tickdelta
Sign in

Tickdelta is free for now. Sign up and get Pro free

← Screener

VRTVertiv

Industrials · Electronic Components · NYSE

Vertiv is a global leader in critical digital infrastructure for applications in data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments. 10-K, Item 1

Employees
34,000
Headquarters
Westerville, OH
CEO
Giordano Albertazzi
Next results
around Feb 10, 2027
Compare with peers → Embed

When the SEC's staff reviews a filing, it writes to the company with numbered questions, and the company answers each one in a letter. SEC publishes the exchange once the review is over, at least 20 business days later. Below: what the staff asked VRT, and the company's answer to each question, quoted from the letters. A question is not an accusation; most reviews end with the company adding detail to its next filing.

Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

2022-12-05 to 2022-12-19 · 3 questions · 1 letter from the SEC, 1 from the company
Review closed 2022-12-19
Results discussion (MD&A)Liquidity and cashLeasesNon-GAAP measures
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations · Results of Operations , page 39
SEC asked (1)
We note that your discussion of your results of operations includes only the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Generally, your discussion must cover the periods covered by the financial statements (i.e. the three years ended December 31, 2021).
Rest of the question

However, if you are omitting a discussion about the earliest of the three years as allowed by Instruction 1 to paragraph (b) in Item 303 of Regulation S-K, you must include a statement that identifies the location in the prior filing where the omitted discussion may be found. Please revise future filings accordingly.

VRT answered
We acknowledge the Staff’s comment regarding adding a statement to Form 10-K to identify the location in prior filings where omitted discussion may be found. In an effort to enhance our disclosure and in response to the Staff’s comment we plan to revise our future filings similar to the following:

“We have omitted the discussion on our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, which discussion was previously included in Item 7 of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2021.” Read in the reply ↗
In its next report

First report after the company's reply of 2022-12-14: 10-K filed 2023-02-27 ↗, against the 10-K filed 2022-03-01 ↗.

Tickdelta does not hold the text of both reports, so they are not compared here.

Capital Resources and Liquidity, page 42
SEC asked (2)
Please revise future filings to ensure your liquidity discussion analyzes material cash requirements from known contractual and other obligations such as lease obligations, purchase obligations or other liabilities on your balance sheet. Such disclosures must specify the type of obligation and the relevant time period for the related cash requirements.
Rest of the question

Your disclosure should also describe your material cash requirements, including commitments for capital expenditures, as of the end of the latest fiscal period, the anticipated source of funds needed to satisfy such cash requirements and the general purpose of such requirements. See guidance in Item 303(b)(1) of Regulation S-K.

VRT answered
We acknowledge the Staff’s comment regarding adding analysis to our liquidity discussion on material cash requirements from known contractual and other obligations such as lease obligations, purchase obligations or other liabilities on our balance sheet. In an effort to enhance our disclosure and in response to the Staff’s comment we plan to supplement our future filings similar to the following:

“Capital Expenditures: Our capital expenditures are primarily related to the maintenance of our long-term assets, as well as the investment in projects that support growth and innovation to further
Rest of the answer

our enterprise strategy. Our capital expenditures (including capitalized software) were approximately $85 in 2021. We expect to have capital expenditures (including capitalized software) of approximately $130 in 2022.

We have additional obligations as part of our ordinary course of business, beyond those committed for capital expenditures, which consist of debt obligations, lease obligations and other financial instruments. Refer to "Note 6 — Debt", “Note 7 — Leases”, and “Note 17 — Commitments and Contingencies” of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information. In addition, we have certain tax positions that are further discussed in “Note 9 — Income Taxes” of the consolidated financial statements. We do not have any guarantees or other off-balance sheet financing arrangements, including variable interest entities, which we believe could have a material impact on our financial condition or liquidity. ”

Read in the reply ↗
In its next report

First report after the company's reply of 2022-12-14: 10-K filed 2023-02-27 ↗, against the 10-K filed 2022-03-01 ↗.

Tickdelta does not hold the text of both reports, so they are not compared here.

