hi-20210930

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the year ended September 30, 2021

☐ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ____ to _____

Commission File No. 001-33794

HILLENBRAND, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


IN		26-1342272
(State of incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Batesville Boulevard
Batesville,	IN	47006
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (812) 934-7500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, without par value

NYSE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Emerging growth company

☐

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

The aggregate market value of capital stock (consisting solely of shares of common stock) held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2021 was $3,559,815,308. As of November 11, 2021, 72,234,037 shares of common stock were outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of our definitive proxy statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. The proxy statement will be filed no later than December 30, 2021.

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		Page
	PART I

	Disclosure Regarding Forward-looking Statements	2

Item 1.	Business	2

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	17

Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	27

Item 2.	Properties	27

Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	27

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	28

	PART II

Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	28

Item 6.	R es erved	28

Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	29

Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	48

Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	50

Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements w ith Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	103

Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	103

Item 9B.	Other Information	103

	PART III

Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance	103

Item 11.	Executive Compensation	104

Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management, and Related Shareholder Matters	104

Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	104

Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	104

	PART IV

Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule	104

Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	109

	Signatures	110

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(monetary amounts in millions, except per share data)

PART I

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Throughout this Form 10-K, we make a number of “forward-looking statements” that are within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided under these sections. As the words imply, these are statements about future sales, earnings, cash flow, results of operations, uses of cash, financings, share repurchases, ability to meet deleveraging goals, and other measures of financial performance or potential future plans or events, strategies, objectives, beliefs, prospects, assumptions, expectations, and projected costs or savings or transactions of the Company that might or might not happen in the future, as contrasted with historical information. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable, but by their very nature are subject to a wide range of risks. If our assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks and uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Hillenbrand’s expectations and projections.

Accordingly, in this Form 10-K, we may say something like,

“We expect that future revenue associated with Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments will be influenced by order backlog.”

That is a forward-looking statement, as indicated by the word “expect” and by the clear meaning of the sentence.

Other words that could indicate we are making forward-looking statements include:

intend

believe

plan

expect

may

goal

would

project

become

pursue

estimate

will

forecast

continue

could

anticipate

target

encourage

promise

improve

progress

potential

should

impact

This is not an exhaustive list, but is intended to give you an idea of how we try to identify forward-looking statements. The absence of any of these words, however, does not mean that the statement is not forward-looking.

Here is the key point: Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events, and actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth in any forward-looking statements.

Any number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, could cause our performance to differ significantly from what is described in the forward-looking statements. This includes risks related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the escalation thereof due to variant strains of the virus and the societal, governmental, and individual responses thereto, including supply chain disruptions; loss of contracts and/or customers; erosion of some customers’ credit quality; downgrades of the Company’s credit quality; closure or temporary interruption of the Company’s or suppliers’ manufacturing facilities; travel, shipping and logistical disruptions; loss of human capital or personnel, and general economic calamities, in addition to a variety of risks related to our integration of Milacron, including disruptions of current operations or difficulties in employee retention; and the risk of business disruptions associated with information technology, cyber-attacks, or catastrophic losses affecting infrastructure. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these risks and uncertainties in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, see the discussions under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K, as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed in our other filings with the SEC from time to time. The forward-looking information in this Form 10-K speaks only as of the date covered by this report, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Item 1. BUSINESS

In this section of the Form 10-K, we provide you a general overview of the Company, including a high-level review of our reportable segments and how we operate. We then present our reportable operating segments in greater detail, including the products we manufacture and sell, how those products are distributed and to whom, with whom we compete, the key inputs to production, and an explanation of our business strategies. We also provide you information on any key patents, trademarks,

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and regulatory matters important to our business. Finally, we provide you a brief background on our executive officers so that you can understand their experience and qualifications.

GENERAL

Hillenbrand (www.Hillenbrand.com) is a global diversified industrial company with multiple leading brands that serve a wide variety of industries around the world. Hillenbrand’s portfolio is composed of three reportable operating segments: Advanced Process Solutions, Molding Technology Solutions, and Batesville®. Advanced Process Solutions operating companies design, develop, manufacture, and service highly engineered industrial equipment and systems around the world. Molding Technology Solutions is a global leader in highly engineered and customized equipment and systems and service in plastic technology and processing. Batesville is a recognized leader in the death care industry in North America.

Hillenbrand was incorporated on November 1, 2007, in the state of Indiana and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HI” on April 1, 2008. “Hillenbrand,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar words refer to Hillenbrand, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless context otherwise requires.

Although Hillenbrand has been a publicly traded company since 2008, the businesses owned by Hillenbrand have been in operation for many decades.

Between 2010 and 2018, Hillenbrand completed acquisitions of multiple companies that currently comprise the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment. As discussed in Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K, on November 21, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of Milacron Holdings Corp. (“Milacron”) through a merger of its wholly-owned subsidiary with and into Milacron, resulting in ownership of 100% of Milacron common stock that was issued and outstanding after the acquisition. The acquisition has provided Hillenbrand with increased scale and meaningful product diversification, enhancing its ability to serve customers with expanded capabilities across the plastics value chain.

The Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment, which includes Milacron, and the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment have complementary product lines with excellent positions across the plastics value chain. This provides the opportunity to leverage and combine our shared technologies and capabilities to create innovative solutions that will have a positive impact for our customers around the world and provide new profitable growth opportunities for Hillenbrand in areas such as biodegradable plastics and recycling. We have an outstanding global footprint, which we expect to leverage to accelerate geographic and aftermarket growth. We believe our combined scale and purchasing power will generate procurement savings across the entire enterprise. Our complementary business process capabilities enable us to implement best practices across key functional areas to improve both our efficiency and effectiveness. Finally, the Hillenbrand Operating Model (“HOM”) provides a clear methodology and set of tools to improve our businesses. Implementing the model at Milacron helps us achieve our strategic goals and build a strong foundation for the future.

Divestitures

On March 30, 2020, the Company completed the divestiture of its Cimcool business (“Cimcool”), which represented the former Fluid Technologies reportable segment of Milacron before its acquisition by the Company. The results of operations and cash flows of the Company include Cimcool from November 21, 2019 through March 30, 2020.

Following the acquisition of Milacron, and as a result of our regular review of our portfolio, in 2020 we identified certain smaller businesses that we no longer believed to be a strategic fit within our portfolio. As a result, we announced in August 2020 our decision and intent to exit the TerraSource Global and flow control businesses. The Company has now completed these announced divestitures. On December 31, 2020, the Company completed the divestiture of Red Valve. The results of operations and cash flows of the Company include Red Valve through December 31, 2020. On March 10, 2021, the Company completed the divestiture of ABEL. The results of operations and cash flows of the Company include ABEL through March 10, 2021. On October 22, 2021, the Company completed the divestiture of TerraSource Global. As this divestiture occurred after the end of the fiscal year, the results of operations and cash flows of the Company for all periods presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K include TerraSource Global. For further information, see Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions remain an important part of our strategy. We look to invest in acquisitions that we believe can make our businesses stronger and accelerate profitable growth. We are committed to a disciplined approach, with a goal to ensure the investments we make align with our strategy to create value for our shareholders.

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Reportable Operating Segments

Advanced Process Solutions

Advanced Process Solutions is a leading global provider of compounding, extrusion, and material handling, screening and separating equipment and systems, and services for a wide variety of manufacturing and other industrial processes.

We believe Advanced Process Solutions has attractive fundamentals including:

•Proven products with substantial brand value and recognition;

•Industry-leading applications and engineering expertise;

•An aftermarket parts and service business with historically stable revenue and attractive margins;

•A customer base that is highly diversified and has a strong history of long-term relationships with blue-chip end user customers; and

•Geographic diversification.

Molding Technology Solutions

Molding Technology Solutions is a global leader in highly engineered and customized equipment and systems in plastic technology and processing. Molding Technology Solutions has a full-line product portfolio that includes injection molding and extrusion equipment, hot runner systems, process control systems, mold bases and components, and maintenance, repair, and operating (“MRO”) supplies.

We believe Molding Technology Solutions has attractive fundamentals including:

•Strong product and technology positions with substantial brand value and recognition;

•Strong market positions and engineering expertise;

•An aftermarket parts and service business with historically stable revenue and attractive margins;

•A customer base that is highly diversified and has a strong history of long-term relationships with blue-chip end user customers; and

•Geographic diversification, including established operations in high growth regions such as China and India.

Batesville

Batesville is a leader in the death care industry in North America through the manufacture and sale of funeral service products, including burial caskets, cremation caskets, containers and urns, other personalization and memorialization products, and web-based technology applications.

We believe Batesville has attractive fundamentals including:

•Historically predictable strong cash flow and attractive margins;

•Historically high return on invested capital; and

•Substantial brand value and recognition, combined with quality service, a nationwide distribution network, and a strong customer base.

How We Operate

We strive to provide superior return for our shareholders, exceptional value for our customers, and great professional opportunities for our employees, and to be responsible to our communities through deployment of the HOM. The HOM is a consistent and repeatable framework designed to produce sustainable and predictable results. The HOM describes our mission, vision, values and mindset as leaders; applies our management practices in Strategy Management, Segmentation, Lean, Talent Development, and Acquisitions; and prescribes three steps (Understand, Focus, and Grow) designed to make our businesses both bigger and better. Our goal is to continue developing Hillenbrand as a world-class global diversified industrial company through the deployment of the HOM.

Our strategy is to leverage our historically strong financial foundation and the implementation of the HOM to deliver sustainable profit growth, revenue expansion and substantial free cash flow and then reinvest available cash in new growth initiatives focused on building platforms with leadership positions in our core markets and near adjacencies, both organically and inorganically, in order to create shareholder value.

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In fiscal 2021, we began aligning sustainability with the HOM. We believe sustainability to be a source of value creation that must be aligned with the core strategy of the Company. We expect to continue developing this part of our strategy as we grow in our sustainability practice. Among other things, we believe climate change will require meaningful action on a global scale, and we expect that further developing our understanding of our energy consumption and emissions will be an important part of examining the challenges posed by climate change, as well as continuing to develop our sustainability strategy. To date, our costs relating to addressing climate change have not been material.

Human Capital Resources

Employee Profile

At September 30, 2021, we had approximately 10,500 employees worldwide. Approximately 3,800 employees were located within the United States (“U.S.”) and 6,700 employees were located outside of the U.S., primarily throughout Europe and Asia. Approximately 66% of our workforce within the U.S. is composed of skilled and unskilled labor, and the remaining population includes administrative and support staff, and technical engineers that design, build, install and service our highly engineered industrial equipment.

Approximately 2,200 employees in North America and Europe work under collective bargaining agreements. Hillenbrand strives to maintain satisfactory relationships with all its employees, including the unions and workers’ councils representing those employees. As a result, we have not experienced a significant work stoppage due to labor relations in more than 20 years.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of our employees is our highest priority, and this is consistent with our operating philosophy. To better understand employee safety at the site level, we have developed safety scorecards and share best practices between sites. We currently collect scorecard information primarily from Batesville and Advanced Process Solutions sites in the U.S., but have plans to expand. Our newly reorganized Health & Safety Council is composed of representatives from across the Company and coordinates health and safety matters like our scorecards. This Council is responsible for driving and implementing a uniform Health & Safety approach across the Company. This Council provides an opportunity to share best practices and allows for more collaboration for unique and innovative solutions to other challenges shared amongst the group. In addition to common lagging indicators, such as injury performance, the scorecards highlight leading indicators such as safety observations and near-misses, as well as other proactive actions taken at the site to ensure worker safety.

We continue to prioritize health and safety while responding to the changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic around the globe. Our responses have included:

•Encouraging employee vaccination and sponsoring vaccine clinics;

•Initiating regular communication regarding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including health and safety protocols and procedures;

•Implementing protocols to address actual and suspected COVID-19 cases and potential exposure;

•Adding work from home flexibility where able to do so;

•Establishing new physical distancing procedures;

•Adjusting attendance policies to encourage those who are sick to stay home;

•Increasing cleaning protocols across all locations; and

•Restricting all domestic and international non-essential travel for all employees.

All of our companies manufacture products deemed essential to the critical infrastructure, including health and safety, food and agriculture, and energy, and as a result, the majority of our production sites continued operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, we have invested in creating physically safe work environments for our employees.

Total Rewards

As part of our compensation philosophy, we believe that we must offer and maintain market competitive total rewards programs for our employees in order to attract and retain superior talent. These programs not only include base wages and incentives in support of our pay for performance culture, but also health, welfare, and retirement benefits. We focus many programs on employee wellness and have implemented solutions including onsite wellness centers, mental health support, telemedicine, and healthy weight loss programs. We believe that these solutions have helped us successfully manage healthcare and prescription drug costs for our employee population.

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In the U.S., the Company matches contributions to a tax-qualified defined contribution savings plan (the “Savings Plan”) for all eligible employees not accruing legacy pension benefits, in an amount equal to 50 cents for every dollar contributed by the employee until the employee contributions reach six percent of his or her eligible compensation. Additionally, whether or not such employees contribute to the Savings Plan, the Company provides an automatic Company contribution per pay period to the Savings Plan for all such employees. All contributions by employees and the automatic Company contribution are fully vested immediately. The Company matching contributions do not vest until after three years of credited service, at which point further Company matching contributions vest immediately when made. Employees are encouraged to participate in their own retirement savings. We no longer provide new pension benefits for U.S. employees, but continue pensions in other jurisdictions, where required by law.

Talent

Talent Development is one of the pillars of the HOM, and succession planning for critical roles is a cornerstone of our talent program. Our key talent philosophy is to develop talent from within and supplement with external hires. This approach has yielded a deep understanding among our employee base of our businesses, our products, and our customers, while adding new employees and ideas in support of our continuous improvement mindset. We believe that our average employee tenure across the globe — 10 years as of the end of the fiscal year 2021 — reflects the engagement of our employees on these topics. Our talent acquisition team uses internal and external resources to recruit highly skilled and talented workers, and we encourage employee referrals for open positions.

Once employees are on board, development plans are created and monitored for critical roles to ensure progress is made along established timelines. Development plans also intersect with our mission, particularly as we strive to be responsible to our communities. Hillenbrand also actively encourages our leaders and top talent to participate on local non-profit boards through our ‘Get On Board’ initiative. We believe that this helps us increase our commitment to serve the needs of the local communities in which we operate while simultaneously providing leadership development opportunities for our associates.

The Company’s commitment to diversity is embodied in our corporate governance standards, which require members of the Company’s Board of Directors to be diverse in terms of gender and of race and ethnicity, and other characteristics, including background, perspective, knowledge, skills, and experience. Our diversity and inclusion initiatives support our goal that everyone throughout the Company is engaged in creating an inclusive workplace, and we continue to work on building diverse talent pools as part of our recruitment efforts. Specifically, our Compensation Committee added the creation of specific plans to increase workforce diversity as part of our executive management team’s collective performance goals relating to diverse talent pools. We strive to promote human rights, education around sexual harassment, and to build a culture of inclusion through our “respect in the workplace” training across the Company.

Data Security

Our company approach to data security begins with our corporate culture. Security begins at the top of our organization, where Company leadership consistently communicates the requirements for vigilance and compliance throughout the organization, and then leads by example. The cybersecurity program is led by Hillenbrand’s Chief Information Security Officer, who provides quarterly updates to the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, annual updates to the Board of Directors, and regular reports to the Executive Management Team about the program, including information about cyber risk management governance and the status of ongoing efforts to strengthen security effectiveness.

We also educate and share best practices globally with our employees to raise awareness of data security threats. As part of our onboarding process, we train all new employees on IT security and maintain an annual retraining for all employees on information security. As part of our training program, we teach employees how to recognize and properly respond to phishing and social engineering schemes. Hillenbrand has deployed a phishing detection system to report suspicious emails, which are flagged for further review, as well as an automated monthly process to retrain employees who do not maintain an acceptable pass rate on our phishing recognition training.

REPORTABLE OPERATING SEGMENTS

Advanced Process Solutions

Advanced Process Solutions designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and services differentiated process and material handling equipment and systems for a wide variety of industries, including plastics, food and pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fertilizers, minerals, energy, wastewater treatment, forest products, and other general industrials. Advanced Process Solutions uses its strong applications and process engineering expertise to solve problems for customers. Its highly engineered capital

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equipment and systems offerings require aftermarket service and/or parts replacement, providing an opportunity for ongoing revenue at attractive margins.

In August 2020, we announced our decision and intent to divest TerraSource Global and the flow control businesses. TerraSource Global and the flow control businesses manufactured equipment and systems primarily in the minerals and mining, forest products, and water and wastewater treatment industries. With the divestitures of the TerraSource Global (subsequent to September 30, 2021) and the flow control businesses during fiscal 2021, Advanced Process Solutions has effectively ceased to offer flow control solutions and size reduction equipment.

Advanced Process Solutions: Products and Services

Advanced Process Solutions’ product portfolio has grown through a series of acquisitions over the past ten years and includes products and services for compounding, extrusion, and material handling, as well as screening and separating. During the fiscal year, the Advanced Process Solutions’ product portfolio also included flow control and size reduction equipment, all of which have been divested. Advanced Process Solutions’ product lines are supported by aftermarket parts and services, which represented approximately 31% of Advanced Process Solutions’ total net revenue during 2021. Products are offered under brand names that are recognized among the leaders in their respective categories.

•Compounding, Extrusion, and Material Handling Equipment, and Equipment System Design

◦Twin screw compounding and extrusion machines range from small laboratory compounding machines to high performance, high throughput extrusion systems. Small and mid-sized compounders are used by customers in engineered plastics, masterbatch, PVC, recycling, biodegradable products, and other applications for the plastics, chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Extrusion systems are sold to customers in multiple industries. All of these extrusion products are sold under the Coperion® brand.

◦Material handling equipment includes pneumatic and hydraulic conveying equipment for difficult-to-move materials; high-precision feeders that can operate at both very high and very low fill rates; blenders for pellets and powders; and rotary valves, diverter valves, and slide-gate valves used for feeding, dosing, discharge, and distribution during pneumatic conveying. The proprietary equipment is highly engineered and designed to solve the needs of customers for customized solutions. Material handling equipment is sold to a variety of industries, including plastics, food and pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and minerals. These products are sold under the Coperion® and Coperion K-Tron® brands.

