraction to our board of directors and management and could require us to incur significant additional costs.

Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of activist stockholders or changes to the composition of our board may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business or other instability, which may be exploited by our competitors and/or other activist stockholders and cause concern to our current or potential customers, employees, investors, rating agencies, strategic partners and other constituencies, which could result in lost sales and business opportunities, make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners and adversely impact our ability to access capital markets at reasonable costs. Further, actions of activist stockholders may cause significant fluctuations in our stock price based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.

None.

We conduct our research and development activities in facilities located in Noida and Pune, India, Bielsko-Biala, Poland, Austin, Texas and Shelton, Connecticut. Management believes that our facilities are in good operating condition, materially utilized and adequate for our current business needs.

Not applicable.

Our common stock is principally traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "PBI". At January 31, 2023, we had 12,394 common stockholders of record.

We periodically repurchase shares of our common stock to manage the dilution created by shares issued under employee stock plans and for other purposes. During 2022, we repurchased 2.8 million shares of our common stock at an aggregate price of $13 million. We did not repurchase any additional shares of our common stock in 2021 or 2020. At December 31, 2022, we have authorization from our Board of Directors to repurchase up to of $3 million of our common stock.

All information is based upon data independently provided to us by Standard & Poor's Corporation and is derived from their official total return calculation. Total return for the S&P SmallCap 600 Composite Index and our peer group is based on market capitalization, weighted for each year. The stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

A discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020, can be found under Item 7 “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2022.

Segment EBIT for 2022 decreased 7% compared to 2021. Global Ecommerce EBIT decreased 2%, primarily due to higher operating expenses and a decline in revenue from cross-border services and digital delivery services, partially offset by the increase in domestic parcel delivery services gross margin. Presort Services EBIT increased 3%, primarily due to higher revenue, partially offset by higher transportation costs. SendTech Solutions EBIT decreased 7%, primarily driven by the decline in revenue and lower margins. Refer to Results of Operations section for further information.

Certain transactions and changes occurred during the year that impact the comparability of our 2022 financial results to the prior periods. These transactions and changes include:

The refinement to the methodology of allocating transportation costs between Global Ecommerce and Presort Services resulted in an increase to Global Ecommerce EBIT and a corresponding decrease to Presort Services EBIT of approximately $10 million in 2022.

Certain factors beyond our control could have adverse impacts on our 2023 results including, but not limited to, reduced consumer spending due to inflationary pressures and rising prices, higher interest rates, a slow-down in economic activity, higher fuel and transportation costs and other adverse geopolitical developments. Inflationary pressures and rising prices could put increase pressure on wages, particularly warehouse and transportation employees, and result in higher component costs. Higher fuel and freight costs could also adversely impact our operations. We expect that interest expense for 2023 will be about $30 million higher due to the recent increases in interest rates and additional increases anticipated in 2023.

Global Ecommerce includes the revenue and related expenses from domestic parcel services, cross-border solutions and digital delivery services.

Segment EBIT for 2022 was a loss of $100 million compared to a loss of $99 million in 2021. The slight increase in loss was driven by higher operating expenses of $12 million primarily due to higher employee-related expenses, which more than offset the increase in gross margin of $11 million.

Gross margin increased $5 million and segment EBIT increased $3 million, or 3% in 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to higher revenue from pricing actions and productivity improvements driven by investments in automation, partially offset by higher transportation costs of $23 million driven by increased demand, higher fuel costs and higher allocated costs due to the revised transportation cost allocation methodology. Gross margin percentage in 2022 was consistent with 2021.

Unallocated corporate expenses decreased $4 million in 2022 compared to 2021 primarily driven by lower salaries and variable-compensation expenses of $9 million and lower marketing expenses of $6 million, partially offset by higher pension costs of $5 million and higher travel expenses, rent expense and insurance costs of $2 million each.

R&D expense decreased 7%, or $3 million in 2022 compared to 2021, primarily due to cost savings, partially offset by higher R&D spending in our SendTech Solutions segment.

Restructuring charges, consisting of costs for employee severance and facility closures, were $19 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Other components of net pension and postretirement cost for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $4 million compared to $1 million in 2021. The amount of other components of net pension and postretirement cost (income) recognized each year will vary based on actuarial assumptions and actual results of our pension plans. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Other income for the year ended December 31, 2022, of $22 million consists of a $14 million gain from the sale of our Shelton, Connecticut office building, a $5 million gain from the sale of Borderfree, and a gain of $7 million from deferred proceeds received related to the sale of businesses in prior years, and a charge of $5 million from the early redemption of debt. See Notes 9, 11 and 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Cash flows from financing activities for 2022 improved $132 million compared to the prior year primarily due to lower net repayments of debt of $126 million and lower premiums and fees paid to refinance debt of $42 million. These improvements were partially offset by lower cash flow from changes in customer deposits at the PB Bank of $19 million and common stock repurchases of $13 million .