Exhibit 99.1 Earnings Release, page 13
SEC asked (3)
We note from your reconciliation on page 13, that free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by (used for) operating activities adjusted for capital expenditures, investments in capitalized software, and proceeds from disposition of PP&E. We also note that this calculation of free cash flow differs from the typical calculation of this measure (i.e., cash flows from operations less capital expenditures).
Rest of the question

In future filings, in order to avoid potential confusion, please revise the title of your non-GAAP measure to “adjusted free cash flow” or a similar title. Refer to Question 102.07 of the SEC Staff's Compliance & Disclosure Interpretations on Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

VRT answered
We acknowledge the Staff’s comment regarding the title of our non-GAAP measure of free cash flow. In an effort to enhance our disclosure and in response to the Staff’s comment we plan to revise the title of our non-GAAP measure from “free cash flow” to “adjusted free cash flow” in future filings. Read in the reply ↗
In its next report

First report after the company's reply of 2022-12-14: 10-K filed 2023-02-27 ↗, against the 10-K filed 2022-03-01 ↗.

Tickdelta does not hold the text of both reports, so they are not compared here.

Also in this review: closing letter, 2022-12-19

Form S-3

2021-12-06 to 2022-01-25 · 1 question · 1 letter from the SEC, 4 from the company
No closing letter
Acquisitions
Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed November 22, 2021 · General
SEC asked
Please tell us how you have complied, or intend to comply, with the requirements of Rules 3-05 and 11-01 of Regulation S-X as they relate to your acquisition of E&I which was consummated on November 1, 2021. Alternatively, provide us with your calculations supporting a conclusion that you are not required to provide the information in this Form S-3.
VRT answered
The Company respectfully acknowledges the Staff’s comment and advises the Staff that we have evaluated the significance of the E&I Acquisition, which was completed on November 1, 2021. Specifically, the Company applied the criteria of Rule 3-05, which outlines whether and when historical financial statements are required for businesses acquired or to be acquired.
Rest of the answer

The Company measured the significance level of the E&I Acquisition relative to the registrant using each of the income test, the asset test and the investment test set forth in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X and determined that the E&I Acquisition was not significant at a level of 20% or greater under each test. Therefore, the Company has determined that the financial statements for the E&I Acquisition are not required pursuant to Rule 3-05(b)(2) of

Regulation S-X, and as a result pro forma information under Rule 11-01 are also not required.

Please see below for a summary of the calculations under each of the significance tests.

Does the registrant’s investments in and advances to the acquired subsidiary exceed 20% of the registrant’s aggregate worldwide market value of voting and non-voting common equity for the last five trading days of the most recently completed month ending prior to the earlier of: (i) the registrant’s announcement date or

(ii) the agreement date of acquisition or disposition? [Investment Test]

The Company measured the significance of the E&I Acquisition using the investment test by comparing the aggregate consideration of the E&I Acquisition of approximately $1.84 billion against the aggregate worldwide market value of voting and non-voting common equity of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the last five trading days of August, 2021 (the most recently completed month ending prior to the registrant’s announcement date on September 8, 2021) of approximately $9.91 billion. These amounts represent 18.5% under the investment test and thus Company determined the E&I Acquisition is not significant at a level of 20% or greater under that test.

Does the registrant’s share of total assets of the acquired subsidiary exceed 20% of the registrant’s total assets for the most recently completed fiscal year? [Asset Test]

The Company measured the significance of the E&I Acquisition using the asset test by comparing the consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2020 of E&I of $255.3 million against the total assets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 of approximately $5.1 billion. These amounts represent 5% under the asset test and thus the Company determined that the E&I Acquisition is not significant at a level of 20% or greater under that test.

Does the acquired subsidiary’s (i) income from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle exceed 20% of such income for the registrant for the most recently completed fiscal year and (ii) consolidated total revenue exceed 20% of such revenue for the registrant for the most recently completed fiscal year? [Income Test]

The Company measured the significance of the E&I Acquisition using the income test by comparing

E&I’s revenue in 2020 of $443.7 million against the Company’s revenue in 2020 of approximately $4.4 billion. These amounts represent 10.2% under the revenue component income test and determined that the E&I Acquisition is not significant at a level of 20% or greater under that test. Because the E&I Acquisition was not significant at a level of 20% or greater based on the revenue component of the income test, the Company did not measure the significance of the

E&I Acquisition using the net income component of the income test.