◦Compounding, extrusion, and material handling equipment can be sold as a complete system, where strong application and process engineering expertise is used to design and create a broad system solution for customers. Systems can range from a single manufacturing line to large scale manufacturing lines and turnkey systems. Larger system sales are generally fulfilled over 18 to 24 months. Some portion of revenue for large system sales typically comes from third-party-sourced products that carry only a small up-charge. As a result, margin percentages tend to be lower on these large system sales when compared to the rest of the reportable operating segment.

•Screening and Separating Equipment

◦Screening and separating equipment sorts dry, granular products based on the size of the particles being processed. This equipment is sold under the Rotex® and BM&M® brands to customers in a variety of industries including proppants, fertilizers, chemicals, agricultural goods, plastics, forest products, and food processing. A majority of the equipment uses a unique technology based on a specific gyratory-reciprocating motion that provides an optimal material distribution on the screens, gentle handling of particles, and accurate separations.

•Aftermarket parts and service

◦Aftermarket parts and service are a major component of most of Advanced Process Solutions’ product lines. Service engineers and technicians are located around the globe to better respond to customers’ machines and systems service needs. Advanced Process Solutions offers its customers services such as consulting, training, maintenance and repairs, spare parts, and modernization solutions.

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Advanced Process Solutions: Sales, Distribution, and Operations

Advanced Process Solutions sells equipment and systems throughout the world using a combination of direct sales and a global network of independent sales representatives and distributors. A part of Advanced Process Solutions’ sales is made through independent sales representatives who are compensated by commission.

Equipment and systems orders are often for unique, engineered-to-order items. Products are either assembled and tested at an Advanced Process Solutions facility and then shipped to a customer or are assembled at the customer’s desired location.

We expect that future net revenue associated with Advanced Process Solutions will be influenced by order backlog because of the lead time involved in fulfilling engineered-to-order equipment for customers. Backlog represents the amount of consolidated revenue that we expect to realize on contracts awarded to Advanced Process Solutions. Though backlog can be an indicator of future net revenue, it does not include projects and aftermarket orders that are booked and shipped within the same quarter. The timing of order placement, size of order, extent of customization, and customer delivery dates can create fluctuations in backlog and revenue. Revenue attributable to backlog may also be affected by foreign exchange fluctuations for orders denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars or by provisions for cancellation, termination, or suspension at the discretion of the customer.

Advanced Process Solutions: Customers

Advanced Process Solutions has customers in a wide range of industries, including plastics, food and pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fertilizers, minerals, energy, and forest products. These customers range from large, Fortune 500 global companies to regional and local businesses. No one Advanced Process Solutions customer accounted for more than 10% of Hillenbrand’s consolidated net revenue during 2021. For large or customized orders, customers generally pay a deposit and make progress payments in accordance with the project progress. Often, long-term relationships are established with these customers.

Advanced Process Solutions’ sales are diversified by end markets, and further penetration of these end markets is an important element of its strategy. Geographically, approximately 26% of Advanced Process Solutions’ net revenue in 2021 came from the Americas, 46% from Asia, and 28% from EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa).

We believe that long-term growth for this segment is driven by megatrends such as a rapidly growing middle class in China and India and a growing global population, resulting in rising demand for products sold in many of the end markets that Advanced Process Solutions serves, including durable plastic goods and food. These trends include increased use of lightweight plastics in the automotive industry to improve fuel efficiency; more effective packaging in emerging markets to improve food shelf life, freshness, and safety; a variety of applications in the medical space designed to improve safety, drug and therapy delivery, and durability; increased use of engineered plastics in construction that are more durable, lightweight and require little maintenance; increased use of biopolymers to help preserve the environment; and more sustainable food sources such as plant-based proteins. Additionally, we expect Advanced Process Solutions to be able to leverage its technical know-how to win in emerging end markets such as recycling and biodegradable plastics. While overall demand for these products is expected to increase over the long run, we expect short-term periodic fluctuations in demand from time-to-time.

Advanced Process Solutions: Competition

Advanced Process Solutions holds leading positions in key industries and has strong brand name recognition because of its commitment to serving the broad needs of customers through the design and quality of products, extensive application and process engineering expertise, product support services, and its unique ability to provide compounding, extrusion and material handling equipment as a complete system that optimizes output, quality, and energy efficiency to achieve a lower overall cost of ownership for its customers.

Advanced Process Solutions brands face strong competition in the markets where they compete. Competitors range in size from small, privately-held companies serving narrow market segments or geographical areas to larger, well-known global companies serving national and international markets with multiple product lines. We believe Advanced Process Solutions’ diversification into multiple industries and markets, its base of aftermarket business, and its strong worldwide network of suppliers and dealers will allow it to maintain leadership positions even during economic downturns.

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Advanced Process Solutions: Raw and Component Materials

The manufacturing of the Advanced Process Solutions’ products involves the machining and welding of raw materials (primarily sheet metals and steel) and castings that are assembled with other component parts purchased from third-party suppliers that generally require particular specifications or qualifications. Although most of these raw materials and components are generally available from several sources, some of these items are currently purchased from single sources. Volatility in the prices Advanced Process Solutions pays for raw materials used in its products has a direct effect on profitability. Advanced Process Solutions regularly takes steps designed to mitigate the impact of volatility in raw and component material prices, including executing Lean initiatives and various pricing and sourcing actions. In instances where third-party suppliers are depended upon for outsourced products or components, there is risk of customer dissatisfaction with the quality or performance of the products sold due to supplier failure. In addition, difficulties experienced by third-party suppliers can interrupt the ability to obtain the outsourced product and ultimately to supply products to customers. We believe Advanced Process Solutions has taken reasonable steps to mitigate recent increases to these risks. See Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a more in-depth discussion of Risk factors that could impact Advanced Process Solutions’ ability to fulfill customer obligations.

Advanced Process Solutions: Strategy

Advanced Process Solutions seeks profitable growth through the following strategic initiatives:

•Strengthen leadership positions and build targeted platforms

◦Grow platforms to critical mass to achieve benefits of leadership and scale in attractive end markets organically and through acquisitions.

◦Capitalize on emerging trends in end markets such as food, recycling, and biopolymers.

◦Leverage global footprint to provide leading aftermarket support to customers.

•Drive innovation and new product development

◦Provide innovative product and service solutions to solve customers’ challenges.

◦Extend applications expertise to win in adjacent markets with high growth potential.

◦Develop new products driven by voice of customer input and changing needs.

◦Provide value-added end-to-end solutions from individual components to integrated systems.

•Leverage HOM to drive margin expansion and profitable growth

◦Apply HOM principles and tools, including voice of customer and segmentation, for profitable growth.

◦Drive best-in-class lead times to grow share in aftermarket business.

◦Implement strategic supplier relationships to improve cost and quality.

◦Enhance productivity through process standardization.

Molding Technology Solutions

Molding Technology Solutions is a global leader in highly engineered and customized equipment and systems in plastic technology and processing. The product lines within Molding Technology Solutions have strong brand recognition and an established global footprint, and we believe are well-positioned to benefit from continued robust industry growth in both developed and emerging markets. Molding Technology Solutions’ breadth of products, long history, and global reach have resulted in a large installed base of plastic processing equipment and hot runner systems.

Molding Technology Solutions: Products and Services

Molding Technology Solutions has a product portfolio that includes injection molding and extrusion equipment and hot runner systems. Molding Technology Solutions maintains leadership positions across these product lines, as well as leading positions in process control systems, mold bases and components, and MRO supplies. The Molding Technology Solutions product lines are supported by aftermarket parts and services, which represented approximately 26% of Molding Technology Solutions’ total net revenue during 2021. Products are offered under brand names that are recognized as being among the leaders in their respective industries.

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•Injection molding and extrusion equipment

◦Molding Technology Solutions designs, manufactures and sells plastic processing equipment and systems, which include injection molding, extrusion and auxiliary systems. This equipment is sold under the Milacron® brand to a diverse set of customers, including companies in the automotive, consumer goods, electronics, construction, medical and packaging end markets.

•Hot runner systems

◦Molding Technology Solutions designs, manufactures and sells highly-engineered, technically advanced hot runner and process control systems. Hot runner systems are sold under the Mold-Masters® brand and designed for each product a customer manufactures on an injection molding machine. Hot runner systems are product-specific and replaced frequently due to design changes and innovation in customers’ end products, with a typical aftermarket cycle of one to five years. Recurring sales are supported by a large installed base of hot runner systems worldwide.

•Mold bases and components

◦Molding Technology Solutions designs, manufactures, and sells high-quality mold bases and plates available in various configurations to meet the needs of customers for a variety of applications under the DME® brand. Pre-engineered assemblies, plates and components provide the economic and technical benefits of interchangeability.

•Aftermarket parts and service

◦Aftermarket parts and service are a major component of most of the Molding Technology Solutions product lines. Service engineers and technicians are located around the globe to better respond to customers’ machines and systems service needs. Molding Technology Solutions offers its customers service, consulting, training, maintenance and repairs, spare parts, and retrofits and rebuilds.

Molding Technology Solutions: Sales, Distribution, and Operations

Molding Technology Solutions sells equipment and systems throughout the world using a combination of direct sales and a global network of independent sales representatives and distributors. A part of Molding Technology Solutions’ sales is made through independent sales representatives who are compensated by commission.

Molding Technology Solutions does not typically have long-term supply agreements with customers, and terms are generally negotiated on an individual order basis. Pricing is set at the time of order, typically on a customized basis for each product. Raw materials and component purchases are managed based on order trends and mid-term contracts with strategic vendors, allowing Molding Technology Solutions to partially mitigate the risk of short-term changes in raw material and components pricing. The majority of hot runner and mold base equipment orders are fulfilled within three months. The majority of injection molding and extrusion equipment orders are fulfilled within twelve months, but we expect some future net revenue associated with injection molding and extrusion equipment will be influenced by order backlog because of the lead time in fulfilling some engineered-to-order products. Backlog represents the amount of consolidated net revenue that we expect to realize on contracts awarded to Molding Technology Solutions. Though backlog can be an indicator of future revenue, it does not include projects and aftermarket parts orders that are booked and shipped within the same quarter. The timing of order placement, size of order, extent of customization, and customer delivery dates can create fluctuations in backlog and revenue. Revenue attributable to backlog may also be affected by foreign exchange fluctuations for orders denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, or by provisions for cancellation, termination, or suspension at the discretion of the customer.

Molding Technology Solutions: Customers

Molding Technology Solutions has customers in a wide range of industries, including automotive, medical, consumer goods, packaging, construction and electronics. These customers range from large, Fortune 500 global companies to regional and local businesses, including original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), molders and mold-makers. Molding Technology Solutions has long-standing relationships with its largest customers, having served many of them for over 30 years. No one Molding Technology Solutions customer accounted for more than 10% of Hillenbrand’s consolidated net revenue during 2021. Customers purchasing injection molding or extrusion machines generally pay a deposit and make progress payments prior to shipment.

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Molding Technology Solutions’ sales are further diversified by end markets, and continued expansion into these end markets is an important element of its strategy. Geographically, approximately 53% of Molding Technology Solutions’ net revenue in 2021 came from the Americas, 30% from Asia, and 17% from EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa).

Global population growth, coupled with continued urbanization, increased purchasing power and improved lifestyle in emerging markets has resulted in greater demand for a broad range of finished plastic products in many segments of the economy, including automotive, medical, construction and consumer products. We believe Molding Technology Solutions’ strong global presence positions it well to benefit from this growth. Molding Technology Solutions has made significant investments in China and India in order to capitalize on the projected growth in plastics in these markets.

Molding Technology Solutions: Competition

Molding Technology Solutions holds leading positions in key industries because of design and quality of products, extensive application and process engineering expertise, product support services, brand name recognition, and commitment to serving the broad needs of customers.

Molding Technology Solutions brands face strong competition in the markets where they compete. Competitors range in size from small, privately-held companies serving niche industries or geographical areas to larger, well-known global companies serving national and international markets with multiple product lines. We believe Molding Technology Solutions’ leading product quality and design inclusion in a number of flagship products, diversification into multiple industries and markets, its base of aftermarket parts business, and its strong worldwide network of suppliers and dealers will allow it to maintain leadership positions even during economic downturns.

Molding Technology Solutions: Raw and Component Materials

Steel, which Molding Technology Solutions sources both directly and indirectly through its component suppliers, is the primary material used in the manufacturing of its products. Molding Technology Solutions does not enter into derivative financial instruments to hedge its commodity price risk and currently does not have a significant number of long-term supply contracts with key suppliers. Molding Technology Solutions has developed a global network of reliable, low-cost suppliers in order to secure its supply needs.

Volatility in the prices Molding Technology Solutions pays for raw materials used in its products, including sheet metals and steel, has a direct effect on profitability. Molding Technology Solutions regularly takes steps designed to mitigate the impact of volatility in raw and component material prices, including executing Lean initiatives and various pricing and sourcing actions. Where possible, Molding Technology Solutions seeks alternative sources and, in some situations, is able to reformulate product with alternative materials without impacting performance, environmental, and health and safety features. We believe that Molding Technology Solutions has taken reasonable steps to mitigate recent increases to these risks. See Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a more in-depth discussion of Risk factors that could impact Molding Technology Solutions’ ability to source the necessary materials to fulfill customer obligations.

Molding Technology Solutions: Strategy

Molding Technology Solutions seeks to execute its strategy through the following initiatives:

•Strengthen leadership positions in global markets

◦Leverage core technologies and applications expertise to expand presence in current end markets.

◦Leverage Hillenbrand’s strong positions across the plastics value chain to cross-sell product lines.

◦Expand product offering in key end markets, including emerging segments such as recycling and biodegradable plastics.

•Drive innovation and new product development

◦Provide innovative product and service solutions to solve customers’ challenges, leveraging shared research and development and technology across the enterprise.

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◦Develop new products that are focused on solidifying Molding Technology Solutions’ current market positions and expanding the market through the introduction of technology that displaces other materials, primarily metal and glass.

◦Provide value-added end-to-end solutions from individual components to integrated systems.

•Leverage HOM to drive margin expansion and profitable growth

◦Apply HOM principles and tools, including voice of customer and segmentation with a goal to drive profitable growth.

◦Leverage Hillenbrand’s global footprint and enhance support to customers through the entire lifecycle of their equipment usage to expand sales of aftermarket parts and services.

◦Drive global supply strategy to achieve supply chain and operating efficiencies to improve cost and quality.

◦Enhance productivity through process standardization.

Batesville

Batesville® is a recognized leader in the death care industry in North America, where it has been designing, manufacturing, distributing, and selling funeral service products and solutions to licensed funeral directors operating licensed funeral homes for more than 115 years.

Batesville: Products and Services

As the needs of funeral professionals and consumers have evolved, Batesville has expanded its offerings with innovative products, value-added services, and digital tools to help funeral directors assist families in creating meaningful services. Today, the company provides solutions under three primary platforms: (1) Burial Solutions, which includes burial caskets and accounts for the majority of Batesville’s net revenue, (2) Cremation Options®, and (3) Technology Solutions.

•Burial Solutions

◦As a recognized leader in the death care industry in North America, Batesville has been on the forefront of product innovation for more than 80 years. The company has introduced new interior and exterior design elements, materials, finishes, and proprietary features that align with consumer trends and preferences, while adding value for funeral professionals and consumers. Batesville’s product portfolio covers the full spectrum in variety and value, with metal and wood caskets to appeal to different consumers. In addition to its product breadth, Batesville offers training, merchandising, and marketing materials to educate funeral directors and consumers on product and service options.

•Cremation Options®

◦The Cremation Options® platform is focused on helping funeral professionals profitably serve the growing number of consumers choosing cremation. Batesville offers a broad line of cremation caskets, containers, urns, remembrance jewelry, and keepsakes. As with Burial Solutions, Batesville offers training, merchandising, and marketing resources to support funeral directors and consumers who select cremation.

•Technology Solutions

◦Batesville’s technology solutions enhance the consumer experience and create business efficiencies for nearly 6,500 funeral homes and cemeteries across North America. The company offers a suite of integrated, easy-to-use technology products and services, including funeral home websites, e-commerce solutions, digital selection and arrangement software, and business management systems for funeral homes and cemeteries.

Batesville also offers an expansive assortment of personalization and memorialization elements that can be incorporated into products and services to capture the individuality of the loved one and create a unique and meaningful experience for the family. Personalization is available on both burial and cremation products using Batesville’s proprietary LifeSymbols® designs, LifeStories® medallions and keepsakes, LifeView® panels, embroidered tribute panels, and MemorySafe® Drawer. Funeral directors can also create themed obituaries, personalize video tributes, and provide other tailored offerings for families using Batesville’s web technology.

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Batesville: Sales, Distribution, and Operations

Batesville-branded caskets are marketed by a direct sales force and through digital channels only to licensed funeral professionals operating licensed funeral establishments throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Batesville also markets its products to select independent distribution facilities as well as full-service funeral establishments offering funeral products in conformance with state law in states that do not have specific licensing requirements.

Batesville has sales contracts in place with certain national death care service providers and also serves approximately 11,500 independent, privately owned funeral homes across North America. None of Batesville’s customers accounted for more than 10% of Hillenbrand’s consolidated net revenue during 2021.

Batesville: Customer Preferences and Demographics

The death of a family member causes most people to seek the services of a state-licensed funeral director. Although caskets and urns can be purchased from a variety of sources, including internet sellers and casket stores, the overwhelming majority of consumers who arrange a funeral purchase these products directly from a funeral home. Historically, consumer spending on caskets and urns has not kept pace with inflation, negatively impacting product mix. This macroeconomic trend in consumer spending may continue, which would result in mix decline in the foreseeable future.

Demand for Batesville products and services is partially impacted by a few key external factors: U.S. and Canadian population demographics, the number of deaths annually, and the rate at which consumers select cremation. The combination of these primary factors has negatively impacted the burial volume trend over the past several decades, although periodic fluctuations in mortality rates such as seasonal outbreaks of illnesses or a pandemic can also impact demand and net revenue in a given quarter and year. As a percentage of total deaths, the estimated cremation rate at the end of calendar 2020 was approximately 56.1% in the U.S. and 73.1% in Canada (Source: Cremation Association of North America).