Required debt repayments over the next 12 months are $33 million, which we anticipate satisfying through available cash on hand and cash generated from operations. Our next material principal maturity is in March 2024. We expect to satisfy this obligation with a cost-effective capital market solution, available cash, or revolver access. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our debt.

We lease real estate and equipment under operating and capital lease arrangements. These leases have terms of up to 15 years and include renewal options. Lease obligations in the table above do not include $53 million of payments for leases signed but not yet commenced at December 31, 2022. See Note 8 and Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Purchase obligations include unrecorded agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding upon us and that specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancellable without penalty.

In addition to the above known and contractually committed cash payments, we anticipate using cash for the following items:

Capital expenditures totaled $125 million and $184 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In 2021, we invested significantly in our facilities, network and technologies to expand operations, improve productivity and gain economies of scale in our Global Ecommerce and Presort operations. During 2022, we continued to make necessary investments in our facilities, network and technologies.

We have historically paid a quarterly dividend to our shareholders. Each quarter, our Board of Directors considers our recent and projected earnings and other capital needs and priorities in deciding whether to approve a dividend. We expect to continue to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share; however, our Board of Directors may decide to increase or decrease this amount or to not approve the payment of a dividend at any time and for any reason without notice. Assuming the current $0.05 per quarter dividend payment, we estimate that dividend payments will be approximately $35 million in 2023. There are no material restrictions on our ability to declare dividends.

We may repurchase shares of our common stock to manage the dilution created by shares issued under employee stock plans and for other purposes. At December 31, 2022, we have authorization from our Board of Directors to repurchase up to of $3 million of our common stock.

At December 31, 2022, we had approximately $26 million outstanding letters of credit guarantees with financial institutions that are primarily issued as security for insurance, leases, customs and other performance obligations. In general, we would only be liable for the amount of these guarantees in the event of default in the performance of our obligations, the probability of which we believe is remote.

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about certain items that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and accompanying disclosures, including the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The accounting policies below have been identified by management as those policies that are most critical to our financial statements due to the estimates and assumptions required. Management believes that the estimates and assumptions used are reasonable and appropriate based on the information available at the time the financial statements were prepared; however, actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of our accounting policies.

Revenue is allocated among performance obligations based on relative standalone selling prices (SSP), which are a range of selling prices that we would sell the good or service to a customer on a separate basis. SSP are established for each performance obligation at the inception of the contract and can be observable prices or estimated. Revenue is allocated to the meter service and equipment maintenance agreement elements using their respective observable selling prices charged in standalone and renewal transactions. For sale and lease transactions, the SSP of the equipment is based on a range of observable selling prices in standalone transactions. We recognize revenue on non-lease transactions when control of the equipment transfers to the customer, which is upon delivery for customer installable models and upon installation or customer acceptance for other models. We recognize revenue on equipment for lease transactions upon shipment for customer installable models and upon installation or customer acceptance for other models.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level during the fourth quarter or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist. The impairment test for goodwill determines the fair value of each reporting unit and compares it to the reporting unit's carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired, If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit, a goodwill impairment loss is calculated as the difference between these amounts, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

Testing goodwill for impairment requires us to identify our reporting units and assign assets and liabilities, including goodwill, to each reporting unit. The fair value of a reporting unit is based on one or a combination of techniques, which include a discounted cash flow model, multiples of competitors, and/or multiples from sales of like businesses. The results of our annual goodwill impairment test indicated that the fair value of our reporting units exceeded their fair value and no impairment existed.

During 2022, we determined that the agreement to sell Borderfree was a triggering event and an impairment test was performed as of July 1, 2022. Further, we determined that the shortfall in fourth quarter performance of the Global Ecommerce reporting unit was an additional triggering event. Accordingly, we performed another goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2022 to assess whether the goodwill of the Global Ecommerce reporting unit was impaired. We engaged a third-party to assist in the determination of the reporting unit fair value. The fair value was estimated using a discounted cash flow model based on management developed cash flow projections, which included judgements and assumptions related to revenue growth rates, operating margins, operating income, and discount rate.

The results of our impairment analysis indicated that the Global Ecommerce reporting unit was not impaired. However, the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value by less than 10%. The judgements and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit are inherently subjective and changes in any of the judgements or assumptions used to determine the fair value of this reporting unit at December 31, 2022, could result in a different fair value determination. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations on the goodwill impairment test, we applied hypothetical changes to our most significant judgments and assumptions. The most significant judgements and assumptions used in our analysis to determine the fair value of the reporting unit was the discount rate and operating margins. Assuming all other factors remain constant, a 100 basis point increase in the discount rate or a 100 basis point reduction in operating margins in each year would have resulted in a reporting unit fair value less than its carrying value. The carrying value of goodwill for the Global Ecommerce reporting unit at December 31, 2022 was $339 million.