Read in the reply ↗

Also in this review: company letter, 2022-01-14, company letter, 2022-01-19, company letter, 2022-01-25

Schedule 14A

2020-01-06 to 2020-01-17 · 23 questions · 2 letters from the SEC, 2 from the company
Review closed 2020-01-17
Non-GAAP measuresAcquisitionsIncome taxesLiquidity and cashExecutive payLegal and contingenciesRisk factorsPensions
After reviewing your response to these comments, we may have additional comments. General
SEC asked (1)
Please disclose the impact on the merger consideration that results from the Tax Receivable Agreement. Since it appears that you use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as significant metrics for measuring your financial performance and because these measures do not account for a reduction in a deferred tax asset, please describe the impact the arrangement has on the business’s total enterprise value and, consequently, the
Rest of the question

amount of consideration you are offering in the merger. If the arrangement represents a windfall to the Vertiv Stockholder and shifts cash flows to the Vertiv Stockholder at the expense of public shareholders, then disclose this scenario prominently throughout the prospectus. Please revise the Background of the Merger section to discuss the specific negotiations relating to the creation and structure of the agreement.

VRT answered
The Company respectfully acknowledges the Staff’s comments. The Company believes that the Tax Receivable

Agreement is a component of the total merger consideration and is not a windfall to the Vertiv Stockholder. As detailed in the Background of the Merger section, the Tax Receivable Agreement and the potential payments thereunder were consistently a part of the overall negotiation regarding the valuation of Vertiv and the merger consideration to be paid in the transaction.
Rest of the answer

It was agreed during negotiations between the parties that the value of these deferred tax assets would not be reflected in the enterprise value of Vertiv (i.e., in what is defined as the “Base Value” in the Merger Agreement), but would instead be negotiated separately as part of the total consideration necessary to consummate the merger. Furthermore, the value of these deferred tax assets is not reflected in the EBITDA and the Adjusted EBITDA measures calculated by Vertiv, as set forth in the proxy statement.

As part of the total merger consideration, the Company agreed that the Vertiv Stockholder would be entitled to additional merger consideration only with respect to the deferred tax assets created by corporate actions taken under its ownership (pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement) given that these assets were created under its ownership, to the extent they materialize in the future, and for certain tax deductions generated by the transaction. Importantly, the Tax Receivable Agreement excludes deferred tax assets created in the normal course operation of the business, including substantial assets related to net operating losses.

It also does not permit any payments to be made to the Vertiv Stockholder until the fourth taxable year from the date of closing the Business Combination. Thereafter, it requires 65% of the tax benefits to be paid to the Vertiv Stockholder, allowing the public stockholders to also benefit from the remaining 35% even though the tax attributes were generated under the ownership of the Vertiv Stockholder prior to closing of the Business Combination.

Accordingly, the Tax Receivable Agreement is not a windfall for the Vertiv Stockholder, but is instead a component of the total merger consideration. The agreed upon valuation necessary to effect the merger included two components, the Tax Receivable Agreement and the enterprise value of Vertiv, or the “Base Value” in the Merger Agreement. The Company has revised the references to the merger consideration in the proxy statement to clarify that the payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are part of the overall merger consideration in the transaction.

Separately, the Company respectfully acknowledges the Staff’s request to revise the Background of the Merger section to discuss the specific negotiations relating to the creation and structure of the Tax Receivable Agreement. In response to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 149 to 155.

Read in the reply ↗
Summary Term Sheet, page 13
SEC asked (2)
Please revise to include a structure chart showing the relationship and ownership of the various Vertiv entities discussed in the filing, in particular the Vertiv Stockholder.
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 13 and 14. Read in the reply ↗
Summary Term Sheet, page 13
SEC asked (3)
We note that you have provided the approximate per share redemption amount available to public stockholders calculated as of September 30, 2019. Please revise your disclosure to provide the approximate redemption amount per outstanding public share as of a more recent date.
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 15, 27, 51, 123 and 124 to provide the approximate redemption amount per outstanding public share as of December 31, 2019. In addition, the Company advises the Staff that it will update such disclosure to provide the approximate redemption amount per outstanding public share as of the most recent practicable date prior to the date of the definitive proxy statement. Read in the reply ↗
Selected Consolidated Historical Financial and Other Information of Vertiv Holdings, page 59
SEC asked (4)
We note you indicate on page 61 that the most comparable GAAP measure to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA is Earnings (loss) from continuing operations. Revise to reconcile these non-GAAP measures to Net earnings (loss) as the most comparable GAAP measure. Please refer to Question 103.02 in our updated Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations for Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 6 and 64 to 65. Read in the reply ↗
Selected Consolidated Historical Financial and Other Information of Vertiv Holdings, page 59
SEC asked (5)
Additionally, we note that your earnings (loss) from continuing operations is adjusted for multiple items which you consider non-recurring such as costs to achieve operational initiatives, digital project implementation costs, transitions costs, foreign currency losses, contingent consideration, advisory fees, impacts of purchase accounting, and loss (gain) on asset disposals.
Rest of the question