Batesville: Competition

Batesville is a recognized leader in the death care industry, competing with several national and regional casket manufacturers, as well as more than 100 independent casket distributors, most of whom serve fairly narrow geographic segments. Some non-traditional death care providers, such as large discount retail stores, casket stores, and internet casket retailers also sell caskets directly to consumers. The industry has seen foreign manufacturers, mostly from China, import caskets into the U.S. and Canada. It is estimated that sales from these non-traditional and foreign providers collectively currently represent less than 10% of total casket sales in North America. We expect declining casket demand and existing domestic over-capacity to continue to put added economic pressures on casket manufacturers and distributors.

Batesville: Raw Materials and Working Capital

Batesville uses carbon and stainless steel, copper and bronze sheets, wood, fabrics, finishing materials, plastic, and zinc in the manufacture of its caskets. Although most of these raw materials are generally available from several sources, some are currently procured from a single source.

Volatility in raw material prices due to inflation or tariffs, including steel, fuel, and petroleum-based products, has a direct effect on Batesville’s profitability. The company generally does not engage in hedging transactions for these purchases but does enter into fixed-price supply contracts at times. Batesville regularly takes steps designed to mitigate the impact of volatility in raw material and fuel prices, including executing Lean initiatives and various sourcing actions. Although most of these raw materials and components are generally available from several sources, some of these items are currently purchased from single sources. We believe that Batesville has taken reasonable steps to mitigate recent increases to these risks. See Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a more in-depth discussion of Risk factors that could impact Batesville’s ability to source the necessary materials to fulfill customer obligations.

Most of Batesville’s sales are made pursuant to supply agreements with its customers, and historically it has instituted annual price adjustments to help offset some, but not necessarily all, raw material cost increases.

Batesville maintains an adequate level of working capital to support the needs of its business. There are no unusual industry practices or requirements affecting working capital that are significant to understanding Batesville’s business.

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Batesville: Strategy

While we believe there are opportunities to generate additional revenue within a wider range of death care products and services, sustaining volume in the burial casket space continues to be a top priority. Batesville’s leadership team is focused on three strategic initiatives to sustain burial volume and support profitability:

•Grow leadership position in the death care industry

•Focus on building and delivering value propositions that align with the needs of each customer segment to continue Batesville’s mission of helping families honor the lives of those they love®.

•Utilize technology to enhance consumer experience and create efficiencies for customers

•Offer a suite of integrated, easy-to-use technology products and services.

•Use the HOM principles and tools to strengthen our leadership position and maintain an optimal cost structure to support profitability

•Continually improve processes to be more consistent and efficient and to yield industry leading quality products and services that our customers value.

HILLENBRAND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

We own a number of patents on our products and manufacturing processes and maintain trade secrets related to manufacturing processes. These are important patents and trade secrets, but we do not believe any single patent or trade secret, or related group of patents or trade secrets is of material significance to our business as a whole. We also own a number of trademarks and service marks relating to products and services which are of importance. We believe the marks Coperion®, Coperion K-Tron®, TerraSource Global®, Pennsylvania Crusher®, Gundlach®, Jeffrey Rader®, K-Tron®, Rotex®, BM&M® were material to our Advanced Process Solutions reportable segment for the year ended September 30, 2021. As discussed above, with the divestiture of TerraSource Global subsequent to September 30, 2021, Advanced Process Solutions no longer owns the TerraSource Global®, Pennsylvania Crusher®, Gundlach®, and Jeffrey Rader® marks. We believe the marks Milacron®, DME® and Mold-Masters® are material to our Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment. We believe the trademark Batesville® is material to our Batesville reportable operating segment.

Our ability to compete effectively depends, to an extent, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our intellectual property. In the past, certain of our products have been copied and sold by others and could continue to be. Hillenbrand vigorously seeks to enforce its intellectual property rights. However, we may not be sufficiently protected by our various patents, trademarks, and service marks, and they may be challenged, invalidated, cancelled, narrowed, or circumvented. Beyond that, we may not receive the pending or contemplated patents, trademarks, or service marks for which we have applied or filed.

HILLENBRAND REGULATORY MATTERS

Advanced Process Solutions, Molding Technology Solutions, and Batesville reportable operating segments are subject to a variety of federal, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations relating to environmental, health, and safety concerns, including the handling, storage, discharge, and disposal of hazardous materials used in or derived from our manufacturing processes. We are committed to operating all our businesses in a manner that protects the environment and makes us good corporate citizens in the communities in which we operate. In 2021, we established an Environmental Council, which includes the top operational leaders at each of our businesses to facilitate and drive environmental priorities. The Environmental Council is working to maintain environmental regulatory compliance while enhancing business performance. While we believe that continued compliance with current federal, state, local and foreign laws relating to the protection of the environment will not have a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position, future events or changes in existing laws and regulations or their interpretation may require us to make additional expenditures in the future. The cost or need for any such additional expenditure is not known.

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INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our Board of Directors is responsible for electing the Company’s executive officers annually and from time to time as necessary. Executive officers serve in the ensuing year and until their respective successors are elected and qualified. There are no family relationships between any of our executive officers or between any of them and any members of the Board of Directors. The following is a list of our executive officers as of November 17, 2021.

Joe A. Raver, 55, has served as a director and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 2013. He has served as President of the Company’s Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment since March 2011. In August 2017, Mr. Raver was elected as a director of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (“AIT”), a leading industrial distributor serving MRO and OEM customers in virtually every industry. Mr. Raver was appointed to both the Audit and the Corporate Governance Committees of AIT, and in October 2019, he moved from the Audit to the Executive Organization and Compensation Committee. Prior to being named President of the Company’s Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment, Mr. Raver served as President of Batesville Casket Company from 2008 to 2011. He also previously served as Vice President and General Manager of the respiratory care division of Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (“Hill-Rom”), a leading global provider of medical equipment and services and the Company’s former parent, as well as Hill-Rom’s Vice President of Strategy and Shared Services. Prior to that, Mr. Raver spent 10 years in a variety of leadership positions at Batesville Casket Company and Hill-Rom. Mr. Raver has announced his retirement from the Company at the end of 2021.

Kimberly K. Ryan, 54, has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President since June 2021, when she was also selected by the Company’s Board of Directors to become the Company’s next President and Chief Executive Officer at the planned retirement of current CEO Joe Raver. Prior to being named to succeed Mr. Raver, Ms. Ryan served as President of the Company’s Coperion business beginning in September 2015, also overseeing Hillenbrand’s Rotex business during part of that period. She previously served as President of Batesville beginning in April 2011, at which time she was also named a Senior Vice President of Hillenbrand. Ms. Ryan began her career with Batesville in 1989, holding positions of increasing responsibility within Batesville and the Company’s former parent in finance, strategy, operations, logistics, and information technology. Since 2014, Ms. Ryan has served on the Board of Directors of Kimball International, Inc., a public manufacturing company, including as a member of the Audit Committee. She also served as Board Chair from November 2018 to October 2021. She served on the Board of Directors of Conexus Indiana from December 2018 to July 2021.

Kristina A. Cerniglia, 55, was elected Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer effective August 2014. Ms. Cerniglia has more than 30 years of industrial experience and, since December 2018, has also served on the Board of Directors of Littelfuse, Inc., a global manufacturer of leading technologies in circuit protection, power control and sensing. Ms. Cerniglia’s service on the Littelfuse Board of Directors has included serving on its Audit and Compensation Committees since April 2019. Since 2019, she has also been on the Board of Directors of Margaret Mary Health in Batesville, Indiana, a not-for-profit, critical access hospital providing inpatient and outpatient services. Ms. Cerniglia serves on its Finance Committee. Before assuming the role as Hillenbrand’s Chief Financial Officer, she spent 17 years serving in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as Vice President and Corporate Controller (2010-2014) at Stanley Black & Decker (“Stanley”), a global provider of power and hand tools, mechanical access solutions, and electronic monitoring systems. Prior to that, she spent nine years of her career at United Technologies Corporation in various financial roles.

Ling An-Heid, 61, has been President of Mold-Masters since 2017, and Senior Vice President of Hillenbrand since November 2019. Before then, she served as President of Mold-Masters Americas and Asia from 2013 to 2017. Ms. An-Heid joined the Applications Design Group at Mold-Masters in 1991 and was instrumental in developing the region as president of Mold-Masters Asia until 2013. Before Mold-Masters, she served as a General Manager and legal representative of Beijing Plastic Mechanical Co. Ltd. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Plastics Mechanical Engineering from the Beijing Chemical University and also acts as the Vice Director of the China Die and Mold Industry Association.

Ulrich Bartel, 61, was named President of Coperion and Senior Vice President of Hillenbrand in June 2021, having previously served as President of Coperion’s Polymer Division since March 2020. Prior to that role, from October 2013 to February 2020, he was Coperion’s Vice President of Compounding Machines. Mr. Bartel began his career at Coperion in 1990 as a process engineer, holding positions of increasing responsibility within Coperion in sales, service, process technology, engineering, manufacturing, and research.

Peter S. Dyke, 50, has served as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer since October 2020. Mr. Dyke brings more than 25 years of experience in human resources, serving most recently as Chief Human Resources Officer for Sigura (f/k/a Innovative Water Care, LLC), a global specialty chemicals company, from 2019 to 2020. Prior to that, he served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Luxfer Holdings, plc, a global materials technology company, from 2018 to 2019 and as Vice President, Human Resources at various business units of Pentair PLC, an industrial manufacturing company, Mr. Dyke’s tenure at Pentair lasted from 2004 to 2018, including Vice President, Human Resources of its Water Quality Systems Global Business Unit from 2014 to 2018. Mr. Dyke’s experience before Pentair included human resources roles with increasing levels of responsibility at General Electric Company, Ford Motor Company, and Valassis Communications Inc.

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Nicholas R. Farrell, 42, is the Company’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer. He has served as General Counsel since October 2015 and Chief Compliance Officer since December 2016. Mr. Farrell began his career with the Company in 2011 as Corporate and Securities Counsel, and in 2014 was named Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary. Prior to joining Hillenbrand, Mr. Farrell was in private practice for six years with global law firm Troutman Pepper. Mr. Farrell is also Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cure SMA, an international not-for-profit organization committed to developing a treatment and cure for spinal muscular atrophy, the number one genetic cause of death for infants.

Michael M. Jones, 46, has been President of Milacron Injection Molding & Extrusion and Senior Vice President of Hillenbrand since November 2019. He previously served as President of the Milacron Advanced Plastics Processing Technologies (APPT) Americas and Europe businesses from January 2019 to November 2019. He has held a number of senior leadership positions within Milacron including roles as Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations from September 2018 to November 2019 and Senior Vice President Finance and Operations from October 2016 to September 2018. Before joining Milacron, he held finance positions at GE Aviation, the aerospace division of General Electric Company, from 2012-2015. Mr. Jones also held positions at Hill-Rom between 2004 and 2011. He is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Leo J. Kulmaczewski, Jr., 56, has served as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Operations Center of Excellence and HOM since February 2021. Mr. Kulmaczewski brings more than 20 years of technical and manufacturing experience, serving most recently as Senior Vice President of Operations and Lean Enterprise of Belden Inc., a manufacturer of networking, connectivity, and cable products, from October 2018 through November 2020. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Operations, Global Supply Chain, and Danaher Business Systems at Leica Biosystems, a research, instrument, and medical device company that is a division of Danaher Corporation, from September 2016 through September 2018. During the time at Leica Biosystems, Mr. Kulmaczewski also served as Senior Director and Vice President of Operations and Site Leader, from May 2014 through September 2016. Mr. Kulmaczewski’s experience before Leica Biosystems included technical and manufacturing roles with generally increasing levels of responsibility at various other public and private manufacturing companies.

Christopher H. Trainor, 51, was elected President of Batesville Casket Company effective September 2015, after having served as its Senior Vice President, CFO and Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Trainor has also been a Senior Vice President of Hillenbrand since December 2015. Mr. Trainor joined Batesville in 2010 as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and was later assigned additional responsibilities for oversight of Human Resources and Information Technology. Prior to joining Batesville, Mr. Trainor spent 17 years with Kraft Foods, a global food and beverage company, where he held a variety of finance roles in both the United States and United Kingdom.

J. Michael Whitted, 49, was elected Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development effective June 2018. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Whitted served as Vice President, Corporate Development for SPX Corporation and SPX Flow, Inc., diversified, global suppliers of infrastructure equipment to various industries from 2001 to 2015. Prior to that, he served as a Vice President for Bear Stearns from 1998 to 2001, where he led corporate finance and M&A advisory transactions. Mr. Whitted’s experience prior to Bear Stearns included corporate finance and M&A advisory roles at CIBC World Markets, Bankers Trust, and First Chicago NBD.

Michael D. Prado, 64, was elected Vice President, Global Supply Management effective June 2020. Mr. Prado joined the Company after providing supply management consulting services to the Company from February 2020 through June 2020. Prior to joining the Company in a consulting capacity, Mr. Prado served as Vice President, Global Supply Management and Chief Procurement Officer of Stanley, a global provider of power and hand tools, mechanical access solutions, and electronic monitoring systems. Mr. Prado served in this role from June 2000 to December 2019, capping nearly 20 years of service. From 1980 to 2000 Mr. Prado served in operations roles of increasing responsibility at Delta Air Lines, Inc., and United Technologies Corporation. Mr. Prado also sits on the Business Advisory Board of Clarkson University and has been an active faculty participant in their executive supply chain management education program.

Bhavik N. Soni, 48, was elected Vice President, Chief Information Officer effective May 2017, and promoted to the Company’s Executive Management Team in May 2019. Mr. Soni joined the Company from Honda Aircraft Company, a jet airplane manufacturer, where he served as Chief Information Officer – IT & Engineering Systems Division from 2015 to 2017. Prior to that, he served as Chief Information Officer for Artificial Lift, GE Oil & Gas at General Electric Company (“GE”), an energy technology company from 2013 to 2015, preceded by fifteen years in other information technology related roles of increasing responsibility at GE. Mr. Soni’s experience prior to GE included software engineering roles at Rockwell Collins, Inc. and General Dynamics Corporation.

Andrew S. Kitzmiller, 42, was elected Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, and Controller effective November 2019. Immediately prior, Mr. Kitzmiller served more than two years in senior finance roles at Milacron Holdings Corp. (“Milacron”), as Vice President – Finance and Corporate Controller (April 2019 to November 2019) and as Corporate Controller (September 2017 to April 2019). Prior to Milacron, he served in a series of increasingly senior roles at GE Aviation, the aerospace division

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of General Electric Company (“GE”), from December 2012 through November 2017. These roles at GE included Controller – Additive, Aviation Supply Chain and Engineering Divisions (November 2016 to September 2017); Accounting Center of Excellence Leader (September 2014 to November 2016), including with controllership oversight of the Supply Chain and Engineering Divisions (April 2016 to November 2016); and two sequential assistant controller positions. Mr. Kitzmiller began his career in public accounting at Deloitte & Touche LLP.

AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Our website is www.hillenbrand.com. We make available on this website, free of charge, access to press releases, conference calls, our annual and quarterly reports, and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are filed or furnished. We also make available through the “Investors” section of this website information related to the corporate governance of the Company, including position specifications for the Chairperson and each of the members of the Board of Directors, as well as for committee chairpersons; the Corporate Governance Standards of our Board of Directors; the charters of each of the standing committees of the Board of Directors; our Code of Ethical Business Conduct; our Global Anti-Corruption Policy; and our Supply Chain Transparency Policy. All of these documents are also available to shareholders in print upon request.

All reports and documents filed with the SEC are also available via the SEC website, www.sec.gov.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

In this section of the Form 10-K, we describe the risks we believe are most important for you to think about when you consider investing in, selling, or owning securities. This information should be assessed along with the other information we provide you in this Form 10-K and that we file from time to time with the SEC. Like most companies, our business involves risks. The risks described below are not the only risks we face, but these are the ones we currently think have the potential to significantly affect stakeholders in our Company if they were to develop adversely (due to size, volatility, or both). We exclude risks that we believe are inherent in all businesses broadly as a function of simply being “in business.” As described herein, the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect our business and financial results and may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this section. Additional risks not currently known or considered immaterial by us at this time and thus not listed below could also result in adverse effects on our business.

1.The ongoing and evolving COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, the nature and extent of which are highly uncertain and unpredictable.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the various government, industry and consumer actions related thereto could have negative impacts on our business and have created or could create or intensify adverse conditions described in our other risk factors. These impacts and conditions include, but are not limited to, potential significant volatility or decreases in demand for our products, changes in customer behavior and preferences, disruptions in or closures of our manufacturing operations or those of our customers and suppliers, disruptions within our supply chain, limitations on our employees’ ability to work and travel, potential increased vulnerability to cybersecurity incidents, including breaches of information systems security due to widespread remote working arrangements, potential financial difficulties of customers and suppliers, significant changes in economic or political conditions, including rapidly changing government orders and regulations and our efforts to comply with them, including any governmental vaccine or testing mandates, and related financial and commodity volatility, including volatility in raw material and other input costs (including but not limited to oil prices), any of which could last for extended periods. Disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic could also increase the Company’s exposure to claims from customers, suppliers, financial institutions, regulators, payment card associations, employees and others, and to other workforce related risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the pandemic has impacted and may further impact the broader economies of affected countries, including negatively impacting economic growth, the proper functioning of financial and capital markets, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates.

Despite our efforts to manage through the current circumstances, the degree to which COVID-19 and related actions ultimately impact our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows may depend on certain factors beyond our control, including the duration, spread, and severity of the pandemic or the effects of any variants thereof, the actions taken to contain COVID-19 and mitigate its public health effects, the impact on the U.S. and global economies and demand for our products, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions resume or become impacted by long-lasting changes. The extent to which COVID-19 may impact our business, while likely to continue to be significant, cannot be predicted with certainty.

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2.Increased prices for, poor quality of, or extended inability to source raw materials used in our products or associated services, and supply chain disruptions could adversely affect profitability.

Our profitability is affected by the prices of the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products. These prices fluctuate based on a number of factors beyond our control, including changes in supply and demand, general economic conditions, labor costs, fuel-related delivery costs, competition, import duties, tariffs, currency exchange rates, and, in some cases, government regulation. Significant increases in the prices of raw materials, similar to the inflationary increases we experienced in the second half of 2021, that cannot be recovered through increases in the price of our products and services could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.