Events and circumstances that could change our estimates and assumptions and impact the fair value determination of the Global Ecommerce reporting unit, include, but are not limited to, continued financial and operating performance below expectations, reduced consumer spending due to inflationary pressures and rising prices, a continued and prolonged slow-down in economic activity, increased competition and pricing pressures, changing consumer behaviors, our ability to increase volumes, gain economies of scale and improve margins, and rising interest rates.

Long-lived and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. The estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets is compared to the carrying value. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the asset's carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded for an amount by which the carrying value exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the impaired asset is determined using probability weighted expected cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when available and appraisals, as appropriate. We derive the cash flow estimates from our long-term business plans and historical experience. Changes in the estimates and assumptions incorporated in our impairment assessment could materially affect the determination of fair value and the associated impairment charge.

Trade accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days after the invoice date. We provide an allowance for credit losses based on historical loss experience, the age of the receivables, specific troubled accounts and other currently available information. Accounts deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have been exhausted and management deems the account to be uncollectible, or when they are 365 days past due, if sooner. We believe that our accounts receivable credit risk is low because of the geographic and industry diversification of our clients and small account balances for most of our clients. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of trade accounts receivables was 2% at December 31, 2022 and 3% at December 31, 2021. Holding all other assumptions constant, a 0.25% increase in the allowance rate at December 31, 2022 would have reduced pre-tax income by $1 million.

Significant judgment is also required in determining the amount of deferred tax assets that will ultimately be realized and corresponding deferred tax asset valuation allowance. When estimating the necessary valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence for each jurisdiction including historical operating results, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. If new information becomes available that would alter our estimate of the amount of deferred tax assets that will ultimately be realized, we adjust the valuation allowance through income tax expense. Changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

We evaluate residual values on an annual basis or sooner if circumstances warrant. Declines in estimated residual values considered "other-than-temporary" are recognized immediately. Increases in estimated future residual values are not recognized until the equipment is remarketed. If the actual residual value of leased assets were 10% lower than management's current estimates and considered "other-than-temporary", pre-tax income would be $5 million lower.

The functional currency for most of our foreign operations is the local currency. Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies of countries in which we operate impact our reported assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Exchange rate fluctuations can also impact the settlement of intercompany receivables and payables between our subsidiaries in different countries. During 2022, 13% of our consolidated revenue was from operations outside the United States and the translation of foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar did not have a material impact on revenues or operating results for the year ended December 31, 2022.

We are exposed to market risks primarily from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. To manage these market risks, we employ derivatives, including foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps, according to established policies and procedures. We do not use derivatives for speculative purposes. We are also exposed to credit risk on our accounts receivable and finance receivable portfolio.

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had outstanding foreign currency exchange rate contracts to mitigate the currency risk associated with forecasted inventory purchases between affiliates and third parties. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and changes in fair value are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, we also had outstanding foreign currency exchange rate contracts to mitigate the currency risk associated with intercompany loans and related interest denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and changes in fair value of the derivative contract and transaction gains and losses associated with the revaluation of the intercompany loans are recorded in earnings. Changes in the fair values of foreign currency derivative contracts recognized in earnings are generally offset by transaction gains and losses on the underlying intercompany loans. While there is typically minimal impact to our reported earnings, the settlement of these derivative contracts results in cash outflows or inflows, which could be significant.

We also maintain a significant investment portfolio comprised of fixed-rate interest-bearing money market funds, government and municipal securities, corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Changes in interest rates impact the fair value of these investments. However, these securities are designated as available-for-sale, and changes in fair value due to changes in interest rates are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of equity, and not net income. We do not expect to recognize impairment losses on investment securities in an unrealized loss position as we have the intent and ability to hold these securities until recovery of unrealized losses or maturity.

We are exposed to credit risk on our accounts receivable and finance receivable balances. This risk is mitigated due to our large, diverse client base, dispersed over various geographic regions and industrial sectors. No single client comprised more than 10% of our consolidated net sales in 2022 or 2021. We maintain provisions for potential credit losses based on historical experience, age of receivable, current economic conditions and future outlook and other relevant factors that may impact our customers’ ability to pay. We continually evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses and adjust as necessary.

See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules" in this Form 10-K.

Any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable (and not absolute) assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Under the direction of our CEO and CFO, management evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding this caution, the CEO and CFO have reasonable assurance that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2022.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report in this Form 10-K.

None.

The information regarding the Audit Committee, its members and the Audit Committee financial experts is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION TABLE

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2022 regarding the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans.

Other than information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

(a)(2)    Exhibits

None

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.