However, we note that these items appear to have occurred as adjustments in multiple periods. Please tell us how you concluded that these adjustments are consistent with guidance in Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K and see Question 102.03 of the Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations on Non-GAAP Financial Measures. In addition, revise your disclosures to provide enough detail for readers to understand why you consider these adjustments to be non-recurring or revise to remove the reference of non-recurring when describing certain of these adjustments.

VRT answered
The Company respectfully acknowledges the Staff’s comment and advises the Staff of the following:

Vertiv management believes that it is appropriate and useful to investors to adjust for each of the items included because each item fits into one or both of the following categories: (1) items that relate to certain organizational restructuring initiatives or result from unique facts and circumstances that may or may not recur with similar materiality and are not reflective of Vertiv’s future ongoing operations, and (2) items that are useful to measure period-to-period comparisons of

Vertiv’s
Rest of the answer

core business results.

The reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA on pages 64 to 65 of the Proxy Statement reflects adjustments of the items below, as well as certain one-time items, which Vertiv management believes are appropriate for the following reasons:

1) Costs to achieve operational initiatives – while adjustments have been made for multiple periods, Vertiv management does not view them as normal, recurring, cash operating expenses, because they each relate to separate transformative activities contemplated in connection with the separation from Emerson and are expected to be significantly complete by

2020. Although the transformational initiatives have occurred in consecutive years following the acquisition, they were of a magnitude and frequency that had been unprecedented in the historical predecessor period and are not reflective of

Vertiv’s future ongoing operations. Consequently, because of the volatility of restructuring and transformation costs and because these costs were incremental and materially related to specific transformative activities, Vertiv management does not view these costs as normal operating expenses.

2) Digital project implementation costs – these adjustments are substantially comprised of acquiring and implementing critical information and accounting systems required post separation from Emerson. These systems include but are not limited to enterprise resource planning, human capital management, payroll, travel and entertainment management and reporting, product life management and several others. The projects for each of these initiatives span multiple years, but once complete, future operating and maintenance cost will not be considered when calculating Adjusted EBITDA.

3) Transition costs – Vertiv management believes that expenses to facilitate the separation from Emerson will only be incurred the first three years post acquisition and therefore are not indicative of future ongoing operations of the business. Furthermore, transition costs are not expected to be incurred beyond the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019.

4) Foreign currency gains and losses – Vertiv management has excluded the impact of foreign currency transaction gains and losses in order to facilitate period to period comparability of operating results. Vertiv management believes that future periods will be impacted by both foreign currency transaction gains and losses and such adjustment is useful to investors to better identify trends in Vertiv’s business.

5) Contingent consideration – contingent consideration adjustments relate to resolution of specific events resulting from the acquisitions of the Emerson Network Power business and Energy Labs. Additionally, as the magnitude and volatility of changes in the fair value of contingent consideration vary significantly from period to period based on the arrangements related to specific acquisitions, Vertiv management does not believe the adjustments are reflective of Vertiv’s ongoing operations.

Read in the reply ↗
Selected Consolidated Historical Financial and Other Information of Vertiv Holdings, page 59
SEC asked (6)
We note that your adjustment for cost to achieve operational initiatives include transformation efforts and restructuring. We also note the adjustment is significantly higher than restructuring costs as disclosed in the footnotes to your financial statements. Please further explain the amount and nature of the operational initiatives included in this adjustment and how they relate to your restructuring costs.
Rest of the question

In addition, tell us how you considered the guidance of Question 100.01 of the Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations on Non-GAAP Financial Measures with respect to if you consider these expenses to be normal, recurring, cash operating expenses.