We cannot guarantee that the prices we are paying for raw materials today will continue in the future or that the marketplace will continue to support current prices for our products or that such prices can be adjusted to fully or partially offset raw material price increases in the future. Any increases in prices resulting from a tightening supply of these or other commodities or services could adversely affect our profitability. We do not engage in hedging transactions for raw material purchases, but we do enter into some fixed-price supply contracts.

Our dependency upon regular deliveries of supplies and the quality of those supplies upon delivery from particular suppliers means that interruptions, stoppages, or deterioration of quality in such deliveries could adversely affect our operations until arrangements with alternate suppliers could be made. Some of the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products currently are procured from a single source. In some cases, we also outsource certain services to suppliers, including but not limited to, engineering, assembly, shipping, and commissioning services. If a supplier were unable to deliver these materials or services, or unable to deliver quality materials or services, for an extended period of time as a result of financial difficulties, catastrophic events affecting their facilities, or other factors, including recent supply chain disruptions we have experienced, or if we were unable to negotiate acceptable terms for the supply of materials or services with these suppliers, our business could be adversely affected. We may not be able to find acceptable alternatives, and any such alternatives could result in increased costs. Extended inability to source a necessary raw material or service could cause us to cease manufacturing one or more products for a period of time, which could also lead to loss of customers, as well as reputational, competitive, or business harm, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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

The successful implementation of our business strategy depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain a skilled and talented workforce. Because of the complex nature of many of our products and services, we are generally dependent on a thoroughly trained and highly skilled workforce, including, for example, our engineers. In many of the geographies where we operate, we face a potential shortage of qualified employees.

A number of factors may adversely affect the labor force available to us or increase labor costs, including high employment levels, federal unemployment subsidies, including unemployment benefits offered in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and other government regulations. Although we have not experienced any material labor shortages to date, we have recently observed an overall tightening and increasingly competitive labor market. The increasing competition for highly skilled and talented employees could result in higher compensation costs, difficulties in maintaining a capable workforce, and leadership succession planning challenges. Although we believe we will be able to attract and retain talented personnel and replace key personnel should the need arise, if we are unable to hire and retain employees capable of performing at a high-level, or if mitigation measures we may take to respond to a decrease in labor availability, such as overtime and third-party outsourcing, have unintended negative effects, our business could be adversely affected. A sustained labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, increased turnover or labor inflation, caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic or as a result of general macroeconomic factors, could lead to increased costs, such as increased overtime to meet demand and increased wage rates to attract and retain employees, which could negatively affect our ability to efficiently operate our manufacturing and distribution facilities and overall business and have other material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

4.The performance of the Company may suffer from business disruptions associated with information technology, cyber-attacks or unauthorized access, or catastrophic losses affecting infrastructure.

The Company relies heavily on computer systems to manage and operate its businesses and record and process transactions. Computer systems are important to production planning, customer service, and order management, as well as other critical processes.

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Despite efforts to prevent such situations and the existence of established risk management practices that partially mitigate these risks, the Company’s systems may be affected by damage or interruption from, among other causes, power outages, system failures, or computer viruses. Computer hardware and storage equipment that is integral to efficient operations, such as email, telephone and other functionality, is concentrated in certain physical locations in the various geographies in which the Company operates.

In addition, cybersecurity threats and sophisticated computer crime pose a potential risk to the security of the Company’s information technology systems, networks, and services, as well as the confidentiality and integrity of the Company’s data. Cyber-attacks, security breaches, and other cyber incidents could include, among other things, computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, ransomware, social engineering attacks (including phishing and impersonation), hacking, denial-of-service attacks, and other attacks. These risks may be heightened given our employees’ increased use of remote working environments in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Sensitive information is also stored by our vendors and on the platforms and networks of third-party providers. Cyber-attacks on the Company, our vendors, or our third-party providers could result in inappropriate access to intellectual property, personally identifiable information of our global workforce, suppliers, or customers, or personal credit card or other payment information of our customers. Potential consequences of a successful cyber-attack or other cybersecurity incident include remediation costs, increased cybersecurity protection costs, lost revenue resulting from the unauthorized use of proprietary information or the failure to retain or attract customers following an attack, litigation and legal risks including governmental or regulatory enforcement actions, increased insurance premiums, reputational damage that adversely affects customer or investor confidence, and damage to the Company’s competitiveness, stock price, and long-term shareholder value. The Company has been subject to cyber-attacks and unauthorized access in the past, which it deemed immaterial to its business and operations, and may be subject to cyber-attacks or unauthorized access of its systems in the future. There can be no assurance that any future cyber-attacks or unauthorized access to the Company’s information systems will not be material to the Company’s business, operations, or financial condition. While we believe that our insurance plan provides appropriate levels of coverage for cyber risks and have taken steps to maintain and enhance the appropriate cybersecurity and address these risks by implementing enhanced security technologies, internal controls, and business continuity plans, these measures may not be adequate to cover or prevent all potential losses nor remedy related damage to our reputation.

Regulators globally are increasingly imposing greater fines and penalties for privacy and data protection violations. For example, the European Union and other jurisdictions, including China and some U.S. states, have enacted, and others may enact, new and expanded sets of compliance requirements on companies, like ours, that collect or process personal data. Failure to comply with these or other data protection regulations could expose us to potentially significant liabilities. If the Company suffers a loss or disclosure of protected information due to security breaches or other reasons, and if business continuity plans do not effectively address these issues on a timely basis, the Company may incur fines or penalties, or suffer interruption in its ability to manage operations, as well as reputational, competitive, or business harm, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

5.We may be unable to successfully integrate the businesses of Hillenbrand and Milacron and realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition.

On November 21, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Milacron. The success of the acquisition will depend, in part, on the Company’s ability to successfully combine and integrate the businesses of Hillenbrand and Milacron, which previously operated as independent public companies, and realize the anticipated benefits, including synergies, cost savings, innovation opportunities, and operational efficiencies, in a manner that does not materially disrupt existing customer, supplier, and employee relations nor result in decreased revenue due to losses of, or decreases in orders by, customers. At the time of the merger, we announced a planned three year integration timeline, and we have approximately one year remaining of that effort. If the Company is unable to achieve these objectives within the anticipated time frame, or at all, the anticipated benefits may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected, and the value of the Company’s common stock may decline.

The integration of the two companies may result in material challenges, including, without limitation:

•the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business concerns and performance shortfalls at one or both of the companies as a result of the devotion of management’s attention to the integration;

•managing a larger combined business;

•maintaining employee morale and retaining key management and other employees;

•retaining existing business and operational relationships, including customers, suppliers and other counterparties, and attracting new business and operational relationships;

•the possibility of faulty assumptions underlying expectations regarding the integration process;

•consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures and eliminating duplicative operations;

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•coordinating geographically separate organizations; and

•unanticipated issues in integrating information technology, communications and other systems.

Some of these factors are outside of the Company’s control, including certain impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic discussed elsewhere in our risk factors, and any one of them could result in delays, increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenue or synergies, and diversion of management’s time and energy, which could materially affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

We have incurred substantial expenses in connection with the completion of the merger with Milacron and we expect to incur further expenses in order to integrate a large number of processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies, and systems of Milacron in connection with the merger.

6.A key component of our growth strategy is making significant acquisitions, some of which may be outside the industries in which we currently operate. We may not be able to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve from these acquisitions. If an acquisition were to perform unfavorably, it could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

All acquisitions involve inherent uncertainties, which may include, among other things, our ability to:

•successfully identify the most suitable targets for acquisition;

•negotiate reasonable terms;

•properly perform due diligence and determine all the significant risks associated with a particular acquisition;

•successfully integrate the acquired company into our business and achieve the desired performance;

•avoid diversion of Company management’s attention from other important business activities; and

•where applicable, implement restructuring activities without an adverse impact to business operations.

We may acquire businesses with unknown liabilities, contingent liabilities, internal control deficiencies, or other risks. We have plans and procedures to review potential acquisition candidates for a variety of due diligence matters, including compliance with applicable regulations and laws prior to acquisition. Despite these efforts, realization of any of these liabilities or deficiencies may increase our expenses, adversely affect our financial position, or cause us to fail to meet our public financial reporting obligations.

We generally seek indemnification from sellers covering these matters; however, the liability of the sellers is often limited, and certain former owners may be unable to meet their indemnification responsibilities. We cannot be assured that these indemnification provisions will fully protect us, and as a result we may face unexpected liabilities that adversely affect our profitability and financial position.

We may not achieve the intended benefits of our acquisitions. Under such circumstances, management could be required to spend significant amounts of time and resources in the transition of the acquired business, and we may not fully realize benefits anticipated from application of the HOM. We may also decide to sell previously acquired businesses, or portions thereof, that no longer meet our strategic objectives, potentially resulting in a loss, accounting charge, or other negative impact. As a result of these factors, our business, cash flows, and results of operations could be materially impacted.

If we acquire a company that operates in an industry that is different from the ones in which we currently operate, our lack of experience with that company’s industry could have a material adverse impact on our ability to manage that business and realize the benefits of that acquisition.

7.We have recently completed several divestitures, and we continually assess the strategic fit of our existing businesses and may divest or otherwise dispose of businesses that are deemed not to fit with our strategic plan or are not achieving the desired return on investment, and we cannot be certain that our business, operating results and financial condition will not be materially and adversely affected.

A successful divestiture depends on various factors, including reaching an agreement with potential buyers on terms we deem attractive, as well as our ability to effectively transfer liabilities, contracts, facilities, and employees to any purchaser, identify and separate the intellectual property to be divested from the intellectual property that we wish to retain, reduce fixed costs previously associated with the divested assets or business, and collect the proceeds from any divestitures. These efforts require varying levels of management resources, which may divert our attention from other business operations. If we do not realize the expected benefits of any divestiture transaction, our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows could be negatively impacted. In addition, divestitures of businesses involve a number of risks, including significant costs and

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expenses, the loss of customer relationships, and a decrease in net revenue and earnings associated with the divested business. Furthermore, divestitures potentially involve significant post-closing separation activities, which could involve the expenditure of material financial resources and significant employee resources. Any divestiture may result in a dilutive impact to our future earnings if we are unable to offset the dilutive impact from the loss of revenue associated with the divestiture, as well as significant write-offs, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

8.Goodwill and other identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are subject to periodic impairment evaluations, represent a significant portion of our total assets. An impairment charge on these assets could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We maintain intangible assets related to the acquisitions of Milacron, Coperion, K-Tron, Rotex, and Burnaby Machine and Mill Equipment Ltd. (“BM&M”), portions of which were identified as either goodwill or indefinite-lived assets. We periodically assess these assets to determine if they are impaired. Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets, divestitures, and market capitalization declines may impair these assets, and any of these factors may be increasingly present during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As required by applicable accounting standards, we review goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets for impairment either annually or whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The risk of impairment to goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets is higher during the early years following an acquisition such as we experienced with Milacron. This is because the fair values of these assets align very closely with what we paid to acquire the reporting units to which these assets are assigned. As a result, the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value (typically referred to as “headroom”) is smaller at the time of acquisition. Until this headroom grows over time, due to business growth or lower carrying value of the reporting unit, a relatively small decrease in reporting unit fair value can trigger impairment charges. When impairment charges are triggered, they tend to be material due to the size of the assets involved. Future acquisitions could present the same risks.

Any charges relating to such impairments could adversely affect our results of operations in the periods recognized.

9.We operate in highly competitive industries, many of which are currently subject to intense price competition, and if we are unable to compete successfully, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Many of the industries in which we operate are highly competitive. Our products may not compete successfully with those of our competitors. The markets for plastic processing equipment and related products, material handling equipment, complete equipment systems, mold components, and burial caskets, are highly competitive and include a number of North American, European, and Asian competitors. Principal competitive factors in the plastic processing industry, material handling equipment, and complete equipment systems include price, lead time, product features, technology, total cost of ownership, performance, reliability, quality, delivery, and customer service. Principal competitive factors in the mold components industry include technology, price, quality, performance, and delivery. Principal competitive factors in the burial caskets industry include product, price, quality, delivery, and customer service.

Our competitors may be positioned to offer more favorable pricing to customers, resulting in reduced volume and profitability. In certain cases, we have lost business to competitors who offered prices lower than ours. Competition may also limit our ability to pass on the effects of increases in our cost structure. In addition, some of our competitors may have greater financial resources and less debt than we do, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage in the future. These competitors may be better able to withstand and respond to changes in conditions within our industry.

Competition in any of these areas may reduce our sales and adversely affect our earnings or cash flow by resulting in decreased sales volumes, reduced prices, and increased costs of manufacturing, distributing and selling our products.

10.We derive significant revenue from the plastics industry. Decrease in demand for base resin or engineering plastics or equipment used in the production of these products, or changes in technological advances, or changes in laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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The majority of Molding Technology Solutions’ net revenue is realized from the manufacture, distribution, and service of highly engineered and customized systems within the plastic technology and processing market. Advanced Process Solutions also sells equipment, including highly engineered extruders, feeders, and conveying systems, to the plastics industry for the production of base resins, durable engineering grade plastics, and other compounded plastics (including bioplastics and recycled plastic product). Sales volume is dependent upon the need for equipment used to produce these products, which may be significantly influenced by the demand for plastics, the capital investment needs of companies in the plastics industry, changes in technological advances, or changes in laws or regulations such as, but not limited to, those related to single-use plastics and recycling. Unfavorable developments in the plastics industry could impact our customers and, as a result, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

11.We rely upon our employees, agents, and business partners to comply with laws in many different countries and jurisdictions. We establish policies and provide training to assist them in understanding our policies and the regulations most applicable to our business; however, our reputation, ability to do business, and financial results may be impaired by improper conduct by these parties.

We cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will always protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, or business partners that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws, including laws governing payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, anti-kickback, false claims, competition, export and import compliance, including the U.S. Commerce Department’s Export Administration Regulations, trade sanctions promulgated by the Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”), anti-money laundering, and data privacy. In particular, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries, including us, from making improper payments to government officials or other parties for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and we operate in many parts of the world that have experienced corruption to some degree. Consequently, we are subject to the jurisdiction of various governments and regulatory agencies outside of the U.S., which may bring our personnel into contact with foreign officials responsible for issuing or renewing permits, licenses or approvals or for enforcing other governmental regulations. In addition, some of the international locations in which we operate lack a developed legal system and have elevated levels of corruption. Our global operations expose us to the risk of violating, or being accused of violating, the foregoing or other anti-corruption laws. Any such improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions; could lead to substantial civil and criminal, monetary, and non-monetary penalties, and related shareholder lawsuits; could cause us to incur significant legal fees; and could damage our reputation.

12.We may incur a significant amount of debt, which could adversely affect the Company and limit our ability to respond to changes in our business or make future desirable acquisitions.

As of September 30, 2021, our outstanding debt was $1,212.9. The amount of debt could increase if additional levels of liquidity are needed, including as a result of conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This level of debt (and additional debt we may incur after that date) has important consequences to our businesses. For example:

•We may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, because we have lower borrowing capacity.

•We may be required to dedicate a larger portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for other purposes, including business development efforts and acquisitions, working capital requirements, and capital expenditures.

•We expect to be exposed to the risk of increased interest rates, because our capital structure target normally includes a component of variable rate debt.

•We may be more limited in our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our businesses and the industries in which they operate, thereby placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less indebtedness.

•We may be more vulnerable to credit rating downgrades, such as those we experienced during the third quarter of 2020, which could have an impact on our ability to secure future financing at attractive interest rates.

We may be vulnerable to additional downgrades, which could have an impact on our ability to secure future financing on terms commercially acceptable to us, to access the credit and capital markets, or to negotiate favorable covenants in any future amendments to our financial documents or new financings.

13.If we are unable to comply with the financial and other covenants in our debt agreements, our business, financial condition, and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.

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Our Credit Agreement, the L/G Facility Agreement, and the Shelf Agreement (each as defined below) contain financial and other restrictive covenants. These covenants could adversely affect us by limiting our financial and operating flexibility as well as our ability to plan for and react to market conditions, including as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on our business, and to meet our capital needs. Our failure to comply with these covenants, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on our business or other market conditions, could result in events of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in us being required to repay indebtedness before its due date, and we may not have the financial resources or be able to arrange alternative financing to do so. Any event that requires us to repay any of our debt before it is due could require us to borrow additional amounts at unfavorable borrowing terms, cause a significant reduction in our liquidity, and impair our ability to pay amounts due on our indebtedness. Moreover, if we are required to repay any of our debt before it becomes due, we may be unable to borrow additional amounts or otherwise obtain the cash necessary to repay that additional debt when due, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and liquidity. Furthermore, the current market volatility and economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact the rates at which we are able to borrow and our ability to borrow under the Revolver or any other credit facility in the future, or pursuant to other available sources. In addition, in light of the impacts to our ability to generate cash from operations during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our results may be further negatively impacted by our payment obligations (including interest) with respect to our outstanding borrowings under the Revolver and our other credit agreements (each as defined below).

14.Global market and economic conditions, including those related to the financial markets, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition, and liquidity.

Our business is sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, both inside and outside the U.S. Conditions including continuing uncertainties in the eurozone, the global effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, unanticipated implications from the voluntary exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, uncertainties in China and emerging markets, may depress demand in these areas and create additional risk to our financial results.

Instability in the global economy and financial markets can adversely affect our business in several ways, including limiting our customers’ ability to obtain sufficient credit or pay for our products within the terms of sale. Competition could further intensify among the manufacturers and distributors with whom we compete for volume and market share, resulting in lower net revenue due to steeper discounts and product mix-down. In particular, if certain key or sole suppliers were to become capacity constrained or insolvent, it could result in a reduction or interruption in supplies or a significant increase in the price of supplies.

Substantial losses in the equity markets could have an adverse effect on the assets of the Company’s pension plans. Volatility of interest rates and negative equity returns could require greater contributions to the defined benefit plans in the future.

15.International economic, political, legal, and business factors could negatively affect our operating results, cash flows, financial condition, and growth.

We derived approximately 54%, 52%, and 49% of our net revenue from our operations outside the U.S. for the years ended September 30, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. This net revenue is primarily generated in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America, and Canada. In addition, we have manufacturing operations, suppliers, and employees located outside the U.S. Since our growth strategy depends in part on our ability to further penetrate markets outside the U.S., we expect to continue to increase our revenue and presence outside the U.S., including in emerging markets.