VRT answered
Advisory fees – Vertiv receives certain corporate and advisory services from Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of Platinum. These services are provided pursuant to a corporate advisory services agreement between the advisors and Vertiv. This agreement will be terminated in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination. As a result, the fees are not representative of Vertiv’s ongoing core business or future operations. Read in the reply ↗
Risk Factors · Risks Related to Vertiv's Business, page 67
SEC asked (7)
Please tell us what consideration you gave to adding risk factor disclosure regarding Vertiv's net losses in the periods reported, and the extent to which the board considered Vertiv's financial performance to be among the uncertainties disclosed on page 149.
VRT answered
Impacts of purchase accounting – purchase accounting adjustments represent fair value adjustments that generally include the discount to assumed deferred revenue balances and step-up in the inventory balances on the relevant acquisition dates for each of Vertiv’s business acquisitions. The deferred revenue adjustment was recognized in multiple periods to match the corresponding long-term service revenue that was in existence at the time of the Emerson Network Power business acquisition.
Rest of the answer

Vertiv management does not expect to have deferred revenue adjustments related to Vertiv’s prior acquisitions subsequent to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. Vertiv management notes that this adjustment is useful to investors to better identify trends in Vertiv’s business.

Read in the reply ↗
Risks Related to the Business Combination and GSAH · The New Vertiv Certificate of Incorporation Includes a forum selection clause, page 100
SEC asked (8)
We note your disclosure that the the Court of Chancery and the federal district court for the District of Delaware shall concurrently be the sole and exclusive forums for claims arising under the federal securities laws, including the Securities Act. Please revise to: • clearly describe any risks or other impacts on investors.
Rest of the question

Risks may include, but are not limited to, increased costs to bring a claim and that these provisions can discourage claims or limit investors’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that they find favorable; and • address whether there is any question as to whether a court would enforce the provision.

VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 82 to 83 and advises the Staff that the Company’s board of directors considered Vertiv’s financial performance to be among the risks associated with the business of Vertiv as disclosed on page 157.

Risks Related to the Business Combination and GSAH

The New Vertiv Certificate of Incorporation Includes a forum selection clause, page 100

8.
Rest of the answer

We note your disclosure that the the Court of Chancery and the federal district court for the District of

Delaware shall concurrently be the sole and exclusive forums for claims arising under the federal securities laws, including the Securities Act. Please revise to:

• clearly describe any risks or other impacts on investors. Risks may include, but are not limited to, increased costs to bring a claim and that these provisions can discourage claims or limit investors’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that they find favorable; and address whether there is any question as to whether a court would enforce the provision.

In response to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 103 to 104.

Read in the reply ↗
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information · Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations, page 113
SEC asked (9)
Please revise adjustment (h) to disclose how the adjustment to interest expense was calculated or determined.
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on page 117. Read in the reply ↗
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information · Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations, page 113
SEC asked (10)
We refer to adjustment (j). Please explain why your pro forma net income (loss) for the periods ended do not reconcile to the amounts of pro forma net income (loss) assuming no redemptions and assuming maximum redemptions on pages 106 and 107 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and year ended December 31, 2018.
Rest of the question

To the extent the amounts are in error, please revise to correct the net income (loss) amounts as well as pro forma earnings (loss) per share.

VRT answered
The Company respectfully acknowledges the Staff’s comment and advises the Staff that the amounts were in error. In response to the

Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on page 117. Read in the reply ↗
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information · Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations, page 113
SEC asked (11)
We note from pages 109, 180 and 247 that you will have additional amounts of expense related to bonuses in conjunction with the transaction. We further note that you have not reflected pro forma adjustments for such amounts, as the documentation is not yet final and therefore is not factually supportable.
Rest of the question

Please revise the footnotes of your pro forma adjustments to state the estimated amounts of such amounts payable to your officers and employees.

VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on page 113. Read in the reply ↗
Proposal No. 1 Approval of the Business Combination · Background of the Business Combination, page 141
SEC asked (12)
We note that the company engaged in discussions with Other Targets, but that the company decided for various reasons not to pursue such Other Targets. Please revise your disclosure in this section to specifically discuss the timeline of the interactions with those Other Targets that the company most seriously considered for a possible business combination.
Rest of the question

For example, include information regarding the nature of the discussions with those entities, the terms of any offers as they compared to each other and the Platinum terms, when the business combinations were ruled out, and the timing for each of these in relation to the discussions with Platinum. Please also include more specific information regarding the Platinum terms at each stage of the negotiations.

VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 146 to 147. Read in the reply ↗
Proposal No. 1 Approval of the Business Combination · Background of the Business Combination, page 141
SEC asked (13)
We note your disclosure that in the second half of 2018, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan were retained by Vertiv to advise in connection with potential strategic alternatives, and that in March 2019, representatives of Goldman Sachs' Investment Banking Division contacted representatives of Platinum Advisors to discuss possible combination opportunities for the company with portfolio companies of Platinum Advisors, which
Rest of the question

includes Vertiv. Please revise to clarify whether the 2018 retention included discussions with Platinum Advisors, and if not, explain why the 2019 discussions were conducted by Platinum Advisors on behalf of Vertiv. In addition, explain whether any steps were taken to address the change in relationship from advisor in 2018 to being on opposite sides of business combination discussions in 2019.

VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 147. Read in the reply ↗
Certain Projected Financial Information, page 150
SEC asked (14)
Please revise the table at the top of page 152 to state how each measure was calculated or determined.
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 158 to 159. Read in the reply ↗
Executive Compensation, page 232
SEC asked (15)
We note your presentation of EBITDAR on page 235. Please revise to disclose specifically how the amounts presented were determined, including the nature of adjustments to the most comparable GAAP measure. Refer to Question 108.01 of the Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations on Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 242 to 243. Read in the reply ↗
Executive Compensation, page 232
SEC asked (16)
Please update your disclosure in this section to reflect the most recently completed fiscal year. In addition, please provide the information required by Item 18(a)(7) of Form S-4 for David Cote.
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 238 to 256. Read in the reply ↗
Beneficial Ownership of Securities, page 265
SEC asked (17)
Please clarify in the table on page 266 that VPE Holdings, LLC has been defined as the Vertiv Stockholder. Vertiv September 30, 2019 Interim Financial Statements Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (16) Commitments and Contingencies, page FS-49
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on page 271.

Vertiv September 30, 2019 Interim Financial Statements

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(16) Commitments and Contingencies, page FS-49 Read in the reply ↗
Beneficial Ownership of Securities, page 265
SEC asked (18)
We note that on September 6, 2019, the selling shareholders of Energy Labs, Inc. notified Vertiv of a dispute in which they believe Vertiv owes the highest amount of the earn-out payment of $34.5 million and that you have $2.8 million accrued at September 30, 2019.
Rest of the question

Please revise to disclose your assessment of the earn out payment including the reason for the dispute between what the shareholders of Energy Labs believe they are entitled to versus what you have accrued at September 30, 2019. Finally, revise to disclose an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made pursuant to ASC 450-20-50-4 for your outstanding cases where you have not accrued for the full amount of the potential settlement.

VRT answered
to the

Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages F-S-49 to F-S-50. Read in the reply ↗
Combined and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, page FS-56
SEC asked (19)
Please reconcile the line item Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $211.4 million to the amounts in Note 2 beginning on page F-S-68. In your response, tell us how you classified measurement period adjustments of $243.9 million disclosed on page F-S-78 and reconcile this amount to information in Note 3. (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company supplementally advises the Staff of the following:

The line item Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $211.4 million on page F-S68, consists of the amounts presented in the below table and have individually been reconciled to Note 2 as follows:

(in millions USD)

2017

Payment of cash for purchase of Energy Labs, net of cash acquired of $149.5 and exclusive of contingent consideration of $12.8.
Rest of the answer

Amounts are disclosed within Note 2 on page F-S 69.

$

136.7

Payment of cash in March 2017 for finalization of closing cash/indebtedness amounts related to Emerson Network Power (ENP) business per agreement. Amounts are disclosed within Note 2 on page

F-S 70.

54.9

Receipt of cash in the second quarter of 2017 for finalization of working capital determination related to ENP per agreement. Amounts are disclosed within Note 2 on page F-S 70.

(14.8

)

Payment of cash in September 2017 for tax indemnities related to ENP per agreement. Amounts are disclosed within Note 2 on page F-S 70.

34.6

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired per cash flow statement

211.4

Separately, regarding the measurement period adjustments of $243.9 million presented on page F-S78, Vertiv had acquired the Emerson Network Power (ENP) business on December 1, 2016, which resulted in $1,163.1 million of identified goodwill. As of the date Vertiv’s 2016 financial statements were available to be issued, Vertiv had not completed the valuation of ENP’s net assets acquired pursuant to ASC 805, including the allocation of ENP’s goodwill to

Vertiv’s reporting units under ASC 350-20. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2016, Vertiv had recognized and allocated to its reporting units a provisional amount of goodwill associated with the acquisition of ENP. In 2017 Vertiv finalized the measurement of ENP’s identified net assets pursuant to ASC 805, including the allocation of goodwill to its reporting units, which resulted in, among other adjustments, the identification of $243.9 million of additional goodwill associated with the critical power business reporting unit. Pursuant to ASC 805-10-25-17, Vertiv recognized the measurement period adjustments, including the re-allocation of goodwill among its reporting units, when they were determined, in 2017. Because Vertiv disposed of its critical power business reporting unit in 2017, the

$243.9 million of measurement period adjustments associated with the critical power business reporting unit were classified in our discontinued operations in 2017.

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Read in the reply ↗
Reclassifications, page FS-59
SEC asked (20)
We note the disclosure for certain reclassifications in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. Please revise to state whether amounts were also reclassified in the two months ended November 30, 2016 and the one month ended December 31, 2016. (8) Pension Plans
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on page F-S-60.

(8) Pension Plans Read in the reply ↗
Fair Value Hierarchy Categories, page FS-84
SEC asked (21)
We note that you have multiple assets classified as level 2 and level 3 that are valued at net asset value. Please note that ASU 2015-07 eliminated the need to classify assets valued at net asset value within the levels of the fair value hierarchy. Please revise your disclosures to comply with ASC 820-10-50-6A.
Rest of the question

Financial Statements Vertiv December 31, 2018 Financial Statements Notes to Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements (10) Income Taxes, page FS-85

VRT answered
The Company respectfully acknowledges the Staff’s comment and advises the Staff that the Company submits that the amounts are considered immaterial for both 2018 and 2017 at $0.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively. In addition, the nature of the investments are disclosed in the paragraphs following the table: “. . . Equity securities categorized as Level 2 assets are primarily non-exchange traded commingled or collective funds where the underlying securities have observable prices available from active markets.
Rest of the answer

Valuation is based on the net asset value of fund units held as derived from the fair value of the underlying assets. . . . Other Level 2 assets are valued based on a net asset value of fund units held, which is derived from either market-observed pricing for the underlying assets or broker/dealer quotation.” Based on the terms and conditions of these investments, Vertiv has not identified any material circumstances whereby the investments would not be redeemable or would not be probable of redemption at net asset value. However, given the immateriality of the investment balances, additional disclosure as required by ASC 820-10-50-6A was not deemed necessary. However, Vertiv will assess materiality of the items for future periods.

Financial Statements

Vertiv December 31, 2018 Financial Statements

Notes to Combined and Consolidated Financial Statements

(10) Income Taxes, page FS-85

Read in the reply ↗
Fair Value Hierarchy Categories, page FS-84
SEC asked (22)
Please tell us, and revise to disclose, how your current income tax expense for your non- U.S. entities was determined. In this regard, we note that the amount of current income tax expense for these entities sometimes is as high as or exceeds the income corresponding to the taxable period. We may have further comment upon receipt of your response.
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, the Company has revised its disclosure on pages 236, F-S-65 and F-S-87. Read in the reply ↗
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information · Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations, page 117
SEC asked
Please provide us with your full calculation of the adjustments reflected in footnote (h).
VRT answered
to the Staff’s comment, attached as Exhibit A to this letter is the calculation of the adjustments reflected in footnote (h) of the adjustments to unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations. Read in the reply ↗

Also in this review: closing letter, 2020-01-17

Form S-1

2018-05-18 to 2018-05-22 · 7 questions · 1 letter from the SEC, 1 from the company
No closing letter
Acquisitions
General
SEC asked (1)
Please supplementally provide us with copies of all written communications, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, that you, or anyone authorized to do so on your behalf, present to potential investors in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act, whether or not they retain copies of the communications.
VRT answered
The Company is providing to the Staff, on a supplemental basis, copies of the written communications, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), that have been used in meetings with potential investors in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act. These materials were only made available for viewing by potential investors during the Company’s presentations, and no copies were retained by any potential investor.
Rest of the answer

Pursuant to Rule 418 under the Securities Act, the copies supplementally provided shall not be deemed to be filed with, or a part of or included in, the Registration Statement. Additionally, pursuant to Rule

418(b) under the Securities Act, the Company requests that the Staff please return such copies to the Company upon completion of the Staff’s review. Other than these materials, the Company has not provided, and it has not authorized any person to provide, any written materials to potential investors in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act. The Company undertakes to provide the Staff with copies of any additional written communications that are presented to potential investors in the future by it or anyone authorized to do so on its behalf in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act, whether or not such potential investors retain copies of such communications.