Our international business is subject to risks that are often encountered in non-U.S. operations, including:

•interruption in the transportation of materials to us and finished goods to our customers, including conditions where recovery from natural disasters may be delayed due to country-specific infrastructure and resources;

•differences in terms of sale, including payment terms;

•local product preferences and product requirements;

•changes in a country’s or region’s political or economic condition, including with respect to safety and health issues;

•trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements;

•unexpected changes in laws or regulatory requirements, including unfavorable changes with respect to tax, trade, sanctions compliance, or climate change related matters;

•limitations on ownership and on repatriation of earnings and cash;

•difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations;

•differing labor regulations;

•difficulties in enforcing contract and property rights under local law;

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•difficulties in implementing restructuring actions on a timely or comprehensive basis; and

•differing protection of intellectual property.

Such risks may be more likely or pronounced in emerging markets, where our operations may be subject to greater uncertainty due to increased volatility associated with the developing nature of their economic, legal, and governmental systems.

If we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with expanding our global business or to adequately manage operational fluctuations, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

16.We operate in cyclical industries.

As an industrial capital goods supplier, we serve industries that are cyclical and sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, such as packaging, automotive, construction, consumer goods, electronics, chemicals, and plastics industries. The performance of many of our businesses is directly related to the production levels of our customers. In particular, prices for plastic resins used to make plastic products and parts tend to fluctuate to a greater degree than our customers can adjust for in the pricing of their products. When resin prices increase, certain of our customers’ profit margins decrease, which may result in lower demand for our products. Therefore, our business is affected by fluctuations in the price of resin, which could have an adverse effect on our business and ability to generate operating cash flows.

During periods of economic expansion, when capital spending normally increases, the Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments generally benefit from greater demand for their products. During periods of economic contraction, such as during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, when capital spending normally decreases, Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments generally are adversely affected by declining demand for new equipment orders, and may be subject to increases in uncollectible receivables from customers who become insolvent. There can be no assurance that economic expansion or increased demand will be sustainable, and our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

17.Continued fluctuations in mortality rates and increased cremations may adversely affect the sales volume of our burial caskets.

The life expectancy of U.S. citizens has increased since the 1950s. However, we anticipate a modest increase in deaths for the foreseeable future driven by the aging U.S. population. Cremations as a percentage of total U.S. deaths have increased steadily since the 1960s and are expected to continue to increase for the foreseeable future. The increase in the number of cremations in the U.S. has resulted in a contraction in the demand for burial caskets and lower burial casket sales volumes for Batesville in the past several years. Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently not able to predict the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, or the potential negative impact that the estimated increase in deaths in North America due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have on future deaths when the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. We expect the pre-COVID-19 historical trends to continue in the foreseeable future after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided and will likely continue to impact burial casket volumes. If cremations as a percentage of total U.S. deaths increase at an accelerated pace, the demand for burial caskets could further contract.

In addition, the number of deaths can vary over short periods of time and among different geographical areas due to a variety of factors, including the timing and severity of seasonal outbreaks of illnesses such as pneumonia, influenza, or a pandemic like COVID-19. Such variations could cause the sale of burial caskets and cremation products to fluctuate, or more rapidly decrease, from quarter to quarter and year to year, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

18.Batesville’s business is dependent on several major contracts with large national funeral providers. The relationships with these customers pose several risks.

Batesville has contracts with a number of national funeral home customers that constitute a sizeable portion of its overall sales volume. Also, while contracts with national funeral service providers give Batesville important access to purchasers of death care products, they may obligate Batesville to sell products at contracted prices for extended periods of time, therefore limiting Batesville’s ability, in the short or medium term, to raise prices in response to significant increases in raw material prices or other factors. Any decision by national funeral home customers to discontinue or limit purchases from Batesville could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

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19.Batesville is facing competition from caskets manufactured abroad and imported into North America and from a number of non-traditional sources.

Some foreign casket manufacturers, mostly from China, import caskets into the U.S. and Canada. In addition, non-traditional death care product providers, such as large discount retail stores, casket stores, and internet casket retailers could present more of a competitive threat to Batesville and its sales channel than is currently anticipated. Sales from these foreign and non-traditional providers are estimated to represent less than 10% of total casket sales in North America, but this percentage could grow. It is not possible to quantify the financial impact that these competitors will have on Batesville in the future. These competitors and any new entrants into the funeral products business may drive pricing and other competitive actions in an industry that already has domestic production over-capacity. Such competitive developments could have a negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

20.The effective tax rate of the Company may be negatively impacted by changes in the mix of earnings as well as future changes to tax laws in global jurisdictions in which we operate.

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various other global jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings by jurisdiction and the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. Recently, in the U.S., the current administration has expressed a commitment to tax reform, which if enacted, could have a material impact on our tax provision and value of deferred tax assets and liabilities. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. If we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, or if there is a change to the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to increase our valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, which could result in a material increase in our effective tax rate.

Changes in tax laws or tax rulings could have a material impact on our effective tax rate. Many countries in the European Union, as well as several other countries and organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, are actively considering changes to existing tax laws. Certain proposals could include recommendations that could increase our tax obligations in those countries where we do business. Any changes in the taxation of our activities in such jurisdictions may result in a material increase in our effective tax rate.

21.We are exposed to a number of different tax uncertainties, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We are required to pay taxes in multiple jurisdictions. We determine the tax liability we are required to pay based on our interpretation of applicable tax laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We may be subject to unfavorable changes, including retroactive changes, in the tax laws and regulations to which we are subject.

We are subject to tax audits by governmental authorities in the United States and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions, which are inherently uncertain. Negative or unexpected results from one or more such tax audits could adversely affect our results of operations. Tax controls and changes in tax laws or regulations or the interpretation given to them may expose us to negative tax consequences, including interest payments and potential penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

22.We are involved from time to time in claims, lawsuits, and governmental proceedings relating to our operations, including environmental, antitrust, patent infringement, business practices, commercial transactions, and other matters. The ultimate outcome of these claims, lawsuits, and governmental proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty but could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

We are also subject to other potential claims, including product and general liability, workers compensation, auto liability, and employment-related matters. While we maintain insurance for certain of these exposures, the policies in place are often high-deductible policies. It is difficult to measure the actual loss that might be incurred related to litigation or other potential claims, and the ultimate outcome of claims, lawsuits, and proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. For a more detailed discussion of claims, see Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statement included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.

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23.Uncertainty in the United States political and regulatory environment could negatively impact our business.

The political environment in the United States has created significant uncertainty with respect to, and could result in additional changes in, or potential gridlock hindering legislation, regulation, international relations, and government policy, or possible civil unrest or other disturbances in connection therewith. While it is not possible to predict whether and when any such additional changes or disturbances could occur, any such events, including climate change regulation, the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) COVID-19 workplace vaccination and testing mandate from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), or other events, whether at the local, state or federal level, could significantly impact our business and the industries in which we compete. To the extent such disturbances or changes in the political or regulatory environment have a negative impact on the Company or the markets in which we operate, it may materially and adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition in the periods to come.

24.Uncertainty in the United States global trade policy could negatively impact our business.

The U.S. government has at times indicated a willingness to significantly change, and has in some cases significantly changed, trade policies and/or agreements. Specific legislative and regulatory developments and proposals that could have a material impact on us involve matters including (but not limited to) changes to existing trade agreements or entry into new trade agreements, sanctions policies, import and export regulations, tariffs, taxes and customs duties, public company reporting requirements, environmental regulation, and antitrust enforcement. In addition, certain countries that are central to our businesses have imposed and/or been subject to imposition or have threatened imposition of retaliatory tariffs in response to tariffs imposed by the U.S. upon various raw materials and finished goods, including steel and others that are important to our businesses. This exposes us to risks of disruption and cost increases in our established patterns for sourcing our raw materials, and creates increased uncertainties in planning our sourcing strategies and forecasting our margins. Changes in U.S. tariffs, quotas, trade relationships or agreements, or tax law could reduce the supply of goods available to us or increase our cost of goods. Although such changes would in many cases have implications across the entire industry, we may fail to effectively adapt to and manage the adjustments in strategy that would be necessary in response to those changes. In addition to the general uncertainty and overall risk from potential changes in U.S. laws and policies, as we make business decisions in the face of uncertainty, we may incorrectly anticipate the outcomes, miss out on business opportunities or fail to effectively adapt our business strategies and manage the adjustments that are necessary in response to those changes. These risks could materially and adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition in the periods to come.

Further, the level of impact from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the reactions of governmental authorities and others thereto may have significant adverse effects on international trade policy and the impact of any changes in international trade policy on the economy or on the businesses of the Company and those of its customers and its suppliers remains uncertain.

25.We are subject to risks arising from currency exchange rate fluctuations, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to currency exchange rate risk to the extent that our costs are denominated in currencies other than those in which we earn revenue. In addition, since our Consolidated Financial Statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies have had, and will continue to have, an impact on our results of operations. The Company’s predominant exposures are the Euro, Canadian dollar, Swiss franc, Mexican peso, Chinese Renminbi, Japanese Yen, and Indian Rupee (along with others to a lesser degree). In preparing financial statements for foreign operations with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, asset and liability accounts are translated at current exchange rates and income and expenses are translated using weighted-average exchange rates. With respect to the effects on translated earnings, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to local currencies, the Company’s earnings could be negatively impacted. Although we address currency risk management through regular operating and financing activities and through the use of derivative financial instruments, those actions may not prove to be fully effective.

26.The Company could face labor disruptions that would interfere with operations.

As of September 30, 2021 and 2020, approximately 21% and 26%, respectively, of Hillenbrand’s employees work under collective bargaining agreements or works councils. Although we have not experienced any significant work stoppages in the past 20 years as a result of labor disagreements, we will need to negotiate new labor agreements in coming years and cannot ensure that such a stoppage will not occur in the future. Inability to negotiate satisfactory new agreements or a labor disturbance at one or more of our facilities could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

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27.Provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws and facets of Indiana law may prevent or delay an acquisition of the Company, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock.

Our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, as well as Indiana law, contain provisions that could delay or prevent changes in control if our Board of Directors determines that such changes in control are not in the best interests of our shareholders. While these provisions have the effect of encouraging persons seeking to acquire control of our Company to negotiate with our Board of Directors, they could enable our Board of Directors to hinder or frustrate a transaction that the Board of Directors believes is not in the best interests of shareholders, but which some, or a majority, of our shareholders might believe to be in their best interests.

These provisions include, among others:

•the division of our Board of Directors into three classes with staggered terms;

•the inability of our shareholders to act by less than unanimous written consent;

•rules regarding how shareholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at shareholder meetings;

•the right of our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock without shareholder approval; and

•limitations on the right of shareholders to remove directors.

Indiana law also imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between the Company and any holder of 10% or more of our outstanding common stock.

We believe these provisions are important for a public company and protect our shareholders from coercive or otherwise potentially unfair takeover tactics by encouraging potential acquirers to negotiate with our Board of Directors and by providing our Board of Directors with appropriate time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make our Company immune from takeovers; however, they may apply if the Board of Directors determines that a takeover offer is not in the best interests of our shareholders, even if some shareholders believe the offer to be beneficial.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

We have not received any comments from the staff of the SEC regarding our periodic or current reports that remain unresolved.

Item 2. PROPERTIES

Our corporate headquarters is located in Batesville, Indiana, in a facility that we own. At September 30, 2021, Advanced Process Solutions operated 16 significant manufacturing facilities located in the U.S. (in New Jersey, Kansas, Ohio, Illinois, and Virginia), Germany, Switzerland, China, India, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Seven of these facilities are owned and nine are leased. Advanced Process Solutions also leases or owns a number of warehouse distribution centers, service centers, and sales offices located in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. After the end of the fiscal year, the owned Illinois facility was divested as part of TerraSource Global.

At September 30, 2021, Molding Technology Solutions operated 12 significant manufacturing facilities located in the U.S. (in Ohio, Kansas, Georgia, and Michigan), Germany, China, India, and Canada. Six of these facilities are owned and six are leased. Molding Technology Solutions also leases or owns a number of warehouse distribution centers, service centers, and sales offices located in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America.

At September 30, 2021, Batesville operated four significant manufacturing facilities located in the U.S. (in Indiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi) and Mexico. Three of these facilities are owned and one is leased. Batesville also leases or owns a number of warehouse distribution centers, service centers, and sales offices located in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Australia.

Facilities often serve multiple purposes, such as administration, sales, manufacturing, testing, warehousing, and distribution. We believe our current facilities will provide adequate capacity to meet expected demand for the next several years.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Like most companies, we are involved from time to time in claims, lawsuits, and government proceedings relating to our operations, including environmental, antitrust, patent infringement, business practices, commercial transactions, product and general liability, cybersecurity and privacy matters, workers’ compensation, auto liability, employment-related, and other matters. The ultimate outcome of any claims, lawsuits, and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. We carry various

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forms of commercial, property and casualty, product liability, and other forms of insurance; however, such insurance may not be applicable or adequate to cover the costs associated with a judgment against us. It is difficult to measure the actual loss that might be incurred related to litigation, and the ultimate outcome of these claims, lawsuits, and proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

For more information on various legal proceedings, see Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K. That information is incorporated into this Item 3 by reference.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS,

AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Hillenbrand common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HI.”

As of November 11, 2021, we had approximately 1,667 shareholders of record.

Share Repurchases

The following table summarizes repurchases of common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2021.


Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Dollar Amount that May Yet be Purchased Under Plans or Programs

July (July 1-31)	1,289,102	$	43.88	1,289,102	$	100.0
August (August 1-31)	—	—		—	$	100.0
September (September 1-30)	509,751	$	41.39	509,751	$	78.9
Total	1,798,853	$	43.17	1,798,853	$	78.9

In December 2018, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $200.0 in replacement of the prior stock repurchase program. The new share repurchase program eliminated the balance of approximately $39.6 remaining under that prior authorization. The new share repurchase program has no expiration date, but may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. As of September 30, 2021, we had repurchased approximately 2,792,000 shares under the existing share repurchase program for approximately $121.1 in the aggregate. Such shares were classified as treasury stock. At September 30, 2021, we had approximately $78.9 remaining for share repurchases under the existing authorization by the Board of Directors.

Dividend Policy

We currently expect to pay approximately $15.7 each quarter based on our outstanding common stock at September 30, 2021. We increased our quarterly dividend in 2021 to $0.2150 per common share from $0.2125 per common share paid in 2020.

Item 6. Reserved

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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS

OF OPERATIONS

(dollars in millions throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations)

(unless otherwise stated, references to years relate to fiscal years)

The following discussion compares our results for the year ended September 30, 2021, to the year ended September 30, 2020. The discussion comparing our results for the year ended September 30, 2020 to the year ended September 30, 2019 is included within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020, filed with the SEC on November 12, 2020. We begin the discussion at a consolidated level and then provide separate detail about Advanced Process Solutions, Molding Technology Solutions, and Batesville reportable operating segments, as well as Corporate. These financial results are prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

We also provide certain non-GAAP operating performance measures. These non-GAAP measures are referred to as “adjusted” measures and primarily exclude the following items:

•business acquisitions, disposition, and integration costs;

•restructuring and restructuring-related charges;

•impairment charges;

•inventory step-up charges;

•gains and losses on divestitures;

•COVID-19 pandemic-related costs;

•the related income tax impact for all of these items; and

•certain tax items related to the acquisition of Milacron and divestitures of ABEL, Red Valve, and Cimcool, the revaluation of deferred tax balances in connection with enacted statutory tax rate reductions in certain foreign jurisdictions, foreign income inclusion tax provisions, including the impact the Milacron loss carryforward attributes have on tax provisions related to the imposition of tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries, the Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction (FDII), and the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT).

Non-GAAP information is provided as a supplement to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

We use this non-GAAP information internally to make operating decisions and believe it is helpful to investors because it allows more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of our ongoing operating results. The information can also be used to perform trend analysis and to better identify operating trends that may otherwise be masked or distorted by items such as the above excluded items. We believe this information provides a higher degree of transparency.

An important non-GAAP measure that we use is adjusted earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation, and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”). A part of Hillenbrand’s strategy is to selectively acquire companies that we believe can benefit from the HOM to spur faster and more profitable growth. Given that strategy, it is a natural consequence to incur related expenses, such as amortization from acquired intangible assets and additional interest expense from debt-funded acquisitions. Accordingly, we use adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, to monitor our business performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized term under GAAP and therefore does not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss). Further, the Company’s measure of adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

We expect that future net revenue associated with the Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments will be influenced by order backlog because of the lead time involved in fulfilling engineered-to-order equipment for customers. Although backlog can be an indicator of future net revenue, it does not include projects and aftermarket parts orders that are booked and shipped within the same quarter. The timing of order placement, size, extent of customization, and customer delivery dates can create fluctuations in backlog and net revenue. Net revenue attributable to backlog may also be affected by foreign exchange fluctuations for orders denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

We calculate the foreign currency impact on net revenue, gross profit, operating expenses, consolidated net income (loss) and consolidated adjusted EBITDA, in order to better measure the comparability of results between periods. We calculate the foreign currency impact by translating current year results at prior year foreign exchange rates. This information is provided because exchange rates can distort the underlying change in these metrics, either positively or negatively. The cost structures

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for Corporate and Batesville are generally not significantly impacted by the fluctuation in foreign exchange rates, and we do not disclose the foreign currency impact in the Operations Review below where the impact is not significant.

Another important operational measure used is backlog. Backlog is not a term recognized under GAAP; however, it is a common measurement used in industries with extended lead times for order fulfillment (long-term contracts), like those in which the Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments compete. Backlog represents the amount of net revenue that we expect to realize on contracts awarded to the Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments. For purposes of calculating backlog, 100% of estimated net revenue attributable to consolidated subsidiaries is included. Backlog includes expected net revenue from large systems and equipment, as well as aftermarket parts, components, and service. The length of time that projects remain in backlog can span from days for aftermarket parts or service to approximately 18 to 24 months for larger system sales within the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment. The majority of the backlog within the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment is expected to be fulfilled within the next twelve months. Backlog includes expected net revenue from the remaining portion of firm orders not yet completed, as well as net revenue from change orders to the extent that they are reasonably expected to be realized. We include in backlog the full contract award, including awards subject to further customer approvals, which we expect to result in net revenue in future periods. In accordance with industry practice, our contracts may include provisions for cancellation, termination, or suspension at the discretion of the customer.

See page 43 for reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to consolidated net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure. We use non-GAAP measures in certain other instances and include information reconciling such non-GAAP measures to the respective most directly comparable GAAP measures. Given that backlog is an operational measure and that the Company’s methodology for calculating backlog does not meet the definition of a non-GAAP measure, as that term is defined by the SEC, a quantitative reconciliation is not required or provided.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our financial results are affected by the selection and application of accounting policies and methods. Significant accounting policies which require management’s judgment are discussed below. A detailed description of our accounting policies is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.

Revenue Recognition

Net revenue includes gross revenue less sales discounts, customer rebates, sales incentives, and product returns, all of which require us to make estimates for the portion of these allowances that have yet to be credited or paid to our customers. We estimate these allowances using the expected value method, which is based upon historical rates and projections of customer purchases toward contractual rebate or incentive thresholds.

Performance Obligations & Contract Estimates

The Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and services differentiated process and material handling equipment and systems for a wide variety of industries. A large portion of our net revenue across the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment is derived from manufactured equipment, which may be standard, customized to meet customer specifications, or turnkey.

Our contracts with customers in the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment often include multiple performance obligations. Performance obligations are promises in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and are the basis for determining how revenue is recognized. For instance, a contract may include obligations to deliver equipment, installation services, and spare parts. We frequently have contracts for which the equipment and the installation services, as well as highly engineered or specialized spare parts, are all considered a single performance obligation, as in these instances the installation services and/or spare parts are not separately identifiable. However, due to the varying nature of equipment and contracts across the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment, we also have contracts where the installation services and/or spare parts are deemed to be separately identifiable and are therefore deemed to be distinct performance obligations.

As a result, the timing of revenue recognition for each performance obligation is either over time or at a point in time. We recognize revenue over time for contracts that have an enforceable right to collect payment for performance completed to date upon customer cancellation and provide one or more of the following: (i) service over a period of time, (ii) highly customized equipment, or (iii) parts which are highly engineered and have no alternative use. Revenue generated from standard equipment

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and highly customized equipment or parts contracts without an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, as well as non-specialized parts sales and sales of death care products, is recognized at a point in time.

We use the input method of “cost-to-cost” to recognize revenue over time. Accounting for these contracts involves management judgment in estimating total contract revenue and cost. Contract revenue is largely determined by negotiated contract prices and quantities, modified by our assumptions regarding contract options, change orders, and incentive and award provisions associated with technical performance clauses. Contract costs are incurred over longer periods of time and, accordingly, the estimation of these costs requires judgment. We measure progress based on costs incurred to date relative to total estimated cost at completion. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with, and we believe thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Contract costs include labor, material, and certain overhead expenses. Cost estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events, including labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost of materials, and the performance of suppliers and subcontractors. Significant factors that influence these estimates include inflationary trends, technical and schedule risk, internal and subcontractor performance trends, business volume assumptions, asset utilization, and anticipated labor agreements. Revenue and cost estimates are regularly monitored and revised based on changes in circumstances. Anticipated losses on long-term manufacturing contracts are recognized immediately when such losses become evident. We maintain financial controls over the customer qualification, contract pricing, and estimation processes designed to reduce the risk of contract losses.

Standalone service revenue is recognized either over time proportionately over the period of the underlying contract or as invoiced, depending on the terms of the arrangement. Standalone service revenue is not material to the Company.

For the products where revenue is recognized at a point in time within the Advanced Process Solutions, Molding Technology Solutions, and Batesville reportable operating segments, we recognize revenue when customers take control of the asset. We define this as the point in time at which the customer has the capability of full beneficial use of the asset per the contract.

Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans

We sponsor retirement and postretirement benefit plans covering some of our employees. Expense recognized for the plans is based upon actuarial valuations. Inherent in those valuations are key assumptions including discount rates, expected returns on assets, and projected future salary rates. The actuarial assumptions we use may differ significantly from actual results due to changing economic conditions, participant life span, and withdrawal rates. These differences may result in a material impact to the amount of net periodic pension cost to be recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements in the future. The discount rates used in the valuation of our retirement and postretirement benefit plans are evaluated annually based on current market conditions. We use a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of our defined benefit retirement plans. Under this approach, we applied discounting using individual spot rates from a yield curve composed of the rates of return on several hundred high-quality, fixed income corporate bonds available at the measurement date. These spot rates align to each of the projected benefit obligations and service cost cash flows. The service cost component relates to the active participants in the plans, so the relevant cash flows on which to apply the yield curve are considerably longer in duration on average than the total projected benefit obligation cash flows, which also include benefit payments to retirees. Interest cost is computed by multiplying each spot rate by the corresponding discounted projected benefit obligation cash flows. The full yield curve approach reduces any actuarial gains and losses based upon interest rate expectations (e.g., built-in gains in interest cost in an upward sloping projected yield curve scenario), or gains and losses merely resulting from the timing and magnitude of cash outflows associated with our benefit obligations.

Our overall expected long-term rate of return on pension assets is based on historical and expected future returns, which are inflation-adjusted and weighted for the expected return for each component of the investment portfolio. Our rate of assumed compensation increase for pension benefits is also based on our specific historical trends of past wage adjustments in recent years and expectations for the future.

Changes in retirement and postretirement benefit expense and the recognized obligations may occur in the future as a result of a number of factors, including changes to key assumptions such as the expected long-term rate of return on pension assets and the weighted-average discount rate. Our expected long-term rate of return on domestic and international pension plan assets was 3.7% and 4.8% at September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The weighted-average discount rate at September 30, 2021 was 2.1% for the domestic and international defined benefit pension plans and 2.4% for the postretirement healthcare plans. A 50 basis-point change in the expected long-term rate of return on domestic and international pension plan assets would change annual pension expense by $1.6. A 50 basis-point change in the weighted-average discount rate would change the annual domestic and international pension expense by $0.2 and the annual postretirement healthcare plan expense by less than $0.1. Impacts from assumption changes could be positive or negative depending on the direction of the change in rates. Based upon

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rates and assumptions at September 30, 2021, we expect the aggregate expense associated with our retirement and postretirement benefit plans to decrease from $3.1 in 2021 to $1.4 in 2022. The expected decrease in expense is primarily due to decreasing amortization of actuarial loss.

See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K, for key assumptions and other information regarding our retirement and postretirement benefit plans.

Asset Impairment Determinations

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, primarily trade names, are tested for impairment at least annually and upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate that the fair value may be below carrying value.

Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by operating segment management. For the purpose of the goodwill impairment test, the Company can elect to perform a quantitative or qualitative analysis. If the qualitative test is elected, qualitative factors are assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of its reporting units are less than the respective carrying values of those reporting units. Such factors we consider in a qualitative analysis include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, Company-specific events, events affecting the reporting unit, and the overall financial performance of the reporting unit. If after performing the qualitative analysis, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the Company must perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test.

If we elect to perform or are required to perform a quantitative analysis, we compare the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further evaluation is required, and no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the difference between carrying amount and fair value, not to exceed the original amount of goodwill.

In determining the estimated fair value of the reporting units when performing a quantitative analysis, we consider both the market approach and the income approach. For purposes of the goodwill impairment test, weighting is equally attributed to both the market and income approaches in arriving at the fair value of the reporting units.

Under the market approach, we utilize the guideline company method, which involves calculating valuation multiples based on operating data from comparable publicly traded companies. Multiples derived from these companies provide an indication of how much a knowledgeable investor in the marketplace would be willing to pay for a company. These multiples are then applied to the operating data for our reporting units to arrive at an indication of value.

Under the income approach, the fair value of the reporting unit is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows utilizing a market-based weighted-average cost of capital determined separately for each reporting unit.

To determine the reasonableness of the calculated fair values of our reporting units, the Company reviews the assumptions described below to ensure that neither the market approach nor the income approach yields significantly different valuations. We selected these valuation approaches because we believe the combination of these approaches, along with our best judgment regarding underlying assumptions and estimates, provides us with the best estimate of fair value of our reporting units. We believe these valuation approaches are appropriate for the industry and widely accepted by investors.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires us to make significant judgments, estimates, and assumptions. The Company believes these estimates and assumptions are reasonable. However, future changes in the judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in the impairment testing for goodwill, including discount and tax rates or future cash flow projections, could result in significantly different estimates of the fair values. As a result of these factors and the limited cushion (or headroom, as commonly referred) due to the recent acquisition of Milacron, goodwill for the reporting units within the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment are more susceptible to impairment risk.

The key assumptions for the market and income approaches we use to determine fair value of our reporting units are updated at least annually. Those assumptions and estimates include macroeconomic conditions, competitive activities, cost containment, achievement of synergy initiatives, market data and market multiples (6.5-14.9 times adjusted EBITDA), discount rates (9.0-13.5%), and terminal growth rates (-1.0-3.0%), as well as future levels of revenue growth, operating margins, depreciation,

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amortization, and working capital requirements, which are based upon the Company’s strategic plan. Hillenbrand’s strategic plan is updated as part of its annual planning process and is reviewed and approved by management and the Board of Directors. The strategic plan may be revised as necessary during a fiscal year, based on changes in market conditions or other changes in the reporting units. The discount rate assumption is based on the overall after-tax rate of return required by a market participant whose weighted-average cost of capital includes both equity and debt, including a risk premium. The discount rates may be impacted by adverse changes in the macroeconomic environment, specifically the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, volatility in the equity and debt markets or other factors. While the Company can implement and has implemented certain strategies to address these events, changes in operating plans or adverse changes in the future could reduce the underlying cash flows used to estimate reporting unit fair values and could result in a further decline in fair value that would trigger a future material impairment charge of the reporting units’ goodwill balance.

Although there are always changes in assumptions to reflect changing business and market conditions, our overall valuation methodology and the types of assumptions we use have remained consistent. While we use the best available information to prepare the cash flow and discount rate assumptions, actual future cash flows or market conditions could differ significantly resulting in future impairment charges related to recorded goodwill balances.

Similar to goodwill, the Company can elect to perform the impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill (primarily trade names) using a qualitative analysis, considering similar factors as outlined in the goodwill discussion in order to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair values of the trade names are less than the respective carrying values. If we elect to perform or are required to perform a quantitative analysis, the test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to the carrying value of the asset as of the impairment testing date. We estimate the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty method, which we believe is an appropriate and widely used valuation technique for such assets. The fair value derived from the relief-from-royalty method is measured as the discounted cash flow savings realized from owning such trade names and not being required to pay a royalty for their use.

The Company is required to provide additional disclosures about fair value measurements as part of the Consolidated Financial Statements for each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (including impairment assessments). Goodwill and intangible assets were valued using Level 3 inputs, which are unobservable by nature, and included internal estimates of future cash flows (income approach). Significant increases (decreases) in any of those unobservable inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Annual impairment assessment

The Company performed its now annual July 1 goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 for all reporting units. For all reporting units, the fair value of goodwill was determined to exceed the carrying value, resulting in no impairment to goodwill as part of this test. As a result of the recent Milacron acquisition, there is less cushion or headroom for the reporting units with the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K). The estimated fair value, as calculated at July 1, 2021, for the three reporting units within the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment ranged from approximately 9% to 45% greater than their carrying value (3% to 16% at the previous impairment assessment date).

Impairment recorded in the prior year

Fourth quarter of 2020

As a result of classifying certain reporting units within the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment as held for sale at September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment of $16.9 during the fourth quarter of 2020. See Note 4 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Second quarter of 2020

In connection with the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for the second quarter of 2020, an interim impairment assessment was performed for select reporting units within the Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments as a result of certain triggering events and changes in circumstances discussed in detail below. Additionally, based on the macroeconomic factors below, as well as the decline in the Company’s common stock price during the second quarter of 2020, the Company performed a qualitative review for all remaining reporting units and determined that those reporting units did not require an interim impairment test as it was more likely than not that the

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current fair value of those reporting units exceeded their carrying value, based on their current and projected financial performance as well as the headroom from previous goodwill impairment tests.

For certain reporting units within the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment, an interim impairment review was triggered during the second quarter of 2020 by the Company’s decision to redirect its strategic investments as it focused on deleveraging following two major events: (1) the continued evaluation of the Company’s operations following the acquisition of Milacron completed on November 21, 2019, and (2) adverse macroeconomic conditions primarily driven by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In connection with these events, the Company made the decision to limit its future strategic investment in its two reporting units that primarily sold and manufactured products in the flow control sector. The decision to limit future investment, as well as the Company’s updated forecasts, which considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced those reporting units’ anticipated annual revenue growth rates and corresponding profitability and cash flows. The annual revenue growth rates utilized in the Company’s fair value estimate are consistent with the reporting units’ operating plans. As a result of the change to expected future cash flows, along with comparable fair value information, the Company concluded that the carrying value for these reporting units exceeded their fair value, resulting in goodwill impairment charges of $72.3 during the second quarter of 2020. The pre-impairment goodwill balance for these reporting units was $95.2. Additionally, under the relief-from-royalty fair value method, the Company concluded that the carrying value of a trade name associated with one of these reporting units exceeded its fair value. As a result, an impairment charge of $0.7 was recorded for this trade name during the second quarter of 2020. The pre-impairment balance for this trade name was $4.4.

For the reporting units within the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment, an interim impairment review was triggered during the second quarter of 2020, due to adverse macroeconomic conditions primarily driven by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequent to the Company completing the acquisition of Milacron on November 21, 2019, the Company revised its forecasts for all reporting units within the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment due to the deterioration in the overall global economy largely as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the decline in forecasted net revenue, under the relief-from-royalty fair value method, the Company concluded that the carrying value of certain trade names and technology associated with these reporting units exceeded their fair value. As a result, impairment charges of $9.5 were recorded for these intangible assets during the second quarter of 2020. The pre-impairment balance for these intangible assets was $125.0.

The impairment charges to goodwill and the intangible assets were nondeductible for tax purposes. The following table summarizes the impairment charges by reportable segment recorded by the Company during the second quarter of 2020:


	Advanced Process Solutions		Molding Technology Solutions		Total
Goodwill	$	72.3	$	—	$	72.3
Trade names	0.7		7.9		8.6
Technology, including patents	—		1.6		1.6
Total	$	73.0	$	9.5	$	82.5

Impairment of long-lived assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For assets (disposal group) held for sale, the disposal group as a whole is measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell after adjusting the individual assets of the disposal group, if necessary. If the carrying value of assets, after the consideration of other asset valuation guidance, exceeds fair value less cost to sell, the Company establishes a valuation allowance which would offset the original carrying value of disposal group. This valuation allowance would be adjusted based on subsequent changes in our estimate of fair value less cost to sell. If the fair value less cost to sell increases, the carrying amount of the long-lived assets would be adjusted upward; however, the increased carrying amount cannot exceed the carrying amount of the disposal group before the decision to dispose of the assets was made. Estimates are required to determine the fair value, the disposal costs and the time period to dispose of the assets. The estimate of fair value incorporates the transaction approach, which utilizes pricing indications derived from recent acquisition transactions involving comparable companies. Such estimates are critical in determining whether any impairment charge should be recorded and the amount of such charge if an impairment loss is deemed to be necessary.

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The Company determined that at September 30, 2020, the TerraSource Global and flow control businesses met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, and therefore classified the related assets and liabilities as held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company recognized a non-cash charge of $62.3, which included a goodwill impairment of $16.9 and a valuation adjustment of $45.4, to recognize the assets of these businesses at fair value less estimated costs to sell. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company recognized a non-cash valuation adjustment of $11.2 to recognize TerraSource Global at fair value less estimated cost to sell based on the definitive agreement the Company entered into to sell TerraSource Global subsequent to September 30, 2021. The non-cash charges of $11.2 and $62.3, for the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were recorded within the impairment charges caption on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For further information, see discussion below within the Executive Overview section and Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.

For assets held and used, impairment may occur if projected undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value of the assets. In such cases, additional analysis is conducted to determine the amount of loss to be recognized, and the impairment loss is determined as the amount the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds the estimated fair value, measured by future discounted cash flows. The analysis requires estimates of the amount and timing of projected cash flows and, where applicable, judgment associated with, among other factors, the appropriate discount rate. Such estimates are critical in determining whether any impairment charge should be recorded and the amount of such charge if an impairment loss is deemed to be necessary. Our judgment regarding the existence of circumstances that indicate the potential impairment of an asset’s carrying value is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, changes in business environment, a decline in operating cash flows or a decision to close a manufacturing facility. The variability of these factors depends on a number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events and general economic conditions.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Hillenbrand is a global diversified industrial company with multiple leading brands that serve a wide variety of industries around the world. Hillenbrand’s portfolio is composed of three reportable operating segments: Advanced Process Solutions, Molding Technology Solutions, and Batesville®. Advanced Process Solutions designs, develops, manufactures, and services highly engineered industrial equipment and systems around the world. Molding Technology Solutions is a global leader in highly engineered and customized equipment and systems in plastic technology and processing. Batesville is a recognized leader in the death care industry in North America.

We strive to provide superior return for our shareholders, exceptional value for our customers, great professional opportunities for our employees, and to be responsible to our communities through deployment of the HOM. The HOM is a consistent and repeatable framework designed to produce sustainable and predictable results. The HOM describes our mission, vision, values, and mindset as leaders; applies our management practices in Strategy Management, Segmentation, Lean, Talent Development, and Acquisitions; and prescribes three steps (Understand, Focus, and Grow) designed to make our businesses both bigger and better. Our goal is to continue developing Hillenbrand as a world-class global diversified industrial company through the deployment of the HOM.

Our strategy is to leverage our historically strong financial foundation and the implementation of the HOM to deliver sustainable profit growth, revenue expansion, and substantial free cash flow and then reinvest available cash in new growth initiatives that are focused on building platforms with leadership positions in our core markets and near adjacencies, both organically and inorganically, in order to create shareholder value.

During the year ended September 30, 2021, the following operational decisions and economic developments had an impact on our current and future cash flows, results of operations, and financial position.