Read in the reply ↗
Prospectus Cover Page
SEC asked (2)
Please describe the material features of your warrants as required by Item 501(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. In this regard, please disclose when the warrants will first become exercisable, when they will expire and that they will be redeemable at your option, as soon as ninety days after becoming exercisable.
VRT answered
The Company has revised the disclosure as requested. Please see the cover page of the prospectus included in the Amended Registration Statement. Read in the reply ↗
Summary · Business Strategy, page 5
SEC asked (3)
We note your belief that “the diversified industrial sector presents an attractive investment opportunity” as well as disclosure highlighting Mr. Cote’s “industry experience,” “strong M&A track record,” and “operational and strategic expertise.” Please balance this disclosure with a brief discussion of any relevant adverse business developments to provide a more complete discussion of the sector.
Rest of the question

Furthermore, please disclose any prior performance information with respect to any other SPACs with which your control persons previously were or are currently associated with, or advise.

VRT answered
The Company has revised the disclosure as requested. Please see pages 5, 6, 129 and 130. Read in the reply ↗
The Offering · Private placement warrants, page 19
SEC asked (4)
Please revise your reference to the number of private placement warrants, to be consistent with disclosure elsewhere in the filing stating that your sponsor has subscribed to purchase an aggregate of 2,666,667 private placement warrants (or 2,866,667 warrants if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional units is exercised in full).
VRT answered
The Company has revised the disclosure as requested, which was initially revised in the May 18th Registration Statement. Please see page 19. Read in the reply ↗
The Offering · Private placement warrants, page 19
SEC asked (5)
You disclose that the subscription for the private placement warrants by your sponsor “was made pursuant to a private pro rata rights offering…” [emphasis added] Since disclosure appears to indicate that your sponsor was the only party subscribing for the private placement warrants, please explain the reference as to a pro rata subscription.
VRT answered
The Company has revised the disclosure to indicate that it will have additional stockholders (i.e., the Company’s independent director nominees) prior to the time that the Company conducts its private pro rata rights offering, which is expected to be prior to the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement. Please see pages 17, 59, 88, and 145. Read in the reply ↗
Certain Potential Conflicts of Interest Relating to Goldman Sachs · Affiliated Joint Acquisition, page 130
SEC asked (6)
Please expand your disclosure to identify what factors, in addition to raising more proceeds to complete a potential acquisition, would motivate any co-investments by Goldman Sachs, other GS Accounts or related affiliates, in your initial business combination. Please also describe any limitations or understandings concerning the size, premium or discount of any co-investments.
Rest of the question

Your disclosure should give due consideration to how such co-investments may affect the rights of the public shareholders. For example, will the future issuance of securities to co-investment parties affect the approval of the business combination transaction?

VRT answered
The Company has revised the disclosure as requested. Please see pages 129 and 130. Read in the reply ↗
Warrants · Redemption of Warrants for Shares of Class A Common Stock, page 154
SEC asked (7)
We note your disclosure on page 156. Please materially describe the “premium” that you expect to provide to holders of the warrants as compared to the expected trading price of the warrants.
VRT answered
The Company has revised the disclosure to clarify that the Company has used a Black-Scholes option pricing model to value the expected trading price of the warrants based on a “fair value” of the warrants with a fixed volatility input and have removed references to a “premium” being paid. Please see page 156. Read in the reply ↗
4 other letters: notices that a filing will not be reviewed, requests to declare a registration effective, and the like

From the SEC's correspondence on EDGAR: staff letters (form UPLOAD) and company letters (form CORRESP), 19 letters filed since 2018-05-18. Questions and answers are matched by their numbers; topics come from words in each question. The reports are compared word for word (same form, before the first SEC letter against the first report after the company's reply). No AI.

Work on VRT in a spreadsheet: Excel workbook (a sheet per section, ten years by column, charts, links to the filings) · CSV. For a Google Sheet that stays up to date, paste =IMPORTDATA("https://tickdelta.com/company/VRT/export.csv") into a cell.