COVID-19 Impact

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic and recommended containment and mitigation measures worldwide, and the virus continues to spread throughout the U.S. and other countries across the world. To limit the spread of COVID-19, national and local governments around the world have instituted certain measures, including travel restrictions, business curtailments, shelter-in-place orders, social distancing guidelines, and vaccine mandates.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted and is continuing to impact Hillenbrand very differently by business, geography, and function. The scope and nature of these impacts continue to evolve, sometimes rapidly, including through the resurgence of COVID-19 due to variant strains of the virus and related governmental vaccine mandates. It is difficult to quantify the complete impact it had for 2021 or beyond, but the actions being undertaken to reduce the severity and spread of

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COVID-19 are currently creating disruptions, and are likely to continue to create significant disruptions, with respect to consumer demand, our ability to continue to manufacture products, and the reliability and sufficiency of our supply chain.

We cannot reasonably estimate the duration, spread or severity of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related variants as well as potential required vaccine or testing mandates; however, as a result of the current circumstances, we expect to continue to experience adverse impacts during 2022 within our Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments. Should these conditions continue beyond 2021 for Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments, or should the severity of COVID-19 increase, the Company would similarly expect adverse impacts on its net revenue, results of operations, and cash flows, depending upon the severity and length of time such conditions persist. The COVID-19 pandemic generally has had a favorable impact on the Batesville reportable operating segment’s net revenue, results of operations, and cash flows. However, given the ongoing and dynamic nature of COVID-19, we are currently not able to predict the extent and duration of the impact for 2022 or the potential negative impact that the estimated increase in deaths in North America due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have on future deaths when the pandemic has subsided. The timing and effectiveness of further vaccine development and rollout (including vaccine mandates), in addition to variants of the virus, could also have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated net revenue, results of operations, and cash flows during 2022 and beyond.

We continue to take actions intended to help minimize the risk to our Company, employees, customers, and the communities in which we operate, as well as to lessen the financial impact on the business while protecting our ability to continue to generate profitable growth over the long-term. We continue to believe the Company has sufficient liquidity to operate in the current business environment as a result of these actions.

Employees

We have implemented a number of employee safety measures across our plants and other locations in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19, which we update as appropriate for the evolving COVID-19 situation depending on the geography and function.

In addition, we believe various factors have contributed to the current labor shortage, particularly in the United States. We have started to experience effects of this labor shortage at certain production facilities, and we are mitigating this impact through the use of overtime and third-party outsourcing as warranted. It is possible that a prolonged shortage of qualified, available workers could result in a further increase in labor costs and could negatively affect our ability to efficiently operate our production facilities and our results of operations.

Supply Chain and Inflation

While global supply chains have recently suffered from various headwinds, supply chains supporting our products generally remained intact, providing access to sufficient inventory of the key materials needed for manufacturing. To date, delays or shortages of raw materials have been limited and have not had a material impact on our results of operations. However, we have started to experience increasing delays of certain raw material components. From time to time, we may identify alternative suppliers to address the risk of a current supplier’s inability to deliver materials in volumes sufficient to meet our manufacturing needs, or we may choose to purchase certain materials in bulk volumes where we have supply chain scarcity concerns. It remains possible that we may experience some sort of interruption to our supply chains, and such an interruption could materially affect our ability to timely manufacture and distribute our products and could also have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated net revenue, results of operations, and cash flows during 2022 and beyond.

We also experienced input cost inflation, including higher transportation costs, in fiscal 2021 as further discussed in our operations review. Pricing actions and supply chain productivity initiatives have and are expected to continue to mitigate some of these inflationary pressures, but we may not be successful in fully offsetting these incremental costs, which could have a significant impact on the Company’s, results of operations, and cash flows during 2022 and beyond.

For additional information regarding labor, supply chain, and other risks, including those relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, see Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

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Divestiture of flow control businesses and TerraSource Global

On December 31, 2020, the Company completed the divestiture of Red Valve to DeZURIK, Inc. in a transaction valued at $63.0. The sale included cash proceeds received at closing of $59.4, including working capital adjustments, and a $5.0 note receivable, included within other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2021. The sale followed the Company's previously announced intent to exit certain non-strategic, sub-scale businesses, resulting in Red Valve being classified as held for sale at September 30, 2020.

As a result of the Red Valve divestiture, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $31.6 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended September 30, 2021. The related tax effect resulted in tax expense of $9.3 and was included within income tax expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended September 30, 2021. The Company incurred $2.9 of transaction costs associated with the sale during the year ended September 30, 2021, which were recorded within operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Red Valve’s results of operations were included within the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment until the completion of the sale on December 31, 2020.

On March 10, 2021, the Company completed the divestiture of ABEL to IDEX Corporation in a transaction valued at $103.5. The sale included cash proceeds received at closing of $106.3, including working capital adjustments. The sale followed the Company's previously announced intent to exit certain non-strategic, sub-scale businesses, resulting in ABEL being classified as held for sale at September 30, 2020.

As a result of the sale, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain after post-closing adjustments of $35.5 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended September 30, 2021. The related tax effect resulted in tax expense of $3.8 included within income tax expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended September 30, 2021. The Company incurred $3.9 of transaction costs associated with the sale during the year ended September 30, 2021, which were recorded within operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. ABEL’s results of operations were included within the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment until the completion of the sale on March 10, 2021.

On October 22, 2021, the Company completed the divestiture of TerraSource Global. The results of operations and cash flows of the Company for all periods presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K include TerraSource Global. For further information, see Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.

OPERATIONS REVIEW — CONSOLIDATED


	Year Ended September 30,
	2021			2020 (1)
	Amount		% of Net Revenue	Amount		% of Net Revenue
Net revenue	$	2,864.8	100.0	$	2,517.0	100.0
Gross profit	957.3		33.4	813.3		32.3
Operating expenses	526.4		18.4	538.2		21.4
Amortization expense	55.7			71.9
(Gain) loss on divestitures	(67.1)			3.5
Impairment charges	11.2			144.8
Interest expense	77.6			77.4
Other income, net	0.3			4.0
Income tax expense	98.6			34.9
Net income (loss) attributable to Hillenbrand	249.9			(60.1)

(1) Included 315 days of operations related to Milacron following its acquisition on November 21, 2019, including operations of Cimcool prior to its divestiture on March 30, 2020

Year Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2020

Net revenue increased $347.8 (14%), which included favorable foreign currency impact (3%).

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•Advanced Process Solutions’ net revenue increased $17.1 (1%) primarily due to an increase in large plastics systems sales, screening and separating equipment sales and favorable pricing, partially offset by the divestitures of Red Valve on December 31, 2020 and ABEL on March 10, 2021 and lower aftermarket parts and service net revenue. Foreign currency impact increased net revenue by 4%.

•Molding Technology Solutions’ net revenue increased $259.9 (35%), primarily due to an additional 51 days of net revenue in 2021 compared to 2020 and an increase in demand for injection molding, extrusion, and hot runner equipment and aftermarket parts and service, partially offset by the divestiture of Cimcool, which occurred on March 30, 2020. Foreign currency impact increased net revenue by 2%.

•Batesville’s net revenue increased $70.8 (13%) primarily due to an increase in volume and an increase in average selling price. Higher volume was driven by an increase in burial casket sales primarily due to estimated higher deaths associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by an estimated increased rate at which families opted for cremation.

Gross profit increased $144.0 (18%). Gross profit margin improved 110 basis points to 33.4%. On an adjusted basis, which excluded restructuring and restructuring-related charges ($10.3 in 2021 and $3.1 in 2020), business acquisition, integration, and development costs ($3.8 in 2021 and $0.2 in 2020), inventory step-up charges of $40.7 in 2020, and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic of $1.6 in 2020, gross profit increased $113.6 (13%), and adjusted gross profit margin decreased 10 basis points to 34.0%.

•Advanced Process Solutions’ gross profit decreased $10.1 (2%), primarily driven by the divestitures of Red Valve on December 31, 2020 and ABEL on March 10, 2021, cost inflation, unfavorable mix, and an increase in restructuring and restructuring-related charges, partially offset by favorable pricing and productivity improvements including synergies. Foreign currency impact increased gross profit by 4%. Gross profit margin decreased 130 basis points to 34.4% in 2021, primarily due to an increase in restructuring and restructuring-related charges and business acquisition, integration, and development costs, cost inflation, and unfavorable mix, partially offset by pricing and productivity improvements.

Advanced Process Solutions’ gross profit included restructuring and restructuring-related charges ($7.6 in 2021 and $0.9 in 2020), business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs of $1.9 in 2021, and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic ($0.2 in 2020). Excluding these charges, adjusted gross profit decreased $1.2 (0.3%) and adjusted gross profit margin decreased 60 basis points to 35.2% compared to prior year.

•Molding Technology Solutions’ gross profit increased $118.8 (64%), primarily due to Milacron inventory step-up charges of $40.7 in 2020 that did not repeat in 2021, an additional 51 days of gross profit in 2021 compared to 2020, an increase in demand for injection molding, extrusion, and hot runner equipment and aftermarket parts and service, and productivity improvements including synergies, which include savings from restructuring actions. These increases were partially offset by unfavorable mix, the divestiture of Cimcool, which occurred on March 30, 2020, and cost inflation. Foreign currency impact improved gross profit by 4%. Gross profit margin improved 530 basis points to 30.5%, primarily due to the inventory step-up charges of $40.7 in 2020 that did not repeat in 2021.

Molding Technology Solutions’ gross profit included Milacron inventory step-up charges of $40.7 in 2020, restructuring and restructuring-related charges ($2.6 in 2021 and $2.2 in 2020), business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs of $1.9 in 2021, and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic of $1.0 in 2020. Excluding these charges, adjusted gross profit increased $79.8 (35%) and adjusted gross profit margin decreased 20 basis points to 31.0% compared to prior year.

•Batesville’s gross profit increased $35.5 (19%) and gross profit margin improved 180 basis points to 36.1%. The increase in gross profit and gross profit margin was primarily due to higher volume, an increase in average selling price, and productivity initiatives, partially offset by inflation in commodities and wages and benefits and higher transportation and manufacturing costs required to respond to the surge in demand driven by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Batesville’s gross profit included restructuring and restructuring-related charges of $0.1 in 2021 and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic of $0.4 in 2020. Excluding these charges, adjusted gross profit increased $35.2 (19%) and adjusted gross profit margin improved 170 basis points to 36.1% in 2021.

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Operating expenses decreased $11.8 (2%), primarily due to a decrease in business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs related to the acquisition of Milacron in the prior year and continued synergy realization related to the ongoing integration of the Milacron acquisition, partially offset by an increase in variable compensation, strategic investments, and cost inflation. Foreign currency impact increased operating expenses by 2.0%. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue improved 300 basis points to 18.4%. Operating expenses included the following items:


	Year Ended September 30,
	2021		2020
Business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs	$	31.4	$	76.1
Restructuring and restructuring-related charges	4.1		6.1
COVID-19 pandemic-related costs	—		1.4

On an adjusted basis, which excludes business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs, restructuring and restructuring-related charges, and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic detailed in the table above, operating expenses increased $36.5 (8%), which included unfavorable foreign currency impact (2%). Adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue improved 100 basis points to 17.1% compared to the prior year.

Amortization expense decreased $16.2 (23%), primarily due to backlog amortization of $10.0 in 2020 related to the Milacron acquisition that did not repeat, and the divestitures of Red Valve on December 31, 2020 and ABEL on March 10, 2021, partially offset by an additional 51 days of Molding Technology Solutions amortization in 2021 compared to 2020. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.

(Gain) loss on divestitures increased $70.6 due to gains on the divestitures of Red Valve on December 31, 2020 and ABEL on March 10, 2021. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.

Impairment charges decreased $133.6 due to $82.5 of impairments related to goodwill and intangible assets recorded during 2020 and $62.3 of non-cash charges (including a goodwill impairment charge and a valuation adjustment) related to assets held for sale during 2020, partially offset by $11.2 of a valuation adjustment related to TerraSource Global assets held for sale during 2021. For further information on the impairment charges, see Notes 2 and 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.

Other income, net decreased $3.7 (93%), primarily due to a decrease in foreign currency exchange gains.

The effective tax rate was 27.9% in fiscal 2021 compared to (188.6%) in fiscal 2020. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2021 differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the effect of taxes on foreign earnings and taxes on current and anticipated future distributions amongst our subsidiaries and the net tax effects of the divestiture and closure of certain businesses. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2020 differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the Company reporting a net loss for the year, while being in a taxable position, before utilization of tax attributes, for income tax purposes. The taxable position for 2020 was primarily driven by nondeductible impairment changes and taxable gains from the sale of the Cimcool business.

Our adjusted effective income tax rate was 28.7% in 2021 compared to 27.8% in 2020. The adjusted effective income tax rate primarily excludes the impact of the following items:

•the tax effect of the divestiture and closure of certain businesses in 2021 ($7.4 net tax expense in 2021)

•the tax effect on the divestiture of Cimcool in 2020 ($12.7 tax expense in 2020);

•the revaluation of deferred tax balances denominated in non-functional currencies ($1.6 tax expense in 2021)

•certain tax items related to the acquisition of Milacron, including:

◦the tax effect of Milacron carryforward tax attributes adversely impacting domestic taxes associated with the foreign income inclusion tax provisions ($0.6 and $17.5 tax expense in 2021 and 2020, respectively);

◦the revaluation of deferred tax balances in connection with enacted statutory tax rate reductions in certain foreign jurisdictions ($6.5 tax benefit in 2020);

◦the tax effect of nondeductible acquisition expenses ($1.6 tax expense in 2020); and

•the tax effect of adjustments to (loss) income before income taxes.

Excluding these items, the increase in the current year adjusted effective tax rate was primarily due to an increase in tax expense associated with distributions from foreign subsidiaries, as well as recognition of provisions for uncertain tax positions.

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OPERATIONS REVIEW — ADVANCED PROCESS SOLUTIONS


	Year Ended September 30,
	2021			2020
	Amount		% of Net Revenue	Amount		% of Net Revenue
Net revenue	$	1,245.7	100.0	$	1,228.6	100.0
Gross profit	428.2		34.4	438.3		35.7
Operating expenses	220.9		17.7	220.5		17.9
Amortization expense	19.4			29.5
Impairment charges	11.2			135.3

Year Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2020

Net revenue increased $17.1 (1%) primarily due to an increase in large plastics systems sales, screening and separating equipment sales and favorable pricing, partially offset by the divestitures of Red Valve on December 31, 2020 and ABEL on March 10, 2021, and lower aftermarket parts and service net revenue. Foreign currency impact increased net revenue by 4%.

We expect future net revenue for Advanced Process Solutions to continue to be influenced by order backlog because of the lead time involved in fulfilling engineered-to-order equipment for customers. Though backlog can be an indicator of future net revenue, it does not include projects and aftermarket parts orders that are booked and shipped within the same quarter. The timing of order placement, size of orders, extent of order customization, and customer delivery dates can create fluctuations in backlog and net revenue. Net revenue attributable to backlog is also affected by foreign exchange rate fluctuations for orders denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Order backlog increased $361.4 (37%) from $988.0 at September 30, 2020, to $1,349.4 at September 30, 2021, primarily driven by increased demand for large plastics systems. On a sequential basis, order backlog decreased $28.6 (2%) to $1,349.4 at September 30, 2021, down from $1,378.0 at June 30, 2021, primarily due to the impact of foreign currency.

Gross profit decreased $10.1 (2%) primarily driven by the divestitures of Red Valve on December 31, 2020 and ABEL on March 10, 2021, cost inflation, unfavorable mix, and an increase in restructuring and restructuring-related charges, partially offset by favorable pricing and productivity improvements including synergies. Foreign currency impact increased gross profit by 4%. Gross profit margin decreased 130 basis points to 34.4% in 2021, primarily due to an increase in restructuring and restructuring-related charges and business acquisition, integration, and development costs, cost inflation, and unfavorable mix, partially offset by pricing and productivity improvements.

Advanced Process Solutions’ gross profit included restructuring and restructuring-related charges ($7.6 in 2021 and $0.9 in 2020), business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs of $1.9 in 2021, and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic of $0.2 in 2020. Excluding these charges, adjusted gross profit decreased $1.2 (0.3%) and adjusted gross profit margin decreased 60 basis points to 35.2% compared to prior year.

Operating expenses increased $0.4 (0.2%), primarily due to an increase in strategic investments, variable compensation, and cost inflation, partially offset by the divestitures of Red Valve on December 31, 2020 and ABEL on March 10, 2021 and synergy savings from restructuring actions. Foreign currency impact increased operating expenses by 4%. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue improved 20 basis points to 17.7% in 2021.

Operating expenses included business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs ($3.1 in 2021 and $1.4 in 2020), restructuring and restructuring-related charges ($2.5 in 2021 and $2.8 in 2020), and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic ($0.9 in 2020). Excluding these items, adjusted operating expenses decreased $0.5 (0.2%), which included unfavorable foreign currency impact (4%). Adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue improved 20 basis points to 17.3% in 2021.

Amortization expense decreased $10.1 (34%), primarily due to the divestitures of Red Valve on December 31, 2020 and ABEL on March 10, 2021. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.

Impairment charges decreased $124.1 due to $73.0 of impairments related to goodwill and intangible assets recorded during 2020 and $62.3 of non-cash charges (including a goodwill impairment charge and a valuation adjustment) related to assets held

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for sale during 2020, partially offset by $11.2 of a valuation adjustment related to TerraSource Global assets held for sale during 2021. For further information on the impairment charges, see Notes 2 and 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.

OPERATIONS REVIEW — MOLDING TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS


	Year Ended September 30, 2021
	2021			2020 (1)
	Amount		% of Net Revenue	Amount		% of Net Revenue
Net revenue	$	995.7	100.0	$	735.8	100.0
Gross profit	304.1		30.5	185.3		25.2
Operating expenses	142.4		14.3	129.1		17.5
Amortization expense	36.3			42.4
Impairment charges	—			9.5

(1) Included 315 days of operations related to Milacron following its acquisition on November 21, 2019, including operations of Cimcool prior to its divestiture on March 30, 2020

Molding Technology Solutions 2020 results were significantly impacted by the non-recurring effects of the fair value adjustments to inventories ($40.7 during 2020) and order backlog ($10.0 during 2020) required by acquisition accounting. These fair value adjustments were charged to the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the respective periods that inventories were expected to be consumed and order backlog was expected to be realized as net revenue all of which occurred in 2020.

Year Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2020

Net revenue increased $259.9 (35%), primarily due to an additional 51 days of net revenue in 2021 compared to 2020 and an increase in demand for injection molding, extrusion, and hot runner equipment and aftermarket parts and service, partially offset by the divestiture of Cimcool, which occurred on March 30, 2020. Foreign currency impact increased net revenue by 2%.

Order backlog increased $123.0 (51%) from $242.6 at September 30, 2020, to $365.6 at September 30, 2021. The increase in order backlog was primarily driven by an increase in orders within our injection molding and extrusion equipment product lines. On a sequential basis, order backlog decreased $22.3 (6%) to $365.6 at September 30, 2021, down from $387.9 at June 30, 2021. The decrease in order backlog was primarily driven by a decrease in orders within our injection molding equipment product lines.

Gross profit increased $118.8 (64%) primarily due to Milacron inventory step-up charges of $40.7 in 2020 that did not repeat in 2021, an additional 51 days of gross profit in 2021 compared to 2020, an increase in demand for injection molding, extrusion, and hot runner equipment and aftermarket parts and service, and productivity improvements including synergies, which include savings from restructuring actions, partially offset by unfavorable mix, the divestiture of Cimcool, which occurred on March 30, 2020, and cost inflation. Foreign currency impact improved gross profit by 4%. Gross profit margin improved 530 basis points to 30.5%, primarily due to the inventory step-up charges of $40.7 in 2020 that did not repeat in 2021.

Operating expenses increased $13.3 (10%), primarily due to an additional 51 days of operating expenses in 2021 compared to 2020 and an increase in variable compensation, partially offset by the divestiture of Cimcool, which occurred on March 30, 2020, and synergies, which include savings from restructuring actions. Foreign currency impact increased operating expense by 2%. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue improved 320 basis points to 14.3%.

Operating expenses included business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs of $1.1 in 2021 and $4.1 in 2020 (including severance costs related to the integration), restructuring and restructuring-related charges ($0.7 in 2021 and $2.6 in 2020), and

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costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic of $0.4 in 2020. Excluding these charges, adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue improved 250 basis points to 14.1%, primarily driven by operating leverage.

Amortization expense decreased $6.1 (14%), primarily due to backlog amortization of $10.0 in 2020 that did not repeat, partially offset by an additional 51 days of amortization in 2021 compared to 2020.

Impairment charges decreased $9.5 due to identifiable intangible asset impairments recorded in 2020 that did not repeat in 2021. See Note 2 of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information on the impairment charges.

OPERATIONS REVIEW — BATESVILLE


	Year Ended September 30,
	2021			2020
	Amount		% of Net Revenue	Amount		% of Net Revenue
Net revenue	$	623.4	100.0	$	552.6	100.0
Gross profit	225.0		36.1	189.5		34.3
Operating expenses	75.0		12.0	71.2		12.9

Year Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2020

Net revenue increased $70.8 (13%), primarily due to an increase in volume and an increase in average selling price. Higher volume was driven by an increase in burial casket sales primarily due to estimated higher deaths associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by an estimated increased rate at which families opted for cremation.

Gross profit increased $35.5 (19%), and gross profit margin improved 180 basis points to 36.1%. The increase in gross profit and gross profit margin was primarily due to higher volume, an increase in average selling price, and productivity initiatives, partially offset by inflation in commodities and wages and benefits and higher transportation and manufacturing costs required to respond to the surge in demand driven by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Batesville’s gross profit included restructuring and restructuring-related charges of $0.1 in 2021 and costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic of $0.4 in 2020 Excluding these charges, adjusted gross profit increased $35.2 (19%) and adjusted gross profit margin improved 170 basis points to 36.1% in 2021.

Operating expenses increased $3.8 (5%) to $75.0 in 2021, primarily due to an increase in variable compensation and cost inflation. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue improved 90 basis points to 12.0%, primarily due to the increase in volume.

Operating expenses included restructuring and restructuring-related charges ($0.8 in 2021 and $0.6 in 2020). Excluding these charges, adjusted operating expenses increased $3.2 (5%), and adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue improved 90 basis points to 11.8% in 2021.

REVIEW OF CORPORATE EXPENSES


	Year Ended September 30,
	2021			2020
	Amount		% of Net Revenue	Amount		% of Net Revenue
Core operating expenses	$	62.0	2.2	$	46.9	1.9
Business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs	26.1		0.9	70.2		2.9
Restructuring and restructuring-related charges	—		—	0.2		—
Other	—		—	0.1		—
Operating expenses	$	88.1	3.1	$	117.4	4.7

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Corporate operating expenses include the cost of providing management and administrative services to each reportable operating segment. These services include treasury management, human resources, legal, business development, and other public company support functions such as information technology, internal audit, investor relations, financial reporting, and tax compliance. Corporate operating expenses also include costs related to business acquisition, disposition, and integration, which we incur as a result of our strategy to grow through selective acquisitions. Core operating expenses primarily represent corporate operating expenses excluding costs related to business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs.

Business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs include legal, tax, accounting, and other advisory fees and due diligence costs associated with investigating opportunities (including acquisitions and dispositions) and integrating completed acquisitions (including severance).

Year Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2020

Operating expenses decreased $29.3 (25%) in 2021, primarily due to a decrease in business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs as a result of the acquisition of Milacron and the divestiture of Cimcool in the prior year, partially offset by an increase in variable compensation and strategic investments. These expenses as a percentage of net revenue were 3.1%, an improvement of 160 basis points from the prior year.

Core operating expenses increased $15.1 (32%) in 2021, primarily driven by an increase in variable compensation and strategic investments. These expenses as a percentage of net revenue were 2.2%, an increase of 30 basis points from the prior year.

NON-GAAP OPERATING PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The following is a reconciliation from consolidated net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP operating performance measure, to our non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA.


	Year Ended September 30,
	2021		2020
Consolidated net income (loss)	$	255.2	$	(53.4)
Interest income	(3.4)		(3.2)
Interest expense	77.6		77.4
Income tax expense	98.6		34.9
Depreciation and amortization	115.2		130.6
EBITDA	543.2		186.3
Impairment charges (1)	11.2		144.8
Business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs (2)	34.5		77.2
Restructuring and restructuring-related charges (3)	14.5		9.3
Inventory step-up (4)	—		40.7
(Gain) loss on divestiture (5)	(67.1)		3.5
Other	1.9		2.6
Adjusted EBITDA	$	538.2	$	464.4

(1)Hillenbrand recorded a $11.2 valuation adjustment related to assets held for sale within the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment during 2021. Hillenbrand recorded $82.5 of impairment charges related to goodwill and certain intangible assets within both the Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments during the second quarter of 2020 and $62.3 of non-cash charges (including a goodwill impairment charge and a valuation adjustment) related to TerraSource Global assets held for sale within the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment during the fourth quarter of 2020. For further information on the impairment charges, see Notes 2 and 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.

(2)Business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs during 2021 primarily included professional fees and employee-related costs attributable to the integration of Milacron and divestitures of Red Valve and ABEL, as well as the anticipated divestiture of TerraSource Global. Business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs during 2020 primarily included $25.7, of expenses for the settlement of outstanding Milacron share-based equity awards, professional fees, and severance and employee-related costs in connection with the acquisition and integration of Milacron. The remaining costs incurred during 2020 were primarily related to professional fees and other transaction costs in connection with the divestiture of Cimcool.

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(3)Restructuring and restructuring-related charges primarily included severance costs, unrelated to the acquisition and integration of Milacron, during 2021 and 2020.

(4)Represents the non-cash charges related to the fair value adjustment of inventories acquired in connection with the acquisition of Milacron during 2020. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on the acquisition of Milacron.

(5)The current year amount represents the gain on divestitures of Red Valve and ABEL during 2021. The prior year amount represents the loss on the divestiture of Cimcool during 2020. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on the divestiture of Cimcool.

Consolidated net income (loss) for 2021 compared to 2020 increased $308.6 (578%). The increase was primarily driven by impairment charges, inventory step-up charges and additional amortization of intangible assets in relation to the acquisition of Milacron in 2020 that did not repeat in 2021, a decrease in business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs, primarily in relation to the acquisition of Milacron, gains on the divestitures of Red Valve and ABEL in 2021, an increase in demand for equipment and aftermarket parts and service at the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment, pricing and productivity improvements, an increase in volume at the Batesville reportable operating segment, and an additional 51 days of results from the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment compared to the prior year as a result of the timing of the Milacron acquisition (closed November 21, 2019). This increase in consolidated net income (loss) was partially offset by an increase in income tax expense, cost inflation, an increase in variable compensation, and unfavorable mix. Foreign currency impact increased consolidated net income (loss) $10.5.

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for 2021 compared to 2020 increased $73.8 (16%). The increase was primarily due an increase in demand for equipment and aftermarket parts and service at the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment, pricing and productivity improvements, an increase in volume at the Batesville reportable operating segment, and an additional 51 days of results from the Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment compared to the prior year as a result of the timing of the Milacron acquisition (closed November 21, 2019). This increase in consolidated adjusted EBITDA was partially offset by cost inflation, unfavorable mix, and an increase in variable compensation. Foreign currency impact increased adjusted EBITDA by $15.2.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

In this section, we discuss our ability to access cash to meet business needs. We discuss how we see cash flow being affected for the next twelve months. We describe actual results in generating and using cash by comparing 2021 to 2020. Finally, we identify other significant matters, such as contractual obligations and contingent liabilities and commitments that could affect liquidity on an ongoing basis.

Ability to Access Cash

Our debt financing has historically included revolving credit facilities, term loans, and long-term notes as part of our overall financing strategy. We regularly review and adjust the mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt within our capital structure in order to achieve a target range based on our financing strategy.

We have taken proactive measures to maintain financial flexibility within the landscape of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We believe the Company ended the year with, and continues to have, sufficient liquidity to operate in the current business environment.

As of September 30, 2021, we had $883.6 of maximum borrowing capacity under the Revolver, all of which was immediately available based on our most restrictive covenant. The available borrowing capacity reflects a reduction of $16.4 for outstanding letters of credit issued under the Revolver. The Company may request an increase of up to $450.0 in the total borrowing capacity under the Revolver, subject to approval of the lenders.

In the normal course of business, operating companies within the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment provide to certain customers bank guarantees and other credit arrangements in support of performance, warranty, advance payment, and other contractual obligations. This form of trade finance is customary in the industry and, as a result, we maintain adequate capacity to provide the guarantees. As of September 30, 2021, we had guarantee arrangements totaling $411.5, under which $254.0 was utilized for this purpose. These arrangements include the €175.0 Syndicated Letter of Guarantee Facility Agreement (the “L/G Facility Agreement”). Under the L/G Facility Agreement, unsecured letters of credit, bank guarantees, or other surety bonds may be issued. The Company may request an increase to the total capacity under the L/G Facility Agreement by an additional €45, subject to approval of the lenders.

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We have significant operations outside the U.S. We continue to assert that the basis differences in the majority of our foreign subsidiaries continue to be permanently reinvested outside of the U.S. We have recorded tax liabilities associated with distribution taxes on expected distributions of available cash and current earnings. The Company has made, and intends to continue to make, substantial investments in our businesses in foreign jurisdictions to support the ongoing development and growth of our international operations. As of September 30, 2021, we had a transition tax liability of $18.9. The cash at our international subsidiaries, including U.S. subsidiaries participating in non-U.S. cash pooling arrangements, totaled $397.7 at September 30, 2021. We continue to actively evaluate our global capital deployment and cash needs.

12-month Outlook

COVID-19 impact

As discussed in the COVID-19 impact section above, the Company has taken actions aimed to safeguard its capital position in the ongoingCOVID-19 environment. We believe the Company has sufficient liquidity to operate in the current business environment. The challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our businesses continue to evolve rapidly and are likely to evolve further as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the vaccine rollout, including any potential vaccine or testing mandate, is in process. Consequently, we will continue to evaluate our financial position in light of future developments, particularly those relating to COVID-19 and any of the variant strains of the virus, and we plan to take necessary steps to manage through such developments.

TerraSource Global and flow control businesses

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company announced that it had initiated a plan to divest the TerraSource Global and flow control businesses, which operated within the Advanced Process Solutions reportable operating segment, as these businesses were no longer considered a strategic fit with the Company’s long-term growth plan and operational objectives. On December 31, 2020, the Company completed the divestiture of its Red Valve business, on March 10, 2021, the Company completed the divestiture of its ABEL business, and on October 22, 2021, the Company completed the divestiture of TerraSource Global. We have used cash proceeds generated from the divestitures of these businesses primarily to further improve our liquidity position.

Leverage update

The Company’s net leverage (defined as debt, net of cash, to adjusted EBITDA) at September 30, 2021 was 1.4x. Given the strength of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and with leverage within our targeted range, the Company has resumed consideration of strategic acquisitions and opportunistic share repurchases in support of its capital structure objectives.

Other activities

The Company is required to pay a transition tax on unremitted earnings of its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an estimated liability of $18.9 recorded as of September 30, 2021. The transition tax liability is expected to be paid over the next four years.

In December 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $200.0. We repurchased 2,792,205 shares of our common stock during 2021, at a total cost of $121.1 and at an average share price of $43.37. At September 30, 2021, we had approximately $78.9 remaining for share repurchases under the existing authorization by the Board of Directors. Subsequent to September 30, 2021, the Company has repurchased an additional 624,317 shares of common stock at a total cost of $28.9.

Our anticipated contribution to our defined benefit pension plans in 2022 is $10.9. We will continue to monitor plan funding levels, performance of the assets within the plans, and overall economic activity, and we may make additional discretionary funding decisions based on the net impact of the above factors.

We currently expect to pay approximately $15.7 in cash dividends each quarter based on our outstanding common stock at September 30, 2021. We increased our quarterly dividend in 2021 to $0.2150 per common share from $0.2125 per common share paid in 2020.

We believe existing cash, cash flows from operations, borrowings under existing arrangements, and the issuance of debt will be sufficient to fund our operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities. Based on these factors,

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we believe our current liquidity position is sufficient and will continue to meet all of our financial commitments in the current business environment.

Key liquidity events

$350.0 senior unsecured notes

On March 3, 2021, we issued $350.0 of senior unsecured notes due March 2031 (the “2021 Notes”). The 2021 Notes were issued at par value and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.75% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears beginning September 2021.

Amendments to current financing agreements

The Company’s June 14, 2021 amendment to the Credit Agreement, among other things, amended certain provisions implemented in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic given the Company’s improved financial condition. The primary amendments in this regard (i) decrease the maximum permitted leverage ratio to 3.50 to 1:00 but permit the Company to increase the maximum permitted leverage ratio to 4.00 to 1.00 for 3 consecutive fiscal quarters following certain acquisitions; (ii) decrease the applicable margin (the “Applicable Rate”) paid on revolving loans at certain pricing levels; and (iii) remove additional pricing levels previously added to the Applicable Rate under certain circumstances.

See Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details on these amendments.

Cash Flows


	Year Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2021		2020
Cash flows provided by (used in)
Operating activities	$	528.4	$	354.8
Investing activities	126.0		(1,295.9)
Financing activities	(523.3)		854.9
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	8.0		(1.4)
Net cash flows	$	139.1	$	(87.6)

Operating Activities

Operating activities provided $528.4 of cash during 2021, and provided $354.8 of cash during 2020, a $173.6 (49%) increase. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily due to favorable timing of working capital requirements and a decrease in payments for business acquisition, disposition, and integration costs in relation to the acquisition of Milacron and divestiture of Cimcool, partially offset by an increase in tax payments.

Working capital requirements for the Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segments may fluctuate due primarily to the type of product and geography of customer projects in process at any point in time. Working capital needs are lower when advance payments from customers are more heavily weighted toward the beginning of the project. Conversely, working capital needs are higher when a larger portion of the cash is to be received in later stages of manufacturing.

Investing Activities

The $1,421.9 decrease in cash used in investing activities during 2021 was primarily due to a cash outflow of $1,503.1 for the acquisition of Milacron in the prior year. The Company received proceeds of $165.8 from the divestitures of Red Valve and ABEL in 2021, $221.9 from the divestiture of Cimcool in fiscal 2020 and $21.2 of proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment, primarily related to the sale of two Molding Technology Solutions reportable operating segment manufacturing facilities during 2020. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K for further information on these acquisitions and divestitures.

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Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was largely impacted by net borrowing activity. Our general practice is to utilize our cash to pay down debt unless it is needed to fund an acquisition. Daily borrowing and repayment activity under the Revolver may fluctuate significantly between periods as we fulfill the capital needs of our business units.

Cash used in financing activities during 2021 was $523.3, including $338.8 of debt repayments, net of proceeds, which included $350.0 of senior unsecured notes issued in 2021. Cash provided by financing activities during 2020 was $854.9, including $936.7 of proceeds, net of debt repayments. The change in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to financing activity for the acquisition of Milacron in the prior year, including the issuance of two term loans totaling $725.0.

The Company repurchased $121.1 of its common stock during 2021. We returned $64.0 to shareholders in 2021 in the form of quarterly dividends compared to $63.4 in 2020. We increased our quarterly dividend in 2021 to $0.2150 per common share from $0.2125 paid during 2020.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of its normal course of business, Hillenbrand is a party to various financial guarantees and other commitments. These arrangements involve elements of performance and credit risk that are not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The possibility that Hillenbrand would have to make actual cash expenditures in connection with these obligations is largely dependent on the performance of the guaranteed party, or the occurrence of future events that Hillenbrand is unable to predict. We have no off-balance sheet financing agreements or guarantees at September 30, 2021, that we believe are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

The following table summarizes our future obligations not quantified elsewhere in this Form 10-K as of September 30, 2021. This will help give you an understanding of the significance of cash outlays that are fixed beyond the normal accounts payable and other obligations we have already incurred, have recorded, and disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K.


	Payment Due by Period
(in millions)	Total		Less Than 1 Year		1-3 Years	4-5 Years	After 5 Years
Interest on financing agreements (1)	319.8		60.5		121.0	80.3	58.0
Purchase obligations (2)	430.4		397.3		32.0	1.1	—
Other obligations (3)	34.7		12.1		8.7	12.4	1.5

Total contractual obligations (4)(5)	$	784.9	$	469.9